The pastor at the Southern Baptist Convention’s largest church used a conference timed to conclude on World AIDS Day to announce a new commitment to caring for the millions of people infected with HIV and AIDS. Rick Warren, pastor of…
Volunteers assist flooded Baptist church
Hundreds of volunteers swarmed over a wrecked church deep in New Orleans’ flood zone Dec. 3, hoping to start its healing and that of the desolate neighborhood beyond with a furious outpouring of free labor. By some counts, nearly 1,000…
NAMB VP Nate Adams tapped for top Illinois Baptist post
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (ABP) — A vice president of the North American Mission Board, who has strong roots in Illinois, has been recommended as the next executive director of the Illinois Baptist State Association. Nate Adams, 47, has been vice president…
Natural disasters dominated news in 2005, Baptist editors say
(ABP) — Two unprecedented natural disasters overshadowed all man-made news in 2005, according to a survey of Baptist editors. Hurricane Katrina and the South Asia tsunami — and the benevolent response that followed each — were the most important Baptist…
No matter the size, churches can point visitors to Christ at Christmas
(ABP) — Regardless of size or budget, any church can make sure visitors hear the message of Christ during the season, according to those involved in church Christmas productions. The live camel, flying angel and quadraphonic sound are nice, but…
Whether on Advent or Hallmark calendar, churches sing carols to celebrate season
(ABP) — The starting date and finish line for singing carols in church depend on whether a congregation follows the Christian calendar or the Hallmark calendar — and how constrained worship leaders feel by their choice. Many churches begin singing…
‘Angel Breakfast’ unique opportunity for children, grandparents at Christmas
BATESVILLE, Ark. (ABP) — Kinley Stevens, 2, couldn't wait to go Christmas shopping for her mom, dad, sister and even her dog, Ace. But the experience would be far from typical as she and her grandmother, Pearline Mohlke, would go…
Mercer, Georgia Baptist Convention come to terms on ending relationship
ATLANTA (ABP) — Mercer University and the Georgia Baptist Convention have agreed to terms that will end their 172-year-old relationship. The convention will end funding of the school after 2007, but Mercer will get control of trustee elections and all…
While megachurches cancel worship, others adjust Christmas schedules
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — While some high-profile evangelical churches around the country are canceling their usual worship services since Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, many more are carrying on — though sometimes on modified schedules. Leaders of the…
Progressive Christian leaders arrested while protesting House budget cuts
WASHINGTON (ABP) — In an attempt to call attention to congressional budget cuts, more than 100 Christian leaders were arrested at a frigid Capitol Hill protest Dec. 14. The leaders — from mainline Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox and evangelical churches —…
Is the ‘war on Christmas’ worth fighting against?
WASHINGTON (ABP) — Is the “war on Christmas” one worth fighting? Despite the dutiful culture warriors lining up to defend the religious trappings of the holiday, some Christian ethicists aren't so sure it's a wise battle to pick. Since November,…
Largest Baptist universities face watershed leadership changes
(ABP) — Three of the largest Baptist universities in the nation have each chosen a different strategy in selecting the president who will shape the school's future. Now pundits wonder which model will emerge as the new face of Christian…