By Bob Allen A suggestion by the president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention that the group’s largest church disassociate with Southern Baptists wouldn’t have much effect on the convention’s bottom line. NewSpring Church, one of the fastest growing churches…
Missionary couple brings international mission field to N.C.
By Jeff Brumley International mission work is taking on a whole different look — at least the way it’s being practiced by some Baptists in North Carolina. And yes, that means in North Carolina, not Uganda or Costa Rica or anywhere…
CBF forms ad hoc committee for implementation of global missions strategy
By Bob Allen The Governing Board of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship heard an initial report from an ad hoc group appointed in recent months to collaborate with a newly up-and-running Missions Council on how to retool the organization’s global missions…
BWA taps CBF as its liaison for religious liberty at the United Nations
By Bob Allen The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has agreed to function as liaison for religious liberty on behalf of the Baptist World Alliance, CBF Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter reported to the group’s Governing Board Jan. 22. Paynter said BWA leaders…
Nigerian Baptist leader says world ignoring Boko Haram
Correction. This story was updated Jan. 26 to correct an error in the third paragraph. By Bob Allen A Baptist leader in Nigeria has criticized the international community for inaction against terrorist attacks carried out by the increasingly rampant Islamic…
Missouri pastor excited about expanded role at Metro Baptist in NYC
By Vicki Brown and Jeff Brumley Kirkwood, Mo., has benefitted from Scott Stearman’s passion for urban ministry, social justice, human rights and the believer’s role in making a kingdom difference on earth. Now, New York City will benefit from that…
Merger in Miami to bolster Christian ministry in Florida, leaders say
By Aaron Weaver and Carrie McGuffin Two well-known Cooperative Baptist Fellowship partner ministries — Touching Miami with Love in Miami, and Open House Ministries in Homestead, Fla. — have announced they will merge to expand their reach, serving children and youth from…
Baptist minister’s case for gay marriage going to Supreme Court
By Bob Allen Just before the Martin Luther King holiday weekend celebrating the legacy of a black Baptist preacher active in the 20th century struggle for civil rights, the U.S. Supreme Court guaranteed that a Baptist minister will also play…
Baptist church finds downtown niche in shower ministry
By Jeff Brumley Downtown churches struggling to find their niche in ministry may want to try what First Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tenn., has done: look and listen. Paying attention to young voices within its membership and to underserved needs…
Kentucky Baptist leader opposes medical pot
By Bob Allen The leader of Kentucky’s largest religious organization voiced opposition Jan. 20 to a bill introduced in the state legislature legalizing the medical use of marijuana. “The very idea of thwarting the authority of the Food and Drug…
Baptist minister to lead progressive Christian advocacy group
By Bob Allen An ordained Alliance of Baptists minister and graduate of Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond has been named executive director for The Beatitudes Society, a national leadership development organization seeking to bring progressive Christian voices to the public…
Supporters say Muslim prisoner’s beard a win for religious liberty
By Bob Allen Religious liberty advocates said a U.S. Supreme Court decision Jan. 20 affirming a devout Muslim prisoner’s right to grow a beard for religious reasons is a win for the religious liberty of all Americans. The unanimous decision…