STAFF CHANGES • Daniel “Dan” B. Cromer, to Emmaus Church, Poquoson, as pastor. • Greg McCormick, to Woodland Church, Arrington, as pastor, effective June 20. • Dennis Joyner, to Reedy Creek Church, Freeman, as pastor. • Robert Lewis, resigning as…
Invitation to Jim Wallis strikes sour note for Christian music festival
OSHKOSH, Wis. (ABP) — A five-day Christian music festival that kicked off July 7 in Wisconsin is being criticized for inviting progressive evangelical activist Jim Wallis to speak. At least one sponsor has pulled out of Lifest — an annual…
Virginia Baptist Foundation grants scholarships to 51
RICHMOND — The Virginia Baptist Foundation awarded 51 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students May 23, totaling $112,860. The recpients were honored at a reception that day at the Virginia Baptist Resource Center, hosted by the Foundation’s scholarship committee. The…
For first time, interns to spend summer in worship and church music ministry
RICHMOND — The Virginia Baptist Mission Board’s office of worship and church music ministries has chosen its inaugural group of summer worship arts and music camp interns. The internship program is a new project this year and was established in…
Christian Leadership Network announces new sites
ROANOKE, Va. — Partnering with the John Leland Center, the Southwest Virginia Christian Leadership Network will host three new teaching sites this fall semester. Undergraduate classes will be offered for the first time at Randolph Memorial Baptist Church in Madison…
OUT LOUD
“It was easily a rock concert. The only thing missing was ‘Free Bird’ and us holding up our lighters.” Scott Thumma Thumma, a professor at Hartford Seminary who studies megachurches, was recalling a visit to a youth service at a…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: Ready for a name change
Thank you for your excellent editorial in the Herald of May 27, “Is it time for a name change?” The problem for Southern Baptists is that we have been, or we think we have been, a majority with great power…
VIRGINIA BAPTIST FORUM: Selfish church members
I just read the article by Bill Wilson entitled “Seven things church members wish their ministers knew, but are afraid to tell them” [Herald, May 27]. Most of the comments seemed to have come from self-centered Christians. I see that…
ASK THE ARCHITECT: Town hall meeting builds consensus in congregation
What is this town hall meeting all about? Last month I promised a discussion on the purpose and format for a successful town hall meeting that should be sandwiched between those building committee workshops. Speaking of sandwiches, that is precisely…
OPINION: July 4 & religious freedom
In our nation’s history much has been said about the separation of church and state. Many interpret Jesus’ comment about a coin with Caesar’s head on it as saying: Here is what you owe to the state and here’s what…
OPINION: Is the National Day of Prayer a threat to religious liberty?
The title is not a trick question. I ask that you read the following before giving your final answer. Baptists have always been a people of prayer, be it a part of their devotional life or their corporate worship. It…
VITAL SIGNS: Ready for a vocabulary lesson?
Stagnant. Boring. Aimless. Tired. Tepid. What do these words describe? You? Your minister? Your church? Your Sunday school class? Your career? All too often, I hear ministers and parishioners alike using such words to describe all of the above. Far…