EDITOR’S NOTE: This article includes additional reporting from Pathway associate editor Benjamin Hawkins. The article was updated on Oct. 11th. NASHVILLE (BP) – Members of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Executive Committee (EC) voted, Oct. 5, for the waiving of attorney client privilege within the scope of an independent third-party investigation of the EC concerning the handling of sexual abuse claims. The Sexual Abuse Task Force, assembled by SBC President Ed Litton, was mandated … [Read more...]
9/11: Reflections from 3 SBC leaders
NASHVILLE (BP) – As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11, three Southern Baptists leaders who held significant leadership roles on Sept. 11, 2001, help us remember that infamous day and consider its impact on the Southern Baptist Convention and our world. At that time, Richard Land was president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission; James Merritt was president of the SBC; and Jerry Rankin was president of the International Mission Board. As each man shares his experience, … [Read more...]
NOBTS avoids significant damage, awaits return of electricity
NEW ORLEANS (BP) – As hundreds of power trucks pour into New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, Jamie Dew, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, said that now, “It all comes down to power.” As New Orleans’ power company, Entergy, faces what it described as “catastrophic transmission damage” and the city faces what might be weeks without power, Dew pledged the seminary’s support to displaced students, staff, and faculty as they face displacement for the next … [Read more...]
How can Southern Baptists respond to crises in Afghanistan, Haiti?
Prayer, giving most needed response to Afghanistan crisis By IMB Staff The Taliban have seized power in Afghanistan, storming across the nation and capturing all major cities within a matter of days. This political takeover occurred just weeks before the U.S. was set to complete its troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. In the current crisis, an exodus is building as people by the thousands try to evacuate the country. Tens of thousands of Afghans who may be vulnerable to Taliban … [Read more...]
Evangelical groups to host 1 million hours of prayer during Tokyo Olympics
TOKYO (BP) – Several evangelical organizations, both internationally and in the U.S., are partnering together in an effort to cover Japan with 1 million hours of prayer during the 30 days of the 2021 Olympic and Paralympic games. “Japan1Million,” a movement started by a partnership between the Japan International Sports Partnership and the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association, encourages Christians around the world to sign up for one-hour prayer slots during the Tokyo games. Those … [Read more...]
Florida pastor uses BBQ sauce to reach souls
YULEE, Fla. (BP) – When stores in Northeast Florida receive a delivery of Yulee BBQ Sauce they’re getting more than a collection of sauces and rub with tangy flavor perfect for grilling. “They’re getting a chaplain and pastor,” said Jimmy Flanagan, creator of Yulee BBQ Sauce, who personally makes the deliveries to his customers. Flanagan, pastor of Duval Station Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla., has taken his passion for cooking to create his own barbecue sauce, which he sells in … [Read more...]
Chinese Baptist Church in Los Angeles sees over 100 professions of faith through online evangelism groups
LOS ANGELES (BP) — Despite not meeting in person for over 15 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, First Chinese Baptist Church Los Angeles, Calif., has seen more than 100 professions of faith through a new group evangelism strategy. Benny Wong, senior pastor at First Chinese Baptist located in Chinatown, Los Angeles, explained the church has been holding “Happiness Groups”—small group studies held online specifically focused on evangelism. The small groups are made up of at least five … [Read more...]
Vision 2025 amended, adopted by messengers
NASHVILLE (BP) – After two amendments, messengers to the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting adopted Vision 2025, a strategic initiative aimed at reaching every person in the world with the Gospel, by vote of acclamation, June 15. Citing eternal lostness and the reality of hell, SBC Executive Committee President and CEO Ronnie Floyd called Southern Baptists to back the initiative “with your lives and ministries and churches,” saying, “This is not just a good thing we should do. It is the most urgent … [Read more...]
Two-day Send Conference emphasizes unity, mission and Gospel focus
NASHVILLE (BP) – After featuring several prominent pastors and speakers from across the nation, the Send Conference concluded Monday evening (June 14). Jointly hosted by the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and the International Mission Board (IMB), the conference’s theme “Together on Mission” was designed to unite Southern Baptists around the Gospel. Speakers, from Tony Evans on Sunday night (June 13) to David Jeremiah Monday afternoon, emphasized the importance of Christian unity in … [Read more...]
Associational leaders have ‘Gospel-driven’ meeting
NASHVILLE (BP) – The Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders (SBCAL) met Sunday (June 13) for a time of worship and discussion around becoming a “Gospel Driven Association,” passionate in their pursuit to make Christ known among the nations by encouraging churches to be Gospel- and relationship-focused. The group met at the Sonesta Nashville Hotel for the opening session of its two-day conference prior to the start of the 2021 SBCAnnual Meeting. Around 400 people registered … [Read more...]
Executive Committee disfellowships four churches, receives ERLC task force report
NASHVILLE (BP) – At the first in-person SBC Executive Committee meeting in more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SBC President J.D. Greear and SBC EC President/CEO Ronnie Floyd called for Southern Baptists to re-engage with a call to take the Gospel to the nations. EC members also voted to disfellowship four churches cited in the Credentials Committee report, accepted amendments to the mission and ministry statement of Lifeway Christian Resources and received a report from the … [Read more...]
Five years after ‘reset,’ IMB sees bigger missionary pipeline on the way
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) – The five years after what was termed a historic financial and operational “reset” for the International Mission Board have brought two of the highest Lottie Moon Christmas Offerings ever, but also room for growth in accordance with the goals of Vision 2025. In August 2015 then-IMB President David Platt and senior leadership announced a plan to address revenue shortfalls within the organization. The decision to do so, Platt said in a town hall presentation, followed a … [Read more...]
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