As a young man, Robert L. “Bob” Perry wanted to be an architect, but believed his Ozark upbringing made that dream impossible. Instead, his Ozark qualities have made him an architect of innovation for church leaders and a promoter of…
Young people are tithing — but not to churches alone, researchers say
The idea of counting gifts to nonprofits other than a house of worship is a difficult concept for some church members to grasp. But congregations may have to come to grips with the concept and with the idea that younger generations tend to view tithing in broad terms.
Parents’ risks for ailing son inspire new ministries
Todd and Carolyn Pridemore of Columbia, Mo., do not consider themselves risk takers. But the struggle to find help for their son led them to take risks emotionally, physically, financially and spiritually.
Aging hands no bar to ministry for retired couple
By Vicki Brown Don Wideman is a grateful man who, these days, concentrates on family and an adult Sunday school class at First Baptist Church in North Kansas City, Mo. The executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention from 1987…
Aging hands no bar to ministry for retired couple
Marian and Don Wideman have stayed busy helping others even in retirement. Don Wideman is a grateful man who, these days, concentrates on family and an adult Sunday school class at First Baptist Church in North Kansas City, Mo. The…
American Baptists in Nebraska launch microloan ministry to address justice, poverty
By Vicki Brown Tom struggled to make ends meet, even though he had a full-time job. Willing to work more, he wanted to start a small landscaping business that would provide needed income and flexibility. Then Tom’s pastor told him…
From microbiology to ministry, veteran leader retires from ABC-USA regional post
By Vicki Brown When asked why he gave up microbiology and academia for a pastor’s life, Dwight Stinnett always responds that God has a tremendous sense of humor. God’s humor not only led Stinnett into the pastorate, but also to…
Pinewood derby races connect children, faith in Slovakia
By Vicki Brown Students yelled as they jockeyed for positions around the racetrack and rooted for their cars as they shot down the track. Cheers followed each heat as winners beamed and losers tried to be gracious. And the pinewood…
Adopting schools is about community building, not proselytizing, educators say
By Vicki Brown The pastor of the Baptist church in the small rural community saunters down the hallway in a public school toward the cafeteria, greeting students by name as he goes. Once through the lunch line, he nabs a…