According to Chris Backert, emerging church strategist with the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, no greater need exists in the body of Christ today than effective church planting. “Over the last decade a wide variety of church commentators, Christian authors, and…
VITAL SIGNS: Facing the raging blizzard
Why a regular column about healthy churches and healthy ministers? Some would argue that such a thing doesn’t exist. For far too many clergy and laity alike, healthy is not the word they use to describe their life in a…
Life & Faith Tour plans to ‘give back’
In its debut year, the Life & Faith Tour, a Christian festival, will kick off in a big way in three cities this summer: Richmond (June 19), Rockingham, NC (July 10) and Atlanta (July 24). The diverse line-up for the…
Lakewood Manor helps fight H1N1 virus
RICHMOND — Lakewood Manor has given doses of the H1N1 vaccine to members of two Baptist churches in Richmond. After those organizations who serve people in high risk categories were able to access the vaccine, health organizations like Lakewood were…
Va. Baptist Foundation awards grant
RICHMOND — The Virginia Baptist Foundation has awarded a $1,500 grant to the Shiloh Baptist Association to replace the association’s disaster response trailer. The trailer, purchased in 2005, has been a valuable tool for the association, a fellowship of about…
‘Buckets of Hope’ to aid Haiti victims
RICHMOND — Many Virginia Baptist churches are filling buckets with food this month to assist victims of Haiti’s Jan. 12 earthquake. “Buckets of Hope” is a nationwide emphasis of the Southern Baptist Convention to provide food for Haitians. “Individuals, families,…
Baptist Extension Board expands loan policy to assist struggling churches
RICHMOND — Virginia Baptist churches which are struggling with financial shortfalls may once more find some relief as a result of a new policy adopted in February by the Baptist Extension Board. The Extension Board has made an additional $100,000…
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Kevin Kelly, now serving as pastor of River Shore Church, Portsmouth. • Randal Walton, to Amherst Church, Amherst, as interim pastor. • Jimmie Miles, to Mount Vernon Church, Glen Allen, as consultant for discipleship and education. •…
Chowan University hosts ‘SeniorFest’; BGAV’s Upton is featured speaker
MURFREESBORO, N.C. — Chowan University will host its fourth annual SeniorFest March 25 with special guest speakers, live music, informative breakout sessions, a buffet lunch and door prizes. This year, the popular senior adult-oriented event hosted by the Baptist-affiliated school…
ASK THE ARCHITECT: Build now!
Oh my goodness! Nine months ago we covered this urgent topic when the Religious Herald published a feature story emphasizing the unprecedented reasons why a church should build now! Well, if we thought June 2009 was appropriate for such a…
At Carter’s church, former president’s Sunday school class still a draw
PLAINS, Ga. (RNS) — With its aging storefronts and small train depot, its graceful pecan trees and clipped fields of peanuts, cottons and hay, peace still seems possible in this tiny town. And nowhere is that peace protected more fiercely…
OUT LOUD
“God is in charge. There are some people who say, ‘Oh, you know, Pawlenty, don’t bring that up. You know, it’s politically incorrect.’ Hogwash.” Gov. Tim Pawlenty The Republican governor of Minnesota, a possible presidential candidate in 2012, was speaking…