Seven principles characterize successful multiracial congregations, according to studies conducted by sociologist and author George Yancey. • Inclusive worship. Racially distinctive elements of worship transcend music to include preaching style, the way the worship service is organized and interior décor…
Segregation undermines churches’ ability to reach society with gospel
By Marv Knox Baptist Standard Christians undermine their ability to reach society with the gospel because they segregate their churches by race, sociologist/author George Yancey told participants in a workshop aimed at racial reconciliation. Yancey, assistant professor of sociology at…
Brunson may follow Vines as pastor of Jacksonville church
Less than a week after bidding farewell to retiring pastor Jerry Vines, First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Fla.-one of the country's largest congregations-was expected to nominate Dallas pastor Mac Brunson as his successor. The Jacksonville church posted a simple announcement…
Charismatic-leaning Southern Baptists being betrayed, excluded, says pastor
By John Pierce Baptists Today When Paul Pressler and Paige Patterson launched a revolution within the Southern Baptist Convention, they found an eager soldier in Ron Phillips. Phillips, 58, has been pastor of Central Baptist Church of Hixson, near Chattanooga,…
Jordan’s king urges unity on terrorism
King Abdullah II of Jordan, speaking at a Feb. 2 gathering organized by evangelicals, urged Christians, Jews and Muslims to unite around common values and to consider terrorism as an “attack upon civilization” instead of a “clash of civilizations.” Addressing…
Iraq churches hit, 3 Christians killed
An apparently coordinated series of bomb attacks Jan. 29 targeted Iraq’s Christian minority, killing three and injuring more. Bombs exploded within minutes of each other during Sunday services at two churches in the northern city of Kirkuk. At the city’s…
Cartoon sparks violence against Lebanese Christians
Incensed Muslims sacked Christian neighborhoods and burned the Dutch Embassy in Lebanon Feb. 5, angered by the publication of caricatures of the prophet Muhammad. Although some Muslim leaders appealed for peace, more than 20,000 protesters threw rocks, burned buildings and…
Chowan College sees mascot change as ‘opportunity’
Chowan College will change its mascot to comply with NCAA policies on Native-American mascots-this, after the Baptist school's president and board decided to forego the potential legal battle, time and expense of keeping the school's current mascot, the Braves. “The…
String of Baptist church burnings leaves questions, but no answers
By Andy Netzel Religion News Service A charred Bible rested on a table in front of what used to be Dancy First Baptist Church’s pulpit, where investigators believe the fire started. Walter Hawkins Jr., ran his fingers across the book,…
New mentoring component added to Weekender
The Weekender, the statewide retreat for teenage girls sponsored by Virginia Woman’s Missionary Union, has tapped college-aged girls to serve as mentors to retreat participants this year. The retreat is still dedicated to missions, spiritual growth and leadership development. However,…
FIRST PERSON: Louisiana trip impacts students
By Daphne Almarode Collegiate Minister, James Madison University “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 This verse…
Vermont church has urgent request
Resurrection Baptist Church in Montpelier, Vt., is seeking volunteers to help work on its roof. The roof on the church has been deteriorating for several years, but the trustees have been patching it year after year to make it last…