The Pietistic Impulse in Christianity, editors Winn, Gehrz, Carlson and Host (Pickwick) In many circles, particularly academic ones, the word pietism is used as an insult. Though self-proclaimed pietists have at times encouraged unfortunate postures (individualism, privatism, bad ecclesiology), the…
ASK THE ARCHITECT: How to hire a contractor
There are, fundamentally speaking, three distinct delivery methods for construction: • Design/Bid/Build • Design/Build • Partnering A simple explanation of each would go something like this: Jim DePasquale • Design/Bid/Build follows that exact sequence. The architect, directly under contract to…
As winter moves in, churches are helping Occupy movement
WASHINGTON (RNS) — As Occupy camps nationwide deal with police crackdowns and the inevitable onset of winter temperatures, religious communities of all stripes are stepping in with offers of shelter and solidarity, say church leaders and protest organizers. Soon after…
‘Spiritual transformer’ of children retires after 28 years
RICHMOND, Va. — At the age of 8, growing up in Stanley County, N.C., northeast of Charlotte, Diane Smith decided her goal in life was to teach children. Diane Smith enjoys a laugh during a retirement celebration in her honor….
HeraldBeat
GOT NEWS? Send information for this page to HeraldBeat editor Barbara Francis at bfrancis@religiousherald.org. Even better — add the Herald to your church’s newsletter email list, send us a link to your online newsletter or mail your…
‘Occupy’ movement comes to Charlotte — whimsically
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (ABP) — As the Occupy protest movement spreads into cities across the United States and around the world, one North Carolina Baptist congregation says it is time to occupy the church. A sign in front of the church…
VIRGINIA BRIEFS
Last day for 2011 gifts. Jan. 5, 2012, is the last day contributions toward the 2011 Baptist General Association of Virginia budget will be received by the BGAV treasurer’s office. Treasurer Eddie Stratton said he encouraged BGAV churches to send…
Filipino church broadens focus, changes name
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — Roughly translated, the Filipino proverb “Ang palay ay parisan, habang nagkakalaman ay lalong nagpugpugay,” means: “Imitate the rice stalk; the more grains it bears, the lower it bows.” The Filipino-American Christian Church in Stafford County, Va., has…
Ecumenical dialogue clarifies distinctives, says prof
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Ecumenical dialogue between Baptists and other Christian traditions clarifies Baptist distinctives rather than dilutes them, says a Gardner-Webb University professor who participated in recent preliminary conversations between Baptists and Orthodox Christians. “The purpose of ecumenical discussions…
Realignments at board add value, says executive
RICHMOND, Va. — Proposed changes in the staff of the Virginia Baptist Mission Board are prompted in part by reduced funding but will have the effect of making the organization more strategic, the board’s executive director said Dec. 9. John…
Association’s dismissal prompts churches to withdraw
MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — Two churches in Mount Airy, N.C., have withdrawn from the local Surry Baptist Association in response to its dismissal last July of an affiliated church which called a woman as pastor. Piney Grove Baptist Church voted…
Salvaged produce meets needs of hunger ministries
BIG ISLAND, Va. — An ancient biblical practice has been adopted by some Baptists in Southwest Virginia in response to increasing hunger needs in America’s uncertain economy. Old Testament farmers were told not to pick their fields and vineyards clean,…