The night before, Almighty God, creator of the universe, had stepped into actual human existence in that baby boy’s birth. Countless times we have taken our places as spectators in the sanitized stable soon after Jesus was born. The young…
EDITORIAL: Support your Gaza Baptist brothers and sisters
I am old enough to remember the politically conservative mantra of the late 1960s and ’70s: “My country, right or wrong.” I was young enough and naïve enough during those years to believe in the absolute moral integrity of America’s…
EDITORIAL: What’s happening with the Herald?
If cordiality is the standard by which Baptist General Association of Virginia annual meetings are measured, the meeting just ended was one of the best. Newly-elected BGAV president Carl Johnson thanked the messengers at the close of the final session…
LEADERSHIP LINK: 10 things deacons would like to say to their pastors
Rightly understood, the relationship between pastors and deacons is one of partnership in the mission of being (and building) the church. The following are statements I have heard deacons make through the years. 1. I need to be clear about…
EDITORIAL: A process out of date
Since I spoke out in the Oct. 15 issue of the Religious Herald expressing my concerns with the proposed 2013 Baptist General Association of Virginia budget, it is only fitting that I express my appreciation for the budget committee’s willingness…
Oak Grove marks 250th year, one of two oldest BGAV churches — and possibly the oldest
VIRGINIA BEACH — Oak Grove Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, which many maintain is the oldest existing church affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia, celebrated its 250th anniversary Oct. 7. The congregation had prepared for months to ready…
EDITORIAL: It’s not just about autonomy
In recent days passions have been stirred. Ginter Park’s decision to ordain a gay man to the gospel ministry, along with the Virginia Baptist Mission Board executive committee action asking the church to voluntarily withdraw from the Baptist General Association…
Motorcycle ‘thunder’ rolls again at Eagle Eyrie
LYNCHBURG, Va. — Despite threat of rain and the thickest fog in recent memory settling on the Skyline drive, 40 intrepid riders gathered at Eagle Eyrie for the third annual Thunder in the Hills motorcycle rally sponsored by the Virginia…
EDITORIAL: Proposals and partners
In a departure from the collegial spirit of years past when, “We’re all in this together” was the prevailing attitude during this current economic hard times, Virginia Baptist Mission Board leaders have decided they can no longer live with the…
2-‘Mock dock’ service points to ministry success
HENRICO, Va. — Bill Korman is a high energy, let’s-get-it-done Richmond businessman and a deacon of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Henrico, Va. He is also the driving force behind a unique outreach ministry aimed at boaters who spend their…
3-‘Mock dock’ service points to ministry success
HENRICO, Va. — Bill Korman is a high energy, let’s-get-it-done Richmond businessman and a deacon of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Henrico, Va. He is also the driving force behind a unique outreach ministry aimed at boaters who spend their…
4-‘Mock dock’ service points to ministry success
HENRICO, Va. — Bill Korman is a high energy, let’s-get-it-done Richmond businessman and a deacon of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Henrico, Va. He is also the driving force behind a unique outreach ministry aimed at boaters who spend their…