2026 Lead with Wisdom

 

Our theme for 2026 is Lead with Wisdom, focusing on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and the writings of his brother James.

This year, we focus on Christ’s wisdom to lead others faithfully. We will explore what a wise life looks like in daily practice, emphasizing the importance of relying on God for wisdom in both everyday and challenging situations. Additionally, we will consider the distinction between knowledge and wisdom.

Every few weeks, an ABC NE staff member will share a short devotion from these passages, helping us reflect as Nebraska Baptists work to develop wise leaders and churches. The aim is to connect biblical wisdom with practical ministry in local congregations, encouraging, challenging, and empowering churches to support each other. These devotions are not just for personal piety but also serve as tools for leadership and community formation.

Look for these devotions in the News and Information tab above, our Region Update Newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Ways to Engage

  1. Spiritual Disciplines: Learn and practice key disciplines in the context of a community, like bible reading, prayer, financial stewardship, silence, fasting, sacrifice, worship, celebration, service, confession, and fellowship.
  2. Bible Reading: Read Matthew and James with a group. 
  3. Small Groups: Create safe spaces for people to find their identity, belonging, and purpose in Christ by loving one another as Christ loves us. Use the ABC Nebraska RightNow Media access or Seminary Now platform to do a video-driven bible study with others. 
  4. Journaling: Reflect on how your understanding of how wisdom rooted in Christ helps create our identity, belonging, and purpose compared to a spirit of fear. 
  5. Mentorship: Find a wise person, regardless of age, who loves others well and seek mentorship from them.
  6. Service Projects: Look for opportunities to love others deeply by serving.
  7. Retreats: Attend a retreat at Moses Merrill Camp and Conference Center.

Resources

We will focus on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and the book of James in the New Testament.  Some helpful resources include: 

Matthew and Sermon on the Mount

Sermon on the Mount Story of God Commentary by Scot McKnight

The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing by John Pennington

Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

Matthew NIV Application Commentary by Christopher Beetham

Matthew New International Commentary by RT France

Matthew Story of God Commentary by Rodney Reeves

Matthew for Everyone by NT Wright

Jesus and the Law of Moses by Paul Sloan

What if Jesus Was Serious? by Skye Jethani

 

James

The Brother of Jesus: James the Just and his Mission, edited by Bruce Chilton and Jacob Neusner

Just James by John Painter

James: A Commentary (NT Library) by Joel B. Green

James Tyndale Commentary by Douglas Moo

James Exegetical Commentary by Craig Blomberg

The Letter of James Pillar NT Commentary by Douglas Moo

James NIV Application Commentary by David Nystrom

James for Everyone by NT Wright

The Letter of James by Luke Timothy Johnson

Letter of James by Scot McKnight

 

Other Resources on Ethics, Wisdom, or Scripture to think through how to Lead with Wisdom.

To Heal a Fractured World by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

Becoming Curious by James Smith

Slow Theology by Nijay Gupta and AJ Swoboda

New Testament in Its World by NT Wright and Michael Bird

Faithful Presence by David Fitch

Strengthening the Soul of Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton

The Moral Vision of the New Testament by Richard Hayes

Kingdom Ethics by David Gushee and Glen Stassen

Matthew Outline
Sermon on the Mount Outline
Sermon on the Mount Visual Commentary
Book of James Outline
Wisdom Series Video’s
Wisdom Series Podcast