Baptist News Global

Writing your own name: Self-identification in a world of stereotypes

Countless times over the years, I’ve attended a meeting or seminar and upon entering the building and picking up my packet of pertinent documents, received an adhesive label that said, “Hello, my name is.” In the space below, I was…

United Methodists counter grim climate outlook with hope and action

While the world stood aghast at apocalyptic images of environmental extremes caused by climate change both in real life and in a new scientific report, United Methodists faced the global challenge with renewed commitment to hope and action. “The new…

Americans almost as divided over transgender identity as over abortion

American views on people who change gender are nearly as divisive as views on abortion, new polling from Gallup shows, in the first-of-its-kind research by the firm. Gallup has tracked Americans’ views on a range of sexuality issues for the…

America’s racial sins are sins against God

Too many American Christians act as if our nation has somehow earned God’s approval through our inherent virtue. Instead, I believe the largest way America has reflected Christianity is in how we have been completely dependent upon the grace (unmerited…

Understand the humanity of the Dreamers, DACA recipient urges

Wanting secure borders and other controls shouldn’t require Americans to judge immigrants harshly or use denigrating language to label them, a DACA recipient said during a national immigration forum Aug. 11. “Even if people … can’t understand immigrants or why…

When will the church say of abuse, ‘It doesn’t have to be this way’?

“It does not have to be this way.” I am anxiously awaiting my faith community as a whole to say this for women. To say that being abused and harassed as a pastor or layperson can be addressed and not…

CBF General Assembly moves to online-only format as COVID cases climb

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s attempt to plan a hybrid General Assembly in late August has fallen victim to the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic across America. What had been planned as a virtual gathering with three regional in-person options now…

What’s wrong with ‘Left Behind’?

One of the biggest lies perpetuated in modern American Christianity is about the end times. Just by paying attention to popular culture and conversation, you would assume that the “Left Behind” theology is the most accepted — and maybe the…

Yes, churches survived the first year of the pandemic, but overall giving continues to decline and adaptation is needed

Congregations must reimagine ministries, repurpose facilities and reinvent donor appeals if churches are to survive the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing decline of religion in the 21st century. That was the advice offered by two panelists in…

Transitions for the week of 8-13-21

Please submit transitions — including staff changes, ordinations, anniversaries or deaths — to Barbara Francis. This page will be updated bi-weekly. STAFF CHANGES Peggy Arbogast, to Mill Creek Baptist Church, Fincastle, Va., as director of children’s ministry. Ethan Asters, to Southside…

Impressions while worshiping in God’s cathedral

While I sat in an old oak grove early Sunday morning, a time in my life replayed, bringing memories of working with consultants to raise funds for building churches. My thoughts drifted back to the 1980s when seven area congregations…

Ministry jobs and more

Baptist News Global provides a free listing of ministry-related jobs for Baptist churches, theological institutions and organizations across the United States. Each free posting is for 30 days and is limited to 150 words. Postings may be extended another 30…

Eradicating DEI hasn’t made anything better

How Christian nationalism shows up in patriotic worship services

Dear Trump-supporting Christians, are you really OK with this?

‘Every Student. Every State’ campaign promotes school tax credit