“If any religious leaders say tomorrow that the hurricane is God’s punishment against some group, they’re idiots. God’s ways are not our ways.” James Martin The writer for America magazine was tweeting about Hurricane Sandy. (RNS) “Protecting the freedom of…
LEADERSHIP LINK: When callings and choir robes collide
(ABP) — The other day I was remembering my first involvement in a church as an independent adult. My first grown-up church was a big, suburban congregation with a fancy building and lots of fun programming for college students. I…
LEADERSHIP LINK: 10 things deacons would like to say to their pastors
Rightly understood, the relationship between pastors and deacons is one of partnership in the mission of being (and building) the church. The following are statements I have heard deacons make through the years. 1. I need to be clear about…
Baptist scholar aims for ‘loving dialogue and respectful listening’ in Catholic conversations
(ABP) — A U.S. scholar representing the Baptist World Alliance at a recent Vatican gathering of Catholic bishops described his presence as “a moment of historic significance.” “Baptists and Catholics differ on important ecclesial and theological issues but we are…
Virginia interim ministers form network for support
RICHMOND — The newly-formed Virginia Network of Interim Ministers elected officers and regional representatives during an organizational meeting Oct. 18 in Richmond. The network, which will serve as a professional organization for both traditional interim ministers and intentional interim ministers,…
Home of former jailed pastor raided
By Bob Allen Police in Azerbaijan have raided the home of a Baptist pastor who served 10 months in prison before winning a pardon following appeals on his behalf from Baptist leaders worldwide, including former President Jimmy Carter. The Oslo-based…
Church leaders say returning vets need time, attention
(RNS) — When Staff Sgt. Brandon Hill came home from his third tour in Iraq last year, he expected his wife and young daughters at the welcoming ceremony. What he didn't expect were the pastors, secretaries and members of their…
Baptist response resumes in Northeast with increased food demand as leaders expect long-term effort
Baptist disaster response teams in New Jersey and New York resumed operations Nov. 9 after a nor’easter’s wind, rain and snow forced a temporary suspension of activities in the region still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. Trucks loaded with food for…
Baptist response resumes in Northeast with increased food demand as leaders expect long-term effort
Baptist disaster response teams in New Jersey and New York resumed operations Nov. 9 after a nor’easter’s wind, rain and snow forced a temporary suspension of activities in the region still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. Trucks loaded with food for…
Baptist response resumes in Northeast with increased food demand as leaders expect long-term effort
Baptist disaster response teams in New Jersey and New York resumed operations Nov. 9 after a nor’easter’s wind, rain and snow forced a temporary suspension of activities in the region still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. Trucks loaded with food for…
Baptist response resumes in Northeast with increased food demand as leaders expect long-term effort
Baptist disaster response teams in New Jersey and New York resumed operations Nov. 9 after a nor’easter’s wind, rain and snow forced a temporary suspension of activities in the region still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. Trucks loaded with food for…
Faithful seek truce in culture war
(ABP) — If Facebook is any measure, Americans are emerging from the 2012 election season convinced the nation’s political and religious divisions are wider and more hostile than ever — and getting worse. But not Duke McCall, 98, the Baptist elder…