NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — A top official in the Southern Baptist Convention has used the denomination's news service to urge defeat of recommendations from a panel on denominational effectiveness scheduled to be presented to messengers at the convention's upcoming annual…
EDITORIAL: It will take more than a vote
On June 15, at the Southern Baptist Convention, the Great Commission Resurgence task force recommendations will be presented for adoption. Arguments have been championed from all quarters and conflicting eruptions of fiery rhetoric have polluted the blogisphere with dire warnings….
After 69 years, Bluefield College will return to the gridiron
BLUEFIELD, Va. — Bluefield College announced June 4 it is establishing a new football program at the school for the first time since World War II. The announcement, made in front of alumni, friends, supporters, the media and local and state…
Clarification
In the April 29 issue of the Religious Herald, an advertisement for the Safety Sentry trailer hitch locking device cited a new state law which the advertiser said requires locking devices on trailers to prevent accidental separation. According to the…
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…
Missouri church shares Christ via Castrol with oil-change ministry
Seth Rewerts (left), Kevin Rewerts and Patrick Hamilton take a look under the hood before changing a car's oil and filter and checking its tires. The three men were among 25 volunteers who assisted with the latest oil-change-ministry event offered…
Medical-experimentation allegations spur new calls for torture inquest
WASHINGTON (ABP) — New allegations that physicians working for the United States government engaged in medical experimentation on terrorism suspects have led a group of religious leaders to, once again, demand that President Obama convene a high-profile panel to investigate…
American Baptist leader says Gaza flotilla reveals need for Mideast peace
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABP) — The head of American Baptist Churches USA said a deadly confrontation between Israel's military and a flotilla seeking to break the Gaza embargo May 31 highlights the need for a just and peaceful resolution of…
Conn. school board won’t appeal ban on graduations in church building
ENFIELD, Conn. (ABP) — A Connecticut school board has decided not to appeal a federal judge's ruling that holding high-school graduation ceremonies at a local church is unconstitutional. The Enfield Board of Education voted 5-4 on June 3 to reverse…
FAITH DIGEST
Judge allows clergy housing tax case to proceed. A federal judge has rejected a motion filed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to dismiss a California lawsuit that challenges tax breaks ministers can receive on housing. Section 107 of…
Seasons: Death in a minister’s family means transitions in ministry, identity
LUBBOCK, Texas (ABP) — The death of a minister — or the minister’s spouse — marks a difficult phase in the life of both the church and the pastor’s family. Wil Tanner, pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas,…
Seasons: church and founding pastor either grow together or somebody moves on
(ABP) — Whether the founding pastor of a church matures with the congregation or moves on once the new work is well established depends on a host of factors, according to three church-growth and church-planting experts. And either the initial…