NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — After two years of only moderate impact on offerings, the recession has caught up with America's churches, according to new figures compiled by LifeWay Research. One in three Protestant churches reported receiving less money this year…
BGCT names search committee for exec
DALLAS (ABP) — Elected leaders of the Baptist General Convention and the BGCT Executive Board on Dec. 14 nominated 15 people to serve on a committee to recommend a new executive director for the convention. The person they recommend will succeed…
Pulido first to receive award named in his honor
ST. LOUIS (ABP) — A longtime Missouri pastor's desire to preserve Baptists' historic stand on religious freedom has earned him an award named in his honor. Rudy Pulido The St. Louis chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and…
Four Baptist students killed in Ghana accident
KUMASI, Ghana (ABP) — Baptists in Ghana are mourning the deaths of four ministerial students killed Dec. 11 in a bus crash while on their way to a classmate's wedding. Twelve more passengers were injured — two critically — when…
Executive director search committee nominated
DALLAS—Elected leaders of the Baptist General Convention and the BGCT Executive Board on Dec. 14 nominated 15 people to serve on a committee to recommend a new executive director for the convention. The chair and vice chairper of the executive board…
Scholars explore Baptist revivalism
ATLANTA (ABP) — The real culprit behind declining baptisms in the Southern Baptist Convention might be youth soccer, says historian Bill Leonard. Bill Leonard Because of nightly requirements for church-going families — including children's sports — week-long and two-week revivals…
Search for Everett’s replacement at BGCT to begin
DALLAS (ABP) — With the departure of Randel Everett, the Baptist General Convention of Texas is searching for a new executive director for the second time in three years. Everett, 61, accepted a unanimous call Dec. to serve as the…
Suggested reading for those who grieve at the holidays
Cover of Sad Isn’t Bad: A Good-Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing with Loss by Michaelene Mundy. (ABP) — Pastors recommended the following books as particularly helpful to people who have experienced loss and to Christians who are seeking to minister…
Joy to the World? Churches deal with holiday grief
DALLAS (ABP) — Ever since an angel announced good news to shepherds working the night shift, Christians have associated the birth of Jesus with joy. But some people who have experienced significant loss in the recent past find a season…
Joy to the World: Joy, happiness not synonymous
(ABP) — Christians can experience joy even in loss — provided they don’t confuse joy with happiness but accept it as a gift from God, several pastors noted. “Joy is not the same as happiness. It is a deeper contentment…
How to help those who grieve at the holidays
DALLAS (ABP) — Chaplain Mark Grace, vice president of mission and ministry at the Dallas-area Baylor Health Care System, offers suggestions to churches as they seek to minister to people who have sustained loss. • Facilitate communication. “Find ways to…
Belmont center of gay-rights dispute
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — A private, historically Baptist Christian college has sparked a national media firestorm over its successful women's soccer coach leaving her job shortly after telling members of her team that she is gay. Lisa Howe Officials at…