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…
SECOND OPINION: Church bylaws: Are yours adequate for today’s challenges?
We live in a litigation-happy society. Assuming your church is safe from lawsuits is a set-up for disaster. While many suits are unjustified factually or legally, way too many suits against churches are appropriate because of inadequate ministerial practices. The…
Pastoral residency offers mentoring for young ministers
When a Baptist minister graduates from seminary or divinity school, what factors predict whether that person will succeed or fail in local church ministry? Educational training plays a part, as does the personality of the congregation the minister serves. But…
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…
News about Virginia Baptists and their Ministries for August 23 ,2007
STAFF CHANGES • Chad Whaley, to New Salem Church, Culpeper, as pastor. • Samuel Barnhart Sr., to Second Church, Falls Church, as senior pastor. • Archie Goldie, to Sterling Park Church, Sterling, as interim pastor. • Bryan Jones, to First…
Collaboration essential part of effective mentoring
DALLAS—It's not coincidental that the pastoral residency program at Wilshire Baptist Church occurs in a group context. Wilshire employs four pastoral residents with help from the Lilly Endowment and supports a music ministry resident out of the church budget. The…