WINSTON-SALEM — Congregational discussions about sensitive issues won’t succeed without a hefty dose of trust based on close relationships — a combination increasingly absent in churches, says a consultant in church conflict management. “It’s difficult to have a significant conversation…
Protect and live Baptist values, Bluefield College students told during annual heritage celebration
BLUEFIELD, Va. — Protect, guard and live Baptist heritage, Bluefield College students were told during the school’s annual Baptist Heritage Day recently. “This is your heritage,” said keynote speaker John Upton, executive director of the Baptist General Association of Virginia…
Abandon ‘human point of view’ to reconcile racial conflicts, pastors tell Baptists in N.C.
WINSTON-SALEM — Reconciling racial conflicts requires abandoning a “human point of view,” two pastors told a group of Baptists in North Carolina last weekend. “There’s power when we look at people from a ‘Jesus point of view,’ ” said Darryl…
SUV driver charged in church van crash
By Bob Allen The driver of an SUV that crashed into a church van killing two people in east Tennessee Sept. 16 has been indicted on 36 counts including vehicular homicide and drug possession. Police believe Tyler Schaeffer, 21, of…
Voters reject ‘no-aid’ repeal
By Bob Allen Florida voters rejected a measure to repeal the state’s ban on public funding for religious organizations, 55 percent to 45 percent, Nov. 6. Amendment 8 would have removed language from Florida’s constitution prohibiting state funds from being…
Va., N.C. relief teams suspend operations as nor’easter brings new misery to New Jersey, New York
A nor’easter whipping up the East Coast brought wind, rain and snow to New Jersey and New York yesterday, forcing Baptist disaster response units from Virginia and North Carolina to suspend feeding and recovery operations for at least a day….
Va., N.C. relief teams suspend operations as nor’easter brings new misery to New Jersey, New York
A nor’easter whipping up the East Coast brought wind, rain and snow to New Jersey and New York yesterday, forcing Baptist disaster response units from Virginia and North Carolina to suspend feeding and recovery operations for at least a day….
Nigerian Baptists respond to floods
By Bob Allen The Baptist World Alliance has dispatched $10,000 for flood relief in Nigeria, where heavy rains have killed 363 people since July. More than two million Nigerians have been forced from their homes by this year’s floods, the…
Faithful seek truce in culture war
By Jeff Brumley 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…
Maryland voters narrowly approve gay marriage, casino expansion, support for undocumented immigrants
By narrow margins, Maryland voters yesterday legalized same-sex marriage and an expansion of casino gambling in their state and, by larger numbers, made it possible for some undocumented immigrants to attend college at in-state tuition rates. Gay marriage was approved…
CORRECTION: Impact of BGAV amendment was misstated
The impact of a proposed constitutional amendment to be considered at the Baptist General Association of Virginia’s annual meeting next week was misstated in an analysis piece we developed and distributed Nov. 2. At present, a contribution of at least $500,…
Pastor in North Carolina’s foothills breaks rural ministry stereotypes
MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — If you met 29-year-old Mark Reece, you’d be struck by his good looks, stylish clothes and urbane, educated manner. If you learned that he’s a Baptist minister, you’d assume he’s an up-and-coming member of the staff…