NASHVILLE (BP) – Southern Baptists experienced growth in the number of churches that cooperate with the SBC in 2016, according to the latest Annual Church Profile report (ACP). However, other key measures declined in 2016, including membership, baptisms, average worship attendance and total giving, according to the ACP compiled by LifeWay Christian Resources in cooperation with Baptist state conventions. The number of churches cooperating with the Southern Baptist Convention grew by … [Read more...]
Bi-vo pastor’s careers require intentionality
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (BP) – Whether serving as pastor of Indian Nations Baptist Church, a bus driver, professor or certified professional coach, Scott Tafoya strives to make disciples in whichever sphere he finds himself. The unique opportunities of a bivocational pastor, he says, "are, in some ways, no different than for any other Christian." "Though we need to 'leave our work at the office' at times," Tafoya says ministry is "tied to life as a whole and really cannot be seen as … [Read more...]
Leaving a legacy through church revitalization: 30 St. Louis area churches have sought revitalization
ST. LOUIS (BP) – Two years ago, First Baptist Church of Affton, Mo., knew it was dying. So it sought help from the local St. Louis Metro Baptist Association. In a process facilitated by executive director of missions Jim Breeden, First Baptist decided to replant itself in March 2016 as Church at Affton, led by replanter Jason Helmbacher. During its first year, the replant baptized 15 new believers and has come to average just over 100 worship attendees – about 40 of whom were First … [Read more...]
Lottie Moon offering nears $153 million
RICHMOND, Va. – Southern Baptists responded to the challenge to play their part in helping the Gospel resound to all nations through their gifts to the 2016 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions, which neared the $155 million goal when the books closed on the annual offering. Southern Baptists gave $153 million through the 2016-17 campaign to support International Mission Board field personnel. Every dollar given to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO) supports … [Read more...]
Prayerwalking lifts church’s heart for community
GREENWOOD, S.C. (BP) – Members of Abney Memorial Baptist Church have prayerwalked every street within a five-mile radius of the church. The South Carolina congregation's two-year outreach has encompassed 2,000 homes and businesses, praying for the people living or working inside. It has become a meaningful ministry that affects residents and church alike in Greenwood, S.C., pastor Brent Bennett said. "Prayerwalking has opened our eyes and helped our church catch the vision that … [Read more...]
Trump order to enforce religious liberty
WASHINGTON (BP) – Religious liberty advocates commended President Trump's new executive order to protect faith beliefs and practice, but some said it fell short of what is needed. Trump's order – issued May 4 on National Day of Prayer in a ceremony at the White House Rose Garden – says: The administration's policy will be to enforce vigorously the "robust protections for religious freedom" in federal law. The Department of Treasury, which includes the Internal Revenue Service, … [Read more...]
Pastors’ Conference scholarships exceed projections
PHOENIX (BP) – The Southern Baptist Convention Pastors' Conference announced last month the first 30 recipients of $1,000 scholarships to attend the Pastors' Conference and SBC annual meeting this summer. "We are thrilled that we have been able to help this group of men to attend, grateful to those who have given and anticipate giving out even more in the near future," Pastors' Conference President Dave Miller told Baptist Press in written comments. "Our regret is that we will not be … [Read more...]
FBC Memphis takes gospel to El Salvador
EL SALVADOR – A team of 13 people from First Baptist Church, Memphis, traveled to El Salvador last month to share the love of Christ. This was the church’s fourth trip to the area, where they’ve partnered with churches in El Coco, El Tanque and San Isidro—small communities nestled in the mountains of the nation’s border with Guatemala. “One of the greatest experiences of the mission trip was working side by side with Christian brothers and sisters from another culture who share a common … [Read more...]
SBC Executive Committee to investigate CP escrowing
NASHVILLE (BP) – Amid continuing discussion of churches’ escrowing or withholding Cooperative Program funds, the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee launched two efforts to study the issue at its Feb. 20-21 meeting in Nashville. The EC also authorized its officers to study the feasibility of selling the SBC Building in downtown Nashville. The EC declined to recommend amending Article III of the SBC Constitution to list racial discrimination as evidence a church is not in … [Read more...]
Prestonwood escrows CP funds, cites ERLC actions
PLANO, Texas (BP) – A Dallas-area megachurch has decided to escrow Cooperative Program funds temporarily in order to evaluate future support of Southern Baptist Convention causes. At issue are what the congregation calls "various significant positions taken by the leadership of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission that do not reflect the beliefs and values of many in the Southern Baptist Convention," according to a statement the church released to Louisiana's Baptist Message … [Read more...]
Prayer strategy augments church’s missions focus
PEORIA, Ill. (BP) – Pastor Joel Newton anticipates Woodland Baptist Church will grow closer to God with the congregation’s new emphasis on prayer, adding to commitments to missions giving and going. During the Jan. 22 Sunday morning worship, the church embarked on its new “Choose 2 Prayer Partner Project.” “Everything begins with prayer,” Newton told Baptist Press. “Prayer was a priority for the New Testament church.” Newton led his staff and other church leaders to build a prayer … [Read more...]
South County hosts ‘Night to Shine’
ST. LOUIS – It’s not unusual for churches to roll out a figurative red carpet, but South County Baptist Church here literally rolled out the red carpet for 107 “VIP guests” Feb. 10, complete with “paparazzi.” The church also hosted limo rides, hair and makeup stations, corsages and boutonnieres, shoe shines, professional photography, dinner, a DJ, karaoke and a dance as part of Night to Shine, a partnership between the Tim Tebow Foundation and 375 churches worldwide to provide an … [Read more...]
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