Ken Walker

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story, posted 11/27/12, is a replacement for the original version that was posted 11/19/12. Key changes were made in the first four paragraphs. WASHINGTON (BP) — Sixty-five chaplains alleging evangelicals have been discriminated against by the U.S. Navy are moving closer to a preliminary injunction in their case, even though many are […]

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (BP) -- The pastor who became nationally known on the ABC TV show "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" found a passion for physical stewardship from real-life experiences.       Five years ago, Steve Willis lost a good friend during heart surgery. ...

WASHINGTON (BP) -- The attorney for 65 chaplains -- including 16 Southern Baptists -- who claim the U.S. Navy discriminates against evangelicals believes a new statistical analysis buttresses their legal efforts, which have been in court for 12 years.

LOS ANGELES (BP)--Most moviegoers would struggle to connect Southern Baptist church life with a major theatrical release. But in the case of Randall Wallace, the time he spent in SBC churches in his youth is directly related to his current success.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (BP)--The final episode of "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" airs Friday night, April 23, but the Southern Baptist church that sparked the ABC mini-series will enjoy a sneak preview at its midweek service April 21.       Some of the scenes in the finale will look familiar: They were filmed in the parking lot of suburban First Baptist Church of Kenova the afternoon of April 13.       Billed as a "Cooking Boot Camp," the event had the feel of a community festival. First Baptist roped off the parking lot and set up several tents for healthy cooking demonstrations and pep talks by British chef Jamie Oliver.       First Baptist teaching pastor Steve Willis worked in a tent where Oliver showed parents how to pack healthy lunches. Willis created fruit-based smoothies that included yogurt and nuts.       "I'm glad it's wrapping up," Willis said of the attention generated by the six-week reality TV show. "Dozens of churches -- not just in America, but throughout the world -- are calling and sending me e-mails, saying, 'What are you guys doing? We've got the same problem here.'"       While Oliver has become a local celebrity thanks to the visibility of the national broadcast, his visit originated with First Baptist. The church instituted exercise classes after a fall 2008 report from the Centers for Disease Control listed the Huntington area as the nation's unhealthiest.       "We knew it was a problem," Willis said, "because I was in the hospital all the time, seeing people die from obesity-related diseases or having all these surgeries. We had the most obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, gum disease, sleep habits and the worst exercise habits."

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (BP)--While the TV persona of British chef Jamie Oliver has added nationwide attention to the topic of nutrition, there was a spiritual spark to his "Food Revolution" ...

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)–To Sandra Flaherty, her church has always felt like family. But after members rallied to help when a rare disease struck her son, she feels like she has seen God in action. Among the numerous tasks members of Hunsinger Lane Baptist Church handled this summer were mowing her yard, trimming her bushes, power […]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)–Sandra Flaherty’s son, Michael, was about halfway into a seven-week-long rehabilitation regimen at a Boston hospital when he received a surprise present from fellow church members: a Nintendo Wii. The popular game system included an exercise module designed to make his daily routine easier and more fun. The seventh-grader called the gift from […]

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP)--The Southern Baptist Convention's first ministry care plan for churches whose pastors are called to active duty with the military will get its official launch at this year's SBC annual meeting ...

WASHINGTON (BP)–The Nov. 4 election brought mixed results for anti-gambling activists, with three statewide gambling initiatives turned down but three others adopted. Victories for anti-gambling forces included rejections of casinos in Ohio and Maine and outlawing of greyhound racing in Massachusetts. However, voters approved a lottery in Arkansas, repealed gambling restrictions in Missouri and OK’d […]