So you want to spend the weeks prior to Easter exploring spiritual disciplines but aren’t sure where to start? In his book The Sacred Way, writer and theologian Tony Jones offers an easily accessible approach to spiritual practices developed by…
Unfamiliar practices may bring unexpected benefits to churches
Introducing unfamiliar practices to church members can be challenging, but congregations often are far less resistant than expected, according to some pastors who have tried it. “I think people are hungry for ritual, especially those who don’t come from a…
Tom Elliff, longtime pastor, nominated to be SBC mission board president
RICHMOND, Va. — Tom Elliff, a longtime Oklahoma pastor and former missionary, has been nominated to be president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board. Elliff, 66, is the choice of a 15-member search committee to succeed Jerry Rankin,…
EDITORIAL: Are churches hanging on to things that no longer work?
Dear Jimmy, Well, your poor ol’ uncle Orley and I have been travelin’ around like gypsies visitin’ family whenever the snow doesn’t keep us home. Maybe you’ve heard from some of the other relatives that Orley and Ida are makin’…
Students from Virginia Intermont College are hometown heroes
BRISTOL, Va. — The city of Bristol presented three Virginia Intermont College students with the first ever “Hometown Hero” awards on Jan. 25 in recognition of the students’ rescue of a woman and her three young children from a fire…
VIRGINIA BRIEFS
Bluefield opened East River Hall in the fall of 2009. Bluefield College considering a fifth dormitory. With the number of students living on campus at an all-time high, Bluefield College is considering building a fifth residence hall — only a…
Panamanian dentist shares gospel with a healing touch
PANAMA CITY, Panama — Cleveland Cooper, a Panamanian dentist and his wife, Matilde, a retired nurse, are the heart and soul of a vast labor of love. “We are motivated by the love of Christ,” Cooper asserts, but to give…
HERITAGE: Christmas memories
It is February and there is still one house in my neighborhood with a Christmas tree in a front window. But most of us long ago stored our Christmas decorations to await another season. The glow of certain Christmas memories…
OUT LOUD
“I estimate that at least one-third to one-half of the dozens of victim-survivors I’ve counseled during the past eight years have left the church — either in shame or frustration — because they found no justice or healing. We want…
VITAL SIGNS: Staffing for survival
What is the most important staff position at your church? Of course, as a former pastor, I must declare that we cannot function without a pastor. What would we do without a music/worship leader? We cannot live without leadership for…
Hometown heroes
BRISTOL, Va. — The city of Bristol presented three Virginia Intermont College students with the first ever “Hometown Hero” awards on Jan. 25 in recognition of the students’ rescue of a woman and her three young children from a fire…
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Charles Davis, serving as pastor of Bethesda Church, Boydton. This was incorrect in our last issue. • Dan Carlton, to Downtown Church, Alexandria, as senior pastor. • Glen A. Land, to Rivermont Avenue Church, Lynchburg, effective Feb….