By Bob Allen Two churches disciplined by Baptist bodies for affirming gays have joined the Alliance of Baptists, a theologically progressive organization formed by churches and individuals separating from the Southern Baptist Convention in 1987. The Alliance’s e-mail newsletter announced…
Baptist sexuality conference program released
Jenell Paris By Bob Allen Scholar and author Jenell Paris headlines A [Baptist] Conference on Sexuality and Covenant program scheduled April 19-21 at First Baptist Church in Decatur, Ga. Paris, professor of cultural anthropology at Messiah College and author of…
Rob Bell says goodbye to Michigan megachurch
GRANDVILLE, Mich. (RNS) — For years, Rob Bell closed his Sunday teachings at Mars Hill Bible Church with a simple statement: "Grace and peace be with you." Thousands would respond in unison: "And also with you." Rob Bell is leaving…
Carter’s new book based on 70 years in Sunday school
Jimmy Carter was president for four years, but his new book is based on a role that he's held for nearly 70 years: Sunday school teacher. Through the Year with Jimmy Carter: 366 Daily Meditations from the 39th President, offers…
Rob Bell says goodbye to Michigan megachurch
GRANDVILLE, Mich. (RNS) — For years, Rob Bell closed his Sunday teachings at Mars Hill Bible Church with a simple statement: "Grace and peace be with you." Thousands would respond in unison: "And also with you." Rob Bell is leaving…
A book by a Baptist who happens to be a former president
Jimmy Carter was president for four years, but his new book is based on a role that he's held for nearly 70 years: Sunday school teacher. Through the Year with Jimmy Carter: 366 Daily Meditations from the 39th President, offers…
Opinion: Warning, this sermon may be X-rated
(ABP) – Mega-church preacher Ed Young Jr. is challenging married couples in his church and beyond to conduct a “sexperiment” – to have sex for seven straight days as a way to improve their marriage. Videos promoting Sexperiment: 7 Days…
Former youth pastor, teacher charged with molestation
By Bob Allen Residents of a Birmingham suburb expressed shock at sexual abuse charges filed against a popular school teacher who faced similar allegations, but avoided arrest, 20 years ago while he was youth minister at a Baptist church. Police…
Francis McBeth, world-renowned composer, dies at 78
W. Francis McBeth, an internationally acclaimed composer and conductor and longtime professor of music at Ouachita Baptist University, died Friday, Jan. 6, at age 78. Francis McBeth McBeth, who earned extensive accolades throughout his career, served as Ouachita’s composer-in-residence, Lena…
Bluefield College students explore Chinese society
BLUEFIELD, Va. — For the fifth semester in a row, students from Bluefield College shared history, language, tradition and time with students from China as part of the Baptist-affiliated school’s exchange program with the Jiangsu Institute of Education in Nanjing….
HeraldBeat
Transitions ON THE MOVE Fred Hardin Jr., to Fuller Memorial Baptist Church, Martinsville, Va., as pastor. Paul Batson, to Nobles Chapel Baptist Church, Sims, N.C., as pastor. Brian Harfst, resigning as pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, Unionville, Va. David Anthony,…
Atheists’ political party faces long road to U.S. acceptance as majority express discomfort with a
How viable is a political party with the word “atheist” in its name? Troy Boyle, a corporate legal representative for a finance company, thinks very viable. Last March, he and a friend founded the National Atheist Party, which they believe…