By Vicki Brown Tom struggled to make ends meet, even though he had a full-time job. Willing to work more, he wanted to start a small landscaping business that would provide needed income and flexibility. Then Tom’s pastor told him…
Appeals court throws out settlement of Baptist home lawsuit
By Bob Allen A federal appeals court has thrown out the 2013 settlement of a lawsuit challenging state funding of a Kentucky Baptist children’s ministry, saying a judge should decide if court-ordered monitoring of alleged violations of the separation of…
SBC president suggests a single mission board
By Bob Allen Southern Baptist Convention President Ronnie Floyd suggested merger of the convention’s two mission boards during a symposium on the denomination’s future Sept. 28-29 at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo. “Structures and systems flow from…
Homosexuality conference greeted by protestors
By Bob Allen Planners of a conference for Christian counselors about homosexuality distanced themselves from the controversial “reparative” or “conversion” therapy aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, but not because they believe an individual struggling with…
CBF head among faith leaders supporting papal call for creation care
By Bob Allen Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Executive Coordinator Suzii Paynter challenged faith leaders in Washington for this week’s papal visit to “reawaken your actual love of God’s world” during a Sept. 24 service at the National Cathedral focusing on creation…
Canadian Baptists choose leader
By Bob Allen The Canadian Baptist Ministries board of directors announced Sept. 23 the election of Terry Smith, a former missionary to France who has led the 1,000-church organization’s global mission strategy and partnerships, to a five-year term as executive…
CBF Heartland names new leader
By Bob Allen Harold Phillips, longtime coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Heartland, will transition to a new role in January, leaders of the regional CBF affiliate announced Sept. 24. On Sept. 19 the CBF Heartland’s Coordinating Council named Jeff…
KBF, historically black college, join forces to fight poverty
By Bob Allen Black and white churches in Louisville, Ky., announced a new working partnership Sept. 23 aimed at tackling urban poverty. The Kentucky Baptist Fellowship joined historically black Simmons College of Kentucky in spearheading the new coalition of urban…
Baptist Standard suspends merger talks with Baptist News Global
By Bob Allen The board of directors of Baptist Standard Publishing voted in mid-September to put on hold talks of exploring a possible merger with Baptist News Global. A year ago the governing boards of the two news agencies entered…