An evangelical organization that advocates distinct and separate roles for men and women in the church, home and society has announced a leadership change. The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood announced July 20 the selection of Denny Burk, professor…
Transitions for the week of 07.22.16
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated weekly. STAFF CHANGES Lisa Baker, to Wake Forest (N.C.) Baptist Church, as minister to children and families. Elizabeth Banks, to Brook…
In N. Charleston, justice advocate avoids anger, burnout with centering prayer
Last year was an especially difficult one for folks in and around Charleston, S.C. Bill Stanfield, CEO of a faith-based community development organization, centering prayer emerged as his response.
Pokémon is a no-go for leading Saudi clerics
Pokémon Go has become a no-go according to the leading religious organization of Saudi Arabia, the Reuters News Service has reported. Far from seeing the virtual reality game as a potential lure to houses of worship, the Saudi Muslim clerics…
Missing person case strains family of Missouri Baptist lobbyist
A two-year-old missing person case is taking a toll on the family of a Missouri Baptist lobbyist amid release of new information about the disappearance of 52-year-old Lynn Messer from the family farm in the early morning hours of July 8,…
Texans continue rebuilding from last year’s natural disasters
As Garry Schaffer monitored the quickly approaching storm on his computer, he soon realized he needed to go downstairs to get his wife, Kan, and seek safety in a closet. The couple had enjoyed a nice Christmas the day before…
Megachurch pastor’s firing illustrates challenges posed by addiction
It’s never easy being a pastor. And it becomes even harder when addiction is present. That’s what Perry Noble discovered after battling alcohol abuse the past year. He was terminated by NewSpring Church in South Carolina on July 1, Christianity…
Former SBC leader criticizes Black Lives Matter
A former Southern Baptist Convention leader and public-policy spokesman says President Obama or some other national figure should seize a “Sister Souljah moment” and rebuke anti-police rhetoric within the Black Lives Matter movement. After deadly attacks on police officers in…
Pokémon Go has old, young generations talking. Will the conversation last?
No wonder churches are struggling to understand Pokémon Go, the smartphone-based augmented reality game whose lexicon includes terms like combat power, gyms, incubators, lucky eggs, Lure Models and PokeStops. Pokémon Go is bewildering to the non-player.
After 30 years, advocate still sees need to step up for religious freedom
Brent Walker can see the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. Supreme Court building when he arrives at work. And that’s appropriate since he often finds himself heading over to those two buildings, as well as the White House and other…
Delta-bred Coker returns home from New England to lead Mississippi CBF
The thermometer offered a 103-degree “Welcome Home” recently to Mississippi native Jason Coker, returning to his roots after 14 years of church leadership in Wilton, Conn. A Baptist from the South with a drawl, Coker arrived in the affluent Connecticut…
Study: evangelicals at odds with rest of nation on police and racial bias
Unlike most Americans, evangelical Christians do not believe that law enforcement treats minorities unfairly, new research by The Barna Group has found. “Overall, only 29 percent of evangelicals believe police unfairly target people of color,” the Christian research organization said…