The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned (Isaiah 9:2, NIV). Thirty-three Chilean miners know what it is like to walk in darkness…
EDITORIAL: Hard questions for hard times
We can all only hope that economic pundits who say we are experiencing a recovery know what they are talking about. For the present, however, times are tough all over. In presenting a budget to the messengers gathered last week…
Reggie McNeal tells Virginia Baptists to ‘get off their donkeys’
HAMPTON, Va. — In his final message to messengers and guests attending the annual meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, Reggie McNeal told them to get off their donkeys. Using the parable of the Good Samaritan as his…
How big is your back door?
For several months a recruiter had been building a relationship with a likely volunteer, speaking persuasively about a career in the army. He had spoken of the war and the need for recruits. Mostly, however, he had emphasized the retirement…
EDITORIAL: Aunt Ida laments strange Baptists
Dear Jimmy, I’m sure this never happens to you, but sometimes my mind gets to wanderin’ a mite during the sermon. That’s why I can sure understand what happened to this feller who happens to be your Uncle Orley’s cousin,…
EDITORIAL: Dealing with the anger means dealing with the issues
If, like me, you have been unfortunate enough to hear the barrage of campaign ads, you have probably been distressed by the angry accusations blasted like canon shots back and forth between party lines. It’s enough to cause those of…
Baptist bikers ascend Eagle Eyrie mountain for annual gathering
LYNCHBURG, Va. — On the first weekend in October, the roar of throbbing motorcycles pierced the stillness of the gorgeous fall weather as bikers converged on Eagle Eyrie, Virginia Baptists’ conference center in Lynchburg. Randy Ashcraft (left) and Jim Denton…
EDITORIAL: Judging is harder than it seems
Have you been following the news? The tiny group calling itself a church (71 members as of 2008) made up mostly of the pastor’s extended family, has made it all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States….
INTERVIEW: Pastor says the biker culture needs more than ministry
Jim Denton is pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Richlands, Va. He has contended for years that the biker culture is one that needs more than a ministry — it needs a church. Religious Herald editor Jim White spoke with…