HOUSTON — Houston Baptist University trustees voted March 10 to allow non-Baptist Christians a minority presence on the school’s governing board. HBU relates to the Baptist General Convention of Texas by a special agreement that allows the university to elect…
For relationships, technology a two-edged sword, experts insist
After Jason Krafsky introduced his wife, Kelli, to Facebook, he wasn’t sure how to respond when she told him she had just connected online with her “first love.” “It took me a couple of days to sort through my feelings…
Recognize children’s digital proficiency, but be alert to dangers
When it comes to digital communication, children are natives, and their parents are immigrants. And that puts parents at a distinct disadvantage in protecting children from online danger, according to the president of a nonprofit advocacy group devoted to guarding…
Seminary gives association six months to vacate property
FORT WORTH — Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary notified Tarrant Baptist Association before Christmas it had six months to vacate its offices on the edge of the seminary campus. The seminary asserted the association was in violation of its affiliation agreement…
Christmas loss: How to help
Chaplain Mark Grace vice president of mission and ministry at Baylor Health Care System, offers suggestions to churches as they seek to minister to people who have sustained loss. • Facilitate communication. “Find ways to help your members talk about…
Joy and happiness not the same thing, pastors insist
Christians can experience joy even in loss — provided they don’t confuse joy with happiness but accept it as a gift from God, several pastors noted. “Joy is not the same as happiness. It is a deeper contentment that sustains…
Joy to the World?
Ever since an angel announced good news to shepherds working the night shift, Christians have associated the birth of Jesus with joy. But some people who have experienced significant loss in the recent past find a season of celebration observed…
Christmas loss: Suggested reading
Pastors recommended the following books as particularly helpful to people who have experienced loss and to Christians who are seeking to minister to them. • Good Grief by Granger E. Westberg “I like the next-to-last chapter title, ‘Gradually Hope Comes…
Harry Potter as gospel narrative
AUSTIN, Texas—A bespectacled teenaged wizard with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead may not fit most people’s picture of Christ, but Christian pop culture observer Greg Garrett definitely sees the similarities. “Harry Potter is one of the most clearly identifiable…