By Jeff Brumley Steven Porter has made it clear since he was named head of global missions for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship that the organization must overhaul the structure and operation of its domestic and overseas missions efforts. Now, a…
Hinson-Merton friendship continues impact on Baptist spirituality
By Carrie McGuffin and Jeff Brumley The late Catholic monk, author and interfaith pioneer Thomas Merton is far more than a distant historical figure because the body of his work can actually improve the spirituality of Baptists even today, Baptist…
At 25, CBF Florida thanks God — and Hurricane Andrew — for missions focus
By Jeff Brumley A lot of names are cropping up as the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Florida spends 2015 celebrating its 25th anniversary. They include Pat and Carolyn Anderson, the first and second coordinators of the organization formed in 1990. They…
Bigger class, new journalism component defines 2015 Mercer On Mission
By Jeff Brumley Mercer University said it will send forth this year its largest Mercer On Mission cohort in the program’s eight-year history. Launched in 2007, Mercer On Mission blends study abroad with research and service. Participants experience a combination…
Popular ‘it’s a God thing’ phrase reveals troubling theology, pastors say
By Jeff Brumley You may have used this popular phrase a few times yourself. Or maybe you’ve heard others say it when some unexpected miracle happens. “It’s a God thing.” Usually it involves some unbelievable circumstances behind that job promotion,…
Religions converge at Mercer’s new interfaith prayer garden
By Jeff Brumley Those dismissive of interfaith ministry and outreach as purely symbolic efforts may have reconsidered during a prayer garden dedication at Mercer University on Thursday. Scores gathered on a shady corner of the school’s Atlanta campus to celebrate…
Watching wives face criticism toughest part of marriage to ministers, husbands say
By Jeff Brumley The toughest part of being the spouse of a woman minister isn’t assuming a quiet, secondary role at church or even having to take care of the kids while pastor mom is preaching or attending finance committee…
Religious liberty, marriage equality clash, creating legal confusion
By Ken Camp and Jeff Brumley Ministers from across the Lone Star state recently urged legislators to pass legislation protecting clergy from lawsuits if they refuse to conduct same-sex weddings. Welcome to the dance, Texas. Experts say the number and…
Baptists struggle to sell or share sacred space
By Jeff Brumley The Catholic Archdiocese of Boston went to court this week to force a group of parishioners out of the church it is trying to close, along with many others. National Public Radio reported that 100 members of…