By Jeff Brumley The death of a church isn’t an easy subject, particularly to those who are losing their spiritual home. But it is something being talked about more and more as church closings are becoming an increasingly regular occurrence…
U.S. Baptists emphasize local context in overseas theological education
By George Henson and Jeff Brumley Keeping it simple — and local — are essential for U.S. Christian groups involved in overseas theological education, American church leaders say. Translated, that means letting native residents in nations where theological training is lacking take…
Experts say gratitude generates the generosity needed for sustained giving
By Lori Fogelman and Jeff Brumley A Baylor University professor has been preaching a message some may consider radical in American society — even during the holidays: generosity. It’s also a concept close to the hearts of pastors struggling to convince shrinking…
1914 Christmas truce inspires debate, hope for peace in modern times
By Jeff Brumley The Christmas Truce of 1914 has been called heart-warming, inspiring and even miraculous. But could it ever be called repeatable? The historic event occurred on Christmas Day that year during World War I, when German and Allied…
Baptist church in Ohio hosts protest over killing
By Jeff Brumley The mother of a Cleveland, Ohio boy killed by police expressed gratitude for participants of a protest organized by a Baptist church. “The police murdered my son,” Samaria Rice said in a story published by the Columbus Dispatch….
Anonymous gift helps Va. church pay off mortgage, minister to African immigrants
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…