FIRST-PERSON: My testimony in ink
BELTSVILLE, Md. (BP) -- I cringe with every remembrance of an occasion when I was the new pastor at First Baptist Church of Beltsville. David Lee, then the BCM/D executive director, invited convention pastors, along with their families, to a getaway weekend at a beautiful retreat center in Pennsylvania.
United Methodists vote to restructure worldwide church
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (RNS) — The top legislative body of the United Methodist Church passed a series of measures Thursday (April 25) to restructure the worldwide denomination to give each region greater leeway in tailoring church life to its own customs and traditions.
SBC President Bart Barber names Committee on Committees, appoints Virginia pastor Adam Blosser as chair
FARMERSVILLE, Texas (BP) – SBC President Bart Barber has announced his appointments to the 2024 Committee on Committees. Adam Blosser, pastor of Goshen Baptist Church in Spotsylvania, Va., will lead the committee as chair, and Elizabeth Graham from First Baptist Church, Concord, Tenn., will serve as vice chair.
States sue to block U.S. rule including abortion in maternity-related leave
WASHINGTON (BP) – A coalition of 17 states that outlaw abortion is suing the federal government for naming employee leave for elective abortions as a benefit of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).
Committee on Nominations releases 2024 trustee, standing committee nominees
APEX, N.C. (BP) – The 2024 Committee on Nominations chaired by Matt Capps has released its list of nominees to fill vacancies on the boards and standing committees of the SBC. The nominations will be presented to messengers for approval at the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, June 11-12.
West Virginia church issues statement of support for member and student-athlete affected by transgender case
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (BP) – A young member of a Southern Baptist church is involved in a West Virginia case about a transgender student and athletics that could have national ramifications.
Longtime international missions leader Clyde Meador dies
Longtime International Mission Board leader Clyde D. Meador died April 26. He was 79.
As pro sports goes all-in on gambling, society is left to count the true cost
NASHVILLE (BP) – “Welcome to the 2027 NFL Draft! We’re coming to you from the Caesar’s Sportsbook Stage, courtesy of BetMGM, with additional commentary from the DraftKings desk back in the studio. But as we watch the FanDuel blimp circling above the festivities, we first have this word from Genius Sports, the exclusive sports betting data provider of the NFL.”
BIBLE STUDY: Real change for real sinners
While these passages can teach us many things, one thing should be clear: No matter how much we think we know about Jesus, He is more than we understand. That means we have the opportunity to grow deeper in our grasp of Him and fellowship with Him.
FIRST-PERSON: Generation next is generation now
I remember hearing the late Michael Catt, long-time pastor of Sherwood Baptist in Albany, Ga., say many times, “Whoever wants the next generation the most will get them.” That quote has resonated with me for years and especially now.
