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…
Celebration a key discipline like fasting and prayer, ministers say
Spiritual formation usually brings to mind practices like contemplative prayer and fasting, silence and meditation, walking the labyrinth and celebration. Wait, celebration?
Transitions for the week of 07.15.16
The latest compilation of staff changes, retirements and more.
Parents’ risks for ailing son inspire new ministries
Todd and Carolyn Pridemore of Columbia, Mo., do not consider themselves risk takers. But the struggle to find help for their son led them to take risks emotionally, physically, financially and spiritually.
Exploring incarnation: Can transhumanism enrich a Christian theology of humanity?
Some observers believe transhumanism touches on a fundamental religious question: the meaning of humanity.
No Millennials in church? They may be working, expert says
Charging Millennials with rejecting church and being undisciplined givers doesn’t take into account the multitude of economic and social factors that characterize their lives.