BROWNWOOD, Texas — Among Baptist Baby Boomer theologians, at least half of the major authors are committed to Calvinism, an influential Baptist theologian of an earlier generation has noted. James Leo Garrett Jr., emeritus distinguished professor of theology at Southwestern…
Taking care of business
Some best practices in the corporate world translate well to the nonprofit sector, including churches, experts insist. And at the same time, churches can benefit by looking at some lessons failed business learned the hard way. Baptists with expertise in…
Good leaders in business and church possess some of the same qualities
The same leadership skills that make many of the best business leaders successful also can enable church leaders to fulfill their potential, some Christian business experts note. “In both worlds, … leaders go first. Leaders set the culture,” said Craig…
Ethicist describes recipe for global warming skepticism
SAN ANTONIO — Conservative Christians generally have turned a cold shoulder to concerns about global warming, but ethicist David Gushee believes he understands why. “Climate change is among the most heavily reported stories — and in my view, one of…
Follow the money
Most observers of congregational life agree — a person can tell a lot about a church by looking at its budget. But exactly what conclusions can be drawn about a church's priorities remain an open question.tory “It's a question I've…
Follow the money
Most observers of congregational life agree — a person can tell a lot about a church by looking at its budget. But exactly what conclusions can be drawn about a church's priorities remain an open question. “It's a question I've…
Cash receipts and disbursements present challenges for churches
DALLAS — Handling cash presents some of the greatest challenges — and potential problems — for churches in terms of finances, said Roger Hall, retired chief financial officer and treasurer for the Baptist General Convention of Texas. “The biggest risk…
Church security demands all hands on deck — but maybe not with arms
FORT WORTH — Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth has employed personnel to patrol its campus, escort women to their cars after dark and ensure buildings are locked since before Russ Hibner became the church's facilities manager seven years…
Raising the bar for membership creates culture of discipleship, some churches insist
DALLAS — In a growing number of Baptist churches, new arrivals learn an important lesson early: Membership has its privileges, but it also has its responsibilities. “We want to create a culture of discipleship here,” said John Wilson, minister of…