A Baptist church in Texas has issued a clarification after the father-in-law of the pastor preached that Black slaves “humbled themselves” and prayed, turning “from their wicked ways,” which led to their freedom through “several white presidents.” Mike Keller, who…
Return to radical vision of early Baptists on church-state separation, Tyler and Leonard urge
Baptists must tap into their radical Christians roots to help counter the white Christian nationalism that threatens American democracy and social justice, warned Amanda Tyler and Bill Leonard. The duo spoke during a June 29 breakout session at the Cooperative…
Is American influence waning in Africa?
American Christians may think of Africa most often as a mission field, but the continent now plays a prominent role in global politics too. “Look, this forum is about building connections. It’s about closing deals. And above all, it’s about the…
‘We have 8-track churches in a streaming world,’ Otis Moss tells CBF
Using Christian tradition and dogma to oppose women in ministry is like clinging to outdated technology to listen to music, author and pastor Otis Moss III said. “The problem is we have 8-track churches in a streaming world, and we…
Oklahoma superintendent of schools says Tulsa Race Massacre wasn’t due to color of anyone’s skin
This story was updated July 7 to include new comments from Ryan Walters. It’s OK to teach Oklahoma schoolchildren about the Tulsa Race Massacre, just don’t tell them it was motivated by the color of anyone’s skin, the state…
By word and deed, Pimentel urges CBF participants to “stand up” for migrants
Christians must stand up and stand for some of the world’s most vulnerable people — refugees at the United States’ southern border — Sister Norma Pimentel told participants at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Encourager Church and Advocacy breakfast June 30…
Semler’s new song ‘Faith’ tops Christian music charts on iTunes
In a tweet on June 29, queer Christian artist Grace Aldridge, known professionally by their stage name “Semler,” shared a screenshot of the iTunes music charts for that day. Their new single, “Faith” was the No. 1 song on Christian…
Christian crowdfunder GiveSendGo supports believers, Proud Boys and antisemites
Pastors and preachers use the crowdfunding platform. So do “patriots,” “political prisoners” and members of the Proud Boys, a violent group that attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6. Donors pay toward people’s medical bills, funeral expenses or a grandmother’s…
Advocacy involves a range of issues, shares a core faith, CBF panelists say
The range of advocacy is as varied as the people who need others to speak on their behalf, but it is grounded in a sense of calling, a panel of advocates said during the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s General Assembly in…
Transitions for the week of 7-7-23
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated bi-weekly. STAFF CHANGES Dan Armistead, to Embrace Church, High Point, N.C., as pastor. Ben Barrow, to Langley Baptist Church, Hampton, Va.,…
BWIM and CBF launch resource for churches studying women in ministry
Baptist Women in Ministry and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship have unveiled a new curriculum to provide congregations with a biblical foundation for embracing and celebrating women in church leadership. The reveal came during the July 29 plenary session at CBF’s…
Ministry jobs and more
Baptist News Global provides a free listing of ministry-related jobs for Baptist churches, theological institutions and organizations across the United States. Each free posting is for 30 days and is limited to 150 words. Postings may be extended another 30…