Baptist News Global

ANOTHER VIEW: A week of contrasts

While following the news, I could not miss the contrasts. Within a week, we have witnessed the deaths of two leaders with two completely different legacies. These men, Gerald Ford and Saddam Hussein, forever connected by death, were as different…

Bill Cumbie, BGAV leader, dies at 83

William J. “Bill” Cumbie, 83, a former president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia who as executive director of the Mount Vernon Baptist Association (now NorthStar) played a central role in the growth of its member congregations over 30…

FIRST PERSON: What kind of moderates are Virginia Baptists?

In a recent editorial a syndicated conservative columnist observes that politicians are difficult to label. He notes the liberal label historically has fit one American political party well because of its willingness to promote military intervention for humanitarian causes. He…

Hammond elected president by NAMB’s trustees

In a unanimous vote March 21, trustees of the North American Mission Board elected Geoff Hammond as president of the Southern Baptist Convention's stateside mission body. Hammond, 49, will start full-time work for the entity May 22. Hammond is currently…

The music man

For three decades, Allen R. Brown led the music ministry of Virginia Baptists. He easily was the most recognized voice and face at a Virginia Baptist state meeting and clearly among the most respected and beloved members of the Mission…

Media bias? Not what some might think

WASHINGTON (ABP)—A new study by two Washington-based groups asserts that the mainstream media, derided by some as liberally biased, actually overemphasizes the importance of religious conservatives. Media Matters for America and Faith in Public Life released the report, titled “Left…

Joint meeting of American Baptists, CBF models newfound cooperation

WASHINGTON (ABP)—Worship infused with music and missions, cooperation and communion, and doses of laughter marked a historic reunion of Baptists in the nation's capital city. The American Baptist Churches USA and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship held their first national joint…

RIGHT OR WRONG: Incorporating a church

Our church is newly organized. We've been advised to incorporate and to adopt a constitution and bylaws. This all seems like a lot of work, and it might negatively impact what we are trying to do. What's the validity of…

The mystery of the call

The Baptist world is divided between two camps—the clergy and the laity. Baptist thought usually admits that both camps are expected to be Christian servants. But one of the mysteries to the laity is the matter of “the call” to…

How to connect the dots while watching Shiny Happy People

A friendly conversation on being ‘woke’

On migrant crisis, the U.S. and UK governments share a controversial tactic in common

The whole gospel of God for a church and nation in crisis