Here at the Center for Congregational Health, we spend many hours each week helping clergy and congregations navigate the tricky waters of expectations and living together in positive and encouraging relationships rather than confrontational ones. I’ve recently had three insights…
Is the GCR Report a Pandora’s box of trouble?
EDITORIAL: It will take more than a vote
On June 15, at the Southern Baptist Convention, the Great Commission Resurgence task force recommendations will be presented for adoption. Arguments have been championed from all quarters and conflicting eruptions of fiery rhetoric have polluted the blogisphere with dire warnings….
After 69 years, Bluefield College will return to the gridiron
BLUEFIELD, Va. — Bluefield College announced June 4 it is establishing a new football program at the school for the first time since World War II. The announcement, made in front of alumni, friends, supporters, the media and local and state…
Clarification
In the April 29 issue of the Religious Herald, an advertisement for the Safety Sentry trailer hitch locking device cited a new state law which the advertiser said requires locking devices on trailers to prevent accidental separation. According to the…
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Daniel “Dan” B. Cromer, to Emmaus Church, Poquoson, as pastor. • Greg McCormick, to Woodland Church, Arrington, as pastor, effective June 20. • Dennis Joyner, to Reedy Creek Church, Freeman, as pastor. • Robert Lewis, resigning as…
OPINION: When churches ‘jump the shark’
When does a church “jump the shark?” That phrase refers to the time Fonzi, the star of the old television comedy “Happy Days,” jumped a shark (literally) and has served as an example of a TV show that tries something…
Ronnie Floyd asks for prayer for GCR Task Force report at SBC
RICHMOND, Va. — In an email communiqué June 1, Ronnie Floyd asked editors of state Baptist papers to spread the word that he is asking for prayer. Floyd, pastor of First Baptist Church of Springdale, Ark., is chairman of the…
OPINION: Why ‘stuff’ happens
“Stuff” happens. This slogan (in its raw form) originated in the movie Forrest Gump when Forrest stepped into a clump of rather disgusting canine discard, prompting him to shrug his shoulders and say “ ’Stuff’ happens.” Later in the movie,…
Executive Committee president cites ‘grave concerns’ about CP
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — Morris H. Chapman, president and chief executive officer of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee released a white paper May 7, “What’s in a name? The Cooperative Program and Great Commission Giving,” that expresses “grave concerns”…
GCR task force lists 7 recommendations for SBC
The recommendations, for example, include a call for “the adoption of the language and structure of Great Commission Giving as described in this report in order to enhance and celebrate the Cooperative Program and the generous support of Southern Baptists…
Southern Baptist Convention contines to lose members, agency reports
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — The Southern Baptist Convention reported a 2.2 percent increase in baptisms in 2009, stemming a four-year decline, but membership in the denomination fell and the sagging economy led to a drop in missions giving, according to…