“ … If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed!” (John 8:36) ‘Negro Adam” — property of Thomas Dodson — was the first black who can be documented in one of the church records at…
test
EDITORIAL: The source of Pewboy’s depression
Pewboy slouched and stared at his blank computer screen. He was attempting the dangerous practice of psychological self-diagnosis when his thoughts were interrupted by his constant companion and friend, Altarego. Altarego: You know, they have come up with incredible speech…
OUT LOUD
“It’s a yeasty time. Christianity is being reinvented. My guess is that it will get smaller for awhile. Many churches built in the religious boom years of the last century will close. There will be tensions between experimenters and traditionalists….
OPINION: Memorable Sunday school teachers
As the New Year begins I would like to start off by thanking all those who work with children. Whatever the job might be at the local church — whether it is Sunday school or Wednesday nights or whatever the…
VITAL SIGNS: Critical questions for 2012
If there is one recurring theme to the conversations I have regularly with clergy, lay leaders and denominational employees, it is viability. In a myriad of ways, people are asking viability questions about ministry, congregational life, finances, staff models, facilities,…
Documentary claims age-graded Sunday school harms families
By Bob Allen A controversial new documentary movie contends age-graded Sunday school and youth ministry are doing more harm than good. In Divided, young filmmaker Philip Leclerc sets out to discover why so many people of his generation are leaving…
Can Sunday School be saved?
By Bob Allen Sunday school, a staple of Protestant church life in the United States in the 20th century, is in decline, prompting some scholars to question whether the institution has a future. The Southern Baptist Convention has reported declines…
Online Sunday school class offers ‘easy-access Bible study’
By Robert Dilday On a recent Sunday morning at First Baptist Church in Richmond, Va., conversation was lively as members of a Bible study class explored the day’s Scripture passage from the Gospel of Luke. But of the 15 people…
Sunday school an evolving institution
By Bob Allen Sunday school plays such an important role in Baptist life a typical churchgoer might be tempted to think it always has been around. In fact, it is a relatively modern and evolving invention. While some debate its…
Gilyard hasn’t ruled out starting new church
By Bob Allen A former Baptist pastor just out of prison after serving three years for sexual abuse of children says he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of starting a new church. “I’m not sure — I’m just praying about…
Sunday school both modern and evolving institution
Sunday school plays such an important role in Baptist life a typical churchgoer might be tempted to think it always has been around. In fact, it is a relatively modern and evolving invention. While some debate its origins, most credit…