From the outside, the nondescript building in downtown El Paso doesn’t look much like a church. But the converted gymnasium does in fact serve as home to Mesa Place Church. And Christian Gurrola may not look like a pastor to…
Flooding draws minister back to hometown — with youth disaster workers
When Bobby Catt, minister of students at First Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas, discovered a student mission trip opportunity in Wimberley in the Texas Hill Country, he knew he had to sign up his youth group right away. Catt…
Dissent and debate at church? Embrace it, experts say
By Jeff Brumley Churches should welcome, not shun, debate and dissent, a pastor told a gathering of Baptists last week. In fact, spiritual growth depends on tolerating and engaging those who hold divergent views, Taylor Sandlin of Southland Baptist Church…
Churches must be creative to meet coming ‘Boomer wave’
By Jeff Brumley Congregational coaches are warning churches against becoming so fixated on Millennials and other young people that they ignore the surging population of Baby Boomers already in their midst. But those experts say most congregations simply aren’t ready…
Every refugee is a chance to live the gospel, ministers and missionaries say
By Leah Allen and Jeff Brumley Just under 70,000 refugees from around the world were legally resettled in the United States in 2014, bringing the total to 3 million in every state since 1975. And that, some ministers and domestic…
Wounded Warriors: Returning veterans, families struggle to adjust
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Sitting around the kitchen table, the Riverses are a picture of the quintessential American family. Over a freshly prepared meal, they share stories of the day’s events. The room is filled with the warmth of smiles,…
Board approves BGCT executive director search committee
DALLAS— The Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board unanimously approved a 15-person committee to find the convention’s next executive director. Voting electronically, board members Dec. 17 approved the 15 people nominated by the chair and vice chair of the…
Executive director search committee nominated
DALLAS—Elected leaders of the Baptist General Convention and the BGCT Executive Board on Dec. 14 nominated 15 people to serve on a committee to recommend a new executive director for the convention. The chair and vice chairper of the executive board…
VIRGINIANS @ THE CONGRESS: Students encounter diversity in BWA program
Virginia Baptists were hard at work behind the scenes at the 20th Baptist World Congress, enriching the experience of more than 4,000 global Baptists. HONOLULU — Behind the comings and goings of those attending the BWA Congress, a group of…