WASHINGTON (RNS) — Almost three-quarters of Americans who haven't darkened the door of a church in the last six months think it is “full of hypocrites,” and even more of them consider Christianity to be more about organized religion than…
RIGHT OR WRONG
Reading what the Apostle Paul said about our bodies being “the temple of God,” I became convicted about what I allow my children to eat — too many sweets, etc. But my husband resists my words of caution and models…
Rob Bell: Christians shouldn’t fear controversy over doctrine
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — Precise definitions and formulations of doctrines aren't necessary prerequisites to evangelism or Christian unity, said author Rob Bell, pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Mich., who has become an increasingly controversial figure among…
FAITH DIGEST
Evolution and religion compatible, scientists insist. A top panel of scientists has published a new book asserting that belief in the theory of evolution and religious faith “can be fully compatible,” and creationism has no place in science classes. The…
Mission Board to sponsor church and clergy tax seminars
RICHMOND — A number of unique rules apply to churches and “ministers for tax purposes.” To help church staff and church lay leaders understand and comply with the tax laws, a series of church and clergy tax seminars sponsored by…
Raising the bar for membership creates culture of discipleship, some churches insist
DALLAS — In a growing number of Baptist churches, new arrivals learn an important lesson early: Membership has its privileges, but it also has its responsibilities. “We want to create a culture of discipleship here,” said John Wilson, minister of…
Looking back at 2007: Quiet year, but signs of change in the air
WASHINGTON (RNS) — History books are full of dates that mark seminal events: 1517, when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door and launched the Protestant Reformation; or 1973, when the Supreme Court legalized abortion. But boldface…
News about Virginia Baptists and their ministries for January 10, 2008
STAFF CHANGES • Ken Makela, to Indian View Church, King William, as pastor. • Bob Fleming, to Boulevard Church, Richmond, as pastor. • Jeff Beard, to Falling Creek Church, Midlothian, as senior pastor. • Leroy J. Williams, resigning as pastor…
Study finds limits to Willow Creek’s success model
CHICAGO (RNS) — Willow Creek Community Church, the suburban Chicago megachurch that has become a model for some of the nation's largest churches, started more than a quarter-century ago by asking the question: Why don't people go to church? Now,…
Religion writers name evangelicals in election as last year’s top story
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The nation's religion writers considered political grappling of evangelicals for a GOP presidential candidate the top religion story of 2007. Members of the Religion Newswriters Association named their Top 10 list of religion stories for the year….
Virginia Baptist woman donates RV to VBMB’s disaster relief ministry
RICHMOND — While John McCracken prepared his will, he told his wife, Dorothy, “If you can sell the RV, fine. If not, give it to the Baptists.” After John went to be with the Lord two years ago, Dorothy half-heartedly…
New Baptist Covenant, Huckabee rank as top stories in ’07, journalists say
WASHINGTON (ABP) — The biggest news story among Baptists in 2007 was about an event that has not even happened yet — the announcement of an unprecedented meeting of Baptists from across North America — according to an informal survey…