In the last few years, I’ve found myself sitting in a number of interviews as our church — First Baptist Church in Greensboro, N.C. — has sought and called several new ministers, including me. With seminarians counting down to graduation…
The problem with broken taillights
As I write, I’m drinking lukewarm coffee and watching daytime television. Confined to the waiting room of a local auto shop, I’m waiting to have a taillight fixed. The broken taillight had slipped my mind for weeks — maybe even…
“Surely not me”: The death of Jesus and corporate sin
Last night, Jesus once again gathered with his disciples, washed our feet and called us to love, and then shared the unthinkable news that he would be handed over by one of his own. No sooner did the words come…
Pastoral residencies picking up as churches expand ministry, purpose
By Jeff Brumley It’s hardly news anymore that Baptist and other churches are struggling to rediscover their identity and relevance in a postmodern, post-Christian era. But what is getting church leaders’ attention is the growing number of congregations finding their…
Fliers on our windows
By Alan Sherouse To the person who canvased the First Baptist Church parking lot with political leaflets last Sunday: Perhaps you missed our “No Soliciting” sign. That I can understand. Perhaps a large parking lot full of cars was too…