Passion and conviction often direct a Christian in choosing public servants. Economic concerns, social justice issues, foreign policy or a host of other issues can be of primary concern. But suppose Candidate A’s approach on one issue matches but his…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Larry Leader’s favorite sin
Larry’s driving his truck to his company’s work site for the day, mentally reviewing his to-do list. Then, from the radio tuned to Country K93, Kenny Chesney’s voice preaches the gospel to Larry: “It’s always your favorite sins that do…
Bearing false witness is still a sin, even in campaign
People of faith must measure the truthfulness of what they hear and see during an election year — and they must be especially careful about the information they pass along. Believers should weigh information they glean or that they receive…
In media coverage, learn to recognize bias, reliability
Voters want and need reliable and truthful information about candidates at all levels of government and from all political perspectives. But in an information age that overwhelms the electorate with sheer volume at breakneck speed, what factors should people of…
OUT LOUD
“I often find myself thinking, I wish a good number of my congregation were as devoted to daily spiritual growth as this man is.” Joel Hunter The Florida pastor Joel Hunter, who serves as a spiritual adviser to President Obama,…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Are you sure you want to grow?
If deacons were surveyed, they would almost universally say they want people to join their churches. After all, reaching new people is one of our basic tenants as Baptists. We give much effort and even more lipservice to reaching new…
Photo contest featured at CBFNC meeting
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — For the second year in a row, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina is sponsoring a photography contest in conjunction with its annual General Assembly. Photographs will illustrate this year’s General Assembly theme of reconciliation, “The…
VITAL SIGNS: Prime time
One thing that is predictable about pastor search committees is that they all want something similar: a great preacher, an amazing administrator who loves visiting, someone who is effective with young families and senior adults, a 38 year old with…
Smithfield, N.C., congregation finds outreach to the community through music academy
SMITHFIELD, N.C. — The voice drifts down the hallway at Sharon Baptist Church in Smithfield, N.C., and no matter how the sound might have progressed in ability, it’s music to Todd Johnson’s ears. Remember the classic episode of “The Andy…
WINN RECOMENDS
Visible Words, Robert W. Jenson (Fortress) Originally written over 30 years ago, Jenson’s interpretation of Christian sacraments has become a classic. In this new edition, Jenson reiterates his belief that the sacraments are physical (and bodily) encounters, where the Word…
OPINION: Invited to the sound
My husband is a musician but he rarely sends me music to listen to. He is well versed and discerning of the catalog of rock/indie/pop/techno/industrial music in the world. I, on the other hand, never bought CDs as a teenager…
Virginia churches occupying facilities, leaving old ones
RICHMOND, Va. — Several congregations in Virginia are occupying new facilties or leaving old ones. • Acts 2 Church, Virginia Beach, Va., is now sharing the facilities of Renaissance Community Church, 5045 Indian River Rd. in Virginia Beach. The church…