Baptist News Global

‘Turnaround churches’: Have Baptists something to learn from Anglicans?

If turning around a declining church were easy, more declining churches would be reversing course. And if Christians in the United States think turning around a church is difficult, think of trying it in the Church of England, where tradition…

Consider revitalizing models for declining churches

One sees them occasionally. Abandoned church buildings in rural areas stand in mute witness of changing times. In urban areas, big brick structures, once crowded with eager worshipers, now house restaurants, community centers or even nightclubs. Sometimes churches die. Like…

‘A time to be born, a time to die’ holds true for churches, some experts insist

Is a church’s death inevitable? Who can give congregations permission to die? Should church members feel guilty for closing their facility’s doors? Peter Bush, author of In Dying We are Born: The Challenge and the Hope for Congregations, believes every…

New churches: The key to continued evangelism and growth

According to Chris Backert, emerging church strategist with the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, no greater need exists in the body of Christ today than effective church planting. “Over the last decade a wide variety of church commentators, Christian authors, and…

Life & Faith Tour plans to ‘give back’

In its debut year, the Life & Faith Tour, a Christian festival, will kick off in a big way in three cities this summer: Richmond (June 19), Rockingham, NC (July 10) and Atlanta (July 24). The diverse line-up for the…

Lakewood Manor helps fight H1N1 virus

RICHMOND — Lakewood Manor has given doses of the H1N1 vaccine to members of two Baptist churches in Richmond. After those organizations who serve people in high risk categories were able to access the vaccine, health organizations like Lakewood were…

Va. Baptist Foundation awards grant

RICHMOND — The Virginia Baptist Foundation has awarded a $1,500 grant to the Shiloh Baptist Association to replace the association’s disaster response trailer. The trailer, purchased in 2005, has been a valuable tool for the association, a fellowship of about…

‘Buckets of Hope’ to aid Haiti victims

RICHMOND — Many Virginia Baptist churches are filling buckets with food this month to assist victims of Haiti’s Jan. 12 earthquake. “Buckets of Hope” is a nationwide emphasis of the Southern Baptist Convention to provide food for Haitians. “Individuals, families,…

Baptist Extension Board expands loan policy to assist struggling churches

RICHMOND — Virginia Baptist churches which are struggling with financial shortfalls may once more find some relief as a result of a new policy adopted in February by the Baptist Extension Board. The Extension Board has made an additional $100,000…

From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap

STAFF CHANGES • Kevin Kelly, now serving as pastor of River Shore Church, Portsmouth. • Randal Walton, to Amherst Church, Amherst, as interim pastor. • Jimmie Miles, to Mount Vernon Church, Glen Allen, as consultant for discipleship and education. •…

Chowan University hosts ‘SeniorFest’; BGAV’s Upton is featured speaker

MURFREESBORO, N.C. — Chowan University will host its fourth annual SeniorFest March 25 with special guest speakers, live music, informative breakout sessions, a buffet lunch and door prizes. This year, the popular senior adult-oriented event hosted by the Baptist-affiliated school…

At Carter’s church, former president’s Sunday school class still a draw

PLAINS, Ga. (RNS) — With its aging storefronts and small train depot, its graceful pecan trees and clipped fields of peanuts, cottons and hay, peace still seems possible in this tiny town. And nowhere is that peace protected more fiercely…

Republicans push through more unregulated funding for ICE and CBP

Trump admin defying court order on immigration access

What was there left to argue?

Beauty, ashes and the Southern Baptist Convention