A growing number of Christian businesspeople—who see entrepreneurial ventures as missional opportunities—believe doing good and doing well don't have to be mutually exclusive. These Christian social entrepreneurs are committed to using their business skills to organize, create, manage and monetize…
Happy Birthday, Baptists
Some Christians before 1609 held what many refer to as distinctively Baptist beliefs. Baptists in 1609 practiced believer's baptism, but they didn't immerse. Even so, most church historians agree Baptists emerged as a distinct movement 400 years ago. From their…
Baptist history a continuing search for the New Testament church
Some Baptists stress evangelism, and others emphasize the social gospel. Some believe Christ died for all people; others say Christ died only for the elect whom God predestined to salvation. Historically, some defended slavery; others championed civil rights. Even a…
Who founded the Baptist movement — John Smyth or John the Baptist?
Baptists who celebrate the 400th birthday of their denomination in 2009 miss the mark by about 1,600 years, some Baptists insist. Since Jesus founded his church during his earthly ministry and promised “the gates of hell shall not prevail against…
Historians debate reasons for rise of Landmarkism in 19th century
All Landmark Baptists believe in church succession, at least to some degree, but not every Baptist holding that position is — or was — a Landmarker, according to Alan Lefever, director of the Texas Baptist Historical Collection. Neither J.M. Carroll,…
Historians debate reasons for rise of Landmarkism in 19th century
WACO, Texas (ABP) — All Landmark Baptists believe in church succession, at least to some degree, but not every Baptist holding that position is — or was — a Landmarker, according to Alan Lefever, director of the Texas Baptist Historical…
Dollars and sense: Families struggle with financial stewardship
Money demands attention — particularly in challenging economic times. Rich or poor, people think about it daily, whether paying for a hamburger or praying for a job. Lives can change quickly and drastically as a result of a few critical…
Texas Baptists defer name change proposal
FORT WORTH, Texas (ABP) — The Baptist General Convention of Texas elevated to its highest office the son of a former president, deferred action on a proposed name change and approved a reduced budget for 2009 at its most sparsely…
Baptist hymnody largely settles for two out of three in Trinity
Hymns sung in most Baptist churches historically have been “More About Jesus” than about either God the Father or the Holy Spirit, several church music experts agree. “From a Baptist perspective, I don't think the hymnody has ever been Trinitarian,”…