A recent column about some of the positive experiences of clergy who have recently moved motivated some responses around the theme of “things that have not gone well.” Here are some common ethical issues search committees must deal with. Bill…
Duke Chapel’s first African-American dean is ‘gifted preacher,’ says Baptist House director
DURHAM, N.C.—The selection of Baptist-ordained minister Luke Powery as the first African-American dean of the chapel at Duke University was strongly endorsed July 26 by the director of the Baptist House of Studies at the university’s divinity school. Luke Powery…
Commitment to mission prompts Intermont student’s love of photography, scholarship award
BRISTOL, Va.—A Virginia Intermont College student who aspires to share her love of God as a photographer and missionary has won a prestigious scholarship from the Virginia Press Women’s Foundation. Kayla Robbins (Photo courtesy of Virginia Intermont College) Kayla Robbins,…
Baptist pastor returns to site of Olympic glory
AUGUSTA, Ga.—Jack Robinson is in England at the moment because of the dual callings he sensed as a child and because of the Olympic gold medal he won in London in 1948. And for all of that, the retired Baptist…
Religious freedom organization gets final approval to begin new educational complex in Richmond
RICHMOND, Va.—The First Freedom Center received final approval from the Richmond City Council July 23 to construct a downtown exhibit and hotel complex to highlight religious freedom. The City Council’s action paves the way for the 28-year-old non-profit educational organization…
Campbell’s music conference provides ministry oasis
BUIES CREEK, N.C.—From the vibrations of organist Jane Holstein’s open organ registration in the initial session to the harmony of a variety of instruments, voices and bells in the closing worship service, attendees at Campbell University Divinity School’s second annual…
Is gun control a religious issue? Maybe, but the debate rages
(RNS)—Of all the controversies that have followed in the bloody wake of July 20 shooting rampage in Aurora, Colo., few have provided such a clarifying insight into the moral tensions and contradictions in American culture than the argument over whether…
Is a contemporary worship service the quick-fix to energize a church?
It’s a recurring scenario in America’s Christian congregations. As members grapple with their church’s future—eager to increase attendance or renew spiritual energy—one suggestion inevitably emerges. It’s time to start a contemporary worship service. The assumption that guitar- and drum-driven worship…
Survey finds record 19 percent of religiously unaffiliated Americans
(RNS)—Unbelief is on the uptick. People who check “None” for their religious affiliation are now nearly one in five Americans (19 percent), the highest ever documented, according to the Pew Center for the People and the Press. The rapid rise…
EDITORIAL: Freeh indeed! Penn State’s sex scandal and implications for the church
The release of the Freeh report the morning of July 12, has focused attention once again to the Penn State/Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal. According to the 267-page report authored by former FBI director Louis Freeh, who was hired by…
Project Ruth celebrates two decades
BUCHAREST, Romania (ABP)—Project Ruth’s Mihai Ciopasiu is all too glad to talk about the success the organization has enjoyed the past two decades serving the poorest and most shunned children in Romania. The nonprofit began as a day center with…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Blessed are those who make peace in their own congregations, part 2
In the previous issue of the Religious Herald we began a leadership link series on preventing conflict. In that first installment, we considered Christ’s character traits of humility and sacrifice that made peace. In subsequent issues we will look at…