No one ever promised vocational ministry would be easy, said Michael Godfrey, executive director of True Course Ministries. That's why he knew his mentoring program for clergy would meet an immediate need. Godfrey's 32 years experience in Christian ministry revealed…
O’Brien to head Carson-Newman
Veteran Baylor University professor and administrator Randall O'Brien has been named president of Baptist-affiliated Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn. Trustees elected him July 8. O'Brien will assume full-time duties Jan. 1, 2009, after a transitional period that begins in…
Wounded ‘soldier of the cross’ scarred by Christian service
BARTLESVILLE, Okla. — After 18 years serving in hot spots around the globe, Kevin Turner finally was wounded in the line of duty — not physically, but emotionally and spiritually. As president of Strategic World Impact and an ordained Baptist…
News about Virginia Baptists and their ministries for July 24, 2008
STAFF CHANGES • Lynn Hardaway, to Temple Church, Newport News, as pastor. • Jane Tucker Lyon, to Antioch Church, Red Oak, as pastor. • Allen Bonnell, concluding his pastorate at Clintwood Church, Clintwood. • Stephen Renalds, to First Church, Elkton,…
Separate identity key to softening hurt for ministers’ spouses
“What are we going to do?” the young pastor's wife drew her infant closer. The baby was only a week old when some members of the church the couple served suggested the young man resign or they would lead the…
Get the log out of your own eye first
In reference to those who felt the need to write an open letter chastising Dr. [Cecil] Sherman for his remarks at the CBF General Assembly, I would like to remind each of the letter's signers that Dr. Sherman has never…
FIRST HAND: How a pastor lost his soul
I lost my soul. Not my salvation mind you, just my soul. Some may say that is unbiblical. I will not argue with them. I have been known to be wrong. Still, I will stick by my statement, because it…
RIGHT OR WRONG?
In Baptist churches, we deeply believe in the priesthood of the believer, which also leads us to congregational decision-making. Each believer has the privilege and responsibility to seek God's direction and make decisions together accordingly. We do this when we…
Obama, McCain’s first joint appearance set for Saddleback
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (ABP) — Barack Obama and John McCain will make their first joint 2008 campaign appearance to an audience of Christian activists at a Southern Baptist church. The two have agreed to participate in a "compassion forum" at…
New ABP website uses collaboration to offer more resources, interaction
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP) –The newly redesigned Associated Baptist Press website (www.baptistnews.com) offers expanded resources and reader interaction, but the real change is the way ABP and its three Baptist media partners are collaborating to produce the site, according to Executive…
Groups ask federal appeals court to halt Kentucky’s funding of Baptist agency
CINCINNATI (ABP) — Two civil-liberties groups are asking a federal appeals court to stop state funding for a Kentucky Baptist agency, saying the agency uses the money to promote its religious beliefs to the detriment of employees and children. On…
Early retirement likely for embattled Nashville pastor
NASHVILLE (ABP) — Prominent Southern Baptist pastor Jerry Sutton likely will retire early from Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville, following a year-long period of turmoil within his congregation. In an e-mail to church members, John Levesque, chair of Two…