Editor’s note: This story was edited after posting to correct an error in the final paragraph. By Bob Allen A federal judge said Nov. 23 that an IRS rule allowing clergy to avoid paying taxes on a part of their…
OPINION: Unwrapping the church
(ABP) — Let’s be honest: at the start of my pastorate I had no idea what I was doing. Combined with my glaring inexperience, that first year of pastoral ministry also carried a heavy weight of congregational expectation: “Finally our…
‘Churchy’ lingo turning off Millennials
(ABP) — If there were an 11th commandment, for Millennials it might be “thou shalt ban pious slogans from thy midst.” In fact, faith-based lingo — like “everything happens for a reason” and “God is in control” — is coming…
Controversy underscores importance of theology in hymns
Worship leaders seldom welcome controversy. But some church musicians see value in the dust-up created earlier this year by a line in a hymn. The committee on congregational song for the Presbyterian Church, USA, wanted to include a version of…
What enables some worship songs to last for generations, others to disappear?
Some worship songs endure for centuries, while others stir the souls of one generation and leave others cold. What enables some songs to span centuries, cross denominational lines and contribute to the worship of multiple generations in diverse settings? “Hymns…
Singing our faith: Worship songs reflect and shape theology
When congregations join their hearts and voices in song any given Sunday, the choice of worship songs both reflect and shape their theology, church musicians agree. “I believe the music of a congregation will — or should — always reflect…
EDITORIAL: Looking back on my time and ahead to a great new Herald
Serving as editor of the Religious Herald has been the greatest privilege and challenge of my life. To have served as successor in that position to some of the greats in Baptist life has been humbling, but, conversely, being associated…
HERITAGE: Perfect timing
Iris Ellen Wright Taylor of Waynesboro, Va., visited the Virginia Baptist Historical Society on a recent Wednesday. She came to present a second installment of papers and books related to her grandfather, James Henry Wright, who was a Baptist minister…
HeraldBeat: Tracking Baptists across the Mid-Atlantic
Accepted a new call? Been ordained? Church celebrating an anniversary? Mission trip or project that you would like highlighted on the HeraldBeat page? Send info to HeraldBeat editor Barbara Francis at [email protected]. Transitions ON THE MOVE Paul Burgess, to Benson…
WINN RECOMMENDS: Books that matter
The Relational Pastor, Andrew Root (IVP) We pastors know that we are not to view people as mere resources, that “getting church done” and “building the church” can be true perversions of our calling. How often, however, does someone call…
VITAL SIGNS: The reformation of your church
I have had the privilege of working with numerous congregations to clarify their identity and lean into the future proactively. When that has gone well, one consequence has nearly always been true. The fresh vision requires a significant shift in…
LEADERSHIP LINK: It takes a community to lead a community
We are Christ’s co-laborers (2 Cor. 6:1). Churches are collaborative communities. Remember Paul’s conversation about how diverse spiritual gifts blend together to empower congregational ministries in First Corinthians 12? Romans 16 emphasizes that same theme — but with names and…