Baptists have always placed a high priority on starting new churches. As the new churches come into being, one of the questions they face is what kind of governing documents they need. In Baptist circles, four kinds of governing documents…
In spite of declining attendance and increasing costs, leaders say annual meetings have a future
’Tis the season for Baptist annual meetings. But will declining numbers, the expense of gathering people for face-to-face encounters and rapid advances in technology soon mean the demise of the rite? Not necessarily and probably not anytime soon. Fellowship and…
Denominations: Dying or transforming into something new?
Do Baptist annual meetings matter if denominations themselves are dying? Some leaders believe denominationalism isn’t dying, but rather is undergoing metamorphosis. Those willing and flexible enough to change still will need the community and networking annual meetings offer. “Denominationalism is…
EDITORIAL: Movin’ on
As I write this, the Southern Baptist Convention is winding up its annual meeting in Houston and one of the voices raised was that of Fred Luter, convention president. Divisions among Southern Baptists must end, Luter said. As reported by…
SBC messengers learn to get along
By Jeff Brumley Southern Baptists experienced little antagonism during their annual convention in Houston this week – a phenomenon that surprised some and delighted most SBC officials and messengers. There were plenty of opportunities for controversy. Debates ensued – but…
BJC names communication head
By Bob Allen Cherilyn Crowe, the associate director of communications for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty since 2009, has been promoted to department director. Crowe worked nine years as a producer for NewsChannel 5 Network (WTVF-TV) in Nashville,…
Glorieta sold to camping group
Two years after offering the cash-strapped Glorieta Conference Center for sale for $1, LifeWay Christian Resources found a new buyer with plans to continue use as a Christian camp and retreat center. LifeWay Christian Resources has found a buyer for…
SBC pastor preaches mental health
By Jeff Brumley Compared to Southern Baptist Convention resolutions on the Boy Scouts and protection of children from sex predators, the one urging churches to develop intentional, compassionate ministries for the mentally ill got scant attention from local and national…
SBC doesn’t call for Boy Scout exodus
By Bob Allen The Southern Baptist Convention stopped short of urging churches to sever ties with the Boy Scouts of America in a June 11 resolution condemning the organization’s recent decision to drop its ban on Scouts who are openly…
SBC doesn’t call for Boy Scout exodus
By Bob Allen The Southern Baptist Convention stopped short of urging churches to sever ties with the Boy Scouts of America in a June 11 resolution condemning the organization’s recent decision to drop its ban on Scouts who are openly…
SBC doesn’t call for Boy Scout exodus
By Bob Allen The Southern Baptist Convention stopped short of urging churches to sever ties with the Boy Scouts of America in a June 11 resolution condemning the organization’s recent decision to drop its ban on Scouts who are openly…
Southern Baptists urge abuse reporting
By Bob Allen The Southern Baptist Convention adopted a resolution June 12 in Houston calling on church members to be diligent in reporting alleged child sex abuse to legal authorities. The non-binding resolution reminds of the “legal and moral responsibility…