Serving as editor of the Religious Herald has been the greatest privilege and challenge of my life. To have served as successor in that position to some of the greats in Baptist life has been humbling, but, conversely, being associated…
Singing our faith: Worship songs reflect and shape theology
When congregations join their hearts and voices in song any given Sunday, the choice of worship songs both reflect and shape their theology, church musicians agree. “I believe the music of a congregation will — or should — always reflect…
VITAL SIGNS: The reformation of your church
I have had the privilege of working with numerous congregations to clarify their identity and lean into the future proactively. When that has gone well, one consequence has nearly always been true. The fresh vision requires a significant shift in…
REVIEW: ‘Twelve Years a Slave’ portrays human suffering, without the filter
There are some movies that you will only watch once. They are so intense and deal with subject matter that makes you not want to repeat the experience. Yet, when you finish viewing it you are grateful for the experience….
TRENDING: Scatter-shooting some trends
Ed Stetzer is an interesting missiologist based in Nashville, Tenn. Brash, opinionated, and fiercely research-driven, he met with a group of Spence Network pastors recently for a “what’s trending” conversation. Here are a handful of his many descriptions/predictions: 1. “The…
OPINION: Billy Graham and the ‘old, old story’
(ABP) — “Billy Graham is the most famous evangelist in the world and his power of persuasion has softened the skeptics who used to call him the hot-gospeller from the Bible Belt.” That’s how legendary (cigarette-puffing) CBS newsman Edward R….
OPINION: Unwrapping the church
(ABP) — Let’s be honest: at the start of my pastorate I had no idea what I was doing. Combined with my glaring inexperience, that first year of pastoral ministry also carried a heavy weight of congregational expectation: “Finally our…
HERITAGE: Perfect timing
Iris Ellen Wright Taylor of Waynesboro, Va., visited the Virginia Baptist Historical Society on a recent Wednesday. She came to present a second installment of papers and books related to her grandfather, James Henry Wright, who was a Baptist minister…
Three leaders draw kudos from BGAV, which also commends new Baptist media platform
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — A trio of Virginia Baptist leaders — a financial officer, a staff administrator and a veteran editor — were honored for distinguished service Nov. 13 by the Baptist General Association of Virginia, which also commended the upcoming…