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…
Petersburg Sunday school class brings home soldier from abroad, to delight of wife and kids
PETERSBURG — Most Baptist churches discourage deceit, but Immanuel Baptist Church in Petersburg celebrated subterfuge on Sunday, Dec. 13, when it brought one of its members home from Germany to surprise his wife and family. Photo by Kimberly Carter Alicia…
Students in Southwest Virginia find ministry on campuses
GATE CITY — Look up “emerging leader” in your Virginia Baptist Kingdom Advance Unabridged Dictionary and you will find pictures of Mark Estepp and Jessica Roloff. Both are students at the University of Virginia's College at Wise and are active…