DALLAS (ABP) — Churches that aren’t cutting their budgets due to the economic downturn are, by and large, taking measures to curb expenses, according to a survey the National Association of Church Business Administration has done of its members. The…
Ministers often need help caring for their own mental health
While congregations often view their pastors as strong, stable shepherds, many members of the clergy experience a large disconnect between the image they project and the mental and emotional battles to which they are subject. “I have never met a…
John Leland center to offer leadership degree
Beginning in the fall, Leland Center for Theological Studies will offer a master of arts degree in Christian leadership (MACL). Mark Olson According to Leland’s president, Mark Olson, the new degree will focus on the particular leadership issues facing church…
RIGHT or WRONG: Racism or sexism — Which is the more virulent “ism” in our society and churches?
A key word in the question is “virulent.” According to Webster’s Dictionary, “virulent” carries the impact of being actively poisonous, noxious, highly infective, intensely bitter, spiteful and malicious. To deny a person the right to participate in the fullness of…
Through a glass darkly: Churches struggle to know how to respond to people with mental illness
Living with depression — or any other form of mental illness — is like viewing life “through a glass darkly,” according to Jessy Grondin, a student in Vanderbilt University’s Divinity School. “It distorts how you see things.” Like one in…
Gift of $2 million to fund new chapel on Central Seminary campus
SHAWNEE, Kan. (ABP) — Central Baptist Theological Seminary will be able to build a chapel on its new Shawnee, Kan., campus thanks to a $2 million gift from a prominent Baptist family foundation. The John and Eula Mae Baugh Foundation…
Widow of slain pastor says she isn’t angry at accused killer
MARYVILLE, Ill. (ABP) — The widow of slain Baptist pastor Fred Winters says she harbors no anger toward her husband's alleged murderer. "I do not have any hatred or even hard feelings toward him," Cindy Winters said March 16 on…
Church gathers week after pastor slain
MARYVILLE, Ill. (ABP) — One of a select fraternity of pastors who has experienced a church shooting consoled and challenged an Illinois Baptist congregation one week after its popular pastor was fatally shot while preaching his Sunday sermon. "You are…
Church gathers for worship week after pastor slain
MARYVILLE, Ill. (ABP) — One of a select fraternity of pastors who has experienced a church shooting consoled and challenged an Illinois Baptist congregation one week after its popular pastor was fatally shot while preaching his Sunday sermon. "You are…
Slain Baptist pastor hailed as hero, martyr
MARYVILLE, Ill. (ABP) — A fellow pastor and former church member hailed slain Baptist preacher Fred Winters as a "hero and a martyr" at a memorial service at First Baptist Church of Maryville, Ill., March 13. "I believe with all…
Slain Baptist pastor hailed as hero, martyr
A hearse carries the body of Fred Winters from First Baptist Church in Maryville, Ill., where he was pastor for 22 years. MARYVILLE, Ill. (ABP) — A fellow pastor and former church member hailed slain Baptist preacher Fred Winters as…
Freeman: For women, proper question not ‘ordination,’ but ‘calling’
MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. (ABP) — Asking whether women should be ordained to the ministry is the wrong question, according to Baptist professor Curtis Freeman. “The question is, ‘Who is being gifted in the church?’” said Freeman, research professor of theology…