By Bob Allen A Baptist pastor is featured in a new television commercial opposing Alabama’s immigration law unveiled by a group of Alabama clergy April 3. Steve Jones “We believe in reaching out and ministering to our community. Yet, under…
Churchnet builds collaboration
By Vicki Brown At a time when many denominations are waning, the head of a breakaway 10-year-old Baptist state convention in Missouri believes “genuine” collaboration will keep congregations working together. “The vision we have … is to try to create…
Attracting a new generation of leaders in ministry
By Lydia Hoyle When I was growing up, Christian ministers were widely held in high esteem. Although a few Elmer Gantrys may have been in the mix, churches and communities generally received their ministers with respect and honor. As a…
Chilean miner credits God for rescue
By Kalie Lowrie Trapped in a mineshaft in Copiapó, Chile, in 2010 with 32 other miners, Jose Henriquez experienced firsthand God’s provision during 69 days of waiting and praying for rescue. “Without any doubt, the power of God has no…
Gaddy says Santorum hits ‘new low’ in using faith as political wedge
By Bob Allen A Baptist minister and interfaith leader accused Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum of using religion to polarize voters. Interfaith Alliance head Welton Gaddy called Santorum’s introduction by a Louisiana preacher who encouraged those who don’t share his…
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…
VA offers training to help rural clergy minister to vets
Associated Baptist Press The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is offering free, one-day workshops for clergy in rural areas on how to minister to needs of veterans in their communities. Six training events are scheduled between April 10 and June…
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…