By Jeff Brumley Few were surprised by a Pew Research Center survey finding that Republicans hold more negative views about Muslims than Democrats do. But the poll — along with recent anti-Muslim protests in Texas — reconfirmed for some observers that it’s…
Fostering multiethnic churches easier said than done, pastors say
By Jeff Brumley The Southern Baptist Convention can cure the nation’s racial tensions if its churches will embrace congregational integration, said Russell Moore, president of the SBC’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Moore has joined with other white conservative Christian…
Pastor reflects on ‘exorbitant amount’ of funerals he’s preached
By Jeff Brumley For many pastors, two to three funerals a month is either average to a little high. For Barry Howard, that’s a light month. Howard, senior minister at First Baptist Church in Pensacola, Fla., said he’s seen as…
Pastors eager to find preaching’s place in modern church
By Jeff Brumley The subject of preaching is often lost in today’s urgent talk about church decline, closure and relevance. Most of the buzz centers around embracing technology, social media, worship styles or whether to stay in or sell the…
Missionary couple brings international mission field to N.C.
By Jeff Brumley International mission work is taking on a whole different look — at least the way it’s being practiced by some Baptists in North Carolina. And yes, that means in North Carolina, not Uganda or Costa Rica or anywhere…
Missouri pastor excited about expanded role at Metro Baptist in NYC
By Vicki Brown and Jeff Brumley Kirkwood, Mo., has benefitted from Scott Stearman’s passion for urban ministry, social justice, human rights and the believer’s role in making a kingdom difference on earth. Now, New York City will benefit from that…
Baptist church finds downtown niche in shower ministry
By Jeff Brumley Downtown churches struggling to find their niche in ministry may want to try what First Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tenn., has done: look and listen. Paying attention to young voices within its membership and to underserved needs…
Property sale positions Atlanta church to engage its vibrant neighborhood
By Jeff Brumley Mimi Walker, pastor at Druid Hills Baptist Church in Atlanta, says she never took a course on real estate negotiating while in seminary. In fact, she doesn’t know of any seminaries that offer one. “But I think…
Though reversed, approving Muslim calls to prayer at Duke not threatening, theologian says
By Jeff Brumley This story has been updated from an earlier one posted before Duke University announced its changed policy. Baptists, if no one else, should not have opposed Duke University’s decision this week to allow a Muslim student group to…