Pastors who endorse Donald Trump for president are putting their allegiance to a political party ahead of Christian principles, a Baptist minister with a Ph.D. in political communication suggests in his latest book. Brian Kaylor, author of Vote Your Conscience:…
Transitions for the week of 08.12.16
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated weekly. STAFF CHANGES Dan Agee, now serving as interim pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Floyd, Va. Adam Blosser, concluding his tenure…
Covering nudity in art reflects Church’s unwillingness to discuss important issues, say pastors
When Convergence, a congregation with Baptist ties in Alexandria, Va., hosted Edward Knippers’ massive paintings in an exhibition called “Violent Grace,” it had to cover the works during worship services of the Anglican congregation that shares its space. Why? Not…
Southern Baptist-led group opposes California anti-discrimination bill
The Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission released a letter Aug. 10 opposing legislation proposed in California to close a loophole that allows religious universities and colleges to discriminate against students and staff based on their sexual orientation…
Search on for American Baptist leader
The search for the next general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA is back on with the first meeting of a search committee Aug. 8 in Chicago. American Baptists began seeking a successor to Roy Medley, who retired last year…
Youth-led farming, bee-keeping ministry inspires CBF field personnel
Sometimes, being missional requires creativity in the development of new ministries. At other times, it means recognizing the innovation of others and simply offering a helping hand. A North Carolina couple is modeling the latter approach by getting behind a…
Tim Kaine to address Baptist group
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton’s running mate U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine will represent the campaign at this week’s Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., annual gathering in New Orleans. Kaine (D-Va.) is scheduled to speak at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 11,…
Former youth pastor sentenced for abuse
A former youth pastor at a prominent Southern Baptist church in Louisiana was sentenced Aug. 8 to 10 years in prison after confessing to sex crimes committed against a 13-year-old girl.
Providing ‘a hand up’ to ministers struggling with credit card, student loan debt
Mental health, congregational politics and the decline of the American church get much of the blame for minister burnout. But consultant Bo Prosser says all of those factors take a back seat to the financial struggles of pastoral leaders.
Evangelicals urge halt to Texas execution
Four dozen evangelical leaders in Texas and across the nation issued an open letter Aug. 9 seeking to stop the execution of an 18-year death-row inmate scheduled to be executed Aug. 24.
Ouachita Baptist University tops larger universities in school spirit, according to Forbes
Ouachita Baptist University has won the Forbes Magazine’s 2016 #MyTopCollege competition, eclipsing much larger schools in a month-long social media contest demonstrating school spirit.
Shedding light on the Old Testament’s great villain — the Philistines
Baylor University religion professor Deirdre Fulton is in the middle of a three-year dig that is shedding light on the lives, beliefs and practices of a group often villainized in the Old Testament: the Philistines.