DALLAS—When maintaining a sanctuary with a long history, congregations must look long into the future, according to Keith Crouch, Baptist General Convention of Texas church architecture director. Spencer Elliott Calvary Baptist Church, New York City Decisions about maintaining a historic…
Ministry to children changes moms’ & dads’ lives, too
Children's pastors across the country continue to reach families by first reaching children. Parents—Christian and non-Christian alike—want what's best for their respective families, children's ministry leaders report. Parents want their children to be brought up correctly and loved in a…
SPECIAL REPORT: Broken Trust—BGCT posts list of Baptist ministers who are registered sex offenders
DALLAS—The Baptist General Convention of Texas is providing a list registered sex offenders who were or are on staff at its affiliated churches. The Texas Baptist convention will post online at www.bgct.org/brokentrust the eight names of people in its file…
Frontline ministry
The closer people get to a foxhold, the more spiritual they generally become, a frontline military chaplain observed. Tough circumstances—and the accompanying escalated interest in spiritual matters—provide countless opportunities for military chaplains like U.S. Navy Capt. Bill Perdue of the…
How can churches legally minister to illegal immigrants?
When the doorbell rings at many churches, a person in need may be standing in the doorway seeking some food, clothes, counseling or encouragement. If that individual is an undocumented immigrant, his presence presents legal and ethical issues many congregations…
Immigration laws have an impact on who a church can call as pastor or hire as staff
SAN ANTONIO—Claudia Munoz feels called to serve on church staff and is doing everything she can to prepare herself to fulfill that calling. She received a student visa and traveled from her home country of Chile to enroll at Baptist…