NASHVILLE (BP) – Churches and communities provide a strong hand in helping those in the foster care system, says author Mary Ann McMillan. Whether it’s through counseling services, respite care or long-term care for families and children, they are important for closing the gap between the number of available homes and foster children in the system.
Paul Juarez from First Baptist Church, Denton, Texas, raises his hand in worship during the 2025 SBC Pastors’ Conference in Dallas. BP file photo
ORLANDO (BP) – Messengers to the SBC Annual Meeting will be faced with dozens of decisions and much discussion. The Worship Initiative is offering a resource leaders hope will help prepare the hearts of those decision makers as they travel to the meeting.
An Arabic sign notes food donations from The Gaza Baptist Church and Christian Mission to Gaza. Christian Mission to Gaza Photo
GAZA STRIP (BP) -- It is uncertain whether the lone Baptist Church in the Gaza Strip will rebuild as the area recovers, Christian Mission to Gaza founder Hannah Massad told Baptist Press more than six months into the October 2025 ceasefire.
A messenger to the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting prepares to fill out a ballot. Photo by Robin Cornetet.
In the past decade, there have been debates over what it means to be a church “in friendly cooperation,” and what “dealbreakers” would sever that relationship. These discussions have been confusing at times and the processes contested in part because we are in uncharted territory; the debate itself reflects a development in Southern Baptist self-understanding.
The event will address online exploitation, sexual abuse prevention, survivor care, human trafficking and ministry safeguarding, organizers said, and also show churches how to compassionately and ethically protect the vulnerable.
Emilio Marrero, center left, meets with teammates to discuss work happening with new gospel-centered groups forming in Spain. IMB Photo
In December, International Mission Board missionaries Emilio and Hannah Marrero in Spain were featured in the 2025 Lottie Moon Week of Prayer. They shared an update on their friend Henar, whose story they first shared three years ago. At that point Henar was deeply involved in New Age practices, such as crystals, meditation and other […]
Paul Juarez from First Baptist Church, Denton, Texas, raises his hand in worship during the 2025 SBC Pastors’ Conference in Dallas. BP file photo
ORLANDO (BP) – Messengers to the SBC Annual Meeting will be faced with dozens of decisions and much discussion. The Worship Initiative is offering a resource leaders hope will help prepare the hearts of those decision makers as they travel to the meeting.
