Three institutions with Baptist ties have announced new leadership appointments. Baptist ethicist David Gushee will head up a new effort by Mercer University in Macon, Ga., to foster what the school calls “theologically based discussions on current issues and controversies.”…
EDITORIAL: Situational ethics at Liberty seminary?
I grant you, details of our births are hard for most of us to remember. In my case, the specifics have escaped me — and it’s not just because it happened so long ago. Even so, I have never been…
Book says white churches can learn from blacks
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABP) — After resigning abruptly in 1992 from one of the largest and influential churches in the nation, First Baptist Church in Dallas, and going through a divorce within two years, Joel Gregory's ministry appeared to be…
Some pastors still living in tents as quake-rocked Chile’s winter nears
NIPAS, Chile (ABP) — More than two months after a massive earthquake rocked Chile, rains have begun and winter soon will arrive, leaving a group of Baptist pastors bracing for the cold in small tents that have become their impromptu…
Land, other conservative evangelicals urge comprehensive immigration fix
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A group of conservative evangelicals is endorsing immigration reform that secures America's borders and provides a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 12 million people living in the United States illegally. Religious leaders including Samuel Rodriguez of…
Virginia’s first Mission Madness brings teens to Richmond
RICHMOND, Va. — Weekend events typically draw large crowds. A marathon, craft show, concerts and baseball games attracted the attention of many in Richmond on the weekend of April 10. But a crowd of over 325 people, most of them…
OUT LOUD
“So pray for the Gulf Coast, that the oil wouldn’t devastate a people and a land already devastated by so much. As you do, remember: real conservatives protect what God loves.” Russell Moore The dean of the School of Theology…
VITAL SIGNS: Seven things your pastor wishes you knew, but is afraid to tell you
The transition out of local church pastoral and staff ministry after 33 years on the job is proving to be a provocative, illuminating and sobering experience. Sitting on the receiving side of the pulpit is a very different way to…
OPINION: Can one painting tempt us to idolatry?
In the April 15th issue of the Religious Herald a reproduction of a painting appeared [“Artist paints Jesus at center of American history, public life”]. In this article I want to raise some cautions about this picture. The reason I…
HERITAGE: Peace-bearer extraordinaire
Jim Massey personifies peace-bearing. In his quiet, calm, soothing manner, he has given peace the first hearing in every situation. He tackled thorny issues while helping many a church find peace in its congregational life and in its relations with…
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Woody Jenkins, to Elk Creek Church, Mineral, as pastor. • David C. Cromer, to Corrottoman Church, Lancaster, as pastor. • John Mann, to Concord Church, Chase City, as pastor. • Carey Snellings, to Hunting Creek Church, Big…
Conservative evangelicals call for immigration reform
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A group of conservative evangelicals is endorsing immigration reform that secures America's borders and provides a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 12 million people living in the United States illegally. Religious leaders including Samuel Rodriguez of…