Most pastors have had administrative responsibilities. But experts say it has gone well beyond that for ministers who are facing increasing pressure to act more like chief executive officers than pastors. Congregations concerned about dwindling numbers — both on the rolls…
Fake news hard to avoid, even harder to eradicate
Fake news is big news these days, and many want to know how not to be duped by it. On one level, the solutions are a matter of common sense. “First, you look for verification,” said James Black, assistant director…
Turn to service, faith in dark times, Sudanese survivor of lions and hyenas says
A rough election is turning into a rough Christmas for some. But the holiday blues will come screeching to a halt after a conversation with Abraham Deng. Deng, 35, was one of thousands of “Lost Boys of Sudan” who, as…
On social media, laments and hope following Donald Trump election
God surely got an earful Wednesday from Americans emotional about the results of the 2016 presidential election. But God wasn’t alone. Social media heard plenty, too. First thing in the morning, Americans began posting about hopes dashed, dreams fulfilled and…
CBF reaches 1,000th endorsee as chaplain, counselor ranks grow
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship passed a milestone recently when it named its 1000th endorsee — those ministers called to be chaplains or pastoral counselors. And Erin Lysse, the woman selected for the honor, said she felt encouraged by the honor. “There have…
Jimmy Carter, Gregg Allman headline Mercer graduation
Pomp, circumstance and rock and roll are in store this weekend for graduates of historically Baptist Mercer University in Macon, Ga., set to hear an address by former President Jimmy Carter and a performance by musician Gregg Allman, who will…
‘If the church is so great, then why are you teaching in seminary?’
During my first class as a professor at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology, I began waxing poetic on my years as a pastor and the glory of preaching: “What could be more wonderful than to imagine your way back…
Faith leaders denounce Trump’s ‘call to bigotry’
Fifty-five faith leaders invoked the memory of martyred Hitler opponent Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a proclamation April 28 denouncing presidential candidate Donald Trump. “Donald Trump directly promotes racial and religious bigotry, disrespects the dignity of women, harms civil public discourse, offends…
Baptist-Muslim scholar swap produces dialogue on Jesus, the Trinity and religious violence
A scholar swap between a Baptist seminary in Georgia and an Islamic university in India uncovered a mirror image of mistrust and confusion between Christians and Muslims in both countries. The professors — Loyd Allen of Mercer University’s McAfee School of…