NASHVILLE, Tenn. (ABP) — Membership in the Southern Baptist Convention declined for the third consecutive year in 2009, according to statistics reported May 14 by LifeWay Christian Resources. Southern Baptist churches reported total membership of 16,160,088 in 2009. That is…
American Baptist leaders support immigration reform
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABP) — More than two dozen national and regional leaders of American Baptist Churches USA signed a letter supporting immigration reform that reflects "mercy and justice rooted in God's love." "We do not claim any superior understanding…
Four Virginia Baptists receive disaster relief awards
RICHMOND, Va. — Four Virginia Baptists have been recognized nationally for their work in disaster relief ministries. The Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board presented its outstanding achivement award to Paul and Gerri McDaniel of Roanoke, Va., and its…
Book says white churches can learn from blacks
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABP) — After resigning abruptly in 1992 from one of the largest and influential churches in the nation, First Baptist Church in Dallas, and going through a divorce within two years, Joel Gregory's ministry appeared to be…
Leaders ascend to Eagle Eyrie for gathering, orientation
LYNCHBURG, Va. — The Leadership Gathering Weekend at Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center drew 489 church leaders from across the state to attend workshops provided by such nationally-known personalities as Reggie McNeal and Frank Page. Reggie McNeal speaks to participants at…
Midwestern Seminary launches online master’s degree in theology
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is launching a new online master of arts in theological studies degree, following trustee approval and a recommendation from a focus visit team from the Higher Learning Commission, which is Midwestern’s regional…
Van will ease climb up Eagle Eyrie’s hill
Participating the van exchange May 5 were (from left) Walter Harrow, assistant VBMB treasurer; Joe Fleming, Woodland Heights deacon; Terry Green, Woodland Heights pastor; Rod Miller, director of Eagle Eyrie; Eddie Stratton, VBMB treasurer; and Richard Duff, Eagle Eyrie staff…
Wake Forest and Campbell divinity schools, Mercer University, tap new leadership
Three institutions with Baptist ties have announced new leadership appointments. Baptist ethicist David Gushee will head up a new effort by Mercer University in Macon, Ga., to foster what the school calls “theologically based discussions on current issues and controversies.”…
EDITORIAL: Situational ethics at Liberty seminary?
I grant you, details of our births are hard for most of us to remember. In my case, the specifics have escaped me — and it’s not just because it happened so long ago. Even so, I have never been…
HERITAGE: Peace-bearer extraordinaire
Jim Massey personifies peace-bearing. In his quiet, calm, soothing manner, he has given peace the first hearing in every situation. He tackled thorny issues while helping many a church find peace in its congregational life and in its relations with…
From the Eastern Shore to Cumberland Gap
STAFF CHANGES • Woody Jenkins, to Elk Creek Church, Mineral, as pastor. • David C. Cromer, to Corrottoman Church, Lancaster, as pastor. • John Mann, to Concord Church, Chase City, as pastor. • Carey Snellings, to Hunting Creek Church, Big…
Researchers probe whether, why, free will exists
ORLANDO, Fla. (RNS) — Are people really responsible for all the things they do? Do they have what theologians call God-given “free will” to choose between right and wrong? Those questions are at the heart of a four-year research project…