“It is not a sanctuary that will help us reach a new generation.” Robert Jeffress The pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas was discussing plans to replace the 1891 sanctuary which launched the careers of legendary Baptist pastors George…
Mission Board to sponsor church and clergy tax seminars
RICHMOND — A number of unique rules apply to churches and “ministers for tax purposes.” To help church staff and church lay leaders understand and comply with the tax laws, a series of church and clergy tax seminars sponsored by…
Attempt at dialogue with Muslims inspires further criticism of NAE
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The National Association of Evangelicals is under attack again from some prominent Christian conservatives, this time for its involvement in an attempt at Muslim-Christian dialogue. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Al Mohler, former presidential candidate Gary Bauer…
Death penalty opponents find new allies among evangelicals
CARRBORO, N.C. (RNS) — Stephen Dear has spent the past 10 years waging an uphill battle to abolish the death penalty in the American South — with virtually no help from the region's powerful evangelical ministers. But unlike in years…
FAITH DIGEST
Evolution and religion compatible, scientists insist. A top panel of scientists has published a new book asserting that belief in the theory of evolution and religious faith “can be fully compatible,” and creationism has no place in science classes. The…
Free to profess
Last week, on Wednesday, Jan. 16, the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom turned 222 years young. It was enacted by the Virginia General Assembly on that date in 1786. Virginia had just passed through a paradigm shift, moving from a…
SECOND OPINION: Who is master of the house?
In recent discussions about Baptist identity, the phrase “spiritual master” has been seen as a roadblock to Christian liberty. And why not? “Master” sounds so, well, oppressive. Perhaps you are familiar with William Ernest Henley's poem Invictus (i.e., “Unconquered”). It…
Vietnam Baptists to hold first national meeting
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (ABP) — Baptists in Vietnam reached a milestone when they held their first legal national conference Jan. 10-12. An estimated 400 people from 13 southern provinces and cities were expected for the meeting in Ho…
Author John Grisham joins lineup of New Baptist Convenant speakers
ATLANTA (ABP) — Mega-author John Grisham, whose recent novels have revealed his deeply rooted Christian faith, will deliver a rare public speech at the New Baptist Covenant meeting in late January. Grisham, a member of University Baptist Church in Charlottesville,…
SBC presidency showdown looms after Mohler announces intention
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — Evangelical scholar and seminary president Al Mohler will be nominated for the Southern Baptist Convention presidency next June, but he likely will face opposition for the prominent post. Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in…
‘In God We Trust’ will move on coins
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The national motto “In God We Trust” will move from the edge of new dollar coins honoring U.S. presidents to the front or back of the currency. A provision in the $555 billion domestic spending bill for…
News about Virginia Baptists and their ministries for January 10, 2008
STAFF CHANGES • Ken Makela, to Indian View Church, King William, as pastor. • Bob Fleming, to Boulevard Church, Richmond, as pastor. • Jeff Beard, to Falling Creek Church, Midlothian, as senior pastor. • Leroy J. Williams, resigning as pastor…