By Ken Camp Research proves what most ministers long have suspected: Friendships developed at church positively influence religious behavior and — to a lesser degree — beliefs. Sam Stroope, a doctoral student in sociology at Baylor University, analyzed data from…
Deal seriously with violent biblical texts, historian says
By Ken Camp Before characterizing Islam as inherently violent based on selected passages in the Quran, Christians should consider violent verses in the Holy Bible, historian Philip Jenkins told a recent gathering at Baylor University. Philip Jenkins of Baylor’s Institute…
Ministry to new immigrants presents challenges, opportunities
By Ken Camp Waves of immigrants entering the United States are changing the face of home missions, noted the director of missions for a metropolitan association of Baptist churches in Texas. “Immigration is changing the face of America. People are…
Effective global missions demands multicultural partnerships
By Ken Camp Missions in the 21st century demands multicultural partnership, global missions researcher and author Patrick Johnstone insists. And pastors of some churches filled with first-generation immigrants agree. “Like it or not, we have a multicultural missions force that…
Fulfilling the Great Commission
By Ken Camp Churches composed primarily of first-generation immigrants to the United States often face obstacles — linguistic, financial and cultural — in terms of fitting into an Anglo-dominated society. But they may possess a strategic advantage in fulfilling Christ’s…
African-American Texas Baptist pioneer dies
By Ken Camp Harold Branch, the first African-American officer of the Baptist General Convention of Texas died Jan. 20 in Corpus Christi, Texas, a community he served in various capacities since 1956. He was 92. Branch was pastor of St….
Board elects Hardage BGCT executive director
By Ken Camp At a called meeting today, the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board elected David Hardage as executive director, effective Feb. 1. David Hardage Hardage—a veteran Texas Baptist pastor, associational leader and seminary development officer—succeeds Randel Everett,…