Pierre and Cunningham Speak at Richmond First Baptist Pastors' Conference

Speaking at the Monday evening gathering of the Pastors’ Conference at Richmond First Baptist Church, a speaker stressed that ministers need to protect their hearts from improper intentions just as diligently as they shield their flocks from theological error.

Prior to Tuesday’s Kentucky Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, Jeremy Pierre—who serves as an elder at Clifton Baptist Church and dean of the Billy Graham School at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary—delivered this caution. Pierre recalled his father, a successful businessman who treated everyone with equal interest and respect, noting that maintaining such humility requires deliberate resistance to surrounding pressures where ungodly behavior is often rewarded.

Pierre outlined three distinct contrasts between motivations condemned by the Apostle Paul and character believers are urged to cultivate. First, while some individuals sear their consciences, pastors must train theirs through Scripture, prayer, practice, and daily submission to God.

Facing the motivations of our own heart in the context of negative pressures around us might take the most courage of all, Pierre said, leaning into the conference theme of Be Courageous. He explained that legalism substitutes visible rule-keeping for dependence on Christ, whereas a trained conscience helps believers develop discernment rather than relying on prohibited lists.

Second, Pierre warned against craving personal gain, noting that doctrinal drift often begins when ministry is pursued primarily for money, recognition, or influence. Contentment means trusting God’s provision even when others receive greater material rewards or public attention.

Third, while some individuals champion controversy for quick prominence and shared grievances, pastors must pursue holiness, righteousness, and gentle correction. Pierre encouraged leaders whose daily faithful work remains unnoticed, reminding them that God sees their service.

Ask Him to convince you that the Lord is laying up for you rewards that you will one day blush at because they’re so generous, Pierre said.

In the closing minutes of the 2026 Pastors’ Conference, Ricky Cunningham, associate pastor of Hardin Baptist Church, posed a direct question to attendees regarding pastoral sacrifice.

Pastors, do you love your sheep? Enough to lay your life down like your Shepherd? Cunningham asked.

Surrendering to ministry at age 19, Cunningham shared that his early years in a bivocational pastorate taught him the heart of a good shepherd who genuinely loves his flock. He noted that healthy pastoral habits—feeding, leading, protecting, and caring for sheep—inevitably lead to personal suffering.

Can I tell you why I have suffered as a pastor and why you suffer as a pastor? It’s because we love our sheep, Cunningham said.