BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Ecumenical dialogue between Baptists and other Christian traditions clarifies Baptist distinctives rather than dilutes them, says a Gardner-Webb University professor who participated in recent preliminary conversations between Baptists and Orthodox Christians. Steven Harmon “The purpose of…
Church kicked out of association appeals for funds
OWENSBORO, Ky. (ABP) – A Baptist church kicked out of its association for allowing a gay-rights group to meet in its building has launched a national fundraising campaign to prevent having to close its doors. Bob Coons, pastor of Journey…
CBF gets grant to assist ministers in first church
ATLANTA (ABP) – The Lilly Endowment has awarded the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship a $750,000 grant to create a program for ministers serving in their first church after seminary. The CBF Fellows Program will offer cohort learning, peer learning, coaching, mentoring…
Coalition requests policy on faith-based hiring
WASHINGTON (ABP) – Dozens of religious, civil rights, labor and women’s organizations, wrote the White House Dec. 7 asking how the Obama administration decides whether religious organizations may discriminate when hiring for government-funded positions. A coalition including the Baptist Joint…
‘Occupy’ movement comes to church
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (ABP) – As the Occupy protest movement spreads into cities across the United States and around the world, one North Carolina Baptist congregation says it is time to occupy the church. A November Occupy Church "protest" helped energize…
HeraldBeat
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‘Occupy’ movement comes to Charlotte — whimsically
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (ABP) — As the Occupy protest movement spreads into cities across the United States and around the world, one North Carolina Baptist congregation says it is time to occupy the church. A sign in front of the church…
VIRGINIA BRIEFS
Last day for 2011 gifts. Jan. 5, 2012, is the last day contributions toward the 2011 Baptist General Association of Virginia budget will be received by the BGAV treasurer’s office. Treasurer Eddie Stratton said he encouraged BGAV churches to send…
Filipino church broadens focus, changes name
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Roughly translated, the Filipino proverb “Ang palay ay parisan, habang nagkakalaman ay lalong nagpugpugay,” means: “Imitate the rice stalk; the more grains it bears, the lower it bows.” The Filipino-American Christian Church in Stafford County, Va., has…
Ecumenical dialogue clarifies distinctives, says prof
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Ecumenical dialogue between Baptists and other Christian traditions clarifies Baptist distinctives rather than dilutes them, says a Gardner-Webb University professor who participated in recent preliminary conversations between Baptists and Orthodox Christians. “The purpose of ecumenical discussions…
Realignments at board add value, says executive
RICHMOND, Va. — Proposed changes in the staff of the Virginia Baptist Mission Board are prompted in part by reduced funding but will have the effect of making the organization more strategic, the board’s executive director said Dec. 9. John…
‘Spiritual transformer’ of children retires after 28 years
RICHMOND, Va. — At the age of 8, growing up in Stanley County, N.C., northeast of Charlotte, Diane Smith decided her goal in life was to teach children. Diane Smith enjoys a laugh during a retirement celebration in her honor….