WASHINGTON (RNS)—Dramatic increases in food and gas prices are leaving some religious hunger-relief groups praying for relief. Problems already were apparent in 2006, but U.S. churches now report increased difficulty getting meals to people who need them. Food distributors see…
Rising cost of fuel, food prompts adjustments by relief groups
With oil trading at about $130 a barrel in New York and London markets and gas at the pump inching toward $4 a gallon in the United States, some international relief agencies have found the task of getting assistance to…
Stewardship leader encourages Christians to take the road less traveled
EDITOR'S NOTE: Stephen McSwain served as the keynote speaker for the Virginia Baptist Historical Society's stewardship convocation and annual meeting at Bon Air Baptist Church in Richmond May 20. Donald J. Campbell, stewardship director for the Virginia Baptist Mission Board,…
Abundant field of SBC candidates may signal relaxed political reins
INDIANAPOLIS (ABP) — Candidates are lining up two-by-two for this year's Southern Baptist Convention presidency — two big-church pastors, two small-church pastors, two former missionaries. For the first time in almost three decades, six men will be nominated for the…
News about Virginia Baptists and their ministries for May 29, 2008
STAFF CHANGES • Israel Gwyn, to Oak Grove Church, Cana, as pastor. • Kenneth Compton, resigning as pastor of Fountain Creek Church, Emporia, to accept the pastorate of a church in North Carolina. • Randy Prouse, resigning as pastor of…
Baylor president’s future in doubt
WACO, Texas (ABP) — John Lilley may be the latest endangered leader at the world's largest Baptist school, according to reports in the local newspaper. The Waco Tribune-Herald reported May 17 that Baylor University leaders declined to discuss whether the…
Baptist assistance project offered to churches
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) — With nearly half of the 43,000 churches in the Southern Baptist Convention baptizing three or fewer people, according to 2007 statistics, the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists, the North American Mission Board and state and local…
Evangelical manifesto draws praise, criticism
WASHINGTON (ABP) — If the authors of “An Evangelical Manifesto,” released May 7, aimed to inspire conversation and self-reflection among their kindred, they certainly succeeded. Among Baptists at the intersection of faith and public life, the conversation and reflection have…
California court legalizes gay marriage
SAN FRANCISCO (BP) — The California Supreme Court May 15 issued a much-anticipated and landmark decision by ordering the state to legalize gay marriage, making it the second in the nation to do so and also setting up a dramatic…
Christians called to make culture; let God handle transformation
Andy Crouch feels uncomfortable when Christians talk about transforming culture or making an impact on society. But he strongly believes churches should do far more to encourage Christians to make culture — right where they live. “I'm all for cultural…
English service held at Chinese church
NANJING, China — I have been attending St. Paul's Church in Nanjing for a number of years. About five years ago, the senior pastor, Kan Renping, began an English Bible study on Thursday nights. This went on for about a…
FIRST PERSON: My way to Jesus
Since I was a small boy, I knew I was different from the other boys. My grandfather is a pastor who stays at his church in the town and he has recently retired at the age of 90. My aunt…