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…
Pastoral residencies picking up — and pastors are taking notice
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 that are…
At Convergence, being missional cuts two ways
By Jeff Brumley Ryan Walker and Dan ABH both spend a lot of time at Convergence, the hybrid arts initiative and church in suburban Washington. Walker, 35, a professional musician raised by parents deeply involved in Baptist life, hangs out…
Alabama Baptist church faces ouster for pastor’s gay-friendly views
By Bob Allen A local association of Southern Baptist churches is poised to kick out an Alabama church after a member of the congregation who is an ordained minister received media attention for performing a gay marriage. Representatives of the…
Florida church builds partnerships with schools, nonprofits — and laundromats
By Jeff Brumley The Well at Springfield, a 4-year-old missional church plant, chose that name to underscore its role as a source of spiritual nourishment in its urban Florida neighborhood. But its pastor, Susan Rogers, said the Jacksonville congregation can…
Baptist church finds downtown niche in shower ministry
By Jeff Brumley Downtown churches struggling to find their niche in ministry may want to try what First Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tenn., has done: look and listen. Paying attention to young voices within its membership and to underserved needs…
Property sale positions Atlanta church to engage its vibrant neighborhood
By Jeff Brumley Mimi Walker, pastor at Druid Hills Baptist Church in Atlanta, says she never took a course on real estate negotiating while in seminary. In fact, she doesn’t know of any seminaries that offer one. “But I think…
SBC megachurch challenges discrimination law in Dallas suburb
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist megachurch is lending its membership roll of 37,000 to a petition drive seeking repeal of a non-discrimination ordinance in Plano, Texas. Petitions will be available this weekend at Prestonwood Baptist Church opposing changes by…