Many women struggle to fit life's pieces into a fulfilling and meaningful whole—one that allows them to use their gifts and talents to the best of their abilities and, for those who choose to marry, also give time and attention…
Haitians push N.C. congregation out of comfort zone
MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. (ABP)—Nobody in Mount Olive, N.C., was quite prepared for an influx of Haitian immigrants seeking low-paying jobs in area poultry processing plants, but the community’s First Baptist Church viewed the challenge as an opportunity. Dennis Atwood knew…
In unprecedented move, one person to lead both Virginia’s black, white Baptist conventions
RICHMOND, Va.—In an unprecedented move, the president of Virginia’s oldest predominantly white Baptist convention also has been elected the top officer in the state’s oldest historically black Baptist convention. Mark Croston, pastor of East End Baptist Church in Suffolk, Va.,…
Bluefield trustees discuss capital improvement projects
BLUEFIELD, Va.—Capital improvement projects were the topics of discussion when Bluefield College’s board of trustees gathered on campus for its annual spring meeting in April. During the two-day session, the BC governing body gave the go-ahead for renovations to Lansdell…
N.T. Wright asks: Have we gotten heaven all wrong?
NEW YORK (RNS)—The oft-cliched Christian notion of heaven—a blissful realm of harp-strumming angels—has remained a fixture of the faith for centuries. Even as arguments will go on as to who will or won’t be saved, surveys show that a vast…
Chuck Colson’s memorial steeped in prison themes
WASHINGTON (RNS)—Prison Fellowship founder and former Nixon aide Chuck Colson was memorialized May 16 at Washington National Cathedral in a service steeped in Scripture and prayers about prison and redemption. Colson, who died April 21 at the age of 80…
Oldest African-American convention holds meeting
RICHMOND, Va.—Several hundred ministers and laypersons are in Richmond, Va., this week for the annual meeting of the Virginia Baptist State Convention, which is holding its 145th annual session May 14-17. Leonard Smith Leonard Smith, pastor of Mount Zion Baptist…
Documentary awards reflect successful faith and public policy engagement, say two Virginians
Awards recently given to two religious documentaries produced by the Baptist Center for Ethics reflect successful efforts to engage the public on important faith-based policy issues, say two Virginians who serve on the BCE’s board of directors. Gospel Without Borders…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Deacons and the Lord’s Supper
Although Baptist churches are as different as the people who comprise them and practices will vary from church to church, in most Baptist churches the deacons are responsible for distributing the elements during the Lord’s Supper. Doctrinal considerations The term…
LEADERSHIP LINK: It will get better
It's that time of year. Bright-eyed and empowered seminary students are completing their last papers, picking up their caps and gowns and saying goodbye to the hallowed walls of their theological training institution. For many, their master’s degree in divinity…
Gardner-Webb students leap headlong into local foods movement in surrounding community
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University students have lately grown increasingly interested in the local foods movement. So this spring, Stephanie Richey, GWU’s community engagement coordinator and local foods aficionado, decided to capitalize. “Gardner-Webb’s office of Christian life and service always plans…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Attracting a new generation of leaders in ministry
When I was growing up, Christian ministers were widely held in high esteem. Although a few Elmer Gantrys may have been in the mix, churches and communties generally received their ministers with respect and honor. As a result, many Christian…