Resources from 2013

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- In a year filled with headlines about healthcare, national debt, same-sex marriage and a slew of international challenges, a story about a hip-hop artist was the most-read article of 2013 on Baptist Press' website. Google Analytics, which tracks web traffic, also showed a story posted in March about Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty and his Christian faith, and another article on the controversy that followed Exodus International's decision to close its doors after decades of helping people overcome homosexual behavior, made the Top 10. The following Top 10 list for 2013 includes a brief description with each headline. BP most read stories 1. "Lecrae speaks of hip-hop's relevance." In July, Baptist Press posted a story about an interview involving Lecrae Moore, hip-hop artist, ministry leader, producer and actor, that was led by Eric Geiger, LifeWay's vice president of church resources. During the discussion, presented on The Exchange webcast of LifeWay, LeCrae described hip hop as "the new pop music," and the artists as "modern-day philosophers." LeCrae lives in Atlanta with his wife and their three children. He has released three studio albums and two remix albums as the leader of the rap group 116 Clique. He has received a Grammy Award and two Dove Awards. He also won 2010 Best Hip-hop Music Video from the GMC Music Video Awards. He also has appeared as an artist at Passion conferences led by Louie Giglio. http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=40684 2. "THE GIGLIO IMBROGLIO -- The public inauguration of a new Moral McCarthyism." Baptist Press reposted a column in January that was written by R. Albert Mohler Jr., and originally posted on his website, about Louie Giglio withdrawing from giving the benediction during President Obama's second inaugural ceremony. Giglio withdrew after statements that he made regarding homosexuality being a sin nearly 20 years ago surfaced in the mainstream media. Among his comments, Giglio said the "only way out of a homosexual lifestyle ... is through the healing power of Jesus." In his article, Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, called the situation "revealing." He noted during the Joseph McCarthy hearings in 1954 witnesses were asked, "Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?" Mohler wrote, "We now see the new Moral McCarthyism in its undisguised and unvarnished reality.... There is nowhere to hide." http://www.bpnews.net/BPne ws.asp?ID=39504 3. "Max Lucado transcends Church of Christ beliefs." Baptist Press ran a story in May that featured an interview with Max Lucado, author of more than 50 books and pastor of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. During the interview, Lucado addressed his church's heritage and decision to change its name from Oak Hills Church of Christ to simply Oak Hills Church. He explained his views on baptism and what he learned about salvation as a missionary in Brazil. http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=20752

WASHINGTON (BP) -- "Convictional kindness" became the new catch phrase for the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission in 2013.

NASHVILLE (BP) -- Lifeway Christian Resources President Thom Rainer told the 2013 Southern Baptist Convention the publisher continues to experience "God's hand and God's favor" -- a sentiment that summarizes the entity's accomplishments in 2013.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- Tim Tebow is returning to football – not as a player, but as an analyst for ESPN.       The former University of Florida star and Heisman Trophy winner will make his debut with the network Jan. 6 during pregame coverage of the NCAA national championship game between Auburn and Florida State.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) -- The North American Mission Board reflects on a year of stories regarding its new outreach emphasis to the under-reached, under-served areas of North America -- and efforts to encourage every Southern Baptist church to be more involved in introducing North Americans to Jesus Christ.

A Baptist pastor notes that, instead of New Year's resolutions, it will be better to embrace a New Year "revolution" of embracing a vibrant faith in Christ.

Frank Page challenges churches not to miss an "open door" to support missionaries through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. "Though lostness abounds, … missions volunteers are lined up and ready to go. All that is lacking are the financial resources."

AMARILLO, Texas (BP) -- Stan Coffey, longtime Amarillo pastor who served as the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention's founding president, died Dec. 26 after an extended illness. He was 68.

FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) -- There are three characteristics of Jesus that each of the fall graduates of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary should carry with them, Paige Patterson, the seminary's president, said during his commencement message. The first of those characteristics, he said, is to be strong in the spirit.