News of James Robison’s death reminded me of one of the most powerful transitions in my life. When I was growing up in Texas back in the ’70s, Robison was a larger-than-life regional evangelist. He developed quite a reputation for…
If you think Doug Wilson is fringe, remember Al Mohler’s influence
Don’t underestimate uber-Calvinist/Christian nationalist Doug Wilson. Recent Southern Baptist Convention history demonstrates how someone who seems far outside the mainstream eventually can wield exorbitant strength. In other words, if Al Mohler can become the most powerful person in the SBC,…
Professor sues BNG over reports of alleged sexual abuse
A former Baptist university professor has filed a lawsuit against Baptist News Global for defamation over reports of alleged sexual abuse. BNG has denied the allegations in his lawsuit. Jeremy Lyon, formerly associate professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at…
In an ironic turn, Baylor University mirrors Southern Seminary
What went around for Southern Baptist Theological Seminary three decades ago has come back around for Baylor University this fall. Woe be unto Baylor. In 1995, Southern Seminary’s newish president, Al Mohler — who publicly questioned the role of social…
Legendary Baptist missions leader Keith Parks dies
Keith Parks, who led global missions enterprises for both the Southern Baptist Convention and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, died Aug. 26 in Richardson, Texas, at age 97. Parks committed his long life to telling people all over the world about…
Southern Seminary alumni reunion to include lamentation, celebration
Former students, staff, faculty and friends of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary will remember their school and celebrate its unanticipated broad influence during a reunion at Wake Forest University’s School of Divinity in Winston-Salem, N.C., Aug. 15-16. “From Seminary to Society:…
‘White Jesus’ poses threat to men and boys, Denker warns
Worship of “white Jesus” helps explain why American boys and men are simultaneously struggling and dangerous, author and pastor Angela Denker stressed during a Baptist Women in Ministry luncheon. The June 26 event in St. Louis was held during the…
How to talk about polarizing topics at church
Churches can talk about polarizing topics — even politics — if they enter those conversations seeking transformation rather than conformity, church consultant Matt Cook told participants at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly in St. Louis June 26. Cook, director…
What’s the best thing to say to a person facing a tough time?
Many people struggle with knowing how to support others who are enduring tough times, but empathy — the kind, thoughtful key to that support — can be learned, Christy Edwards told participants at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly in…
Dissent against injustice inflicted upon ‘the least of these,’ García warns
“Dissent against any ideology that seeks to replace Christ … with political power, nationalism, lies or fear,” outgoing Moderator Juan García urged the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship during its annual General Assembly in St. Louis June 26. “As true Baptists, we…
The time is now to preach justice, Blackmon urges CBF
“Now is the time” to proclaim a gospel that sets people free, activist and theologian Traci D. Blackmon told participants at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Dr. Emmanuel McCall Racial Justice Trailblazer luncheon June 25 in St. Louis. The annual event…
CBF ratifies downsized budget, elects slate of new leaders
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship adopted a downsized budget and elected new leaders during its General Assembly in St. Louis June 24-26. The 2025-26 budget — which takes effect when CBF’s fiscal year begins Aug. 1 — calls for expenditures of…