“Know that this church loves you, prays for you and encourages you,” said FBC Rome pastor Joel Snider, who delivered the charge to Nash. “And know that when you strengthen the local church, you strengthen missions. The church is the…
FBC, Richmond, to host basketball league
The basketball league will be run through Upward Basketball, a program designed to promote salvation, character and sportsmanship to all who participate. Registration for first through sixth grade children has begun and extends through Nov. 10. Registration forms are available…
The storyteller sees and hears and spreads the gospel
Yes, everyone who has an experience to share with anyone who has ears to hear will tell stories. The teller and the listener create the story experience, and bring the story to life. Where will the stories come from? They…
Republicans becoming sectarian religious party, Danforth warns
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Former Sen. John Danforth (R-Mo.) is criticizing his political party and many of his fellow Christians for abandoning the principles both groups are supposed to hold dear. In a Sept. 28 breakfast meeting with Washington reporters, Danforth…
Abortion foes push hard for notification bill in Senate
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Abortion-rights opponents are pushing hard for the Senate to pass a bill that would penalize those who help teenage girls seeking out-of-state abortions to avoid parental notification laws in their home states. Late Sept. 28, Senate Majority…
Prayer targeting Muslim conversion during Ramadan draws criticism
DALLAS (ABP) — A worldwide coalition of evangelical Christians is urging prayer for Muslims during the month of Ramadan. But the idea has met some resistance from Muslims — and even some Christians. Ramadan, which this year began Sept. 24,…
Victims of Baptist clergy abuse urge SBC leaders to take action
NASHVILLE (ABP) — Members of the coalition that fought the Roman Catholic Church's hierarchy over sexual abuse by priests are asking the Southern Baptist Convention to prevent similar clergy abuse in the denomination's churches. Members of the Survivors Network of…
Avoiding other vices may make Baptists fatter, researcher suggests
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (ABP) — Of all believers, Baptists are the most likely to be obese, according to a new study from Purdue University. But then, obese people tend to live in states heavily populated by religious people — particularly…
Ruth Ann Foster, founding prof at Truett Seminary, dies of cancer
WACO, Texas (ABP) — Ruth Ann Foster, one of the two founding faculty members of Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary, died Sept. 28 in Waco after battling cancer. Her age was not immediately known. Foster joined Truett Seminary…
British Baptist minister leads environmental protest at airport
NOTTINGHAM, England (ABP) — Twenty-four environmental protesters, led by a British Baptist minister, were arrested Sept. 24 for breaching the security perimeter at the Nottingham East Midlands airport. According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, the protesters cut through fences around…
Church fights turn high-tech: Web is new weapon of choice
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (ABP) — Bellevue Baptist Church is on the cutting edge of a growing trend — at least when it comes to conflict. Like members from several other prominent churches nationwide, congregants at the Memphis-area megachurch are using web…
Showdown over Missouri exec ends in draw, sources say
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (ABP) — David Clippard remains executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention, despite an apparent effort to oust him Sept. 22. Following a marathon, closed-door meeting at the convention building in Jefferson City, Executive Board members attempted…