Speculation runs rampant these days as prognosticators and researchers attempt to predict how many churches will be closing within the next 12 to 24 months. Recently, Barna president David Kinnaman indicated that as many as 20 percent of churches could close within the next 18 months. Speaking to the NPR’s “Here and Now” gathering, he […]
Stanley transitions to pastor emeritus at Atlanta First
In a video announcement following the online service at First Baptist Church in Atlanta Sept. 13, longtime pastor Charles Stanley announced his transition to pastor emeritus. Stanley, who came to First Baptist as an associate pastor in 1969 before being named pastor two years later, informed the church’s board earlier this month of the decision. […]
Rebekah Naylor named first female distinguished professor at SWBTS
Rebekah Ann Naylor, a longtime medical missionary to India, has been appointed distinguished professor of missions in the Roy J. Fish School of Evangelism and Missions at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is the first woman ever to hold such a position at the seminary. In 1973, Naylor was appointed by the Foreign Mission Board […]
IMB issues statement regarding Aderholt investigation
The International Mission Board has issued a statement which it says clarifies and corrects previous statements made by the IMB that appeared in articles published in July 2018 by Baptist Press. The articles, published July 16, 2018, and July 18, 2018, concerned sexual crimes committed by former IMB missionary Mark Aderholt against a teenager in […]
Grant named director of African-American relations and mobilization
Charles Grant has been named executive director of African-American relations and mobilization at the SBC Executive Committee. In a partnership jointly funded by the SBC Executive Committee and the North American Mission Board, Grant will work to equip and mobilize African-American churches, as well as to engage potential new churches. Ronnie Floyd, president and CEO […]
LifeWay, Rainer settle contract dispute
LifeWay Christian Resources and Thom Rainer have agreed to settlement terms in a breach of contract lawsuit between the Southern Baptist Convention entity and its former CEO. The statement indicates the agreement was reached Monday (Oct. 5), a day after Rainer had tweeted his intent to accept LifeWay’s terms to end the lawsuit. According to […]
MacArthur and Grace Church continue to defy California regulations
In an ongoing religious liberty tug of war between Los Angeles County public health officials and Grace Community Church, members of the Sun Valley congregation met again Sept. 13 for a large indoor worship service, defying a restraining order by a California judge issued three days earlier. The ruling, Pastor John MacArthur said, goes “against […]
Webb to lead new Send Relief crisis response team
Coy Webb, longtime director of Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief, has been selected to lead Send Relief’s new crisis response arm. In February, the International Mission Board and North American Mission Board announced a partnership to provide compassion ministry around the globe under the banner of Send Relief. Webb, 63, has led Kentucky Baptist disaster relief […]
Economic shutdowns create crisis; Global Hunger Relief Sunday, Oct. 11
As COVID-19 travels around the globe, it has created a food crisis for much of the developing world. Spread of the disease and the ensuing lockdowns affected supply chains as well as humanitarian support, according to a report from WORLD Magazine. In South Asia, economic shutdowns hit day-laborers in the suburbs between major cities and […]
Falwell Jr. resigns as president of Liberty University
After drama, denial and dispute, it became official: Jerry Falwell Jr. has resigned as president of Liberty University. The school announced his departure Aug. 25, saying Liberty’s board of trustees had accepted his resignation. The move came amid escalating controversy over Falwell’s conduct, as well as allegations that he condoned an affair between his wife […]