(ABP) — I'm one of the few leaders in Baptist life with the freedom to talk openly and honestly about the complex theological, moral, pastoral, and public policy issues raised by homosexuality without destroying myself professionally. Because I hold a…
Church plant models peace in Brooklyn neighborhood
NEW YORK (ABP) — In 1991, Crown Heights became infamous. The death of a young African-American child, who was hit by a car driven by a Jewish man, sparked three days of race riots in the Brooklyn neighborhood that made…
ABC gives $100K grant to CBF Katrina relief
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABP) — National Ministries of the American Baptist Churches USA has given a $100,000 grant to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship to continue building houses for those displaced 2 ½ years ago by Hurricane Katrina. CBF has been…
Imprisoned Baptist pastor released in Azerbaijan
BAKU, Azerbaijan (ABP) — An Azerbaijani Baptist pastor imprisoned on what his supporters have called trumped-up charges has been released, according to the Baptist World Alliance. Zaur Balaev was freed from a prison in Baku, the former Soviet republic's capital,…
New Baptist Covenant leaders OK repeat but no permanent structure
ATLANTA (ABP) — Organizers of the recent New Baptist Covenant celebration are recommending a repeat of the historic pan-Baptist event in 2011 but not a new denomination or other permanent organization. The event drew an estimated 15,000 Baptists from across…
Churches, with gas ‘buy-downs,’ ease neighbors’ pain at pumps
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP) – When it comes to ministry in Jesus' name, relieving “oppression” takes many forms — including the oppression of today's gasoline prices. As gas prices hit record levels across the country, a growing number of churches are…
Prophetic preaching breaks down barriers, builds up God’s kingdom
Edit Caption Here ATLANTA-Breaking down barriers, healing the hurting, challenging Christians to transcend categories of "us and them" and announcing the coming kingdom of God are just a few of the roles prophetic preachers must fill, according to speakers at…
Prophetic preaching breaks down barriers, builds up God’s kingdom
Edit Caption Here ATLANTA-Breaking down barriers, healing the hurting, challenging Christians to transcend categories of "us and them" and announcing the coming kingdom of God are just a few of the roles prophetic preachers must fill, according to speakers at…
Testing on Tuesday Morning
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Opinion: Are we there yet?
If you've ever traveled with children, you will inevitably hear these four words. When my children ask, “Are we there yet?” I usually try to give a response vague enough to distract them so that won't repeat the question. Of…
Fantasy: Where do Hobbits and Hebrews intersect?
(ABP) — Evangelical Christians have long struggled with literature and films espousing a view of reality that confronts the values of their Christian lives. In general, if a book or movie challenges what are generally perceived as Christian values or…
Fantasy: Should Christians use violent video games to lure teens to church?
(ABP) — What do warthogs, pelicans, energy swords and Spartan lasers have in common? And how do they relate to John 1:17? They're all part of a video game called Halo 3, the top-selling video game of 2007 that pre-sold…