EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the latest article in a year-long series, commemorating the history of the Conservative Resurgence of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) in honor of its 40th anniversary. To read previous articles, visit www.mbcpathway.com/ConservativeResurgence. JEFFERSON CITY – The Conservative Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) wouldn’t have happened apart from the journalistic efforts of conservatives in the SBC, Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Executive … [Read more...]
Seven years, seven leadership lessons as Midwestern seminary president
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (BP) – For me, this week marks seven completed years as president of Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College. Annually, this season prompts personal and institutional reflection and thanksgiving. This year, it's been doubly so. At the personal level, I'm astonished how quickly the years have passed. We arrived in Kansas City with five children, ages 9-4, in tow. Now those same children are 16-11. For the Allen family, Kansas City has become our home, and the seminary our … [Read more...]
School year spurs religious liberty battles
CHICAGO (BP) – The 2019 school year has brought religious liberty challenges for college and high school students in the U.S., including action in Illinois, Tennessee and North Carolina. In Illinois, four Wheaton College students have sued the city of Chicago for the right to distribute religious flyers and preach in a public park after the city set new rules against such action. In Tennessee, two high schools faced backlash from the Freedom from Religion Foundation when a coach led … [Read more...]
COOPERATIVE PROGRAM: An ‘invisible army’
ONTARIO, Calif. (BP) – While preaching in a southern state recently, the invisible yet tangible support Southern Baptists give their entities revealed itself in a meaningful way. After my message, an older gentleman came up to talk with me. He said, "It was good to hear about Gateway. We have always prayed for our seminaries. I've never met anyone from there. I'm glad to meet you and hear how God has blessed the school by our support." The genius of the Cooperative Program is it … [Read more...]
New abortion clinic opens outside St. Louis
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, ILL. – Facing increasingly restrictive laws in Missouri toward abortion, Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest provider of abortions, has quietly built a “super” abortion clinic just across the Mississippi River here. The 18,000-square-foot clinic cost approximately $7 million to build and is just 13 miles from St. Louis. The facility was converted from an existing building, using a shell company under the code name “Alaska” to avoid protesters or construction … [Read more...]
Southern Baptists encouraged to honor pastors in October
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP) – During October many churches recognize Pastor Appreciation Month as an intentional time to honor their pastors and church staff. The history of appreciating those ordained by God goes back to Bible times. The apostle Paul writes that "the elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching" (1 Tim. 5:17). In 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13, Paul suggests those whom God has chosen to work among … [Read more...]
Abortionist hoards remains of 2,246 babies in Illinois home
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Life News) – Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill promised to give the 2,246 remains of aborted babies found in Ulrich Klopfer’s garage “the decency of a burial that they deserve.” Hill announced Oct. 3 that the babies’ remains have been transferred to a safe place in Indiana as their investigation into the horrific case continues. In September, authorities found 2,246 medically preserved remains of aborted babies in the former Indiana abortionist’s home in Illinois. … [Read more...]
Criswell’s 1985 ‘Whether We Live Or Die’ sermon a ‘watershed moment’ in Conservative Resurgence
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the latest article in a year-long series, commemorating the history of the Conservative Resurgence of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) in honor of its 40th anniversary. To read previous articles, visit www.mbcpathway.com/ConservativeResurgence. DALLAS – W.A. Criswell’s famous 1985 Pastors’ Conference sermon, “Whether We Live or Die,” roused Southern Baptist Conservatives to make every effort possible to save their convention from theological drift. It would … [Read more...]
MBTS ‘Day of Sharing’ proclaims gospel
KANSAS CITY (BP) – Nearly 100 Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College students, faculty and staff partnered with local area churches on Sept. 10 to proclaim the Gospel during an annual outreach event known as the "One Great Day of Sharing." Canvassing the greater Kansas City metro area, teams of four walked door to door sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result, 30 gospel presentations were delivered, and 33 people were encouraged by the groups praying with them. … [Read more...]
‘Diligence is key’ to avoid liberal drift – Missouri’s Fred Powell an ‘unheralded leader’ of Conservative Resurgence
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the latest article in a year-long series, commemorating the history of the Conservative Resurgence of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) in honor of its 40th anniversary. To read previous articles, visit www.mbcpathway.com/ConservativeResurgence. EXCELSIOR SPRINGS (BP) – The late Fred Powell, a longtime Missouri Baptist pastor, stood as a behind-the-scenes leader during the height of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Conservative Resurgence. Powell was the top … [Read more...]
Three MBC churches partner in Wisconsin
SHEBOYGAN, Wisc. – Last summer, Chuck Baker, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Richland read a disturbing statistic: the previous year, Baptist churches in Minnesota and Wisconsin combined saw only 147 baptisms. “It broke my heart,” he said. Because his daughter lives there, the southeastern Wisconsin city of Sheboygan began to stand out in Baker’s mind and prayers. After connecting with Guy Frederick, pastor of Mapledale Baptist Church there and a member of the Southern Baptist … [Read more...]
‘Rise up,’ Floyd urges churches at inauguration
NASHVILLE (BP) – At more than 47,000 churches strong, Southern Baptists can have a massive spiritual footprint -- they just have to harness the power of prayer and their resources for the sake of the Gospel, Ronnie Floyd said. "God has blessed us greatly," said the new president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee. "We must rise up." Floyd sounded that clarion call Sept. 16 at the end of his inauguration service. He told the crowd of several hundred Southern … [Read more...]