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…
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…
CORRECTION
The chair of the Baptist General Association of Virginia's Christian life committee is David Roberts, not Bill Nieporte as reported in last week's Herald.
RIGHT OR WRONG: Incorporating a church
Our church is newly organized. We've been advised to incorporate and to adopt a constitution and bylaws. This all seems like a lot of work, and it might negatively impact what we are trying to do. What's the validity of…
The mystery of the call
The Baptist world is divided between two camps—the clergy and the laity. Baptist thought usually admits that both camps are expected to be Christian servants. But one of the mysteries to the laity is the matter of “the call” to…
ANOTHER VIEW: Making evangelism good news again
It's amazing the evangelism lessons you can learn from one day in the airport. Try it the next time you have a long day of travel. Ask the Lord to use the day to teach you more about his love…
ANOTHER VIEW: What would Jesus direct?
There is a lot of buzz these days in both religious and Hollywood circles that a new relationship is being forged between faith and film. Is it for real? Or is it just a lot of hype? Michael Flaherty, president…
RIGHT OR WRONG
A member of our church consistently becomes rowdy—talking too much and loudly—during our business meetings. His behavior is extremely distracting, and some members have quit attending because they know he'll be there. Something needs to change, but how? The issue…
Roanoke pastor named strategist
RICHMOND — Tom Stocks has been named the Virginia Baptist Mission Board's field strategist for the Valley Region, effective Feb. 4. Stocks has served since 1989 as the pastor of Rosalind Hills Baptist Church in Roanoke. He has a bachelor…