Choosing to remain in its downtown setting may be one of the most significant decisions a church makes. But that’s not the end of the story, according to pastors of several central city congregations, who suggested several next steps. •…
OPINION: A new way of being Christian
Three decades ago, the evangelical faithful was galvanized by public debates over abortion, the size of the federal government, the future of the traditional family and religious liberty. Many responded by following divisive leaders into the culture wars with the…
Clear identity is crucial for churches engaging downtown ministry
Clarifying its identity is essential for a church committed to remaining in a downtown setting, congregational consultants and pastors of vibrant in-town churches observe. “I think the most important question a congregation can ask is: Who is God calling us…
Spiritual direction useful for churches too, says minister
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—A period of guided spiritual direction is often recommended for Christians struggling with their enthusiasm for discipleship. “There are times when we need help getting unstuck,” said Jayne Davis, minister of spiritual formation at First Baptist Church in Wilmington,…
Urban churches embrace their in-town context
Eighty percent of success is showing up, Woody Allen once famously said. Paraphrasing the film director’s wit, increasing numbers of downtown churches have discovered that a high percentage of successful ministry is staying put. Committed to “blooming where they’re planted,”…
OPINION: What’s going on?
For the last five years I’ve been immersed in thoughts about the prophetic role of the Church in our world. Part of this fascination is due to the belief that the work of artists inherently holds the opportunity to be…
Pastor moms juggle ministry, motherhood
Mothers’ Day 2012 will dawn with more women than ever in Baptist pulpits. But even those who welcome the trend say the corresponding ascension of the minister mom is creating tensions, too, within families, and the hearts of female pastors….
Baptists split on NC gay marriage ban
RALEIGH, N.C.—Some religious leaders hailed North Carolina’s May 8 passage of a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman as a win for family values, while others vowed to continue the fight for what they call…
Raceway becomes focus of ministry for weekend
HENRICO, Va.—Twice a year a 1,000-acre plot of land in Henrico County, Va., becomes the fifth largest city in Virginia as approximately 200,000 race fans descend on the Richmond International Raceway for three days of NASCAR racing. For the 12th…
Leaders judged only by Christ, says seminary president
LYNCHBURG, Va.—“Play to an audience of one,” a seminary president told a leadership conference May 4. Jeff Iorg, president of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in suburban San Francisco, was keynote speaker at the May 4-5 Leadership Gathering at Eagle…
Berryville, Va., church aims to put smile on faces
BERRYVILLE, Va.—“Free stuff makes everyone smile,” said Tim Walraven after attending Berryville (Va.) Baptist Church’s “Free for All” yard sale April 14. Linda Gum looks through the “Free for All” yard sale items. And that’s what the church was hoping…
Rooftop farm an urban oasis in New York City
It isn’t exactly “Green Acres,” but a rooftop farm at a New York City Baptist church is making the improbable a reality. March 31 kicked off the second planting season for a neighborhood garden consisting of 52 soil-filled kiddie pools…