HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (RNS) — Say a group of immigrants wants to build a mosque in Mayberry, right next to All Saints Church. WWAD: What Would Andy Do? The question, of course, never surfaced in the beloved “Andy Griffith Show” that…
Into the neighborhood
BERRYVILLE, Va. — Berryville Baptist Church participated in Operation Inasmuch recently as 101 members went into the community to help others and make friends. Pastor Dan Stanley offers a bottle of water to a motorist during Operation Inasmuch. “Sometimes actions speak…
EDITORIAL: When all is said and done, there’s a lot more said than done
Last month, the Barna Research Group called 1,000 American adults to ask them about their faith. Specifically, they asked, “Has anything related to your religious beliefs, practices, or preferences changed in the past five years?” The results, which they claim…
Candidates endorsed for BGAV office
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Baptists Committed, a moderate advocacy group, has endorsed the candidacies of two previously announced nominees for offices of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. VBC members voted Sept. 16 to endorse Bob Bass, a Richmond layman…
OPINION: Time to scrutinize the restoration experts
Everyone seems to have a solution for “restoring” America. Take power away from liberal intellectuals, say some, and put “ordinary” people in charge. Or make this a white-run, Christian nation. Or insist on leaders who are intelligent and informed. Or…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: Partisan, left-wing viewpoints
In your Aug. 19 editorial, you ask “What do you think?” I think if the governor’s name was Timothy Kaine, you would fully support the privatizing plan. We are all aware that the abuse of alcohol is a terrible scourge…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: State should sell ABC stores
In your Aug. 19 editorial [“New state motto: ‘We’ll do anything for money’ ”] you take Gov. Robert McDonnell to task for wanting to sell the state-owned liquor stores to private citizens or corporate entities for “… $300 million to…
VITAL SIGNS: When conflict turns ugly
One of the saddest truths I have come to understand about conflict in congregations is how destructive it can be. Years of progress and effective ministry can be negated by unhealthy conflict. Careers can be ruined, faith and hope in…
OUT LOUD
“That’s not primarily because the bishops got the Holy Spirit, that’s because the bishops got sued.” Kelly Clark The Portland, Ore., lawyer represents six men who reached a settlement Sept. 1 with the Boy Scouts over sexual abuse by a…
Dover churches seeking one new way to connect with community
ASHLAND, Va. — A washing machine, toys, power tools, handmade jewelry and clothing were just a few of the items filling the parking lot of First Baptist Church in Ashland on a recent Saturday, as this congregation tries “one new…
Bluefield College students offer hope to Haiti after professor’s challenge
BLUEFIELD, Va. — A professor’s challenge motivated a Bluefield College student to create a non-profit organization that funds college education and teacher training for Haitians. Haiti has attracted a lot of attention from Americans over the past year. Following the…
HERITAGE: From choir boy to choirmaster
River Road Church, Baptist, in Richmond’s West End is known far and wide for excellence in all areas: gorgeous classical architecture, a pulpit ministry recognized for consistently thought-provoking messages, well-oiled church governance in the best of Baptist tradition, a superior…