By Luke Smith “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That…
Planner defends sexuality conference
By Bob Allen A lead planner of an upcoming Baptist sexuality conference says the event has nothing to do with disagreement among Cooperative Baptist Fellowship leadership about the CBF’s policy against hiring gays. David Gushee David Gushee, director of Mercer…
Working with someone who saved a country
By Amy Butler The objective of the community organizer was to help our church discover projects about which we are passionate, ideas for mission and ministry in our city. She began by asking everyone in the circle to mention one…
Good Christian Baptists?
By Brett Younger GCB does not stand for “Good Christian Baptists.” ABC’s new, unfunny and uninteresting sitcom was named “Good Christian Bitches” just long enough to get attention for offending the easily offended. The consistently irritating title became “Good Christian…
Pastor’s introduction of Santorum goes viral
By Bob Allen A Southern Baptist pastor in Louisiana became an Internet celebrity when his fiery introduction at a rally for presidential candidate Rick Santorum went viral on YouTube and news websites. “I don’t care what the liberals say,…
When ministers are used by politicians
By David Gushee A leading presidential candidate writes letters to Christian ministers from around the country. He remarks positively on their contribution to society and church and suggests his interest in personal conversation. He invites the ministers to respond to…
New clergy deserve a chance
By Bill Wilson A recent column on the surge of churches calling pastors in their fifth decade evoked a wide range of responses. Many came from mid-career clergy who offered a hearty “Amen” and were grateful for the news that…
Churches conflicted when it comes to social media engagement
By Robert Dilday It’s not about hunting. It’s about farming. That’s how bestselling author Ivan Misner, founder of one of the world’s largest business networking organizations, describes social networks, which he says attempt to do one thing—cultivate relationships. For church…
So your church is on Facebook. What now?
By Robert Dilday While about half of Protestant churches have Facebook pages, many essentially use it as a bulletin board, missing out on the potential to nurture relationships with congregants and its community. “It’s OK for a church to use…