Baptist News Global

Congregations should keep eye on the (golf) ball for survival clues, church coach says

It’s become pretty common for churches struggling with declining memberships and tithing to study congregations that are doing well. But maybe they should focus on the game of golf, which has seen massive course closure rates since the economy tanked…

Son of executed woman says no one has the right to say someone cannot change

The youngest son of the first woman executed in Georgia in 70 years spoke publicly for the first time about the experience in a breakout session at last week’s Cooperative Baptist Fellowship General Assembly in Greensboro, N.C. Dakota Brookshire — son…

Maligned editor says free speech slipping away

A Georgia Baptist newspaper editor widely criticized for questioning whether Islam qualifies as a religion protected under the First Amendment wondered in the days leading up to July 4 if America’s independence is about to slip away. Gerald Harris, editor…

Where do Southern Baptists go when they leave? The answer in one chart

Most of the decline in the Southern Baptist Convention is coming because SBC churches are not holding onto those who were raised in their congregations.

A Social Media Prayer

Words can be toxic. The apostle Paul knew that. Little has changed since the first century, though back then the only social media Paul had to contend with was the chatter at the well or outside the synagogue.

Open to all: A pastor and parent’s pride about Denver PrideFest 2016

When I think about my own son or daughter feeling fear and exclusion like the men I talked to last weekend and like many more who have been made to feel worthless and valueless by churches, it breaks my heart.

The gift that is missing in our talk about affordable housing

In my city, Charlotte, N.C., we have reached a general consensus concerning housing and affordability: we all agree that there is not nearly enough of affordable housing, and we would all like for someone else to do something about it.

Interfaith partnerships, service to those in poverty and an ATM define Louisiana church

Charlene Kelley says her faith is deeper and stronger than it has ever been thanks to her church in Shreveport, La. But it’s not just the usual things, like Bible studies and worship, that have transformed her Christian experience.

CBF leader Joe Crumpler dead at 89

Joe Crumpler, widower of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship founder Carolyn Weatherford Crumpler, died June 10 at age 89. The retired 30-year pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Cincinnati was a leader in both the CBF and the Southern Baptist Convention.

The awkward love story of Trump and American evangelicals

The presidential candidate has been cozying up to conservative Christians. Recently, they’ve been cozying back.

Pope says Church should ask forgiveness from gays for past treatment

Pope Francis also said the Church should ask forgiveness for the way it has treated women, for turning a blind eye to child labor and for “blessing so many weapons” in the past.

British Baptist leader seeks common good after Brexit vote

British Baptists’ top leader assured continuing cooperation with the European Baptist Federation in an open letter to EBF leaders following Britain’s June 23 vote to leave the European Union. “Today we, as the Baptist Union of Great Britain, declare afresh…

How much is enough?

Robert Sloan, Baptist educator, dies at 77

What patriotism is not

Amid flurry of rulings, habeas corpus spells trouble for Trump immigration policies