FARMVILLE, Va.—More than 70 graduates from every decade since the 1940s participated in the recent third biennial reunion of Longwood University’s Baptist Collegiate Ministries Alumni Association. Dinner in Longwood BCM's newly-expanded facility was a highlight of its recent alumni reunion….
Churches discover benefits, challenges in producing their own Bible study materials for classes
Not too long ago, hardly any church would have dared to plan, write and publish its own Bible study materials. Before computers, desktop publishing and easy access to the Internet, the task would have been so daunting, few churches would…
Rallies raise awareness of need for more foster parents
SALEM, Va.—Mention the word orphan and typically what comes to mind are children in impoverished nations around the globe. Virginia Baptists’ HopeTree Family Services and other faith-based organizations in Virginia are seeking to change that image and get the word…
When does it make sense for a church to produce its own material?
Producing study materials for a church is a huge undertaking that diverts staff time, energy and attention away from other assignments. Making that decision, then, should be done carefully. When does it make sense for a church to produce its…
TRENDING: Four emerging ministry and staffing patterns
1. “Oikos” grows. As Millenniels pass Boomers as the largest generation, LifeWay Research indicates that top priority among the Millennial generation is family. With the disintegration of nuclear family in North American life through proliferating divorce, extended family or…
FIRST PERSON: The ups and downs of curriculum writing
Writing the Nurturing Faith curriculum for Baptists Today has proven to be both a joy and a challenge. Joy comes in the regular discipline of digging into the text, wrestling with the original language (which usually wins), and trying to…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Transitions—Turning into life’s skids
Can you picture it? You’re driving on a slippery road. Your car suddently careens out of control. Things happen in the blink of an eye—most of them bad. Your brain switches automatically into survival mode. You panic and react instinctively….
Organizations step into role of curriculum publishers
Local congregations aren’t alone in discovering that developing Christian education resources can meet a critical need. Other organizations have expanded their missions to include creating Bible study materials. Both the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the Nashville, Tenn.-based Baptist…
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Plunging into poverty: Q&A
By Jeff Brumley San Antonio youth pastor Gavin Rogers is part of a trend of younger adults expressing a need to experience homelessness in order to better serve the homeless, says Neil Donovan, executive director of the National Coalition for…
Camp director convicted of sex crime once worked at Glorieta
By Bob Allen A former Baptist camp director who recently pleaded guilty to a federal sex crime formerly worked at Glorieta Conference Center, Associated Baptist Press has learned. Michael Latham A LifeWay Christian Resources spokesman confirmed April 12 that Mike…
Georgia Baptists rescind grant to women’s health clinic
By Bob Allen The Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation withdrew a $42,000 grant from a women’s health clinic after learning that it dispenses morning-after birth control pills. According to the Rome News-Tribune, the grant was for cervical cancer screening…