EVANSTON, Ill. (ABP) — Morris Ashcraft, a longtime seminary professor and administrator who after retiring helped establish a free-standing seminary for moderates disenfranchised by the "conservative resurgence" in the Southern Baptist Convention, died Jan. 29 after a long illness. He…
CBF announces layoffs
ATLANTA (ABP) — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship announced deep staff cuts Jan. 28, citing lingering financial woes. According to a news release, 13 positions have been eliminated and one reclassified. Two of the jobs will move to contract positions. The…
Virginians, Panamanians launch partnership
PANAMA CITY, Panama (ABP) — Twenty-five Virginia Baptists traveled to Panama Jan. 26 for the annual meeting of the Panama Baptist Convention and to sign documents establishing a five-year partnership between that body and the Baptist General Association of Virginia….
BGCT displays historic pulpit
DALLAS (ABP) — The Texas Baptist Historical Collection is displaying iconic preacher George Whitefield’s elevated pulpit, one of the top five artifacts of American Christianity and a key tool that helped unite the colonies as well as lay the foundation…
Texas Baptist Men executive director announces retirement
DALLAS—After seven years as Texas Baptist Men executive director and more than four decades holding various leadership posts in the missions organization, Leo Smith has announced plans to retire effective Feb. 28. Smith, 72, has informed members of the TBM…
What makes ministry to older adults more effective?
IRONTON, Mo. (ABP) — Ministry to older adults must take many forms, depending upon the make-up of the group a church is trying to reach. As the U.S. population ages, congregations will have even more opportunities to engage older adults….
Challenge for churches: How to care for caregivers
IRONTON, Mo. (ABP) — As churches minister to the most elderly and infirm among members, some also seek ways to serve their caregivers — often family members — who often labor around the clock. Members of the "Classic 55-plus" ministry…
Belmont adds sexual orientation to anti-discrimination policy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) – Belmont University trustees voted Jan. 26 to add sexual orientation to the historically Baptist school’s anti-discrimination policy. In December Belmont parted ways with a successful women’s soccer coach after she told her team that she and…
No single size or shape fits ministry to all older adults
IRONTON, Mo. (ABP) — Pretend for a moment a congregation has called you as youth minister and includes all individuals from 3 to 30 years old as your group. What is your reaction? Most people wouldn’t expect a youth worker…