It’s the tiniest gift shop in Virginia; but it also is likely the only store in Virginia which has no overhead, no payroll and clears 100 percent of its sales as pure profit. And it certainly is the only store…
VITAL SIGNS: Seven things church members wish their ministers knew, but are afraid to tell them
After I shared with a group of laity what clergy are thinking, in the interest of fairness I asked them what they wish their ministers knew, but that they are afraid to share with them out of respect or fear…
OUT LOUD
“Saying this year’s increase in baptisms is good news is like bragging your state moved from the 47th to 46th state in educational achievement. It’s better, but it’s not time for a parade.” Ed Stetzer The Southern Baptist researcher was…
PENTECOST REFLECTION: A commitment to universal mission
The story of the first Pentecost reminds us of the universality of the church’s mission. Churches everywhere are called to participate in God’s mission to the whole of creation. This includes the obligation to proclaim, in word and deed, the…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: A painful lesson learned again
I think what Elmer Towns of Liberty University is trying to say [“Situational ethics at Liberty seminary?”, Herald, May 13] when he downplays Ergun Caner’s exaggerations, misrepresentations, conflicting stories and downright lies is “the end justifies the means” — an…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: Welcome being branded offensive
Donald Luzzatto’s editorial [“Governor’s decision risks state intrusion into religion,” Herald, May 13] asserts we are no longer a Christian nation. Most Americans have always believed we live in a Judaic-Christian nation. In a 2008 poll, about 85 percent of…
Book draws on music of U2 to call for Christian unity
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — A new book written by a Baptist professor applies theological themes found in the music of the Irish rock band U2 to the quest for Christian unity. In Ecumenism Means You Too — pun intended —…
In new book, Baptist prof draws on U2’s music to call for Christian unity
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — A new book written by a Baptist professor applies theological themes found in the music of the Irish rock band U2 to the quest for Christian unity. Steven Harmon In Ecumenism Means You Too — pun…
Book draws on music of U2 to call for Christian unity
No caption submitted BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — A new book written by a Baptist professor applies theological themes found in the music of the Irish rock band U2 to the quest for Christian unity. In Ecumenism Means You Too —…
Texas board gives final approval to controversial textbook standards
AUSTIN, Texas (ABP) — Despite vocal protests, the Texas State Board of Education voted May 21 to approve social-studies-curriculum standards that urge high-school students to examine church-state separation critically — a move that may affect textbooks nationwide. A motion to…
Former pastor, NAMB trustee, accused of fleecing flock
ST. LOUIS (ABP) — A former Southern Baptist pastor in Missouri has been indicted on charges of using his position to defraud church members into loaning him money that he did not repay. Danny O'Guin According to St. Louis media,…
Church should be place of acceptance for people with special needs
As of the 2000 census, 54 million Americans had a legally defined disability, about one in five. WASHINGTON (ABP) — People with disabilities don’t want churches that just “welcome” them, but rather congregations that value them and include them in…