Fork Union exceeds goal. Fork Union Military Academy completed its largest fundraiser in history 18 months earlier than expected and has exceeded its $29 million goal by more than $2.3 million. A surprise challenge by an anonymous donor helped push…
A man’s world
Jesus had four named brothers (James, Joses, Simon and Judas) and unnamed sisters. Were these siblings among Jesus' followers? John 7:5 says, “For even his brothers did not believe in him.” Apparently what his sisters believed didn't matter. Also, what…
California pastor, seminary president to join SBC presidential contest
SAN FRANCISCO (ABP) — Bill Wagner, California college president and pastor who also was a long-time employee of the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board, has said he will run for the SBC presidency next year. Wagner, who wrote How…
SECOND OPINION: Ministry and money matters aren’t mutually exclusive
For many, the command not to worry about tomorrow is a mandate for ministers to live entirely by faith, especially in financial matters. But the command to be good stewards indicates an equal calling to use resources wisely, which includes…
IMB envisions 3,000 more missionaries on field
RIDGECREST, N.C. (BP) — Many Southern Baptist churches that pride themselves in being “missions minded” might have a hard time convincing an impartial observer, an International Mission Board leader told trustees Sept. 12 at LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center. The meeting…
SECOND OPINION: Celebrating Baptists’ 400th
The Baptist historian Robert Gardner said that “in the United States there are at least 57 different Baptist groups.” The largest Baptist group or denomination in North America is the Southern Baptist Convention with over 16 million members and over…
Thompson: Not regular churchgoer, won’t talk frequently about faith
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Although the newest GOP presidential candidate is gaining lots of positive attention from the leaders of the Religious Right, he is not involved in a local church and says he won't talk much about his faith on…
SECOND OPINION: Greeting a new pastor
On a recent Sunday I said farewell to a wonderful congregation where I have served for the past four months. I want to leave behind these thoughts on how to greet a new pastor. • First, honor the complexity. “Keep…
Progressive Baptist women wary of Clinton’s candidacy
NEW YORK (ABP) — Many Christian conservatives have put her in the “anyone but” category — they'll vote for anyone but Hillary Clinton. However, progressive Christians, who some think should be the senator's natural allies, aren't jumping on her bandwagon…
FAITHSHAPERS: Introducing reinforcement
Parenting with a long-term focus rests on our ability to strategically increase desirable behaviors while reducing undesirable ones. Our next few articles will focus on how parents can take greater control of the learning process. The key is to remember…
Southern Baptist leaders retract blog endorsements
NEW YORK (ABP) — Several well-known Southern Baptist leaders have rescinded their previous endorsements of a controversial blog that provides news and opinion related to the Southern Baptist Convention. Jerry Rankin, David Dockery, Thom Rainer and Frank Page all initially…
Candidates’ religious commitment not a big voter draw, survey shows
WASHINGTON (ABP)—A new survey of voters' attitudes toward presidential candidates shows that being perceived as highly religious may not help the 2008 hopefuls much. The study, released by two bipartisan public-interest groups, also suggests many issues most important to conservative…