Introducing unfamiliar practices to church members can be challenging, but congregations often are far less resistant than expected, according to some pastors who have tried it. “I think people are hungry for ritual, especially those who don’t come from a…
What’s the skinny on Lent?
An odd word, Lent. Most European languages refer to the 40-day preparation period prior to Easter with some form of the words “forty” or “fast.” English-speakers, on the other hand, adapted a Teutonic or Anglo-Saxon (no one knows quite sure…
Writer explores array of ancient spiritual practices for believers today
So you want to spend the weeks prior to Easter exploring spiritual disciplines but aren’t sure where to start? In his book The Sacred Way, writer and theologian Tony Jones offers an easily accessible approach to spiritual practices developed by…
Tom Elliff, longtime pastor, nominated to be SBC mission board president
RICHMOND, Va. — Tom Elliff, a longtime Oklahoma pastor and former missionary, has been nominated to be president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board. Elliff, 66, is the choice of a 15-member search committee to succeed Jerry Rankin,…
Va. Baptists mark 11 years of work with teaching program in China
RICHMOND, Va. — When Tiffany Robertson spent several weeks in 2005 leading English conversational classes for middle school teachers in Qingyang, a city in north central China, she never expected to see her pupils again once she returned to the…
Baptist World Alliance leader calls for ‘peaceful’ steps to end Egypt protests
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The top executive of the Baptist World Alliance called on the Egyptian government Feb. 4 to take “necessary, peaceful” steps to resolve almost two weeks of anti-government rallies in cities across the nation and for protesters…
Va. House of Delegates passes prayer amendment to state constitution
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia House of Delegates passed an amendment to the state constitution Feb. 1 which supporters said would ensure the right to pray on public property, including public schools. The amendment, adopted 61-33 in the Republican-dominated House,…
Christine Gregory, missions leader who broke barriers to women, dies
DANVILLE, Va. (ABP) — Christine Gregory, a Virginia missions leader who broke barriers to women in Baptist leadership roles, died Jan. 22 in a Danville, Va., nursing home. She was 89. Gregory was elected first vice president of the Southern…
Baptist collegiate ministry completes VCU renovation, dedicates facility
RICHMOND, Va. — Baptist collegiate ministry at Virginia Commonwealth University moved into a new era with the dedication Nov. 30 of its new — and newly-renovated — facility in the heart of campus. “There are daily signs that this building…