WACO, Texas — Rural churches, particularly those within driving distance of a seminary or denominational college or university, often become training grounds for ministerial staff. “Some churches see that as their ministry,” noted Judy Battles, coordinator for pastoral ministries at…
For rural churches, community may be a key to spiritual renewal
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — America’s rural churches were built upon and grew from a strong sense of community. Although many rural congregations are in decline now, that community reliance may be the key to spiritual renewal and to thriving ministry….
Bible study asks, ‘What would Andy do?’ Andy Griffith, that is
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (RNS) — Say a group of immigrants want to build a mosque in Mayberry, right next to All Saints Church. WWAD: What Would Andy Do? The question, of course, never surfaced in the beloved “Andy Griffith Show” that…
Why so many people like ‘Stuff Christians Like’: An interview with Jon Acuff
Jon Acuff is the author of the satirical blog Stuff Christians Like and a book by the same title published by Zondervan. In about two years, Acuff has taken a start-up blog from obscurity to more than 1.5 million readers,…
Berryville church takes ministry into its neighborhood
BERRYVILLE, Va. — Berryville Baptist Church participated in Operation Inasmuch recently as 101 members went into the community to help others and make friends. Pastor Dan Stanley offers a bottle of water to a motorist during Operation Inasmuch. “Sometimes actions speak…
From the Eastern Shore to the Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Sean Roberds, to First Church, Herndon, as senior pastor. • Casey Stark, to Vansant Church, Vansant, as pastor. • Larry Grizzard, to Zion Church, Skippers, as full-time pastor. • Kerim Meono, to Columbia Hispanic congregation at Crossroads,…
HERITAGE: Taking the cup
Thomas Sandford Dunaway was a member of an old Virginia Baptist family which produced capable and effective clergy and laity. Their family seat was in Lancaster County in “the Neck,” but their influence was far-flung and long lasting. Tom Dunaway,…
VITAL SIGNS: Bringing good from evil
In the midst of the pandemic of conflict swirling through local churches in the 21st century, it is tempting to lose heart. Many do. I have had heartbreaking conversations with scores of clergy and laity who have emerged from bruising…
Lewis’ faith was no ‘jailhouse conversion,’ says chaplain
RICHMOND, Va. — For the former chaplain at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women, Lynn Litchfield, the past few weeks have been heartbreaking. Seven years ago, when Teresa Lewis was sentenced to death and sent to FCCW, Litchfield began praying for…