NEW YORK (RNS)—Do not confuse the upcoming film Blue Like Jazz with Christian market movies like Fireproof or Courageous. “A Christian movie genre has formed. Our first goal with this movie is that we didn’t fit into this genre,” said…
Mid-Atlantic CBF hears of ‘revolutionary’ mission changes
By Robert Dilday One of the most revolutionary changes in global missions engagement is the new centrality of congregations in the movement, members of the Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Baptist Fellowship were told March 18. Outgoing MACBF moderator Kasey Jones (left) and…
Pastor’s introduction of Santorum goes viral
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist pastor in Louisiana became an Internet celebrity when his fiery introduction at a rally for presidential candidate Rick Santorum went viral on YouTube and news websites. “I don’t care what the liberals say,…
Mission engagement is changing, Mid-Atlantic CBF told
SILVER SPRING, Md.—One of the of the most revolutionary changes in global mission engagement is the new centrality of congregations in the movement, members of the Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Baptist Fellowship were told March 18. “About 18,000 people participated in church-sponsored…
Why is it so hard to do religion in prime time?
NEW YORK (RNS)—Many TV network executives, advertisers and producers would sell their souls to get the kind of audience God has. But giving religion a starring role in prime time? Not so much. Religion, God and spirituality have made cameos…
Religion in prime time: Why is it so hard to do?
NEW YORK (RNS)—Many TV network executives, advertisers and producers would sell their souls to get the kind of audience God has. But giving religion a starring role in prime time? Not so much. Religion, God and spirituality have made cameos…
James Robison hopes for rebirth of Religious Right
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist evangelist who orchestrated the first gathering of what became known as the Religious Right in 1980 is now seeking to mobilize a new coalition of Catholic, Protestant and evangelical voters to save America’s economy….
Seminary student charged with sexual assault
By Bob Allen A student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary was arrested Saturday, March 17, and charged with second-degree sexual offense against another male student in a campus apartment. William Birch William Watson “Billy” Birch, 43, was arrested after admitting…
Bill McConnell nominated for CBF moderator-elect
Associated Baptist Press A Knoxville, Tenn., layman has been nominated as moderator-elect of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Bill McConnell Bill McConnell, immediate past deacon chair at Knoxville’s Central Baptist Church of Bearden, will be recommended for election at the CBF General…
Evangelicals voting in record numbers in GOP primaries
NEW YORK (RNS)—Making up half of Republican primary voters, evangelicals appear to be turning out to support Rick Santorum’s resurgent campaign in record numbers and are increasingly influencing the shape of the party. Perhaps just as important, conservative Christians are…
D.C. church popular site for youth mission experiences
WASHINGTON—Calvary Baptist Church, a 150-year-old congregation in the heart of the nation’s capital, is emerging as the destination of choice for an increasing number of mission trips and summer camps for churches in the Mid-Atlantic. Calvary Baptist Church This summer…
Camp will benefit from generosity of disbanded church
HARTFIELD, Va.—Piankatank Camp and Conference Center will benefit from the generosity of a Petersburg, Va., church which disbanded last year and gave its property to the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, Piankatank’s owner. Funds from the sale of the 60-year-old Walnut…