Two Baptist traditions — one predominantly Black, the other mostly white — are leaning into a long-standing relationship to collaborate in disaster recovery efforts in Lake Charles, La., the coastal city ravaged by Hurricane Laura in late August. Even with…
Atlanta church turns Fellowship Hall into COVID-safe learning center for children
It took Smoke Rise Baptist Church’s Rebecca Caswell-Speight less than two weeks to organize and open a space for more than two dozen public school children to participate in virtual learning while their parents are at work. Among other tasks,…
CBF Governing Board will consider significant budget changes this week
When the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Governing Board convenes tomorrow and Friday, its decisions could reshape the organization more than at any other time in its 30-year history. Those decisions include both financial and structural changes made in response to a…
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…
Pizzas el Buen Samaritano puts refugees to work while waiting
A Baptist minister is confronting pandemic-induced poverty, widespread despair and menacing drug cartels by putting refugees to work baking and selling pizza in Mexico. Lorenzo Ortiz, who directs three shelters for refugees in communities that border the U.S., has launched…
Study: Most Americans have an affinity for spiritual beliefs
Surveys have reported on the decline of religious engagement in the United States for decades, but a new study suggests there may be more to the story if the question turns to spirituality. Newly released research by the Fetzer Institute…
The ‘new sanctuary movement’ shifts gears in Trump context
There is something liberating for Serena Buckner about shielding immigrants from persecution by the federal government, even if it means running afoul of the law. What would be scary about the sanctuary movement instead is inspiring because it’s a way…
Transitions for the week of 9-25-20
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated bi-weekly. STAFF CHANGES Ryan Busby, to First Baptist Church, Danville, Va., as senior pastor. He comes from the pastorate of Bosqueville…
Despite Trump crackdown, Americans still positive toward immigration
Despite drastic reductions in legal immigration to the United States under the Trump administration, Americans continue to express positive attitudes about immigrants and the benefits of welcoming these newcomers. New data from Gallup finds the United States among the “most-accepting…
New book recalls story of challenging mandatory chapel at U.S. military academies
David Vaught went to the U.S. Military Academy in 1965, war raging at home and abroad, to defend the Constitution. Fueling his patriotism was a deep-seated Baptist faith imbued with a passion for the First Amendment. But those values led…
CBF-endorsed chaplain promoted to rear admiral
Navy Reserve Capt. Terry Eddinger will reach a career milestone Oct. 4 when he is promoted to the rank of rear admiral. This also will be a landmark for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship as Eddinger is the first CBF-endorsed military…
Historically Black college welcomes white pastor with passion for racial justice
When Chris Caldwell thinks about student housing and food services, his pondering goes deeper than the mere campus amenities that concern administrators at most colleges. “We have many students who are insecure in terms of their housing, and we have…