William J. “Bill” Cumbie, 83, a former president of the Baptist General Association of Virginia who as executive director of the Mount Vernon Baptist Association (now NorthStar) played a central role in the growth of its member congregations over 30…
Insurer of churches won’t pay disputes
DES MOINES, Iowa (ABP) — One of the nation's three largest insurers of congregations has backed away from covering lawsuits filed as a result of church splits and denominational disputes. Since July, GuideOne Insurance of West Des Moines, Iowa, has…
FIRST PERSON: What kind of moderates are Virginia Baptists?
In a recent editorial a syndicated conservative columnist observes that politicians are difficult to label. He notes the liberal label historically has fit one American political party well because of its willingness to promote military intervention for humanitarian causes. He…
Virginia Baptist Foundation awards 12 grants to ministry partners
RICHMOND — The Virginia Baptist Foundation has awarded 12 grants totaling over $100,000 to 11 Virginia Baptist ministry partners, according to Ronald C. Hall, president and CEO of the Foundation. Hall announced the following recipients, which were awarded grants by…
Hammond elected president by NAMB’s trustees
In a unanimous vote March 21, trustees of the North American Mission Board elected Geoff Hammond as president of the Southern Baptist Convention's stateside mission body. Hammond, 49, will start full-time work for the entity May 22. Hammond is currently…
Surgery leads Mohler to bow out of SBC race
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABP) — Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, will bow out of the race to head the Southern Baptist Convention, according to a Feb. 14 statement. Mohler will undergo surgery for a pre-cancerous tumor in his…
The music man
For three decades, Allen R. Brown led the music ministry of Virginia Baptists. He easily was the most recognized voice and face at a Virginia Baptist state meeting and clearly among the most respected and beloved members of the Mission…
Music collaboration to benefit African school
RICHMOND — American Youth Harp Ensemble and Richmond area choirs will join forces next month to present “Amani Peace Concert,” an African music collaboration benefiting the Grace Baptist Institute in Liberia. The performance takes place on Sunday, May 4, at…
Media bias? Not what some might think
WASHINGTON (ABP)—A new study by two Washington-based groups asserts that the mainstream media, derided by some as liberally biased, actually overemphasizes the importance of religious conservatives. Media Matters for America and Faith in Public Life released the report, titled “Left…