If the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the pre-existing trend away from church weddings, some ministers say it’s also inspiring a surge in intimate ceremonies with faith as a driving force. “I have done twice as many off-campus weddings in alternative…
‘We need Advent more than ever’ this year
Marci Wilson-Boggs grew up in a church that promoted the King James Version as the only valid biblical translation and in which liturgical seasons, like Advent, were rarely if ever mentioned. “I was raised Independent Baptist,” the Nashville resident said….
Holidays 2020 may evoke a darker shade of grief and isolation, panelists say
The COVID-19 pandemic has imbued grieving and isolation with deeper, darker shades during the 2020 holiday season, a panel of experts said during a Dec. 3 webinar hosted by Baptist News Global. The pain of suffering loss or, for LGBTQ…
More churches defined as racially diverse but that doesn’t lead to racial justice work
Evidence that American churches have become more racially diverse doesn’t mean they have become increasingly active in promoting racial justice causes, according to a new sociological study. “We do see this slow-but-steady rise in the percentage of congregations in the…
Asia Pacific region leads the globe in increasing restriction of religious faith
Government restrictions of religion are increasing around the world, with the Asia Pacific region leading the way, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center. And while the report identified China and Myanmar, as leaders in official efforts…
BWA will move delayed 2020 World Congress to virtual format
The Baptist World Alliance recently announced its 22nd Baptist World Congress will be held virtually in July 2021 — a year after the original, in-person event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Alliance…
Dallas pastor pitches ‘Good God’ podcast toward the common good
George Mason describes his “Good God” podcast as a way to connect the dots between religion and just about everything else. “It’s educating, inspiring and creating civil discourse. It’s helping people bridge faith and public life,” said Mason, senior pastor…
From Missouri to South Dakota, friendships form together for hope
For two decades, members of Second Baptist Church in Liberty, Mo., have found transformational relationships 700 miles away with friends of the Lakota people who live on the Upper Cheyenne Reservation in South Dakota. “To be able to call someone…
Relaunch of Global Service Corps begins with placement at refugee ministry
Hannah Turner is one of those young adults religion surveys and church consultants consistently describe as demanding social action and community engagement opportunities from the congregations they attend. At 23, the recent college graduate is bringing her experience as an…