HOUSTON — Houston Baptist University trustees voted March 10 to allow non-Baptist Christians a minority presence on the school’s governing board. HBU relates to the Baptist General Convention of Texas by a special agreement that allows the university to elect…
For relationships, technology a two-edged sword, experts insist
After Jason Krafsky introduced his wife, Kelli, to Facebook, he wasn’t sure how to respond when she told him she had just connected online with her “first love.” “It took me a couple of days to sort through my feelings…
Recognize children’s digital proficiency, but be alert to dangers
When it comes to digital communication, children are natives, and their parents are immigrants. And that puts parents at a distinct disadvantage in protecting children from online danger, according to the president of a nonprofit advocacy group devoted to guarding…
Baylor regents vote to allow non-Baptists on governing board
DALLAS — The governing body of Baylor University, the world’s largest Baptist academic institution, now may include Christians who are not Baptists. Baylor’s board of regents voted Feb. 11 to amend the university’s bylaws, allowing members who are active in…
Mentoring offers ministry students an important support system
BROWNWOOD, Texas — While a seminary degree can be an important component of a pastor’s toolbox, relationships with other pastors can be just as important — if not more so, according to some Texas Baptists who work with students preparing…
Texas Baptists begin search for new executive
DALLAS — First Baptist Church of Midland, Texas, voted unanimously Dec. 5 to call Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Director Randel Everett as senior pastor, and he accepted. Everett, 61, a former Virginia Baptist pastor and seminary president, has…
Christmas loss: How to help
Chaplain Mark Grace vice president of mission and ministry at Baylor Health Care System, offers suggestions to churches as they seek to minister to people who have sustained loss. • Facilitate communication. “Find ways to help your members talk about…
Joy and happiness not the same thing, pastors insist
Christians can experience joy even in loss — provided they don’t confuse joy with happiness but accept it as a gift from God, several pastors noted. “Joy is not the same as happiness. It is a deeper contentment that sustains…
Joy to the World?
Ever since an angel announced good news to shepherds working the night shift, Christians have associated the birth of Jesus with joy. But some people who have experienced significant loss in the recent past find a season of celebration observed…
Christmas loss: Suggested reading
Pastors recommended the following books as particularly helpful to people who have experienced loss and to Christians who are seeking to minister to them. • Good Grief by Granger E. Westberg “I like the next-to-last chapter title, ‘Gradually Hope Comes…
Harry Potter as gospel narrative
AUSTIN, Texas—A bespectacled teenaged wizard with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead may not fit most people’s picture of Christ, but Christian pop culture observer Greg Garrett definitely sees the similarities. “Harry Potter is one of the most clearly identifiable…
Harry Potter presents contemporary gospel narrative, professor says
AUSTIN—A bespectacled teenaged wizard with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead may not fit most people’s picture of Christ, but Christian pop culture observer Greg Garrett definitely sees the similarities. “Harry Potter is one of the most clearly identifiable examples…