ROANOKE, Va. — Partnering with the John Leland Center, the Southwest Virginia Christian Leadership Network will host three new teaching sites this fall semester. Undergraduate classes will be offered for the first time at Randolph Memorial Baptist Church in Madison…
OUT LOUD
“It was easily a rock concert. The only thing missing was ‘Free Bird’ and us holding up our lighters.” Scott Thumma Thumma, a professor at Hartford Seminary who studies megachurches, was recalling a visit to a youth service at a…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: Ready for a name change
Thank you for your excellent editorial in the Herald of May 27, “Is it time for a name change?” The problem for Southern Baptists is that we have been, or we think we have been, a majority with great power…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: Selfish church members
I just read the article by Bill Wilson entitled “Seven things church members wish their ministers knew, but are afraid to tell them” [Herald, May 27]. Most of the comments seemed to have come from self-centered Christians. I see that…
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Daniel “Dan” B. Cromer, to Emmaus Church, Poquoson, as pastor. • Greg McCormick, to Woodland Church, Arrington, as pastor, effective June 20. • Dennis Joyner, to Reedy Creek Church, Freeman, as pastor. • Robert Lewis, resigning as…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: BGAV vs. SBC
The comments on the Great Commission Resurgence in the June 24th Religious Herald have caused me great concern. John Upton’s opinion, although not as aggressive as Jim White’s editorial, shows an obvious bias against the Southern Baptist Convention. Cooperation among…
Youth Ministry Forum attracts record attendance
RICHMOND, Va. — The annual two-day training for Virginia Baptist youth ministers, summer youth workers, youth ministry interns and volunteer youth leaders drew a record 105 participants and faculty to the Virginia Baptist Resource Center in Richmond in May. “Our…
ASK THE ARCHITECT: Town hall meeting builds consensus in congregation
What is this town hall meeting all about? Last month I promised a discussion on the purpose and format for a successful town hall meeting that should be sandwiched between those building committee workshops. Speaking of sandwiches, that is precisely…
Bluefield students serve on mission in South America
BLUEFIELD, Va. — Bluefield College students recently completed a spring mission trip to Peru as part of Virginia Baptists’ greater effort to share the gospel and to build churches in South America. Bluefield students in a town square with Peruvian…
OPINION: July 4 & religious freedom
In our nation’s history much has been said about the separation of church and state. Many interpret Jesus’ comment about a coin with Caesar’s head on it as saying: Here is what you owe to the state and here’s what…
Baptist students at William & Mary use creative means to reach out
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — During last spring’s semester, students in the Baptist collegiate ministries at the College of William & Mary decided to creatively take the spiritual pulse of the campus. They led several campus ministries in an outreach emphasis known…
OPINION: Is the National Day of Prayer a threat to religious liberty?
The title is not a trick question. I ask that you read the following before giving your final answer. Baptists have always been a people of prayer, be it a part of their devotional life or their corporate worship. It…