The drive to weave ties among local churches is housed deep in the Baptist DNA, some observers of denominational life say. It's an instinct almost as visceral as another, often competing, Baptist charactertistic — a fierce independence of thought and…
Networks: New label or a new way for churches to relate
Some associations of churches call themselves “networks” now. And their directors of missions insist it's more than just a trendy change in terminology. As missions director for a West Texas area that included both Midland and Odessa Baptist associations, Wayne…
Trustees soften controversial IMB policies
KANSAS CITY, MO. (ABP) — Controversial policies for missionaries on baptism and speaking in tongues were slightly softened—but not revoked—by trustees of the Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board May 8. The trustees, meeting in Kansas City, approved an ad…
Competing state conventions challenge associations
Dual—and sometimes dueling—state conventions often present a challenge for associations of churches. In keeping with Baptist polity, associations are autonomous, stand-alone organizations, just as Baptist churches and state and national conventions are. But in practice, associations have maintained close ties…
Baylor professor becomes Catholic, resigns as head of evangelical group
WACO, Texas—Renowned evangelical philosopher Francis Beckwith has become a Roman Catholic and, as a result, has resigned as president—and also as a member—of the Evangelical Theological Society. Beckwith, associate professor of church-state studies at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, said…
MC2 offers opportunities for learning and service
RICHMOND — This summer the Virginia Baptist Mission Board's Mission Connection Celebration (MC2), formerly called Family Missions Week, will offer a wide variety of opportunities for missions learning and service. To be held at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center July…
ABP board honors three, moves ahead with partnership
DALLAS (ABP)—The board of the nation's only independent news service for Baptists honored two Baptist communicators and a Dallas congregation for their contributions to the cause of Christian journalism April 27. Meeting in Dallas, directors of Associated Baptist Press also…
Virginia nominees to SBC boards and committees announced
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) Nominees to serve as trustees of Southern Baptist Convention agencies have been selected by the SBC committee on nominations. They will serve if elected at the annual SBC meeting, July 12-13. Nominees from Virginia are: • G….
Hispanics transforming nation’s religious landscape
WASHINGTON (RNS)—About half the nation's Hispanics —including many who are Roman Catholic—consider themselves charismatics or Pentecostals, creating a new confluence of streams in American Christianity, a new study has revealed. “Simply put, Latinos are transforming the nation's religious landscape,” said…
Wayne Faison to lead Mission Board team
RICHMOND — The executive committee of the Virginia Baptist Mission Board has unanimously approved Wayne Faison to be the new team leader for the VBMB's courageous churches team, effective immediately. Wayne Faison Since 2001, Faison has served as the team's…
BAPTIST BRIEFS
HERITAGE & HISTORY SOCIETY TO PRESENT AWARDS. The Baptist Heritage & History Society will honor a church historian, a student, a denominational entity, a state convention executive and three ministers at an awards luncheon scheduled in conjunction with its annual…
Virginia Baptist Foundation awards grants totaling $185,000 to ministry partners
RICHMOND — The Virginia Baptist Foundation Inc. has awarded grants totaling $185,000 to eight Virginia Baptist ministry partners, according to Ronald C. Hall, president and CEO of the Foundation. The following recipients were awarded grants by the Foundation's board of…