By Bill Wilson 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…
The gospel according to Napoleon Dynamite
By Gary Furr Napoleon Dynamite. It’s been seven years and I still laugh at this movie. I have it on DVR so I can speed through to favorite moments. Not long ago a friend and I were laughing as we…
Sound-bite salvation
By Bill Leonard Who is a Christian, who is not and how do you know? That question, as old as the church, lurks inside St. Paul’s confrontation with the “superlative apostles” in Corinth who challenged his Christian credentials. In defending…
Baptist sexuality conference is misguided
By Luke Smith We live in a day where the boundaries of licit sexuality have shifted. Marriage is no longer the boundary of licit sexual behavior. The framing of the upcoming [Baptist] Conference on Sexuality and Covenant co-sponsored by the…
The contraception mandate fight
By David Gushee Congress passed the Affordable Care Act in 2010 over the strenuous objections of the Republican opposition (which continues to view it as illegitimate and hopes to see it struck down very soon). In an effort to advance…
What’s ailing Rick Santorum
By Zachary Bailes Doctors are on stand-by for Rick Santorum, the Republican front-runner. They are trying to understand how the First Amendment could induce vomiting. The cause for concern stems from his appearance on ABC’s This Week where he discussed…
Skipping Alleluia
By Amy Butler It happens every year, and on the scale of church conflict it can only be compared to an adjustment of the coffee-hour punch recipe without a full congregational vote of approval. Without fail, every single Lent somebody…
A letter to Franklin Graham
By Zachary Bailes Dear Franklin Graham: Your father once remarked, “Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion; it is like a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.” Your Tuesday Morning Joe…
Preach it, Sister!
By Derik Hamby This month I got to sit in the congregation with my 7-year-old daughter. My wife is in choir, so she usually sits with friends. It was nice to enjoy worship with her. I was exiled from my…