If deacons were surveyed, they would almost universally say they want people to join their churches. After all, reaching new people is one of our basic tenants as Baptists. We give much effort and even more lipservice to reaching new…
Are religious litmus tests for public office appropriate?
While the U.S. Constitution specifically spells out that no religious litmus test should be used to determine who holds office, Christians still grapple with if and how their faith should inform their choice in candidates. And they often use the…
VITAL SIGNS: Prime time
One thing that is predictable about pastor search committees is that they all want something similar: a great preacher, an amazing administrator who loves visiting, someone who is effective with young families and senior adults, a 38 year old with…
Making choices in a fallen world is essential
Passion and conviction often direct a Christian in choosing public servants. Economic concerns, social justice issues, foreign policy or a host of other issues can be of primary concern. But suppose Candidate A’s approach on one issue matches but his…
WINN RECOMENDS
Visible Words, Robert W. Jenson (Fortress) Originally written over 30 years ago, Jenson’s interpretation of Christian sacraments has become a classic. In this new edition, Jenson reiterates his belief that the sacraments are physical (and bodily) encounters, where the Word…
Bearing false witness is still a sin, even in campaign
People of faith must measure the truthfulness of what they hear and see during an election year — and they must be especially careful about the information they pass along. Believers should weigh information they glean or that they receive…
OPINION: Invited to the sound
My husband is a musician but he rarely sends me music to listen to. He is well versed and discerning of the catalog of rock/indie/pop/techno/industrial music in the world. I, on the other hand, never bought CDs as a teenager…
In media coverage, learn to recognize bias, reliability
Voters want and need reliable and truthful information about candidates at all levels of government and from all political perspectives. But in an information age that overwhelms the electorate with sheer volume at breakneck speed, what factors should people of…
LETTER: Deacon training seen as valuable
Thank you for the article in the Feb. 20 issue [“Basic training for deacons”]. I do hope you receive a great report of wisdom on the subject. I am a senior member of our church and have never been a…
Photo contest featured at CBFNC meeting
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — For the second year in a row, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina is sponsoring a photography contest in conjunction with its annual General Assembly. Photographs will illustrate this year’s General Assembly theme of reconciliation, “The…
OPINION: In Lent, congregations find new life in death
Each year the season of Lent invites us to reflect on the reality that even the most well-lived lives eventually come to an end. For the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, Christians around the world participate through…
Smithfield, N.C., congregation finds outreach to the community through music academy
SMITHFIELD, N.C. — The voice drifts down the hallway at Sharon Baptist Church in Smithfield, N.C., and no matter how the sound might have progressed in ability, it’s music to Todd Johnson’s ears. Remember the classic episode of “The Andy…