EDE, Netherlands (ABP) — A friendly debate about the Bible, human sexuality and the church’s response to the advance of gay rights during the Baptist World Alliance’s recent annual gathering revealed differences between some in the developing world and some…
Cecil Sherman to receive freedom award — again
RICHMOND (ABP) — Exactly one year to the day after honoring Cecil Sherman with its Religious Freedom Award in a private presentation in a Houston hospital room where the prominent Baptist leader was fighting for his life, Associated Baptist Press…
Center for Congregational Health elects former Virginia Baptist Bill Wilson as president
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A former Virginia Baptist pastor has been elected president of the Center for Congregational Health, a non-denominational ministry that provides consultants and trained leaders to help churches become “healthier communities of faith.” William G. “Bill” Wilson Jr.,…
NAMB’s president resigns during called trustee meeting
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Geoff Hammond, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board, has resigned, along with three of his top assistants. The resignations came during an all-day special meeting of the NAMB’s board of trustees Aug. 11, called…
After receiving, Baltimore churches give to Dover
Though it may have looked like a typical Vacation Bible School to an outsider, what was going on at Dover Baptist Church in Manakin Sabot last week was one-of-a-kind. Pastor Mike Garner will make sure you know that. Three other…
Grace Fellowship in Hiwassee grows from handful to over 100
Talk to church planter Doug Ballew about Grace Fellowship Baptist Church in Hiwassee and you will get an enthusiastic earful. But he hasn’t always been that excited about the future of the church he started in December 2006. After 18…
Bluefield gets grant for music program
BLUEFIELD — Bluefield College has received a $25,000 grant to support its new instrumental music program. The Ratcliffe Foundation of Tazewell presented the grant July 27 to school officials. Bluefield launched its new program last spring and school administrators say…
After receiving, Baltimore churches give to Dover
Though it may have looked like a typical Vacation Bible School to an outsider, what was going on at Dover Baptist Church in Manakin Sabot last week was one-of-a-kind. Pastor Mike Garner will make sure you know that. Three other…
Jerusalem mayor navigates sacred city’s religious politics
JERUSALEM — When Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat decided to open a municipal parking lot that had been closed on Saturdays, the Jewish Sabbath, his office said he simply was being practical. Extra parking is needed to help ease lines of…
RIGHT OR WRONG? Being transparent in church
Few Baptists seem to practice our old adage, “Tell the truth and trust the people.” For example, too much church business goes on behind closed doors. How can our church balance operating on a need-to-know basis and making the truth…
More than 500 people engage in mission projects in Lynchburg during MC2 event
More than 500 people took on mission projects in the Lynchburg area July 20-25, in conjunction with Missions Connection Celebration (MC2) at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center. The annual event is sponsored by the emerging leaders team of the Virginia…
OUT LOUD
“You don’t know what Theotokos means? Get a book and read about it. You have a hard time standing for two hours? Do some sit-ups and get yourself into worship shape. It is the Lord our God we worship here,…