LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — One Southern Baptist leader said Glenn Beck's advice to leave churches that preach "social justice" was stated poorly but basically on target, while another said the statement was so broad that it would include asking people…
SBC leaders criticize Beck’s choice of words, but say he has a point
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — One Southern Baptist leader said broadcaster Glenn Beck's advice to his listeners to leave churches that preach "social justice" was stated poorly but basically on target, while another said the statement was so broad that it…
VITAL SIGNS: Pruning lessons
’Tis the season to be about pruning. As an avid gardener with multiple fruit trees in my yard, I find myself thinking a great deal about pruning this time of year. Gardeners know that each type of fruit tree requires…
EDITORIAL: If your church is all about social justice, you’re half right
I’m all about the U.S. Constitution. Next to the Bible, it may be my favorite document. I support and defend the rights of individuals to speak even if everything inside me is shouting, “Shut up!” Like when a thoughtless person…
Airlee Court grapples with its future
ROANOKE, Va. — By a vote of 30 to 5, Airlee Court Baptist Church in Roanoke voted on Sunday morning, March 14, not to give itself to Journey Church, a growing Baptist fellowship in the area. “We would have had to…
Focus is on starting congregations at annual meeting of CBF of Virginia
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.– Church planting was a hot topic a the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia’s annual gathering, held March 11-12 at First Baptist Church in Virginia Beach. Emergent church guru Brian McLauren, featured in a live Skype dialogue at…
Glencarlyn Road church has new life as Columbia’s multi-site location
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — For more than a half-century, Glencarlyn Road Baptist Church had ministered to its Bailey’s Crossroads community in Northern Virginia when the congregation’s dwindling numbers and resources convinced it to take a radical step. Discerning through prayer that…
A focus on transformation: VT campus ministry offers message in creative ways
BLACKSBURG, Va. — Across the months of January and February, student leaders from Baptist Collegiate Ministries at Virginia Tech utilized the arts, interactive experiences and children’s stickers to engage their peers with the message of the transforming power of Christ. …
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Anna Miller, to Westhunt Church, Richmond, as pastor. • Seth Horrell, to North Riverside Church, Newport News, as pastor. • Larry Soblotne, to Faith Church, Hamptn, as pastor. • Edward Creel, pastor; Greg Soult, minister to youth…
In Alabama, football coach has more Facebook fans than God does
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (RNS) — University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban may not be bigger than God in Alabama, but he has more fans on Facebook. Saban edged out the Almighty to claim the top spot in a ranking of…
Trinity? There’s an app for that.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Nils Smith recognizes he has an unusual title — pastor for college and online community ministry. But he suspects he may be one of the first of a new breed of ministers. Smith was serving on…
Author worries online communities are hurting genuine relationships
PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) — When it comes to Facebook, Jesse Rice sees an immensely popular social networking site that’s great for sharing photos and keeping in touch with friends. He also sees something that encourages attitudes and behaviors that don’t…