NASHVILLE (BP) – Social media gets a bad rap most of the time as the stage for much of the division in our society. As ingrained as it has become in many of our lives, I hear more people complain about its negative effects than praising it for any benefit it may provide. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is safe to say pastors and churches are more grateful for social media than they have ever been. Countless churches are using platforms like Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to deliver … [Read more...]

LANCASTER, Pa.  – An estimated three million people watched the first-ever TV broadcast of a Sight & Sound Theatres stage production on Easter weekend as JESUS debuted on TBN. Viewership included both traditional broadcast and digital streaming. Demand has prompted an encore broadcast on TBN on May 13, leading up to the wide release of JESUS on DVD and digital download on May 15. “We’re thrilled to share this special encore television broadcast of JESUS on TBN,” said Sight & … [Read more...]

NASHVILLE – Hope amid the COVID-19 crisis is the focus of a new ebook, A Pandemic Proposal: Viral Vitality … Hope for the Human Soul by former Baptist Press editor Art Toalston, with contributions from three Missourians. Even amid the horrors of a global pandemic, Toalston writes, “a distinct vitality” can be experienced “in our souls, in our circumstances, in our relationships, in the world within our sphere of influence, and in how we each move into the future beyond the sorrows of the … [Read more...]

HOLLYWOOD – The Kingdom Story Company will release the faith-based drama "I Still Believe" for online streaming on March 27. The movie based on the true story of Jeremy Camp's life was originally released March 13, just as movie theaters began to close as social distancing became necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "With theaters closed nationwide due to these unprecedented events, we want to continue to make I Still Believe available to consumers. The theatrical experience is core to … [Read more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: Once a month in 2020, The Pathway will examine a classic Hollywood retelling of a biblical story, compare it to the actual Word of God, and discuss its artistic merits. Viewed critically from a biblical worldview, the stretch of biblical epics from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s can prompt discussion and appreciation for God’s truly magnificent story. To see all the Movie Club entries, visit www.mbcpathway.com/movieclub. The Movie After two mediocre-at-best movies, I’m thilled … [Read more...]

If you’re in a rush, you can just read these first three sentences. If you enjoyed “I can only Imagine,” you’ll enjoy “I Still Believe.” I happen to think both are very well-done and represent important steps forward in “Christian” movie making. Both are true stories based on Christian musical acts’ origin stories, both are love stories and it’s not a spoiler to say both are wrapped up in great loss and sadness yet end in triumphant victory. They’re both also very, very well done. I Still … [Read more...]

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (BP) – Contemporary Christian artist Matthew West’s new album “Brand New” explores themes of new life, insecurity, hope and grace while melding together musical styles ranging from pop ballads to guitar-led, Springsteen-like tunes. Released Feb. 14, this is the first project West has released under a recently-signed deal with Provident Label group and Sony Music. Brand New represents a refocus and a rekindled vision in his music, career and life, West told Baptist … [Read more...]

COLUMBIA – A packed house needed to bring in chairs at Open Heart Baptist Church here during a discussion of gender and sexuality issues, hosted by the Missouri Baptist Convention’s (MBC) Christian Life Commission (CLC). Bill Victor, MBC scholar-in-residence joined Desert Streams / Living Waters Ministries’ Dean Greer and Amanda Smith – both of whom have come out of homosexual lifestyles – to lead the conversation. Bill Victor Victor approached the evening from the perspective of a … [Read more...]