HOUSTON (ABP) — One in five Americans surfing the Internet is looking for romance, according to a recent poll. Online dating appeals even to young ministers, who due to their vocation must be wary about looking for love in the…
Ministers go online to meet spouses
HOUSTON (ABP) — One in five Americans surfing the Internet is looking for romance, according to a recent poll. Online dating appeals even to young ministers, who due to their vocation must be wary about looking for love in the…
Ethicists view health care as basic right, not a luxury commodity
Human beings are fragile creatures needing health care to flourish and — in many cases — survive, said David Gushee, distinguished university professor of Christian ethics at Mercer University. And that universal need for health care makes it a human…
Some churches help Christians view culture through spiritual lenses
What does it mean to participate with God in “making all things new”? Many feel the answer to that question is key to the life and liturgy of the church. “We think of ‘creating culture,’” said Winn Collier, one of…
Wide-open freedom of the Web offers challenges and ministry opportunities
While social networking sites are far from private or anonymous, the public nature hasn’t prevented individuals from boldly posting information or photographs they likely wouldn’t share with such a diverse crowd in “real” life, pastors note. Daniel Johnson, associate pastor…
Ministers often need help caring for their own mental health
While congregations often view their pastors as strong, stable shepherds, many members of the clergy experience a large disconnect between the image they project and the mental and emotional battles to which they are subject. “I have never met a…
Christians have opportunities to shape lives through foster care
While Scripture advocates taking care of orphans and widows, the church has abdicated that responsibility to the state, some Christian child-advocates insist. “It shortchanges people and the church,” said Robbi Haynes, of marketing and recruitment for MBCH and Family Ministries,…
Whose birthday are we celebrating?
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — It's time to “Unplug the Christmas machine,” states a book with the same title by Jo Robinson and Jean Coppock Staeheli. And members of First Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Mo., are challenged to do just…
Whose birthday are we celebrating?
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — It's time to “Unplug the Christmas machine,” states a book with the same title by Jo Robinson and Jean Coppock Staeheli. And members of First Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Mo., are challenged to do just…