(ABP) — America’s rural churches were built upon and grew from a strong sense of community. Although many of rural congregations are in decline now, that community reliance may be the key to spiritual renewal and to thriving ministry. Some…
European Baptist leaders OK plan to move Prague seminary
ROME (ABP) — The elegant complex of 19th-century buildings that houses the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague, Czech Republic, will likely be sold now that European Baptist Federation leaders have green-lighted a plan to move the seminary as a…
Jimmy Carter reported ‘resting comfortably’ in Cleveland hospital
CLEVELAND (ABP) — Former President Jimmy Carter was hospitalized Sept. 28 after falling ill on a flight to Cleveland for a book signing. President Jimmy Carter with his Nobel Peace Prize. Deanna Congileo of the Carter Center in Atlanta said…
Rural Churches: Pastors say rural churches measure growth differently
(ABP) — Brand New Church in Arkansas and Fairy Baptist Church in Texas bear little resemblance to each other. Pastor Shannon O’Dell leads a multi-campus, contemporary-style church in rural Arkansas that draws about 2,000 worshipers in-person from throughout the region…
Rural Churches: Some see their calling as providing a minister-training lab
WACO, Texas (ABP) — Rural churches, particularly those within driving distance of a seminary or denominational college or university, often become training grounds for ministerial staff. “Some churches see that as their ministry,” noted Judy Battles, coordinator for pastoral ministries…
Baptist historians affirm individual conscience
ATLANTA (ABP) — A group of Baptist historians that meets annually to read and discuss early Baptist writings endorsed a statement Sept. 27 affirming the role of individual conscience in Baptist life. Fourteen members of the "Baptist Classics Seminar" group…
Chaplain: Executed woman was true to faith until end
JARRATT, Va. (ABP) — For Lynn Litchfield, the former chaplain at Virginia’s Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women, the past few weeks have been a heartbreaking build-up to the execution of Teresa Lewis. On Sept. 23, Lewis became the first woman…
Baptist leaders hail Nagaland peace pact
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (ABP) — Baptist leaders hailed a pledge by top leaders of Nagaland's three rival political factions to cease hostilities that have for decades beset the heavily Baptist state in northeastern India. John Sundquist, retired director of International…
World leaders cite progress, challenges at UN poverty summit
NEW YORK (ABP) — World leaders voiced deep concern about the impact of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression on international anti-poverty goals at a three-day summit at the United Nations Sept. 20-22. An outcome document for the…