PHOENIX (BP) – It started Friday, June 9 – the rumblings of an awakening. More than 700 voices worshiped at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, Ariz., kicking off the weekend’s Crossover Arizona and Harvest America events. The North American Mission Board’s (NAMB) Crossover Arizona and Greg Laurie’s Harvest America joined forces to host a three-day evangelistic outreach involving training, street evangelism and service projects before culminating in Harvest America’s Sunday night … [Read more...]
Supreme Court to hear Christian baker’s case
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on June 26 to hear a major religious liberty case that will determine whether Christians within the wedding industry–for example, bakers, florists, and photographers–may refuse to serve same-sex couples because of their religious beliefs. In 2012, Jack Philips – a Christian baker in Denver, Colo. – was convicted by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission of “discrimination” for declining to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding. The commission ordered … [Read more...]
Religious liberty wins at Supreme Court
WASHINGTON – In a 7-2 vote, the United States Supreme Court ruled, June 26, in favor of a Missouri church seeking to use public funds from the state of Missouri for renovating a playground on their church campus. The ruling is being called a “resounding victory” for religious liberty by many, including two Missouri Baptist attorneys—Michael and Jonathan Whitehead of Kansas City—who were on the legal team representing the church. At first sight, the problem that gave rise to this legal … [Read more...]
Churches up in 2016, baptisms decline
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...]
New Huckabee show to ‘encourage, edify, entertain’
LOS ANGELES (BP) – Former Arkansas Governor and U.S. presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee looks for his new talk show to be a “wholesome, watchable program for the whole family.” Huckabee recently announced the fall debut of his show on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). “Anybody who ever watched the show that I did on the FOX News Channel will be familiar with the idea of information and inspiration,” Huckabee said when he announced the show from TBN’s Jerusalem studio May 24. … [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...]
Jim Wells, former MBC staff member & DOM, outgoing SBC registration sec., dies at 69
OZARK, Mo. (BP) – Jim Wells, a 15-term Southern Baptist Convention registration secretary known for his humble leadership style, died June 17 following a seven-year battle with cancer. He was 69. First elected registration secretary in 2002, Wells oversaw messenger registration, ballot counting and reporting of vote totals at SBC annual meetings among other duties. He served alongside eight SBC presidents. SBC President Steve Gaines called Wells "a humble servant of Jesus … [Read more...]
Historic Baptists, liberty and the Trinity case
KANSAS CITY – What would John Leland say about scrap tires? Missourians, including churches that own vehicles, pay a fee to keep used tires out of streams and landfills. The fee underwrites a rebate for rubber playground surfaces. It’s open to all nonprofit groups, to keep kids safer and the environment cleaner. Trinity Lutheran Church, in Columbia, applied for a rebate. It was rejected, but not because the money ran out. It was rejected because it is a church. Missouri’s Constitution … [Read more...]
On the eve of a major religious liberty ruling: The nation’s eyes on Trinity Lutheran case
EDITOR’S NOTE: Michael Whitehead has practiced law in Missouri for more than 40 years. He practices with his son, Jonathan, in suburban Kansas City, and he serves as MBC general counsel and represents numerous individuals and ministry organizations. Both Mike and Jonathan are on the legal team defending Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbia, in a religious liberty case that was heard at the U.S. Supreme Court this spring. A ruling on the case is expected by the end of the month, before the … [Read more...]
H.B. Charles to be Pastors’ Conf. nominee
PHOENIX (BP) – Oklahoma pastor Brad Graves has announced the withdrawal of his candidacy for Southern Baptist Convention Pastors' Conference president to clear the way for Florida pastor H.B. Charles Jr. to be nominated as the first African American to hold that office. Graves told Baptist Press no one pressured him to withdraw and "it's never a loss when you can join God in His work." Former Pastors' Conference president Ken Whitten announced his intent to nominate Charles May 11, … [Read more...]
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