Michelle Van Loon has seen several sides of Christianity as a child of the Jesus movement who ended up, for a time, in a fundamentalist church. So she can spot the difference between concern and control in a congregation. She…
What’s the most effective weapon in the battle against malaria? Nets, say Baptists in Virginia.
The statistics surrounding malaria are mind blogging — and terrifying. Close to 200 million cases occur every year and half a million people die from the disease annually — including one child every two minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control…
Community, dignity and no prices on its menu: One diner’s answer to food insecurity
The fact that Cameron McCown is a Millennial and a Christian may explain, for some, why he opened a restaurant dependent on donations and volunteerism from its customers to serve other customers. Millennials are, after all, said to be especially…
Film, director challenge churches to re-examine purpose in life
Church consultants have been saying it so long they almost sound like a broken record: congregations are closing at appalling rates and most are too afraid to face it. That’s certainly nothing new to congregational coaches like Eddie Hammett, president…
Bodybuilding Baylor prof lifts baby into national spotlight
Darryn Willoughby is a world-class, professional bodybuilder who benches 500 pounds. So why did media outlets and social media make such a big deal that he recently lifted a 15-pound baby? It’s because he held the adorable and squirming infant…
What’s driving religious freedom debate in the U.S.? Fear, say some.
It was just about a year ago when Baptist writer and minister Corey Fields wrote a column critiquing a spate of “religious freedom” bills pushed through statehouses around the country. Indiana’s version was one of the more high-profile measures. It…
Denying grief over ‘sting of death’ brings its own sting, say ministers
Seasoned pastors with hundreds of funerals under their belts have seen the rites go from one extreme to another over the past three or four decades. “Growing up, almost every funeral was morbid, with open caskets and everything from the pulpit…
Usually traditional, NYC church takes different approach on Good Friday
Good Friday services at Madison Avenue Baptist Church are traditional in many ways. Participants are reminded, through music, prayer and scripture readings, of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Themes of sorrow and grief are experienced in an ornate…
Christians, Muslims fear backlash from Brussels attacks
The deadly explosions in Brussels Tuesday morning had some American Muslims and Christians awaking with dismay. “I’d like to say I was surprised, but I wasn’t,” said Joe Bradford, founder of the Houston-based nonprofit American Muslims Care. The previous arrests…