If Americans had followed biblical financial principles, they could have lessened — or completely avoided — the worst recession in decades, two prominent Christian money management specialists said. “Debt may not be a sin, but it is certainly a curse,”…
Some call for reclaiming the lost virtue of thrift
Some social analysts observe the United States in the past half-century has shifted from a Bedford Falls-like culture of small businesses and community-friendly savings and loan institutions to a Pottersville-style nightmare of predatory lenders and seedy businesses that target the…
‘Generosity’ may communicate in ways ‘stewardship’ misses
A 2,000-year-old incident continues to set the standard for what it means to be a generous church. The New Testament records the need: “Our Jerusalem brothers and sisters need our help.” And in the face of difficult financial circumstances, the…
Debt keeps families, churches from reaching potential, say advisers
If Americans had followed biblical financial principles, they could have lessened — or completely avoided — the worst recession in decades, two prominent Christian money management specialists said. “Debt may not be a sin, but it is certainly a curse,”…
Some social analysts call for reclaiming the lost virtue of thrift
Some social analysts observe the United States in the past half-century has shifted from a Bedford Falls-like culture of small businesses and community-friendly savings and loan institutions to a Pottersville-style nightmare of predatory lenders and seedy businesses that target the…
Baptist group announces slate of BGAV candidates — with a twist
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Baptists Committed, a moderate advocacy group which for almost 25 years has successfully nominated officers for the Baptist General Association of Virginia, announced its slate of candidates Oct. 2 — but this time with a twist….
Virginia Baptists conclude two-year recovery effort in south Louisiana
PORT SULPHUR, La. — Virginia Baptists concluded their more than two-year assistance to south Louisiana’s victims of Hurricane Katrina with a Sept. 26-27 celebration at Port Sulphur Baptist Church — one of the congreations hardest hit and the focus of…
Flood relief teams won’t be deployed, but alert raised for service in Pacific
RICHMOND, Va. — Large numbers of Baptist disaster relief teams responding to recent flooding in Georgia have made it unnecessary for Virginia Baptists to send their own units, a disaster relief coordinator said Oct. 1. But a Norfolk, Va.-based “fly…
Ragan Courtney to lead workshop on integrating worship and the arts
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Integrating worship and the arts will be the focus of a one-day workshop led by Christian composer Ragan Courtney in November. The event, sponsored by the John Leland Center for Theological Studies in Falls Church, Va.,…
Bob Bass to be nominated as BGAV first vice president next month
RICHMOND, Va. — Bob Bass, a Richmond layman long active in Virginia Baptist life, will be nominated in November as first vice president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia — which, if elected, could result in his nomination for…
Worship praise teams hone musical skills at weekend workshop
John Ivins (right) and the John Ivins Worship Band lead worship in a variety of settings around the world. (Photo by Michael Patch) LYNCHBURG, Va. — Contemporary worship leaders who are selecting praise team members should aim for an “OK”…
Baptists appeal for aid after typhoon hits Southeast Asia, killing 300
Filipinos clamber onto a roof to escape floodwaters dumped by Typhoon Ketsana in the Quezon City suburb of Manila Sept. 26. (BP Photo/Jay Directo/AFP) FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) — Baptists in the Philippines are appealing to the global Baptist community…