College students who feel a calling into ministry passionately want to make a difference for God's kingdom. But a significant number don't believe the local-church setting is the place to do it, according to guidance directors for ministerial students at…
Lowesville VBS participants provide water for Malawi gardens
LOWESVILLE — Rural kids know something about gardens. At least, they understand gardens needing water. If it doesn't rain, they need water from somewhere. They also understand more about sacrifice than most of us. They taught us some of that…
Sharing sport and spirit: International soccer players offer more than skill tips
Churches in the Fredericksburg area regularly send members to foreign countries to do mission work. In early August, three foreign countries sent missionaries to Frederick-sburg to help local children sharpen their soccer skills and their faith. The event was hosted…
Baptist educator joins Bluefield College as vice president for enrollment
Bluefield College recently welcomed a new vice president to manage recruitment and enrollment initiatives for the school. Toby Ziglar, an admissions director and former college professor and pastor with strong ties to Virginia Baptists, joined the BC family Aug. 1…
Virginia Baptists’ Venturers program to total 14 this fall
RICHMOND—By this fall, Virginia Baptists' Venturer program will have 14 Venturers serving around the world in response to requests from Virginia Baptist mission partners for assistance with a variety of ministry needs. Venturers are individuals and couples at least 18…
Another prominent SBC church beset by strife
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — The integrity of another prominent Southern Baptist pastor has been called into question by members of his megachurch — this one in the shadow of the Southern Baptist Convention's headquarters. Local and national news agencies have…
VIRGINIA BRIEFS
Falwell's insurance erases LU debt. Thanks to a substantial life insurance policy on the late Jerry Falwell, the university he founded is now debt-free, according to university officials. Jerry Falwell Jr., Liberty University's chancellor and son of its founder, announced…
Historic First Baptist of Dallas names Robert Jeffress as senior pastor
DALLAS (ABP) — First Baptist Church in Dallas has called one of its own products, Robert Jeffress, to become its new senior pastor. According to a statement on the church's website, more than 3,000 congregants affirmed the 51-year-old at an…
Illinois church knowingly placed convicted sex offender in pulpit
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (ABP) – Despite warnings from a denominational official as well as another church, a Southern Baptist congregation near Chicago allowed a convicted child molester to preach for years. In the end, it took media inquiries for Jeffrey Hannah,…
Succession sometimes sticky when beloved pastor leaves
(ABP) — When the only pastor an entire generation at a church has known leaves, there's no set model for ensuring a smooth transition, experts say. The right way to do it at one time in a church's history may…
How long before the new pastor really feels part of a church?
(ABP) — When a beloved pastor leaves a church, the replacement often faces an uphill battle in winning the trust and respect of the congregation. Sometimes, the newcomer faces a challenge simply in getting people to remember his name. Winfred…
North Carolina WMU decides to leave convention’s control
CARY, N.C. (ABP) — The Woman's Missionary Union of North Carolina has voted to remove itself from the North Carolina Baptist Building — and the state convention executive director's attempt to assert authority over its staff. The dramatic move culminates…