“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…
Artist paints Jesus at center of American history and public life
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…
EDITORIAL: Seeing through Kingdom eyes
In researching for this issue of the Religious Herald, I was impressed again with Virginia Baptists. Pastor Gregory Loewer was willing to sacrifice his career, if necessary, to lead his church to face a glorious end and to live again…
BGAV’s 2009 church gifts are listed
A detailed summary of Cooperative Mission gifts from churches affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia through the BGAV’s treasurer’s office for the period Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2009 is available by clicking this link. Questions about the report may…
HERITAGE: Return to Pamplin
Elon stands with twin white towers and columned portico shaded by giant trees. The interior looks like a jewel box with its beautiful stained-glass windows and gold carpeting. Last October the church celebrated its 150th anniversary and on the big…
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…
Congregational turnarounds depend on staff leadership, says Baucom
Jim Baucom, pastor of Columbia Baptist in Falls Church, has seen three congregations under his leadership experience renewal. “I think it should be said that growing a church to relevance and vitality from near-death is an extremely rare incidence that…
Baptist expert says Establishment Clause applies to foreign policy
WASHINGTON (ABP) — A Baptist church-state specialist voiced concern about a think-tank report urging a new direction for U.S. foreign policy focused on the role religion plays in world affairs. Writing for the On Faith blog WashingtonPost.com, Brent Walker, executive…
A Time to Die: Church plants and re-plants key to continued witness
RICHMOND, Va. (ABP) — 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. Chris Backert (VBMB photo) “Over the last decade a…
A Time to Die: Church renewal depends on leadership, Baucom says
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) — Jim Baucom, pastor of Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, Va., has helped lead three established congregations to renewal and growth. He says doing the same thing in other churches, while not easy, is possible…
Baptists pledge support for earthquake victims in Chile
ATLANTA (ABP) — As Baptists began to dig in for a long-term response to the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti, focus shifted Feb. 27 to another quake that killed hundreds and caused billions of dollars in property damage in Chile. …
Baptists pledge support for earthquake victims in Chile as death toll nears 700
ATLANTA (ABP) — As Baptists began to dig in for a long-term response to the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti, focus shifted Feb. 27 to another quake that killed hundreds and caused billions of dollars in property damage in Chile. …