DURHAM, N.C. (ABP) — A radical encounter with a homeless beggar huddled in the shadow of power confronted Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove with the Matthew 25 claims of Jesus and a realization he could never change the world being “president for Jesus.”…
New Bible translation seeks common ground
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) – About the same time the Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution denouncing one new Bible translation, another rolled off the presses that is being billed as “built on common ground.” The Common English Bible debuted in…
ABP to honor Bob Stephenson with Founders Award
NORMAN, Okla. (ABP) — For his presence at so many hopeful beginnings and persistence in the midst of difficult stretches, Associated Baptist Press is honoring Oklahoman Bob Stephenson with its Founders Award. Bob Stephenson Stephenson, 83, a retired geologist and…
Kentucky association ousts church for opening doors to pro-gay group
OWENSBORO, Ky. (ABP) – A Baptist association in Kentucky voted 242-24 on Aug. 5 in favor of a recommendation from its credentials committee to remove a church that allows a gay-rights group to meet in its building. “Grace takes it…
Police ask judge to dismiss lawsuit over shooting of Georgia pastor
GAINESVILLE, Ga. (ABP) – Two north Georgia police officers have asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit against them for their use of deadly force in a 2009 shooting that claimed the life of a Baptist pastor. A Stephens…
Lottie Moon’s death story a myth, new book contends
"Lottie Moon: A Southern Baptist Missionary to China in History and Legend" is published by Louisiana State University Press. BATON ROUGE, La. (ABP) – A new book challenges the familiar story of Lottie Moon, a Southern Baptist missionary martyr who…
Missouri Baptist Foundation elects president
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (ABP) — The Missouri Baptist Foundation has named Christopher "Chris" Calmer as its new president. With a unanimous vote on Aug. 12, the board of trustees approved the nomination of Calmer as president, effective immediately. Chris Calmer…
Progressive National Baptist Convention celebrates 50 years
This story was corrected after its original posting WASHINGTON (ABP) – The Progressive National Baptist Convention celebrated its 50th anniversary with a tribute to 93-year-old Gardner Taylor, widely regarded as one of the nation’s greatest preachers. On Thursday of the…
BTSR announces new staff members
RICHMOND, Va. (ABP) — Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond named a new vice president of advancement and a director of community life in early August. Tim Heilman Timothy Heilman assumed the vice president’s position on Aug. 1, becoming the seminary…
VITAL SIGNS: High anxiety
Anyone feeling anxious? A better question: anyone not feeling anxious? God’s people in the 21st century suffer a serious malady. We mouth the words of faithfulness while we live lives dominated by anxiety and frustration. For every time we parrot…
NORTH CAROLINA BRIEFS
Hispanic pastor facing deportation. A Hispanic Baptist pastor arrested last summer by immigration authorities will find out Sept. 2 whether he will be deported for a crime committed in 1995. Hector Villanueva, pastor of Bautista la Rocha in Siler City,…
OUT LOUD
“This Shariah law business is … just crazy. And I’m tired of dealing with the crazies. It’s just unnecessary to be accusing this guy of things just because of his religious background.” Chris Christie The Republican governor of New Jersey…