David Brooks’s recent New York Times op-ed column on Google’s “ngram” analysis revealed a stunning surge of individualism reflected in our language and literature in recent years. Another element revealed by analysis of words trending upward is what Brooks calls…
HERITAGE: ‘The Column’ at 30
Thirty years ago this fall the editor and associate editor of the Religious Herald, Julian H. Pentecost and Tom Miller, respectively, invited this soon-to-be-columnist to lunch. They presented a proposition that their lunch guest begin to write a Baptist history…
VITAL SIGNS: The high cost of self-preservation
A young pastor was recently recounting the events that led to his dismissal. Throughout the painful ordeal, he had relied upon a small group of spiritually-mature trusted advisors to help him navigate the uncertainties he faced. As events unfolded, he…
WINN RECOMMENDS: Books that matter
Some of the very best stories are the true ones. Here are two memoirs and one collection of heroic figures that would be worthy of your time. Booked, by Karen Swallow Prior (T.S. Poetry Press) Prior is an English…
Bluefield, W.Va., pastor Ed Fisher to be nominated as BGAV’s second vice president in November
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — Edward Fisher, pastor of First Baptist Church in Bluefield, W.Va., will be nominated as second vice president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia when it meets in Fredericksburg, Va., Nov. 12-13. Bluefield, W.Va., pastor Ed Fisher…
Proposed budget for BGAV ministries sees slight increase over 2013 with few changes in allocations
LYNCHBURG, Va. — Funding for Virginia Baptist ministries next year will largely remain at 2013 levels if a proposed budget is adopted by the Baptist General Association of Virginia next month. The recommended $12,214,000 budget for 2014, unveiled by the…
As Stratton’s 12-year tenure as treasurer ends, characteristic catchphrase is part of the memories
LYNCHBURG, Va. — It is what it is. That favorite phrase of Eddie Stratton, who retires Dec. 31 as treasurer of the Baptist General Association of Virginia and the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, took on new meaning at an Oct….
If adopted in November, Mission Board-endorsed proposal will result in significant governance change
LYNCHBURG, Va. — The Baptist General Association of Virginia will undertake what may be the most significant change in its governing structure in at least 75 years, if a proposal is adopted next month at the annual meeting of the…
Waynesboro, Va., pastor David Washburn nominated as treasurer of the BGAV and its Mission Board
LYNCHBURG, Va. — David Washburn, a Waynesboro, Va., pastor and former banker who has chaired the Baptist General Association of Virginia’s budget committee for two years, will be nominated as treasurer of the BGAV and the Virginia Baptist Mission Board…