Number of female senior pastors doubles in 10 years. One in 10 U.S. churches employs a woman as senior pastor, double the percentage from a decade ago, according to a new survey by the Barna Group. Most of the women—58…
Meals on Wheels: A mission trip in your neighborhood
Clement “Mickey” Woodward is a member of First Baptist Church in Richmond; and for more than 10 years he’s made a mission trip once a month. His mission experience (or more like over 5,000 mission experiences) has typically taken him…
‘Hand-in-Hand’ ministry strengthens church’s impact
Children on Hand-in-Hand day with shoeboxes to be shipped to children overseas. SPRINGFIELD, Va. — Members of First Baptist Church in Springfield, Va., joined hands on Nov. 14 to accomplish several mission projects. Children from City Gate were taken to…
‘Hand-in-Hand’ ministry strengthens impact of Northern Virginia church
SPRINGFIELD, Va. — Members of First Baptist Church in Springfield, Va., joined hands on Nov. 14 to accomplish several mission projects. One group wrapped and filled 136 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. The shoe boxes will be distributed by…
SECOND OPINION: Christian Christmas chronic lyricosis
I am at times afflicted with chronic lyricosis — which is, on the off chance you have not heard of it, a malady characterized by the habitual misunderstanding of song lyrics. When I was a child, I thought the hymn…
Chris Tomlin: Recording artist wants young worshippers to give ‘glory to God in the highest’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Throughout his December concerts, Christian recording artist Chris Tomlin hopes to do more than spread Yuletide cheer. He wants young worshippers to find new meaning in traditional Christmas carols. “The lyrics of these songs are so beautiful,…
LETTER: Tasteless article
I was disturbed and disappointed in the article by Robert Marus and Ken Camp, “Christians are just as susceptible as anyone to internet rumor-mongering. What does that say about us,” that appeared in the Oct. 22 issue of the Religious…
LETTER: Taking ‘holy’ out of the Bible
With the passing of Thanksgiving, my e-mail box is filled with messages reminding Christians to put Christ back into Christmas. These chain messages admonish Christians not to say “Seasons Greetings” and to rebuke the “holiday tree.” I wonder where these…
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Thomas E. Bryant, to Wylliesburg Church, Wylliesburg, as pastor. CENTENNIAL: Clifford Baptist Church in the Piedmont Association celebrated its 100th anniversary on Sept. 20. Approximately 850 people attending, including former pastors and wives, Marvin and Nancy Kerby and…