A few weeks ago, I was reminded in a news article that Judge Paul Pressler had actually said, at the beginning of the Southern Baptist controversy, that his side must “go for the jugular.” This is an image of slaying…
News about Virginia Baptists and their ministries for April 17, 2008
STAFF CHANGES • Ben Thomas, to Bethany Church, Woodford, as full-time pastor. • Eric Kieselbach, to Kearfott Memorial Church, Martinsville, as pastor. • James N. Kim, to New Life International Church, as pastor. This is a new mission congregation meeting…
Standing fast in liberty
In the days when they called themselves “colored,” the African-American Baptists of Southside Virginia decided that they needed to organize a new district association. Hasadiah Baptist Association was so large that it covered 200 miles across 21 counties and included…
EDITORIAL: In crisis mode
I'm not crazy about the smell of burning wires. Especially at 30,000 feet. Recently on a flight segment from St. Louis to Cincinnati the distinctive odor of burning wires assaulted my olfactory senses. Wanting to believe it was my imagination…
Texas Baptist board report recommends budget cuts
DALLAS (ABP) — According to a Baptist General Convention of Texas report, the group's anticipated 2008 income falls $5.3 million short of budget, requiring cutbacks in spending and staffing for the second time in as many years. The report calls…
Missouri convention to appeal ruling in suit against agency
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (ABP) — The Missouri Baptist Convention has filed notice that it will appeal a judge’s ruling in its case against a formerly affiliated institution. In a related ruling, Cole County Circuit Court Judge Richard Callahan on April…
Churches often borrow from business world
(ABP) — Churches can learn from the business — for better or for worse. Some best practices in the corporate world translate well to the nonprofit sector, including churches, experts insist. And at the same time, churches can benefit by…
Best church, business leaders have some similar qualities
(ABP) — The same leadership skills that make many of the best business leaders successful also can enable church leaders to fulfill their potential, some Christian business experts note. “In both worlds, … leaders go first. Leaders set the culture,”…
Samford scholarship program targets ministers-in-training
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (ABP) — In what may be the first program of its kind, an Alabama Baptist school is targeting future ministers with undergraduate scholarships. Samford University has created a pre-ministerial scholars program aimed at students who are called to…
Baptist clergy launch organization to minister to Caribbean ‘diaspora’
NEW YORK (ABP) — With a worship service March 30, a group of ministers officially launched a Baptist fellowship to minster to the Caribbean “diaspora” in English-speaking countries. Caribbean Diaspora Baptist Clergy Association kicked off its life with a “celebrative…
Opinion: Is Jesus really our Lord?
(ABP) — The New Testament declares that Jesus Christ is Lord, that followers of Christ are those who live under his lordship now, and that one day Jesus will be acknowledged by all as Lord: “Therefore God exalted him to…
BTSR budget shortfall leads to faculty lay-offs
RICHMOND, Va. (ABP) – Faced with “worrisome” financial challenges, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond will downsize its faculty and staff, the school's president announced April 8. Four full-time professors and at least three administrative staff members will be let go…