(ABP)—Social-networking sites like Facebook and MySpace are redefining the way many Americans build and maintain relationships—and also how their churches communicate. In the last few years, relating to social contacts through such sites has become practically ubiquitous among the under-30…
EDITORIAL: SBC continues its snub of the BGAV
Since some of the more conservative among us withdrew from the Baptist General Association of Virginia in 1996, the BGAV has given to the Southern Baptist Convention through designated and undesignated gifts more than $85 million. Yet, in that length…
Young CBFers, responding to Sherman, call for end to bitter anti-SBC rhetoric
ATLANTA (ABP)—In response to controversial comments at the recent Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly, a group of younger CBF supporters has called for an end to “old rhetoric” and for renewed attention to the world's needs. Seven leaders issued an…
Reaching for a star
In May this columnist was a guest speaker at Manly Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington. The announced topic was on examples of loyalty from within the history of the congregation. While his mouth was speaking, his eyes were scanning the…
Obama signals support for faith-based programs
ZANESVILLE, Ohio (ABP)—Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama vowed July 1 to carry on the best parts—and dump the worst—of President Bush's so-called “faith-based initiative.” “I still believe it's a good idea to have a partnership between the White House…
SECOND OPINION: Who’s in, who’s out—and who decides?
BodyZenSoul Salon is located beside the ZED Café near Francos in the conservative Richmond neighborhood of Lakeside. I doubt that full blown Buddhism is practiced there, but eastern vibes are unmistakable. Just down the street is Divine Magic, complete with…
Power comes to Tappahannock
As Virginia Baptist youth leader across the state are gearing up for the annual YouthEnCounter, to be held July 31-Aug. 1 in Richmond, some are looking at last spring's Regional Youth EnCounter as a model for additional youth resources. Over…
OUT LOUD
“I looked on the church paper as a voice to influence the church rather than just a mouthpiece reflecting what was happening in it. It needs to be a trumpet giving a good sound and having a powerful influence.” Kenneth…
News about Virginia Baptists and their ministries for July 10, 2008
STAFF CHANGES • Ray Farrow, to Mine Road Church, Spotsylvania, as pastor. • Eric Pelter, to Mount Hermon Church, Mineral, as pastor. • Paul Beith, to Pioneer Church, Richmond, as pastor. • Dax Bostic, to Corinth Church, Council, as pastor….
What changes in the SBC?
There are few conventions like a Southern Baptist Convention. Many things are voted on, but our nonbinding resolutions will not enslave its members. Not all of our Christian friends can make that claim. Our new president stated that “radical change”…
Baptist student missionary killed in Peru bus accident
ST. LOUIS (ABP) — Southern Baptist student missionary Gregory Gomez IV died July 5 in a bus crash in Peru. The 22-year-old Gomez was serving as a short-term field worker with the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board. According to…
Helms, ultra-conservative icon, steeped in moderate Baptist life
RALEIGH, N.C. (ABP) — Jesse Helms, the Baptist former senator who battled communist oppression but backed right-wing dictators and opposed abortion while appealing to racist sentiment, was a polarizing figure who was lionized by some conservatives and vilified by many…