One sees them occasionally. Abandoned church buildings in rural areas stand in mute witness of changing times. In urban areas, big brick structures, once crowded with eager worshipers, now house restaurants, community centers or even nightclubs. Sometimes churches die. Like…
Historical revisionism or accurate rendering?
WASHINGTON (RNS) — For centuries, Jesus has been a subject of choice for countless artists. But it’s fair to say that seldom has he been depicted quite like this. In artist Jon McNaughton’s “One Nation Under God,” Jesus stands front…
‘A time to be born, a time to die’ holds true for churches, some experts insist
Is a church’s death inevitable? Who can give congregations permission to die? Should church members feel guilty for closing their facility’s doors? Peter Bush, author of In Dying We are Born: The Challenge and the Hope for Congregations, believes every…
Churches’ contributions listed
A detailed summary of Cooperative Mission gifts given through the Baptist General Association of Virginia's treasurer's office from churches affiliated with the BGAV for the period Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2009 is available by clicking this link. Questions about the report…
New churches: The key to continued evangelism and growth
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. •…