As I write this I am sitting in the pastor’s study of Williamsburg Baptist Church, where I am serving as interim pastor. Outside the window a large red-tailed hawk stands like a sentinel in a stout, leafless walnut tree growing…
EDITORIAL: Looking back on my time and ahead to a great new Herald
Serving as editor of the Religious Herald has been the greatest privilege and challenge of my life. To have served as successor in that position to some of the greats in Baptist life has been humbling, but, conversely, being associated…
EDITORIAL: As moves go, this is a good one
As they have done for nearly two centuries, messengers to the Baptist General Association of Virginia will gather in annual session in Fredericksburg to celebrate successes, identify challenges, engage in worship and conduct business. This year they will consider a…
VIEWPOINT: Biblical sites abound in nation whose people embrace visitors from abroad
The most common question I got from people when they learned that I was traveling to Jordan was, “Do you think it is safe?” My response was, “I don’t think the Jordanian government would invite us unless they thought it…
LEADERSHIP LINK: Dealing with criticism and critical people
Eventually, every pastor or staff member will do something about which a church member becomes angry or disappointed. I still remember the time a few weeks into my first pastorate when I learned this painful lesson. One of our deacons…
EDITORIAL: Seasons and purposes
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven,” wrote the ancient preacher of Ecclesiastes (3:1). I write to you with a sense of seasonal change. I have noticed lately the chill in the morning…
EDITORIAL: Duty demands it
Last week, Bill Webb, an editor colleague from Missouri, and I sat with an interpreter and listened to heart-breaking accounts from Syrian refugees of life and death. And hopelessness. (See “Dispiriting Stories” on p. 15.) In the form of Syrian…
VIEWPOINT: Letters from Jordan, the other Bible land, Part 2
In an attempt to stimulate tourism, the Jordan Tourism Board invited a group of editors and journalists to tour their country. I was fortunate enough to be included in the group. I look forward to sharing with you some of…
VIEWPOINT: Letters from Jordan, the other Bible land, Part 1
In an attempt to stimulate tourism, the Jordan Tourism Board invited a group of editors and journalists to tour their country. I was fortunate enough to be included in the group. With good reason, Jordan has been called “The other…