If Baptists had bishops (and they don’t), the bishop of the Blackwater Baptist Association was Ira D. “Tuck” Hudgins. He filled the role of elder statesman, counselor and pulpit supply until his death on April 28 at age 91. Fred…
Officials deny report that BGCT holding up IMB funds
DALLAS (ABP) — Leaders said blogs accusing the Baptist General Convention of Texas of escrowing funds from the Lottie Moon Offering to improve its cash flow were erroneous and result of a record-keeping glitch. Officials at the Southern Baptist Convention Executive…
Leader says SBC not reaching younger pastors
WAKE FOREST, N.C. (ABP) — The lead author of a "Great Commission Resurgence" document circulating among Southern Baptist Convention leaders says a major overhaul of denominational structures must occur if the convention is going to engage younger pastors. Danny Akin,…
‘Great Commission Resurgence’ author says SBC needs overhaul
WAKE FOREST, N.C. (ABP) — The lead author of a “Great Commission Resurgence” document circulating among Southern Baptist Convention leaders says a major overhaul of denominational structures must occur if the convention is going to engage younger pastors. Danny Akin…
Charles Deweese retiring as history society head
ATLANTA (ABP) — Charles Deweese is retiring in October at age 65 after 10 years as executive director of the Baptist History and Heritage Society. Charles Deweese Deweese, who was treated for lymphoma in 2007 and 2008, said his health…
Former rising star preacher pleads guilty to molestation
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP) — An African-American preacher once popular in preaching circuits of the Southern Baptist Convention pleaded guilty May 21 to molesting a 15-year-old girl and sending lewd text messages to another at his former church. Darrell Gilyard, former…
Poll says Americans moving rightward on social issues
PRINCETON, N.J. (ABP) — A week after releasing a poll for the first time showing a majority of Americans describe themselves as pro-life, the Gallup Organization reported new numbers showing public opinion moving to the right on a number of…
Oklahoma governor signs Ten Commandments bill
OKLAHOMA CITY (ABP) — Oklahoma's Democratic governor ignored pleas of fellow Baptists to veto a measure authorizing erection of a Ten Commandments monument on the state Capitol grounds. Gov. Brad Henry signed HB1330 without comment May 18, clearing the way…
Oklahoma governor signs Ten Commandments bill
OKLAHOMA CITY (ABP) — Oklahoma's Democratic governor ignored pleas of fellow Baptists to veto a measure authorizing erection of a Ten Commandments monument on the state Capitol grounds. Gov. Brad Henry is a member of First Baptist Church in Shawnee,…
Baptists minister to war victims in Sri Lanka
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Sri Lanka's government has declared victory in its 26-year civil war, but a resulting humanitarian crisis is far from over. Leaders of Sri Lankan Baptist Sangamaya (Union) handed out water, milk, footwear and other supplies to about…
Former SBC president embraces message of creation care
DULUTH, Ga. (ABP) — A former president of the Southern Baptist Convention confessed to a group of Christian environmentalists that he is a recent convert to the concept of creation care. "We ought to motivate every follower of Christ in…
Former SBC president embraces message of creation care
DULUTH, Ga. (ABP) — A former president of the Southern Baptist Convention confessed to a group of Christian environmentalists that he is a recent convert to the concept of creation care. "We ought to motivate every follower of Christ in…