In its 225 years High Hills Baptist Church at Jarratt, Va., has witnessed many sunrises. Each one brought challenges and opportunities. At the front of the church’s sanctuary there are two tablets memoralizing early pastors: Josiah C. Bailey (1813-1881) and…
CELEBRATE RETIREMENT: 10,000 Baby Boomers reaching age 65 each day are transforming senior adult min
It happens to everyone. You can’t do anything about it and you want to think you’ll be calm when it happens, but most times it will catch you off guard. It’s your first “senior” mailing. It could be an invitation…
Organization says SBC is ‘bullying’ Air Force chaplain to explain presence
(ABP)—A chaplaincy organization supportive of last year’s repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that banned gays from serving openly in the military accused the Southern Baptist Convention of bullying and intimidation for asking an Air Force chaplain to…
After 24 years as youth strategist, Ken Dibble to retire
RICHMOND, Va.—After 24 years’ service to the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, Ken Dibble has announced plans to retire, effective Dec. 31. Ken Dibble Dibble has been the board’s youth ministry strategist since 1989. In that role he has focused on…
TRENDING: Movement thinking, part 2: Intentional networks
In our last column, we examined the trend of “movement thinking” by looking at Steve Addison’s, Movements That Change the World: Five Keys to Spreading the Gospel. One of Addison’s keys is “Contagious Relationships.” The author says that “movements spread…
Plan will allow one of Virginia Baptist Homes’ retirement communities to end bankruptcy
DALEVILLE, Va.—A federal bankruptcy court judge in Roanoke, Va., approved a reorganization plan July 12 that will allow one of Virginia Baptist Homes’ retirement communities to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Glebe, located just outside Roanoke, filed for bankruptcy…
OPINION: I want to be Judi Dench
When I’m asked what actress I admire most people are often surprised by my response. I suspect they think my answer will be someone closer to my age or at least one of the classic examples like Meryl Streep. But…
Virginia Baptist Foundation awards scholarships
RICHMOND, Va.—The Virginia Baptist Foundation has awarded scholarships totaling $82,500 to 50 recipients from across Virginia, it has announced. The Foundation hosted its fifth annual scholarship recognition ceremony recently at the Virginia Baptist Resource Center. “We have the privilege of…
VITAL SIGNS: What’s on your menu?
Let’s start with a disclaimer. I know that congregations and restaurants are not in the same business. I understand that thinking like a restaurant can lead to embracing the consumer culture of the day. I know all too well that…
Latino Network to sponsor youths attending global Baptist conference
RICHMOND, Va.—The Latino Network of Virginia Baptists has announced plans to sponsor 10 Latino youth to attend the Baptist Youth World Conference next summer in Singapore. The conference, sponsored by the Baptist World Alliance, is expected to draw about 6,000…
OUT LOUD
“As Muslims, when we see President Morsi, we feel just as the black people of the United States feel about Barack Obama. Here is somebody who looks like me, who represents me.” Ali el-Banna The Egyptian lawyer spoke to the…
HeraldBeat: Tracking Baptists across the Mid-Atlantic
Transitions ON THE MOVE Steve Lalk, to Sandy Creek Baptist Church, Jetersville, Va., as pastor. Earl Jones, to Morningside Baptist Church, Asheville, N.C., as pastor. Joe Edwards, to Gourdvine Baptist Church, Rixleyville, Va., as pastor. Greg Robertson, to Calvary Baptist…