When Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s PTL ministry and Heritage USA theme park crashed and burned in the 1980s, their son Jay was sent into a dizzying downward spiral of drugs, alcohol and running from God. Now the pastor of…
Va. House of Delegates passes prayer amendment to state constitution
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia House of Delegates passed an amendment to the state constitution Feb. 1 which supporters said would ensure the right to pray on public property, including public schools. The amendment, adopted 61-33 in the Republican-dominated House,…
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Archie S. “Chip” Corbin, to Round Hill Church, Round Hill, as pastor. • James McAlister, to Gravel Hill Church, Buffalo Junction, as pastor. • Tom Childrey, to Bethesda Church, Boydton, as pastor. • Ed Stansfield, to Derbyshire…
ASK THE ARCHITECT: Master plan criteria, part 2
Let’s look at more of those specific site-planning influences that your architect considers when developing a master plan. Last month we touched upon mission and program, demographics, zoning, context and future re-sale considerations. The list gets longer! • Vehicular access….
Virginia Baptist Mission Board launches newly-designed web site
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Baptist Mission Board launched a newly-designed website in January, offering a fresh look and additional resources. By visiting www.vbmb.org (the same URL as the previous version), users have access to a tremendous amount of current,…
Youths dedicate their lives during Bluefield College’s ‘Winter Blast’
BLUEFIELD, Va. — Three hundred forty-seven youth from 15 different churches across Virginia and Ohio, along with another 200 friends from the local community, took part in Bluefield College’s extreme sport and worship weekend, Winter Blast, Jan. 15-16. As designed,…
Top 100 churches in total gifts to Cooperative Missions listed
The top 100 Baptist General Association of Virginia churches in total gifts to Cooperative Missions in 2010 have been announced. In order to appear on the list, the church must have both contributed to Cooperative Missions in 2010 and have…
Dover association keeps promise to feed families
GLEN ALLEN, Va. — Keeping a promise is a big deal. Whether it’s a commitment to make changes that will make a difference in your life, a promise to family or friends or one made to God, promises are important….
Kentucky Baptists cut jobs, freeze salaries
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — The Kentucky Baptist Convention announced job cuts Jan. 31 intended to free up more money for national and international ministries of the Southern Baptist Convention. Five full-time jobs and 19 part-time jobs are being eliminated. Employees…
Clergy abuse cases move through legal system
BENTON, Ark. (ABP) — A music minister convicted of molesting young boys at a Southern Baptist church in Arkansas got a parole hearing two years into a 10-year prison sentence, while a British Baptist minister jailed in Virginia for similar…
Morris Ashcraft, longtime Baptist educator, dies
EVANSTON, Ill. (ABP) — Morris Ashcraft, a longtime seminary professor and administrator who after retiring helped establish a free-standing seminary for moderates disenfranchised by the "conservative resurgence" in the Southern Baptist Convention, died Jan. 29 after a long illness. He…
CBF announces layoffs
ATLANTA (ABP) — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship announced deep staff cuts Jan. 28, citing lingering financial woes. According to a news release, 13 positions have been eliminated and one reclassified. Two of the jobs will move to contract positions. The…