(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…
Project Ruth celebrates 2 decades
By Jeff Brumley Project Ruth’s Mihai Ciopasiu is all too glad to talk about the success the organization has enjoyed the past two decades serving the poorest and most shunned children in Romania. The nonprofit began as a day center…
Church expelled after affirming gays
By Bob Allen An American Baptist church in Ohio has been excommunicated from its association and state region after going on record as welcoming and affirming gays. Tommy Faris, pastor of University Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio, said the church…
Prof: Kitty Wells wasn’t a feminist
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist seminary professor and country-music devotee is challenging eulogies portraying recently deceased singer/songwriter Kitty Wells as a feminist icon. Russell Moore, dean of the school of theology and vice president for academic administration at Southern…
Faith leaders support Tenn. mosque
By Bob Allen More than 100 religious leaders signed an open letter July 18 voicing support for a Tennessee mosque asking a federal judge to permit use of its newly built building to celebrate Ramadan, which begins July 19. Brent…
Chick-fil-A criticized as anti-gay
By Bob Allen Controversy over Chick-fil-A’s support of groups opposed to gay rights re-emerged when Baptist Press carried a story July 16 quoting the company’s president and chief operating officer pleading “guilty as charged” to criticism that the popular fast-food…