Baptist News Global

SECOND OPINION: Responding to the immigration crisis

Without question immigration currently is a hot button issue for all Americans, all Christians and all Virginia Baptists. Daniel Carro, coordinator of the Latino Network of Virginia Baptists and professor of divinity at the John Leland Center for Theological Studies,…

Imagining the future

In the summer of 1877, “the June meeting” or annual meeting of the General Association was held in Danville. Jeremiah Bell Jeter, one of the grand old men of the Association, was present and actively engaged in the meeting. Jeter…

Baptist experience

At a time when many are trying to rewrite Baptist history and many are ashamed to put the name “Baptist” on their church sign, the publication by William E. Hull of his newest book, The Meaning of the Baptist Experience,…

OUTLOUD

“Martin loved jokes. He said, ‘If a preacher can't tell a joke, don't fool with him 'cause he can't preach either.' ” Samuel Billy Lyles The Memphis, Tenn., pastor was recalling the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King during…

FAITHSHAPERS: Parenting part 2

Last month we talked about the dangers of short-term thinking and the advantages of staying focused on the long-term. When we have our goals firmly in mind, we are able to be strategic in our daily decisions. I would like…

SBC candidate calls for God’s wrath against AU

BUENA PARK, Calif. (ABP) — An early candidate for the presidency of the Southern Baptist Convention has called on Baptists to pray for misfortune to befall employees of a church-state watchdog group. Wiley Drake, a pastor, radio crusader and Baptist…

Black churches face challenges in maintaining musical tradition

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (RNS)—Music, for many, is at the heart of the black worship experience. “Music comes as a softener of people,” said Frank Thomas, pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, Tenn. “It allows me to gradually open myself…

FAITH DIGEST

Belief in afterlife ages well. As Americans get older, their confidence in the afterlife increases, according to a recent survey of people over 50 conducted by AARP, the advocacy group for seniors. Seventy-three percent of older people believe in life…

Praying it forward

RICHMOND — The first day of school stirs up many emotions. Some students (and teachers, too) approach the day with dread while others can't wait to get started. As both students and staff head back to school they anticipate new…

Ministry assistants to hold annual meeting

The Baptist Ministry Assistants of Virginia will hold its annual meeting Friday, Sept. 28 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The meeting, focusing on the theme, “Reaching the Masses … In Your Own Backyard,” will be held at the Pittsylvania…

Chris Backert to join board as emerging church strategist

RICHMOND — Christopher J. Backert has joined the Virginia Baptist Mission Board's emerging leaders team in a new part-time position as emerging church strategist. In announcing Backert's appointment, Susan McBride, emerging leaders team leader, said, “Chris will help Virginia Baptists…

Lowesville VBS participants provide water for Malawi gardens

LOWESVILLE — Rural kids know something about gardens. At least, they understand gardens needing water. If it doesn't rain, they need water from somewhere. They also understand more about sacrifice than most of us. They taught us some of that…

Islamophobia is the next bogeyman

The Black Church cannot remain America’s emergency moral infrastructure

We are manna

Webinar explores religious context of America’s Founders