The president of Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary is disputing reports on the Internet that long-respected school is up for sale. A labor court judge issued a writ of execution June 8 ordering sale of the property to raise money owed…
Advocates fault new SBC president’s record on child sex abuse
Advocates for survivors of clergy sex abuse say they are disappointed the Southern Baptist Convention has elected a new president once accused of shielding a child molester. “We’re disappointed that the Southern Baptist Convention just elected Bellevue Baptist pastor Steve Gaines…
Direct ministry, legislatures best tools in anti-hunger fight, advocates say
Combating hunger in the United States is a big job — but Christian leaders have identified two main strategies for that fight. And they know that when the victims of hunger involve young people, the motivation and creativity brought to bear…
SBC to consider joining National Association of Evangelicals
Traditionally known for avoiding ecumenical entanglements and limiting formal affiliations to other Baptist groups, a Southern Baptist Convention leader says it is time for American’s second-largest faith group behind Roman Catholics to consider uniting with the National Association of Evangelicals….
Southern Baptists debate resolution supporting Israel
The Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution June 14 criticizing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement to put economic and political pressure on Israel to end the occupation of Palestinian lands despite objections by an Arabic pastor. Pastor Jamal Bishara…
Belgium-based minister helping Syrian families to safety
Four years into a multi-faceted and sustained response to “the biggest humanitarian emergency of our era,” the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is continuing its efforts to serve Syrian refugees through field personnel and ministry partners in five countries. Belgium-based field personnel…
Transitions for the week of 06.17.16
Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated weekly. STAFF CHANGES Robert H. Carpenter, to Courtland (Va.) Baptist Church, as interim pastor. Caleb Foust, to Emerywood Baptist Church, High…
Memphis pastor wins tight race for SBC president
Tennessee megachurch pastor Steve Gaines was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention June 15 when another candidate conceded in a runoff election that was too close to call. Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., came three…
Baptist editor calls for open meetings
In a motion at the Southern Baptists Convention June 14, a Baptist state newspaper editor asked trustees of all Southern Baptist Convention entities to open their meetings to the press. Lonnie Wilkey, editor of the Baptist and Reflector newspaper in…
Southern Baptists renounce Confederate flag
One hundred seventy one years after its founding over a dispute about whether slaveholders could be appointed as missionaries, the Southern Baptist Convention passed a strongly worded resolution June 14 against public display of the Confederate flag. The resolution, as…
Small-town church gives big embrace to phones, social media in worship
Kevin Smith is a big believer is in using a Bible app, instead of a printed Bible, during Sunday morning worship. And he says it’s a good thing given the way his preacher preaches. “Brother John likes to jump around…
Southern Baptists convene panel on racial reconciliation
Meeting 20 minutes from Ferguson, Mo., Southern Baptist Convention President Ronnie Floyd convened a historic national panel discussion on racial unity and the church in America June 14 at the America’s Center Convention Complex in downtown St. Louis. Floyd, pastor…