“They stole $77,000. And that was all of my savings.” Her voice was so soft I (Doug) had to lean in to hear her. “I’ve talked with the local police, the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission. The money is...
I am totally engulfed in the red inferno. Flames of red and ribbons of yellow lick at my skin, yet I remain cool and indifferent to its intense heat of color. As I strain to look up, up, up, my…
This summer while visiting various sites in the ancient Roman Empire, I tried to brush up on my knowledge of the history of Western Civilization. Just to make a full disclosure, the only “D” I made in college was in…
Messengers attending this month’s Baptist General Association of Virginia annual meeting are likely to find what was expected to be a fairly routine agenda enlivened by several weeks of wide-ranging discussions on a proposed budget and on the parameters of…
BLACKSBURG, Va. — Blacksburg, Va., pastor Tommy McDearis will be nominated for first vice president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia — the second announced candidate for a position whose incumbent for more than 10 years has been elected…
With great personal interest, I read the Oct. 15 issue of the Religious Herald, particularly the “Tough calls” article. The Baptist General Association of Virginia budget committee has faced a tough task with optimistic realism and created a 2013 budget…
Since I spoke out in the Oct. 15 issue of the Religious Herald expressing my concerns with the proposed 2013 Baptist General Association of Virginia budget, it is only fitting that I express my appreciation for the budget committee’s willingness…
If you are a Baptist, chances are, yesterday came and went without much notice in your church. But it was All Saints’ Day. Every year, on Nov. 1, Christian churches gather to remember and give thanks for the Christian saints who…
Whenever I address a group about the work our organization does, I mention that one of our frequent calls is to help a congregation, staff, judicatory or organization manage conflict. Our conflict intervention calls are on the upswing. My colleague,…
I would love to begin this article by asking for all the faithful Christians to vote for the Jesus candidate come Nov. 6. Such rhetoric is certainly nothing new in our religiously-charged culture and I have heard many pastors, despite…
RICHMOND — William H. “Bill” Whitaker II said he knew that God was preparing him for a change in ministry. Having served as executive business pastor at First Baptist Church of South Richmond for more than 12 years, Whitaker said…
“Are you better off?” is the wrong question. It appeals to our ego without the balancing biblical imagery of the Good Samaritan who sees a need, feels compassion, stops his journey, anoints with oil and wine, bandages wounds, transports a…
