CHICAGO (RNS) — Poetry is that unusual combination of words with the power to move, delight, nurture and transport readers beyond the here-and-now. It also can nourish our souls, according to the authors of a new book celebrating how poetry…
EDITORIAL: A time for thanks
Not long ago the on-air Today Show staff members were asked which holiday was their favorite. Each one said, “Thanksgiving.” Matt Lauer said it is “by far … by far” his favorite. I couldn't help but register some surprise and…
First Church, Coeburn, opens Hope Center to meet needs
First Baptist Church in Coeburn held the grand opening for its Hope Center on Oct. 27. The Hope Center Ministry began as a vision one year ago with a desire to utilize a large empty space in the church that…
SECOND OPINION: An association testimony
The year 2007 is the 300th anniversary of local Baptist associations in America; the founding of that first such association was in Philadelphia in 1707. These associations have spread throughout America and provide many opportunities for churches and individuals to…
IMB trustees define contextualization
RICHMOND (BP) — Making the gospel more accessible to the world's 6,500 unreached people groups is the goal of new guidelines adopted by trustees of the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board Nov. 6-7. Trustees outlined five “principles of contextualization”…
Return to Mount Hermon
On a magnificent fall Sabbath earlier this year, William E. Hatcher enjoyed a return to Mount Hermon Baptist Church in his native Bedford County. The occasion was the church's 220th anniversary. The church was packed with members, former members and…
Church building ministry at work in 45 countries
HAMPTON — Dois Rosser claims that his story is not a testimony of what one man can do for Christ. Rather, he says it is a testimony of what God can do with one man. Dois Rosser isn't a preacher….
FAITHSHAPERS: Pitfalls of punishment (1)
Punishment is a touchy topic, isn't it? When I was young, schoolteachers could take a child in the hall and paddle them. I still remember, quite vividly, our assistant principal visiting the class to let us see his large, carefully…
European indigenous mission project expands to 24 countries
WASHINGTON (BWA) — The European Baptist Federation, with the generous help of mission partners, has developed a mission project to facilitate evangelism and the planting of new Baptist churches in Europe and the Middle East. The Indigenous Mission Project, one…
Correction
In the Nov. 19 ABP story “Critics: Doctrinal standard leaves evangelical society ‘exposed',” please change the 23rd paragraph to the following: “So far, Beckwith, who is no longer a member of the society, has not commented publicly on the proposed…
California Baptists adopt budget, reject bill related to Baptist Faith and Message
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (ABP) — Messengers to the California Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting Nov. 13-14 adopted an $11.6 million budget, turned down a constitutional amendment related to the Baptist Faith and Message and re-elected the body's president. “Connecting to…
Opinion: Getting past reaction in shaping the Baptist future
One of the enduring tendencies in human life is reaction. Unhappy with the prevailing tendencies of a person or group we oppose, especially in situations of sharp conflict, we swing sharply in the other direction. Oftentimes when we do so…