The Baptist Courier

John Flanagan JOHN FLANAGAN is now serving as pianist at West Gantt First Baptist Church, Greenville. He is a graduate of Lander University, the University of South Carolina and Southern Seminary, and is currently attending USC-Upstate.      ... Continue Reading »

There are many things in life for which one may prepare ? college, marriage, a newborn baby, a new career, or even death. Preparing involves not only focusing on the future, but also showing firm resolve in the present.... Continue Reading »

On Feb. 27, our church studied 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, which appeals for unity and urges us not to form groups that rally around certain preachers and preferences. Three days later, I opened up The Baptist Courier to find Brad... Continue Reading »

Bob Whitehead, center, has been licensed to the ministry by West Gantt First Baptist Church, Greenville, where he has served as minister of youth for nearly six years. Pictured with Whitehead are his wife, Amanda; daughter Evey; and pastor... Continue Reading »

?It's a new day at NAMB,? North American Mission Board president Kevin Ezell said in addressing more than 400 associational directors of missions and church-planting missionaries from across North America. ?We?re not just moving the deck chairs around.? Ezell... Continue Reading »

Christian unity can often be lost on minor points. Thomas Manton said, ?Any fool can open the floodgates, but when the waters have once broken out, who can recall them?? Indeed, once unity is lost, it is difficult to... Continue Reading »

I feel Brad Whitt's angst. I, too, am frustrated and concerned about the future of our denomination. I, too, am a product of the Cooperative Program, and I love being Southern Baptist. I have always been a member of... Continue Reading »

Jim Tippins, associate chaplain for Lakewood Campground ministries near Myrtle Beach, is looking for church youth groups to assist with resort ministry during the summer.... Continue Reading »

Following two state evangelism conferences last month, South Carolina Baptist Convention staff will provide follow-up service to churches, organize small-group evangelism discussions this fall, and plan for a single-venue conference in early 2012. The Monday-Tuesday conference, held Feb. 21-22... Continue Reading »

In Philippians 2:12-30, Paul encouraged the Philippian believers to be witnesses of the gospel in the culture in which they lived. He urged them to shine ?as lights in the world? (v. 15). How can believers shine as lights... Continue Reading »

Dr. Brad Whitt's article raised two concerns: What tool should be used to determine if one is a bona fide (definition: genuine; real) Southern Baptist, and who are the SBC leaders that are leading the convention astray?... Continue Reading »

When most people think of a bus, they envision kids loading up for a day of school, but Mark Chandler, a principal and a pastor in New Mexico, sees a bus as more than just a transportation vehicle. In... Continue Reading »