WASHINGTON (RNS)—After a decade-long clergy shortage in America’s pulpits, Christian denominations are now experiencing a clergy glut—with some denominations reporting two ministers for every vacant pulpit. “We have a serious surplus of ministers and candidates seeking calls,” said Marcia Myers,…
If there’s a just way to wage war, what about ending one?
WASHINGTON, D.C. (RNS)—For centuries, Christianity’s theory of “just war” has helped religious and political leaders determine when, if ever, war is justified and how to conduct a moral military campaign. Now, as the United States prepares to reduce troop levels…
Executive Committee president cites ‘grave concerns’ about CP
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — Morris H. Chapman, president and chief executive officer of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee released a white paper May 7, “What’s in a name? The Cooperative Program and Great Commission Giving,” that expresses “grave concerns”…
GCR task force lists 7 recommendations for SBC
The recommendations, for example, include a call for “the adoption of the language and structure of Great Commission Giving as described in this report in order to enhance and celebrate the Cooperative Program and the generous support of Southern Baptists…
Virginia Baptists launch long-term recovery plan for Haitian victims
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Baptists are moving forward with a “holistic and comprehensive” long-term recovery plan to assist Haitians still suffering from a devastating earthquake on Jan. 12. An architect’s rendering of the Baptist Children Complex. Partnering with three other…
CrossRoads Conference Center celebrates 25 years of ministry
LOWESVILLE, Va. — More than 250 Virginia Baptists gathered at CrossRoads Camp and Conference Center on Saturday, May 22, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the camp’s founding. Nestled in the mountains bordering the George Washington National Forest, CrossRoads is…
EDITORIAL: Is it time for a name change?
It’s an old joke. A man stood before the judge seeking to change his name. The judge spoke, “I can certainly understand that a name like Joe Halfwit could cause problems for you. What would you like your new name…
Passport vice president nominated as CBF moderator-elect
ATLANTA (ABP) — Colleen Burroughs, vice president of the Passport youth camping ministry she started with her husband in 1993, will be nominated as moderator-elect of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Atlanta-based CBF announced May 24. If elected, she would…
HERITAGE: Seek & Find
It’s the tiniest gift shop in Virginia; but it also is likely the only store in Virginia which has no overhead, no payroll and clears 100 percent of its sales as pure profit. And it certainly is the only store…