Baptist News Global

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…

Baptist educator joins Bluefield College as vice president for enrollment

Bluefield College recently welcomed a new vice president to manage recruitment and enrollment initiatives for the school. Toby Ziglar, an admissions director and former college professor and pastor with strong ties to Virginia Baptists, joined the BC family Aug. 1…

Another prominent SBC church beset by strife

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — The integrity of another prominent Southern Baptist pastor has been called into question by members of his megachurch — this one in the shadow of the Southern Baptist Convention's headquarters. Local and national news agencies have…

Historic First Baptist of Dallas names Robert Jeffress as senior pastor

DALLAS (ABP) — First Baptist Church in Dallas has called one of its own products, Robert Jeffress, to become its new senior pastor. According to a statement on the church's website, more than 3,000 congregants affirmed the 51-year-old at an…

What Disclosure Day reveals about evangelicals’ fears

Insufficient

6 ways the Reflecting Pool boondoggle mirrors Trump and MAGA

Pilate asked Jesus, ‘What is truth?’