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…
Pastor blasts biblical inerrancy
By Bob Allen Biblical inerrancy – the idea that the Bible’s authors were safeguarded against error when inspired by God to write facts about science and history in Scripture – is a misleading and harmful concept that has been used…
New book tells story of loss, redemption
By Bob Allen A new book self-described as “one part worst-case scenario and three parts God’s creative redemption,” about a church-bus tragedy that turned into a grassroots movement for doing good, cracked the Amazon Top 50 Christian Living Hot New…
Group is changing the face of homelessness in Baltimore
BALTIMORE—It’s a humid Monday night in downtown Baltimore, but the heat isn’t slowing Greg Gilchrist down. He keeps a towel handy next to his Bible as he preaches to a crowded room at Code Blue Shelter. Amens ring across the…
For Bluefield student, providing clean water is mandate
BLUEFIELD, Va.—“Every time you take a sip of clean water, someone dies of unclean water somewhere in the world.” That’s the statement that stirs the heart of Bluefield College student J.D. Taylor. So much so, he’s doing something about it…
Pastor grateful after Colo. fire spares home
By Jeff Brumley A Colorado Baptist pastor feels stunned and grateful in the midst of raging wildfires that have spared his home and church but killed two neighbors and destroyed hundreds of houses. “Numbness and shock – PTSD is what…
Baptist leaders meet in Chile
By Bob Allen About 300 Baptist leaders from around the world are in Santiago, Chile, this week for an annual gathering of the Baptist World Alliance. In an opening celebration service July 2, BWA President John Upton recalled worldwide Baptist…
OPINION: Encountering community
As a congregation, we talk much about the importance of being part of a living, breathing community, existing in relationship with others. We see this evidence weekly, as we share meals and stories, prayers and tears, laughter and celebrations. We…
Prof decries marginalization of Calvinists
By Bob Allen A seminary professor denounced the marginalization of Calvinists in the Southern Baptist Convention at a breakfast gathering during the recent SBC annual meeting in New Orleans. Speaking at the 2012 Founder’s Breakfast, Tom Nettles, professor of historical…
Mid-Atlantic Baptists respond to storms
By Robert Dilday In the aftermath of furious thunderstorms that swept the Mid-Atlantic June 29, leaving nearly 2 million households without power in the midst of record-breaking heat, Baptists in the region were initiating feeding and cleanup services in stricken…
Changing the face of homelessness
By Alice Horner It’s a humid Monday night in downtown Baltimore, but the heat isn’t slowing Greg Gilchrist down. He keeps a towel handy next to his Bible as he preaches to a crowded room at Code Blue Shelter. Amens…
Changing the face of homelessness
By Alice Horner It’s a humid Monday night in downtown Baltimore, but the heat isn’t slowing Greg Gilchrist down. He keeps a towel handy next to his Bible as he preaches to a crowded room at Code Blue Shelter. Amens…