By Jeff Brumley It wasn’t Jim Somerville’s first visit to the Holy Land — or even his third or fourth. But the 10-day journey in early February was the first he had made with Muslim and Jewish clergy from Virginia. The…
Baptist theologian says Bible doesn’t condone homosexuality
By Bob Allen Equating gay rights with civil rights is an unfair comparison, theologian and cultural analyst Jim Denison said at a recent conference on the church and homosexuality sponsored by an association of Baptist churches in Texas. Jim Denison,…
Proposed ‘bathroom bill’ raises Baptist ire in N.C.
By Bob Allen Baptists in North Carolina are among religious voices opposing a pending non-discrimination measure in Charlotte, N.C., marked by debate over where transgender persons can go to the bathroom. The Biblical Recorder, news journal for the Baptist State…
Baptist pastor inspired by Jews, Muslims during Holy Land pilgrimate
By Jeff Brumley It wasn’t Jim Somerville’s first visit to the Holy Land — or even his third or fourth. But the 10-day journey in early February was the first he had made with Muslim and Jewish clergy from Virginia….
Pastoral residencies picking up as churches expand ministry, purpose
By Jeff Brumley It’s hardly news anymore that Baptist and other churches are struggling to rediscover their identity and relevance in a postmodern, post-Christian era. But what is getting church leaders’ attention is the growing number of congregations finding their…
Truett prof asks CBF liberals to drop ‘moderate’ label
By Bob Allen A professor at a moderate Baptist seminary says some individuals within the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship are starting to sound more liberal than moderate, prompting others to worry the quasi-denomination is drifting leftward and away from its evangelical…
Southern Baptist florist at center of marriage debate
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist grandmother and small business owner in Washington State is the newest face in America’s culture war over gay marriage. A state judge ruled Feb. 18 that 70-year-old Barronelle Stutzman, owner of Arlene’s Flowers in…
Seminary president fears liberal drift in churches
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist Convention seminary president says he foresees a day when the six SBC-owned seminaries may for the first time be more conservative than the churches they serve. Jason Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary,…
Pastoral residencies picking up — and pastors are taking notice
By Jeff Brumley It’s hardly news anymore that Baptist and other churches are struggling to rediscover their identity and relevance in a postmodern, post-Christian era. But what is getting church leaders’ attention is the growing number of congregations that are…
At Convergence, being missional cuts two ways
By Jeff Brumley Ryan Walker and Dan ABH both spend a lot of time at Convergence, the hybrid arts initiative and church in suburban Washington. Walker, 35, a professional musician raised by parents deeply involved in Baptist life, hangs out…
Fired Atlanta fire chief sues city
By Bob Allen Former Atlanta fire chief Kelvin Cochran has filed a federal lawsuit against the city claiming he was fired because of his religious beliefs. Cochran, a member and deacon at Southern Baptist-affiliated Elizabeth Baptist Church, was fired Jan….
Baptist college reinstates fired VP
By Bob Allen A Brewton-Parker College vice president fired Feb. 2 after refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement about Ergun Caner’s Jan. 20 resignation has been reinstated. Iowa pastor Dave Miller, editor of SBC Voices, a group blog devoted to…