By Jeff Brumley Christmas came early for Africa Lighthouse Baptist Temple in the form of an anonymous donation that will pay off the church mortgage. The donation to the Albemarle County, Va., congregation was discovered by a church staffer who…
Bellevue Baptist in Memphis evacuated, searched in police manhunt
By Jeff Brumley A pair of robbers being chased by police turned Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis into the scene of more than Christmas drama on Monday. According to media reports, the Southern Baptist Convention megachurch was evacuated and searched…
Bodies in motion: Some Baptists are recovering the physical in worship, prayer
By Jeff Brumley Baptists have historically minimized bodily movement in worship and prayer out of concern for appearing too charismatic or Catholic, scholars and spiritual formation ministers say. Baptisms and altar calls and the occasional layings-on of hands are accepted,…
Nashville church, developer ‘disappointed’ over failed real estate deal
By Jeff Brumley No one speaking to the press reportedly understands why a proposed deal has fallen through between First Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn., and a developer of a hotel project. Neither side could explain why the multi-million-dollar deal…
Baptist leaders ponder if protests are a social movement or a moment
By Jeff Brumley Frustrating to social activists, both inside and outside of churches, is how many protest campaigns last about as long as the average American attention span. “I think about Rodney King and moments in our history when we…
Baptist groups aid Syrian refugees through winter
By Leah Allen and Jeff Brumley Baptist and government agencies are stepping up efforts to help Syrian war refugees who are facing a brutal winter. With some 9 million Syrians displaced from their homes, and 3.3 million living in refugee…
Virginia church sees album as missional way to live its calling
By Jeff Brumley All Souls Charlottesville is a Baptist church in Virginia where ancient church practices are embraced, from focusing on hospitality and following the liturgical calendar to embracing creeds and celebrating the Eucharist. But spiritual formation took on a…
Baptist chaplains eye growing openness to discussion of death
By Jeff Brumley Broaching the subject of death can be a serious downer in a society obsessed with beauty, health and long life. But there are signs that may be starting to change. “There are more people who are talking…
For Baptists, a lone Arminian voice crying in a Calvinist wilderness
By Jeff Brumley Roger Olson is one of the few voices in American evangelicalism, and among Baptists, who regularly speaks out against the increasingly popular Calvinist movement. “I guess I do feel a bit lonely,” said Olson, a professor of…
In a season of joy, services offer light to those grieving
By Jeff Brumley Christmas is typically depicted as a time of happiness and family togetherness. And for many people, that certainly is the case. But for many others, it isn’t. For them a recent death, divorce or job loss has…
Struggles prepared her for ministry, says pastor of Hispanic congregation
By Jeff Brumley By all accounts, nothing rattles Alina Carbonell. She has survived communism in Cuba, the leukemia death of a beloved sister, an abusive marriage and a nasty divorce. Throw in a near-bankruptcy while raising two boys on her…
Interfaith dialogue requires hard work of forging relationships, Baptist pastor says
By Jeff Brumley Interfaith dialogue is about much more than symbolism, say those committed to the process. That’s because effective interfaith conversations require relationships, and relationships require more than annual prayer breakfasts or worship services that rotate among churches, mosques…