Diana Chandler

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‘Grassroots’ network launched to address concerns about SBC

A group described as “grassroots” Southern Baptists has announced the formation of the Conservative Baptist Network. Group spokesperson Brad Jurkovich, pastor of First Baptist Church of Bossier City, La., told Baptist Press the group was launched to address concerns... Continue Reading »

Pastors remain faithful as Tennessee tornadoes kill at least 22

Pastors shared hope and faith in the midst of death and destruction early Tuesday (March 3) just after a series of tornadoes tore through middle Tennessee, killing at least 22 and heavily damaging businesses, homes and at least two... Continue Reading »

IMB forms coronavirus task force as global threat rises

As the global coronavirus crisis nears pandemic status, the International Mission Board announced Feb. 28 a coronavirus task force to address implications for IMB personnel and partners, including church volunteer mission teams. “We recognize the concern that coronavirus is... Continue Reading »

Floyd to propose SBC EC mission, ministry changes

Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee President Ronnie Floyd will propose at the February EC meeting revisions to the EC mission and ministries statement including a new prayer ministry, he announced Thursday, Jan. 30. “Updating the language of the SBC... Continue Reading »

Charleston pastor part of SBC panel on racism

Sociology professor, researcher and author George Yancey always steps back when he knocks on a door. A 6-foot-3-inch African-American, he says his appearance strikes societal fear. Seminary assistant dean and director Missie Branch says she also encounters difficulties because... Continue Reading »

‘Go see the movie,’ Emanuel massacre survivor urges

Let someone walk into Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church with a backpack and Polly Sheppard relives June 17, 2015. That’s when white supremacist Dylann Roof walked in. “Only in that church. Other churches I can sit and be calm,”... Continue Reading »

IMB sex abuse prevention underway amid new report

A new media report on sex abuse allegations, admissions and convictions involving former International Mission Board workers comes as the IMB is implementing extensive sex abuse prevention reforms. The IMB is hiring a full-time senior staff member to oversee... Continue Reading »

Ronnie Floyd elected SBC EC president/CEO

Ronnie Floyd is the new president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee, elected April 2 by ballot vote in a called meeting in Dallas. Floyd received 68 of 69 votes cast, the EC said, electing Floyd... Continue Reading »

Billy Graham’s ‘Extraordinary Journey’ debuts Nov. 6

The late Billy Graham called himself an “ordinary messenger of the Kingdom of God,” but his legacy as “America’s pastor” is unique. Graham’s ministry of nearly 80 years is chronicled in the new documentary “Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey,”... Continue Reading »

Boy who ‘did not go to heaven’ sues Tyndale for damages

Alex Malarkey, the boy who claimed in a bestselling book that he went to heaven while comatose from a car accident, is suing his publisher, Tyndale House, for damages including book profits from the since-retracted story. The 2010 book... Continue Reading »

Greear, Hemphill rally prayer, civility amid transitions

Amid two Southern Baptist Convention entity leadership searches and upcoming national SBC elections, both SBC presidential candidates have issued a joint call for prayer, grace and civility. J.D. Greear and Ken Hemphill, both tapped as 2018 nominees for SBC... Continue Reading »

Apology, $300K payout in church sex abuse settlement at Columbia FBC

An apology, admission of liability and a $300,000 payout are among the terms First Baptist Church of Columbia, S.C., reached to settle a case involving a child who was reportedly sexually abused by a former church volunteer. Confessing “a... Continue Reading »