Just because Jesus told his disciples God alone knows when he will return, that hasn’t prevented 2,000 years of Christian speculation. “Some have said: ‘Jesus just said we can’t know the day or the hour. But that doesn’t mean we…
VITAL SIGNS: How to ruin a sermon
Healthy churches are marked by engaging worship. Engaging worship is nearly always marked by excellent preaching. Good preaching comes in a myriad of forms in a multitude of settings. Don’t let anyone fool you: there is no one way to preach…
OPINION: At home in the 17th century
Seventeenth century Baptists would have known exactly what was happening when two Rowan County, N.C., state legislators recently proposed a resolution, affirmed by 11 other legislative colleagues, that declared that the United States Constitution does not “prohibit states or their…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Does your church need an administrator?
I sometimes recall with nostalgia that courageous country church that called me as its college-student pastor. This group of deeply committed Christians allowed me to gain valuable experience and also served to mentor me since many of them knew more…
Despite biblical injunctions to the contrary, Christians remain obsessed with end times
Just because Jesus told his disciples God alone knows when he will return, that hasn’t prevented 2,000 years of Christian speculation. “Some have said: ‘Jesus just said we can’t know the day or the hour. But that doesn’t mean we…
As they turn 150, Seventh-day Adventists still praying for the Apocalypse
WASHINGTON (RNS) — In the past 150 years, Seventh-day Adventists have built one of Christianity’s most inventive and prosperous churches — while praying for the world to end as soon as possible. A small band of believers has mushroomed to…
Beneath the stereotypes, a stressful life for preachers’ kids, say some who’ve lived it
(RNS) — The day Franklin Graham was born, he received a telegram. “Welcome to this sin-sick world,” the Western Union message said, “and to the challenge you have to walk in your daddy’s footsteps.” It didn’t take long for Graham,…
EDITORIAL: Aunt Ida learns about fresh expressions from an unlikely source
Dear Jimmy, Well, its Sunday and Uncle Orley and I are at church waitin’ with one of the Howe young’uns for his folks to come back and get him. Today all the Howe daughters and sons and grandkids came to…
In new books, John Chandler aims to help leaders listen more closely to God
John Chandler, leader of the Spence Network, recently released three books — Praying the Kings, Praying the Prophets and Praying Wisdom — aiming to engage leaders more deeply in Scripture. He recently discussed his motivations for writing the books. Q:…
B.H. Carroll Institute shifting leaders
By Ken Camp Bruce Corley announced plans to resign as president of the B.H. Carroll Theological Institute, effective after the October meeting of the school’s governing board. “This step comes after careful reflection and prayer,” said Leon Leach, chair of…
Assn. drops church with accused pastor
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist church in Missouri whose pastor is awaiting trial on felony sex charges has been voted out of its local association for failure to report or contribute financially for the last two years. Lamine Baptist…
Historic church and black pastor part ways
By Bob Allen Jeffrey Haggray resigned April 8 as pastor of the 210-year-old First Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., three years after his election as the congregation’s first African-American pastor was hailed as a meaningful step toward racial reconciliation. The…