MINNEAPOLIS (ABP) — Delegates to the national assembly of America’s largest Lutheran denomination voted by a wide margin Aug. 21 to open the door to allowing clergy in committed same-sex relationships to serve openly. The vote came just two days…
Baptist schools ranked in U.S. News and World Report
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP)–Forty-two member institutions of the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities have been listed in the 2009 rankings of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report and Forbes.com. U.S. News and World Report, which began…
Former pastor, sons charged with Ponzi scheme
SULLIVAN, Ind. (ABP) — A former preacher and his three sons are behind bars and charged with stealing millions of dollars from Christians led to believe their investments were being used to build churches. Vaughn Reeves, 65, and sons Chip,…
SECOND OPINION: The SBC’s membership in 2050: A, B, C or none of above?
If you have been reading Baptist news the past few weeks, then you may know the answer to the following question, but just for fun, let’s make it multiple choice: In A.D. 2050, the membership of the Southern Baptist Convention…
FAITHSHAPERS: Making good choices
In my last article I gave some examples regarding efforts to teach positive behaviors to children. We can’t focus all of our energy on preventing “bad” behavior and forget to nurture the good. Have you thought about the things you…
SECOND OPINION: Churches can connect with schools
Whispers carry across the lawn. Dewy footprints record the tracks of a group of teenagers walking quickly across the freshly-mown grass. Guitars strapped across shoulders and song sheets in hands give evidence of praise to come. Teachers, administrators, coaches, lay…
Muslims press public schools on observing Islamic holidays
Calculus and chemistry are among the pressures awaiting Mesuka Akter, a senior this year at Long Island City High School in New York City. But unlike past school years, Akter, a Muslim, will not have to choose between missing school…
Initiative seeks to link one church, one school
Scarce funding for public education may offer churches an opportunity to work more closely with public schools in their neighborhood. That’s the assessment of Diane Smith, children’s ministry specialist at the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, who is developing a ministry…
Blessing schools
Some Christians may have written off public education, but others are discovering innovative ways to develop meaningful relationships with public schools. Over the last decade, the Exodus Mandate captured the attention of some evangelicals with its call to “leave government…
EDITORIAL: Another sad time for NAMB
It is a sad time in the history of the North American Mission Board. I should say it’s another sad time. Following the forced resignation of Bob Reccord as NAMB president in 2006, the organization needed someone to bring all…
HERITAGE: ‘Our Family’
Uncle Vivian was our family’s historian. He was my great-grandfather’s half-brother. As a boy, I heard him say that “our family” escaped persecution in England and lived for awhile in Amsterdam. He was referring to the branch of our family…
OUT LOUD
“I have been defending religious freedom for 22 years and I’ve never had to defend somebody who has been charged criminally with praying.” MATTHEW STAVER The founder of Liberty Counsel was referring to his defense of a Florida public school…