Some SBC leaders endorse blog. Several prominent Baptist leaders have publicly endorsed a groundbreaking blog operated by reform-minded pastors within the Southern Baptist Convention. The endorsers include the presidents of three SBC entities and a college president—Morris Chapman, president of…
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…
Some Christian readers bewitched by Potter, wild about Harry
DALLAS (ABP)—J.K. Row-ling isn't likely to repeat John Lennon's mistake. She probably won't compare the record-setting popularity of her Harry Potter books to that of Jesus Christ, but the global reach of the title character's adventures is undeniable. The last…
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…
Billy Graham’s access to Oval Office spanned 11 U.S. presidents
It doesn't take long to make a list of religious leaders who've made personal connections with each of the last 11 U.S. presidents. There's really just one name: Billy Graham. The evangelist who has spent the last six decades preaching…
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…
Graham, presidents shared deep personal bonds
Harry Truman “Don't worry about it. I realized you hadn't been properly briefed.” — Billy Graham, in his autobiography, Just As I Am, recalling Truman's acceptance of his apology in 1967 for his actions during a White House visit years…
Passing the torch: When a longtime pastor leaves, succession can be sticky
When the only pastor an entire generation at a church has known leaves, there's no set model for ensuring a smooth transition, experts say. The right way to do it at one time in a church's history may be wrong…
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…
Seventh Day Baptists to stay in Baptist Joint Committee
NEWBERG, Ore. (ABP) — A tiny Baptist denomination has voted, narrowly, to remain part of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty despite disagreements over church-state relations. Delegates to the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference voted 279-234 July 31 to…
The church has a new pastor. When will it start to feel normal?
NEW YORK (ABP)—When a beloved pastor leaves a church, the replacement often faces an uphill battle in winning the trust and respect of the congregation. Sometimes, the newcomer faces a challenge simply in getting people to remember his name. Winfred…
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…