By Bob Allen A half-day event is scheduled July 30 in Northfield, Minn., to promote Baptist opposition to Nov. 6 ballot initiatives in several states asking voters to define marriage as a legal union of one man and one woman….
BWA formally hires leaders
By Bob Allen The Baptist World Alliance formalized appointments of two executive staff members July 6 during leadership meetings in Santiago, Chile. Rothangliani Rema Chhangte, originally from India but who worked most recently for American Baptist Churches USA, begins Aug….
NABF plans 2014 anniversary
By Bob Allen North Americans attending the July 2-7 Baptist World Alliance annual gathering in Santiago, Chile, convened Thursday afternoon to preview plans for the 50th anniversary celebration of the North American Baptist Fellowship in 2014. The March 6-7, 2014,…
‘Business as mission’ fulfills calling
By Jeff Brumley Some Christians live out their faith by pastoring churches, visiting prisoners or serving as missionaries. Jordan England does it by designing and selling furniture. “This is my calling,” said England, the 31-year-old owner and CEO of Industry…
EDITORIAL: Celebrating America
Can there be a better time than the days surrounding July 4th to contemplate the values and mysteries of being American? I realize that some object to the commandeering of the term “America” to apply only to the United States….
OPINION: O, Death
O, Death O, Death Won’t you spare me over til another year Well what is this that I can't see With ice cold hands takin’ hold of me Well I am death, none can excel I’ll open the door to…
VITAL SIGNS: Describe a healthy pastor search process, please
The search process for a new pastor is both an exhilarating and a risky time for a congregation. Healthy congregations go at this task from the framework of a spiritual discernment process that is unique to the free-call tradition of…
OPINION: It’s not about Sunday
We need to focus more on Sunday morning. We need to start a new worship service. We need to do more to get young people through our doors. These are the cries so often heard in the 21st century Baptist…
HeraldBeat
Transitions ON THE MOVE Michael Cheuk, to University Baptist Church, Charlottesville, Va., as senior pastor, effective in August. Michael Wyre, to Lynn Haven Baptist Church, Vinton, Va., as pastor. Alex C. Gallimore, to Hester Baptist Church, Oxford, N.C., as pastor….
Kingdom calling is not about a church’s institutional survival
Stewardship sermons often focus on finances. Even when preachers include stewardship of time and talents, emphasis on their use at church typically trumps application to the workplace or community. Amy Sherman wants church leaders to grasp a wider vision. “I…
What does it mean to fulfill one’s calling in God’s kingdom?
Many Americans have a clearer idea what they will do on summer vacation than how they will fulfill any God-given sense of vocation. Some Christians see vocation as limited to a select few—mostly ministers and missionaries. Even those who see…
For this Baptist, ‘business as mission’ is calling
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (ABP)—Some Christians live out their faith by ministering in churches, visiting prisoners or serving as missionaries. Jordan England does it by designing and selling furniture. “This is my calling,” said England, the 31-year-old owner and CEO of Industry…