Luke’s Newsletter

Why I keep a jar of dirt on my desk

The collective memory of a community is found in the dirt and the families who lived and worked it.

51 mins ago • Luke Holmes

August 2026

A story unlike any other

A biography is someone's life story, usually someone who was famous, infamous, nefarious, illustrious, prestigious, or fabulous for one reason or…

Aug 16 • Luke Holmes

2

July 2026

What VBS does for a church

The beauty of the body is on full display as it works closely together for a common goal.

Jul 27 • Luke Holmes

3

The Cost is high, but worth it

The storm rolled in as we rolled home from celebrating America’s 250 with friends and family.

Jul 5 • Luke Holmes

1

Do you want more?

A few weeks ago one of my children was complaining that something wasn’t working in their car, so I did my fatherly duty and trudged out there to see…

Jul 3 • Luke Holmes

1

June 2026

Baptist History Books Worth Your Shelf Space

Baptists have a longer and richer history than most of us realize — stretching back four centuries, crossing oceans and frontiers, and running through…

Jun 22 • Luke Holmes

4

Baptist Biographies Worth Your Time

There’s a reason the church has always told its story through the lives of its people.

Jun 22 • Luke Holmes

3

2

The Newport Collection of Baptist Hymns

As Baptists began to spread across the continent of America, they began to want books, songs, and resources that supported their beliefs.

Jun 18 • Luke Holmes

Receive and Transform

Be soil, not a sponge

Jun 4 • Luke Holmes

2

May 2026

My Granny's Bible

It’s feels strange to go through someone else's personal life, but it’s a privilege that pastors often have.

May 24 • Luke Holmes

4

The Revitalization Reading List: Best Books on Church Renewal and Replanting

Most churches in America are not dying from lack of effort. They are dying from lack of direction.

May 19 • Luke Holmes

April 2026

The Office of Recording Secretary in the Southern Baptist Convention: Origins, Development, and Present Role

The office of Recording Secretary rarely receives the attention given to the office of president, but it has played an indispensable role in the history…

Apr 23 • Luke Holmes