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
- 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.
- Bible Reading: Read Matthew and James with a group.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mentorship: Find a wise person, regardless of age, who loves others well and seek mentorship from them.
- Service Projects: Look for opportunities to love others deeply by serving.
- 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