WASHINGTON (ABP) — An independent, non-partisan federal panel's failure to issue a recommendation to the State Department about Iraq is reportedly due to political division. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom released its annual report and recommendations May…
Nashville megachurch fails to oust dissident members
The 71 members are plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed against church leaders last year alleging improper spending practices and seeking access to financial records. The ouster attempt was proposed by embattled pastor Jerry Sutton and the deacon chair, Carlos Cobos….
Nashville megachurch fails to oust dissident members
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — A May 4 vote to oust 71 dissident members of Nashville, Tenn., megachurch Two Rivers Baptist Church failed by four votes — less than half a percent. The 71 members are plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed…
Christ identifies with poor, Vestal tells Baylor students
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…
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…
Most Americans believe sin exists; they just can’t agree which acts are sinful
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The vast majority of Americans believe sin exists, but they differ on which behaviors are sinful, according to a new survey by Ellison Research. The Phoenix-based marketing research company found 87 percent of Americans believe in the…