For CP, “The Sky Is Not Falling,” Pastor Survey Finds, One of Four Things to Know This Week, February 19, 2026

​A Word to the Wise: Mac Lake
 
Across churches, businesses, and nonprofits, I've heard the same line: “We don’t have enough leaders.”
But leadership gaps aren’t solved by finding people. They’re solved by developing people.
And here’s the part I don’t want you to miss:
Leadership was never meant to stop with you. God didn’t shape your influence just for your success—He shaped it for someone else’s growth.
So let’s keep it simple this week with one action step.
Write down the names of two people God has already put around you who have potential. If no one comes to mind, pause and ask God to highlight them.
Then do these two simple things:

• Pray specifically for them by name. Their growth. Their courage. Their calling.
• Schedule a simple connection. A 30-minute conversation just to know them more deeply.

This reminds me of how Jesus started his public ministry that would later change the world. He simply said, “Follow me.”
Multiplication starts when you begin to see people differently—and then move toward them.
One more thing:
If you're not sure whether you’re truly multiplying leaders—or just hoping it happens—you can download the Multiplying Leader Assessment for free right here!
​
Mac Lake, 2.17.26, You Were Made to Multiply (Not Just Lead)

Four Things to Know This Week

1. Wrap-up: EC Members Prioritize CP, Disability Ministry (Baptist Press)
2. New SBC Disability Emphasis Would Mobilize Entities, Conventions, Churches, WMU (Baptist Press)
3. For CP, ‘The Sky Is Not Falling,’ Pastor Survey Finds (Baptist Press)
4. The Most Underestimated Advantage for Church Growth (Dan Reiland)

 
 
Thank you for reading. Please share it with pastors and other AMSs you believe would benefit.
 
To the praise of His glory,       
  
Ray
 
P. S. I also host the “SBCAL Podcast with Ray Gentry” each Tuesday morning.