RICHMOND — The Religious Herald’s board of trustees adopted a comprehensive fundraising proposal Nov. 30, giving their approval to a plan developed over several months by a fundraising and management consultancy. During its fall meeting, the 24-member board also adopted…
OPINION: In search of empathy through country and rap
My first professional concert felt like a rite of passage. No longer was I to be contented by listening to the sweet tones emanating from my mom’s Maxima’s stereo. No, I was going to see it live and in person,…
‘Complementarianism’ costs Cru director
By Bob Allen The director of University of Louisville’s chapter of Cru, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ, has been demoted after refusing to allow female staff to teach Bible studies to mixed-gender audiences. According to World Magazine, Daniel…
Nigerian Baptist pastors killed in bombing
By Bob Allen The head of the Baptist World Alliance protested continuing violence in Nigeria that recently claimed the lives of two Baptist pastors. BWA General Secretary Neville Callam said Nov. 30 he is “deeply concerned about the continuing attacks…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Inspiring members to give
(ABP) — When I meet with church leaders, they often ask me to help them devise a strategy for increasing giving among their members. While there is no simple plan that works everywhere, there are several ways to cultivate positive…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Alternative gifts counter commercialism
(ABP) — When it began nearly a decade ago, the Alternative Christmas Gift Fair at Boulevard Baptist attracted barely 100 church members and generated a few thousand dollars for participating nonprofits and mission groups. But it has since generated $200,000…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Charitable giving up, but Sandy and tax changes expected to impact year-end gifts
(RNS) — The recession continued to affect how much Americans gave to charity last year, and the triple whammy of Superstorm Sandy, a national election and the looming fiscal cliff may cut how much we donate in the crucial final…
Some church leaders increasingly uneasy about ‘missional’ label
DENVER — The bio on the back of Kathy Escobar’s 2011 book describes her as a “nationally recognized voice in missional church development.” And by all accounts the Denver-based pastor and church-start consultant is certainly that. But Escobar insisted she…
Learning communities explore how to minister in new culture
FARMINGTON, Maine — Five years ago, five older women in Farmington, Maine, knew they faced a choice—watch their church die, or participate in a project that might help bring new life to their congregation. They were the only remaining members….
CBF leader issues ‘missional’ challenge
For former Cooperative Baptist Fel-lowship leader Daniel Vestal, understanding what it means to be “missional” begins with two phrases: “Christ is in me. Christ is in us.” “If you really believe that, that will change how you see the church,”…
On his 200th birthday, Charles Dickens remains a global Christmas theme
WILMINGTON (RNS) — ‘Tis the season for “Bah, humbug” and “God bless us every one,” especially as the world caps off a year of celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens. As Advent begins, cities across…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Leadership’s dances: From the center, to the edges, across the gaps
An ancient wise man was approached by a despondent villager who asked for healing. The wise man asked three telling questions: When did you stop singing? When did you stop dancing? When did you stop telling stories? These questions echo…