WACO, Texas (ABP) — God identifies with the poor and the powerless, and Christians encounter Christ when they serve the weakest of the world's citizens, Daniel Vestal recently told a group of social-work students at Baylor University. “Concern for the…
Crowded SBC presidential field grows by 2: Avery Willis, Johnny Hunt
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (ABP) — A crowded field of hopefuls for the Southern Baptist Convention presidency appears to be developing, with two high-profile candidates set to join three already-announced nominees. Retired SBC International Mission Board executive Avery Willis and Atlanta-area pastor…
Half of SBC churches could die before 2030, president predicts
CARY, N.C. (ABP) — The Southern Baptist Convention is rapidly dying, and resistance to change could kill over half of the denomination's churches by 2030, the outgoing SBC president said May 1. Unless something is done to reverse the downward…
Half of SBC churches could die before 2030, president predicts
CARY, N.C. (ABP) — The Southern Baptist Convention is rapidly dying, and resistance to change could kill over half of the denomination's churches by 2030, the outgoing SBC president said May 1. Unless something is done to reverse the downward…
Upcoming ‘Manifesto’ rebukes evangelicals for becoming pawns
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Several prominent conservative Christian leaders, in a joint statement to be unveiled May 7, are rebuking their fellow American evangelicals for allowing secular politics to co-opt their faith. “An Evangelical Manifesto,” set to be released at a…
Grassley targets ministries’ alleged abuse of tax laws
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Sen. Chuck Grassley insists he’s not trying to impose his Baptist theology on Pentecostal and Charismatic ministries; he simply wants them to obey the tax laws. The Iowa Republican has drawn fire for using his position as…
Key evangelical leaders endorse reconciliation
WASHINGTON (RNS) — Several prominent evangelical leaders have endorsed a “Reconciliation Referendum” that says Sen. Barack Obama's recent address on race did not go far enough and pushes church leaders to speak up more about the need to address racism….
Texas church, mired in controversy over gays in directory, loses pastor
FORT WORTH, Texas (ABP) — Brett Younger, pastor of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, survived a vote to fire him last month but is leaving the church anyway — to become associate professor of preaching at Mercer University's…
RIGHT OR WRONG
We just don't hear about the Ten Commandments anymore. They carry the essence of the law of our land and guidelines for all of life. I'm embarrassed that our preachers apparently aren't preaching the Ten Commandments. Lots of morality issues…
N.C. college receives donation of 1686 Luther Bible translation
MARS HILL, N.C. (ABP) — Across the centuries, across the ocean, through bombings and world wars, a sacred bit of history has emerged from the distant past to find a home at Mars Hill College. The North Carolina Baptist school…
Spirituality plays significant part in children’s happiness
TORONTO (RNS) — Spirituality contributes significantly to a child's overall happiness — even more so than for adults, according to a new study from the University of British Columbia. The study tested 315 children ages 9 to 12, measuring spirituality…
News about Virginia Baptists and their ministries for May 1, 2008
STAFF CHANGES • J. R. Dockum, to Hebron Church, Aylett, as pastor. • David Waters, to Sunset Hills Church, Wytheville, as pastor. • Dennis Green, to Powhatan Community Church, Powhatan, as executive pastor. • Bob Yevak, resigning as pastor of…