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: 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…
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…
TRENDING: The view from Europe of the U.S. church
What will the next 10 years of the North American church will look like? We’ve learned from people like Alan Hirsch and Philip Jenkins to look to the global South for megatrends, and to Western Europe for early indicators for…
OUT LOUD
“One of the big points of dialogue is ‘how will the mitre fit over my dreadlocks?’” Justin Duckworth The recently-appointed and unconventional Anglican bishop of Wellington, New Zealand, has dreadlocks and is usually seen around town in shorts and bare…
VITAL SIGNS: The staffing dilemma
There is a revolution taking place in the way traditional congregations hire, manage and compensate their staff. Some of it is healthy and overdue, some of it is painful and short-sighted. Bill Wilson As traditional congregations entered the 21st century,…
WINN RECOMMENDS
Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis, Lauren Winner (HarperOne) I once heard someone say, “It’s unfortunate that Lauren Winner can never seem to find something uninteresting to say.” That just about sums it up. Winner, author of Girl Meets God…
HERITAGE: Who influenced you?
Baptist identity is the subject of the annual meeting of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society set for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, at Second Baptist Church in Richmond, Va. Craig Sherouse, pastor of the host church, will share what…
EDITORIAL: Forward to the past?
In a couple of different settings recently I have heard expressed sentiments that run something like the following: “Why shouldn’t we expect institutions and agencies of Baptist state fellowships, conventions or general associations to be self-supporting? Why should we continue…
OPINION: The power of story-filled conversation
I have received many emails recently from pastors and lay leaders asking the how to move forward in implementing the “ancient-future” type of 21st century Baptist identity I have presented in this column. While the idea of finding our future…
OPINION: Pentecostal power
In the church I grew up in, we used to sing with great fervor: Lord send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power! I never was quite sure what that song was about. I suspect it had more to do with…
HeraldBeat
Transitions ON THE MOVE Brandon Ives, to Spring Hill Baptist Church, Ruckersville, Va., as senior pastor, effective June 3. Daniel Pittman, to Parkwood Baptist Church, High Point, N.C., as pastor. Mark Wingfield, to First Baptist Church, Grottoes, Va., as pastor….