TEASER: Critics say the sermons aren't really sermons and aren't really for kids; supporters say they are a way to include children in worship. (ABP) — Judging from the absence of squirming and giggling, Holly Smith’s children’s sermon was quite…
BTSR hosts first workshop, homecoming for former participants in its Mission Immersion Program
RICHMOND — Mission Immersion Experience field coordinators from five countries traveled to Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond Sept. 24-28 for a training workshop and homecoming event with former MIE participants. It was the first time the seminary had offered this…
For Raleigh congregation, a soup kitchen becomes a carryout service to the homeless and hungry
RALEIGH — When the call came to open a soup kitchen in the fellowship hall, the congregation of Temple Baptist Church in Raleigh embraced the idea. But as church members shifted into high gear, opening the church’s doors to the…
OPINION: We can do better
I believe we can do better as an association of Baptists in Virginia. I’m concerned about the evidenced lack of leadership displayed by several Virginia Baptist Mission Board members as they debated the recent Ginter Park Baptist Church matter during…
Theology study derails Glorieta sale
By Bob Allen LifeWay Christian Resources decided not to sell its cash-strapped Glorieta Conference Center in New Mexico to a Christian college in California following an independent review of the potential buyer’s doctrinal views. The Tennessean in Nashville, Tenn., reported…
Fan or foe, children’s sermon here to stay
By Jeff Brumley Judging from the absence of squirming and giggling, Holly Smith’s children’s sermon was quite the hit Sunday morning at Island View Baptist Church in Orange Park, Fla. Five little girls gathered on the steps leading to the…
After Romney meeting in North Carolina, Billy Graham website scrubs Mormon ‘cult’ reference
(RNS) — The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association removed language labeling Mormonism a “cult” from its website after the famed preacher met with Republican nominee Mitt Romney last week and pledged to help his presidential campaign. The removal came after a…
Faith group supports family planning
By Bob Allen The New Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good, a faith-based coalition formed in 2010 by former National Association of Evangelicals vice president Richard Cizik, released a 15-page document Oct. 16 making a moral case for family planning….
‘Complementarians’ pan womanhood book
By Bob Allen Weeks before its official release, advance copies of a book challenging the assumption that the Bible prescribes a single model for “biblical” womanhood aren’t finding fans among conservative evangelicals who believe roles for husbands and wives described…
African-American Baptists followed divergent paths toward goal of racial uplift, says VUU professor
BELTON, Texas — The story of black Baptists in the 20th century reflects the larger story of African-Americans’ quest for equality, says Virginia Union University historian Adam Bond. African-American Baptists shared a common goal of “racial uplift,” but their approaches…
Pair of boots becomes symbol for congregation’s renewal
PROVIDENCE FORGE, Va. — A pair of work boots sprayed with grey paint has become a symbol of renewal for the members of Emmaus Baptist Church, a congregation in New Kent County, Va. “Emmaus Baptist Church is well known for…
Midwestern seminary elects president
By Bob Allen Trustees of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary voted 29-2 on Oct. 15 to elect Southern Baptist Theological Seminary administrator Jason Allen as the Kansas City-based school’s fifth president. Allen, 35, succeeds former president Phil Roberts, who resigned in…