President Donald Trump signed legislation June 5 to make it easier for businesses or churches struggling during the coronavirus pandemic to take advantage of a payroll subsidy program that’s been a critical part of Washington’s response to the economic crisis. The legislation gives employers more flexibility to use taxpayer subsidies for other costs and extends […]
Southern Baptists virtually celebrate sending 61 missionaries
The International Mission Board commissioned 61 missionaries in a virtual Sending Celebration on June 9. The missionaries represent churches in 15 states and will be serving in all nine of the IMB’s affinities. Sending Celebrations provide a forum for Southern Baptists to commission new missionaries and hear their call to missions. IMB trustees voted on […]
Military command chaplain embraces care for troops, love of country during career of service
“Our country is not perfect, and we all know that, but it is a country that has stood for freedom — not just within its borders, but around the world,” said Ch. Col. Greg Woodbury, who retired in July 2019 after more than 30 years as a U.S. Air Force chaplain. “As I’ve traveled the […]
Mississippi Baptists ask Legislature to remove Confederate symbol from state flag
Offering a “voice of healing in the name of Jesus Christ,” Mississippi Baptists asked the Legislature June 23 to replace the state flag with a design that does not include the Confederate flag. National racial tension and discussions regarding the flag in recent days prompted the move, Mississippi Baptist Convention Board Executive Director and Treasurer […]
In historic election, SBC Executive Committee elects first African-American chair
The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee elected its first African-American chair in a special called meeting June 16. Rolland Slade, pastor of Meridian Baptist Church in El Cajon, Calif., was unopposed as EC chair and was unanimously elected by ballot vote. Outgoing chair Mike Stone called for a ballot vote, he said, to mark the […]
Dodgers’ manager Travis Barbary models faith to players
South Carolinian Travis Barbary took one look at a suspension bridge in downtown Greenville and did not want any part of it. While he will climb 20 feet high in a deer stand and sit for five hours, he won’t walk across the bridge. “My kids always make fun of me,” said Travis, who was […]
Racial healing, Great Commission, Cooperative Program headline SBC Advance
Amid unprecedented challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as racial unrest and tumult after the recent death of an African-American man in police custody, the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee offered a healing balm June 2 with SBC Advance. The two-hour online event was not intended to replace the 2020 SBC Annual Meeting […]
SBC institutions make budget cutbacks in wake of COVID-19
In the wake of the COVID-19 virus and amid other declining metrics, Southern Baptist Convention institutions have enacted budget cuts for the 2020-2021 budget year. LifeWay eliminated its World Changers mission projects for this summer and closed all future operations due to declining numbers. The entity also announced a series of budget freezes, cutbacks, and […]
Southern Baptist leaders issue joint statement on the death of George Floyd
Southern Baptist leaders have published a statement grieving the recent death of George Floyd and calling for the end of “racial inequity in the distribution of justice in our country.” The statement, co-authored by SBC president J.D. Greear and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary president Jamie Dew was unanimously signed by all SBC officers, entity […]
IMB temporarily relocates personnel due to COVID-19
As airlines reduced flights and countries around the world went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some International Mission Board missionaries found themselves unexpectedly back in the United States. In an email to all overseas personnel, IMB President Paul Chitwood wrote that if any felt God leading them to leave their current country due […]