Those stereotypes don’t do justice to a ministry inspired by the words and example of Christ, says Ken Sehested, a long-time leader of the Baptist peacemaking movement in the United States.
LifeWay Christian Stores to close nationwide in 2019
The Southern Baptist Convention-owned bookstore chain LifeWay Christian Resources will close all 170 of its brick-and-mortar stores in 2019, officials announced March 20. LifeWay Christian Resources announced in January it would close some stores in a cost-cutting move while moving…
Paul Simmons, outspoken Baptist ethicist, dead at 82
Paul D. Simmons, a Christian ethics professor who a quarter century ago became a lightning rod at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for advocating a woman’s right to abortion, died March 17 following an illness. He was 82. Walter Shurden, a…
Transitions for the week of 3-22-19
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated weekly. STAFF CHANGES Janie Adams, to First Baptist Church, West Jefferson, N.C., as music ministry director. Adam Denny, to North…
Tennessee clergy oppose attempts to reverse gains by sexual minorities
Faith leaders say a group of bills in the Republican-controlled state legislature “promote discrimination rather than justice and demean the worth of LGBTQ people in our state.”
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…
Religion Notes: Religious people happier; Baptist groups fund global projects
It’s long been assumed that religious belief and participation contributes to overall happiness. Now there are some statistics confirming that. The Pew Research Center has released a survey that found, globally, those active in congregations “tend to be happier and…
Appellate court says tax break for clergy housing is constitutional
A federal appeals court on Friday gave its blessing to tax-free housing allowances for ministers of the gospel, overturning a lower court decision that found the 60-year-old benefit unconstitutional.
Walker Burroughs wows audiences from Passport camps to American Idol
“You’re top-10 material” – Katy Perry “You just knocked my socks off” – Lionel Richie “You remind me how untalented I am” – Luke Bryan That barely scratches the surface of the praise Walker Burroughs received from the three American…
After health scare, American Baptist leader Lee Spitzer announces early retirement plan
Less than two years on the job and on the heels of medical leave, Lee Spitzer has announced plans to retire as general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA at the end of 2019.
Researchers double-checking polls on religion’s demise
The increased reliance on web-based research for public opinion surveys is raising questions about the relevance of long-accepted political and social trends documented in decades of telephone polling. As a result, some religious leaders may wonder if it’s possible that…
Tax-exempt college admissions scam reaches into the Bible Belt
Wealthy parents caught up in a $25 million college admissions cheating scandal dubbed “Operation Varsity Blues” got a tax write-off for bribes allegedly funneled through the same type of non-profit organization that allows individuals to avoid paying taxes on money they give to their church.