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…
Ergun Caner steps down as president of Brewton-Parker
By Bob Allen Ergun Caner, the colorful and controversial president of Georgia Baptist Convention-affiliated Brewton-Parker College, resigned Jan. 20, saying his son’s suicide six months ago has left him emotionally unequipped to provide the kind of leadership the institution needs….
Buckner hits 3M mark in shoes-for-orphans program
By Lauren Hollon Sturdy Dulce Alquijay Raymundo of Jocotenango, Guatamala, smiled as Buckner social worker Perla Maldonado crouched beside her and slid new pink and white athletic shoes on her feet. Maldonado laced and tied them. They were ready to…
Partnerships can transform racial relations, says pastor
By Bob Allen Racial reconciliation can occur not only between individuals but also by way of transforming mission partnerships, a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship pastor said Jan. 15 at a conference for diverse Baptist groups in Atlanta. Jason Coker, pastor of…
Property sale positions Atlanta church to engage its vibrant neighborhood
By Jeff Brumley Mimi Walker, pastor at Druid Hills Baptist Church in Atlanta, says she never took a course on real estate negotiating while in seminary. In fact, she doesn’t know of any seminaries that offer one. “But I think…