By Michael Parnell Movies are often greater than the sum of their parts. We watch the story unfold and, as we do, there is something more there than just the pictures and the actors’ words. The auteur theory of filmmaking…
The secret to congregational vitality
By George Bullard The secret is really not a secret. It is well known by many congregational leaders. But they do not accept it because they are looking for a magic act that brings quick vitality without deep commitment and…
19.6 million — and my dad
By John Jay Alvaro Today is Veteran’s Day. Anyone who is a veteran, or who has friends and family who are, doesn’t need to be reminded of the importance of this day. But for those folks with no connection to…
‘Underside’ ministry may redeem Christianity’s reputation
By Marv Knox American culture has turned upside down. What an ironically invigorating development. Validation of cultural upside-downness arrived from unexpected quarters — the Southern Baptist Convention Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission’s recent conference on homosexuality and the future of…
I can’t just leave
By Helms Jarrell Have you read The Help? I am Mae Mobley. Miss Eva hugged me close as I read to her from my kitty cat book, words she could not read herself. Miss Carolyn cleaned the scrape on my…
This kind of denomination is dead
By George Bullard Anyone who has followed my lifelong trek through the maze of denominational staff service and consulting and coaching with denominational organizations knows that I believe in denominations. I also believe they have a future that respects their…
Learning to think more clearly about death
By Russ Dean She was surrounded by family and friends in the warmth of her own home. Her breathing stopped; the light went out; she was at peace. It was apparently just that simple when Brittany Maynard ended her fight…
A new day in America
By Jonathan Waits We are entering a new day in America. Do you feel excited yet? New things always bring with them a bit of trepidation, but there’s so much buzz about this particular new day that it can’t be…
If fear wins the day
Michael Helms Helen Cooper is a writer for the New York Times. Her coverage of the Ebola crisis is unique because she was born in Liberia and she still has family living there. Having immigrated to the United States, she…
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…
Responding with love to mental illness
One in four Americans annually experience mental health issues ranging in severity from temporary psychological distress to serious depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, yet less than one-third of these Americans receives appropriate care, often because of the stigma associated with…
Jesus: A political enigma
By Seth Vopat November is here! I am counting down the days until my mailbox will no longer be stuffed with the same negative jargon of competing political candidates. I cannot wait until our television will no longer be bombarded…