In a rare unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court June 29 found a compromise on a thorny religious liberty claim: What constitutes “undue hardship” on an employer required to accommodate a worker’s religious practices? Rather than unwinding legal precedent —…
Southwestern Seminary given warning by accrediting agency
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has been issued a warning by one of its primary accrediting agencies, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Southern Baptist Convention school remains fully accredited while SACS investigates concerns about the school’s governance and…
Meet Denise the heaven receptionist
“Hi thanks for waiting. Welcome to heaven. What would you like your ghost outfit to be?” Not the greeting most of us expect to receive in the afterlife; but this is not St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. No, this…
Fundraising is not a ‘necessary evil’ but an essential ministry, Capps says
Pastors must transform their attitudes about fundraising if congregations are to survive economic and cultural trends increasingly hostile toward churches, said Shauw Chin Capps, president of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Foundation. “Embrace fundraising as a ministry. It is not a…
Deliberation provides key to sacred and courageous conversations, Candler’s Corrie stresses
Congregations can conduct conversations on vital issues without fragmenting if they learn how to deliberate together, Elizabeth Corrie told participants in a “Bold Faithfulness” seminar during the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s General Assembly in Atlanta June 28. The focus of the…
Help traumatized people recover from “narrative fracture,” Princeton Seminary’s Wagner urges
Trauma can “fracture” the stories that enable individuals and communities to make sense of life, but preaching, ministry and worship can help trauma victims discover resilience and recover emotionally, Kimberly Wagner told participants at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s General Assembly…
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…
Gallup says global well-being is rebounding some
Global well-being rebounded in 2022 after taking a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new Gallup survey. “Perhaps exhaling a collective sigh of relief after so much uncertainty during the pandemic, the world felt more well-rested, experienced more…
Four groups warn Texas schools against new chaplaincy scheme
Four church-state separationist groups have sent a letter to Texas school superintendents and school boards warning them a law enacted by the Texas Legislature this year is unconstitutional and they should not take the bait. Not said explicitly in the…
‘Jesus gene’ guides Together for Hope’s response to America’s vulnerable, Poole tells anniversary celebrants
The “Jesus gene” compels Christians to provide practical help and divine love to vulnerable people, Chuck Poole told participants at the 20th anniversary celebration of Together for Hope June 27, during the first night of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s General…
Conservative Baptist Network got $50,000 from far-right political group last year
The Conservative Baptist Network received a $50,000 contribution in 2022 from the far-right political group Turning Point USA, according to tax filings. Its purpose was “awareness of traditional American values.” Turning Point USA is led by Charlie Kirk, who is…
O’Fallon quits CBN, G3 and Alpha and Omega
One of the most controversial leaders with links to the Conservative Baptist Network and the Baptist Calvinist group G3 Ministries has resigned those posts abruptly, claiming he has been the victim of “lies, disinformation, political gamesmanship, false rumors and nonsense.”…