Mega-church preacher Ed Young Jr. is challenging married couples in his church and beyond to conduct a “sexperiment” — to have sex for seven straight days as a way to improve their marriage. Videos promoting Sexperiment: 7 Days to Lasting…
Pope tells diplomats that economy needs ‘new rules’
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The world economy needs "new rules" to overcome the current financial crisis and to ensure that "all can lead a dignified life," Pope Benedict XVI told Vatican diplomats on Jan. 9. Benedict's New Year's address to…
Would Mormons try to influence a Romney White House?
c. 2012 Salt Lake Tribune WASHINGTON (RNS) — When Switzerland passed new employment rules that ban foreign religious groups from sending unpaid missionaries, 13 Mormon members of Congress pleaded with the Swiss ambassador for an exception. The Swiss ambassador sent…
Rob Bell says goodbye to Michigan megachurch
GRANDVILLE, Mich. (RNS) — For years, Rob Bell closed his Sunday teachings at Mars Hill Bible Church with a simple statement: "Grace and peace be with you." Thousands would respond in unison: "And also with you." Rob Bell is leaving…
Carter’s new book based on 70 years in Sunday school
Jimmy Carter was president for four years, but his new book is based on a role that he's held for nearly 70 years: Sunday school teacher. Through the Year with Jimmy Carter: 366 Daily Meditations from the 39th President, offers…
HeraldBeat
Transitions ON THE MOVE Fred Hardin Jr., to Fuller Memorial Baptist Church, Martinsville, Va., as pastor. Paul Batson, to Nobles Chapel Baptist Church, Sims, N.C., as pastor. Brian Harfst, resigning as pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, Unionville, Va. David Anthony,…
VITAL SIGNS: Critical questions for 2012
If there is one recurring theme to the conversations I have regularly with clergy, lay leaders and denominational employees, it is viability. In a myriad of ways, people are asking viability questions about ministry, congregational life, finances, staff models, facilities,…
HeraldBeat
Transitions ON THE MOVE Fred Hardin Jr., to Fuller Memorial Baptist Church, Martinsville, Va., as pastor. Paul Batson, to Nobles Chapel Baptist Church, Sims, N.C., as pastor. Brian Harfst, resigning as pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, Unionville, Va. David Anthony,…
TRENDING: Recalibrating invitation and challenge
Let’s begin 2012 with these words from a Virginia Baptist friend and active leader in her church: “Recently, at the conclusion of our worship, I left with an empty feeling. There was nothing wrong with the service at all. It…
HeraldBeat
Transitions ON THE MOVE Fred Hardin Jr., to Fuller Memorial Baptist Church, Martinsville, Va., as pastor. Paul Batson, to Nobles Chapel Baptist Church, Sims, N.C., as pastor. Brian Harfst, resigning as pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, Unionville, Va. David Anthony,…
WINN RECOMMENDS
The Artist’s Rule, Christine Painter (Sorin Books) Our heart requires space to listen, to ruminate and to waken to life — and then (and only then) can we truly create. This is the guiding assumption of Painter’s work. Crafted as…
OPINION: For mature audiences only
In the independent film, Sympathy for Delicious, a young man named Dean struggles to understand why God won’t answer his prayer. Dean has lost the use of his legs in a car accident and now, mysteriously, has the ability to…