By Bob Allen Planners of a conference for Christian counselors about homosexuality distanced themselves from the controversial “reparative” or “conversion” therapy aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, but not because they believe an individual struggling with…
Miami ministry celebrates 20 years — and expansion of impact through merger
By Jeff Brumley Martin Villa, a 21-year-old film major, devoted a recent weeknight, as he does on many weeknights, helping children with their math and reading homework at a faith-based after-school program in West Homestead, Fla. He worked patiently and…
Brent Walker announces retirement plans
By Bob Allen Brent Walker announced plans Oct. 5 to retire at the end of 2016 as executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, a Washington-based organization founded in 1936 serving 15 Baptist bodies in the United…
Conference confronts transgender ‘confusion’
By Bob Allen The transgender movement offers people “a secular and physically initiated conversion experience” that promises transformation without relying on Jesus Christ as savior, the opening speaker at a Monday morning event billed as the first-ever conference by evangelicals…
Church adds a little beer to Bible to soften Baptist reputation
By Jeff Brumley As a pastor, Susan Sparks has been intent on findings ways church members can get to know each other outside of Sunday worship services. As a moderate Baptist, she’s been intent on modeling the kinder, gentler side…
Egalitarian advocate preaches at Campbellsville
By Bob Allen A leading advocate of the view that the Bible calls women and men to share authority equally in service and leadership in the home and church recently urged students at Campbellsville University to push past assumptions about…
Lawsuit says church’s abuse cover-up caused suicide
By Bob Allen A Texas Baptist church is facing a multi-million dollar lawsuit filed by parents claiming sexual abuse by a youth minster in the 1990s led to their son’s death by suicide. A lawsuit filed in Dallas County District…
Baptist leaders gather to defend religious liberty at New Orleans event
By Aaron Weaver Leaders from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and Southern Baptist Convention joined Tuesday to discuss the importance of religious liberty around the world. During the event at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary,…
No slowing down: Jimmy Carter celebrates 91st birthday
By Bob Allen Former President Jimmy Carter turns a youthful 91 today, with plans for a private birthday celebration in Americus, Ga. The Carter Center joined the celebration by discounting the regular $8 adult admission to the Jimmy Carter Presidential…
Evangelicals lay hands on Donald Trump
A meeting with pastors and televangelists invited to Trump Tower ended with the group surrounding the candidate and laying hands on him for a closing prayer. Many evangelicals who support Donald Trump for president don’t expect him to hold Bible…
Transitions 02.19.16
STAFF CHANGES Jim Baliff, resigning after 10 years as interim minister of music/associate pastor at First Baptist Church, Ringgold, Ga., effective this summer. Jack Causey, concluding his tenure as ministerial transitions coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina,…
Transitions 01.29.16
STAFF CHANGES Jan Ballard, now serving as assistant director of the American Baptist Historical Society, Atlanta. She has worked at the Historical Society since 2011. Michael Bentley, to First Baptist Church, Asheboro, N.C., as pastor of worship and music. Steve…