While Ken Ham’s “Ark Encounter” museum near Williamstown, Ky., has drawn the lion’s share of attention this summer directed toward Noah’s vessel, another representation of the ark in Israel has been wowing the archaeological world.
Black pastor who wowed CBF now has Clinton’s ear on race
Kevin Cosby, the black Louisville, Ky., pastor who has inspired Cooperative Baptists on matters of race may now have the ear of Hillary Clinton as she prepares for her presidential run. The presumptive Democratic candidate attended a racial reconciliation worship…
BWA urges Baptists to stand with victims in war-torn regions of Nigeria
The Baptist World Alliance is urging the United Nations to increase its threat level designation for Nigeria and the Lake Chad region. The global Baptist organization cited rampant conflict and dislocation in the region, including “violence, murder and kidnapping” in…
Growing movement pushing pastors to ‘get real,’ vulnerable with congregations
It takes a lot of guts and humility to be vulnerable. Just look at the New Testament account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, Mary Alice Birdwhistell said. “Since feet were the primary mode of transportation, think how dirty they…
Fire guts CBF church in North Carolina, station reports
Officials are investigating whether lightning sparked a fire that destroyed part of a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship church in Mount Holly, N.C., Thursday. That’s what WSOC television reported Friday afternoon from the scene of the blaze at First Baptist Church. However,…
CBF appoints committee to implement Illumination Project
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has announced the creation of a five-member committee charged in part with guiding the organization through renewed controversy over its longstanding policy against hiring LGBTQ people. The committee is responsible for implementing the Illumination Project, which…
Talking race is — and should be — uncomfortable, Baptist leaders say
Of all the workshops offered at last month’s CBF General Assembly, at least one of them counted on its participants checking their comfort zones at the door. The leaders of “The Elephant in the Room: Engaging in Dialogue around Race…
Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood announces leadership change
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,…