Five weeks after the six white presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention’s seminaries ignited a firestorm of protest for their denunciation of Critical Race Theory, they met with a group of Black SBC pastors and didn’t back down. The result…
Q&A with Michael McMahon of the Hymn Society of North America
The Hymn Society has had its work cut out for it in the COVID-19 pandemic, trying to help music ministers, choirs, composers and others adjust to virtual worship. But 2021 is likely to be challenging, too, said J. Michael McMahon,…
Western Recorder, second oldest Baptist paper in America, to cease publication
The Western Recorder, the second-oldest Baptist newspaper in America, will cease publication March 31. Once a flagship paper among a large network of state Baptist publications, the newspaper has fallen victim to the same trends afflicting newspapers and denominational communications…
Letter to the Editor: No need to ‘call me back’ to my faith after supporting Trump
Read our latest Letter to the Editor, written by Chris Chambers of Lebanon, Tenn., in response to a BNG opinion piece by Susan Shaw. Chambers says his support for Donald Trump is because of his Christian faith and he doesn’t…
Clergy advocate to repeal death penalty in Virginia
A group of African American pastors, including three Baptists, urged Virginia lawmakers Jan. 7 to abolish the state’s death penalty, equating it to lynching and a declaration that Black lives do not matter. The ministers’ press conference, held on Zoom,…
Denominational leaders denounce Capitol violence while evangelicals offer mixed responses
The day after riotous supporters of President Donald Trump overtook the United States Capitol, religious leaders across the nation spoke out decisively against the Jan. 6 anarchy. The chorus of condemnation included religious leaders who have been sharp critics of…
D.C. church hangs huge Black Lives Matter banners in view of Trump rally
National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C., installed three Black Lives Matter banners Jan. 6 to protest racism, support democracy and push back against white supremacists who have torn down previous signs, Interim Senior Minister Amy Butler said. The 16-foot…
Pastors respond to unbelievable events at Capitol on Epiphany 2021
Baptist pastors and leaders took to social media Wednesday, Jan. 6, to express outrage and remorse and calls to prayer as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the United States Capitol in an attempt to disrupt certification of Trump’s loss…
Transitions for the week of 1-8-21
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated bi-weekly. STAFF CHANGES Tim Evans, to First Baptist Church, Ypsilanti, Mich., as pastor. Tara Gibbs, to Myers Park Baptist Church, Charlotte,…
Donors keep Judson College open for spring semester
A two-week fundraising campaign in December exceeded the $500,000 Judson College needed to remain open this spring, officials at the all-women Baptist school have announced. The grassroots effort that included students and alumnae also got the Baptist school in Marion,…
25 years ago this week, five Baptist churches were booted for affirming gay members
The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists will mark a pivotal moment in its history this week with an online celebration of five congregations booted from their regional associations a quarter century ago. Four of the American Baptist Churches USA…
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…