Russ Rankin

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — Nearly equal numbers of pastors in the Southern Baptist Convention consider their churches as Calvinist/Reformed as do Arminian/Wesleyan, although more than 60 percent are somewhat or strongly concerned about the effect of Calvinism on the denomination, according to a new survey from LifeWay Research. LifeWay Research presented a slate of statements […]

NEW ORLEANS (BP) — In his report to the Southern Baptist Convention, LifeWay President Thom S. Rainer highlighted several transformational products and projects in which LifeWay has experienced “God’s hand and God’s favor.” Rainer expressed gratitude for the partnership with Sherwood Baptist Church, producer of highly acclaimed movies including, and “Courageous,” “Fireproof” and “Facing the […]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- The Southern Baptist Convention in 2011 reported an increase in the number of baptisms and total churches over the previous year, but declined in total membership, according to the Annual Church Profile (ACP) compiled by LifeWay Christian Resources in cooperation with Baptist state conventions. Southern Baptist churches baptized 333,341 in 2011, a 0.70 percent increase from the 331,008 reported in the SBC Annual last year. The number of churches in the SBC in 2011 totaled 45,764 -- a slight 0.08 percent increase over the previous year, even though primary worship attendance declined 0.65 percent in 2011, to 6,155,116. Meanwhile, total membership in 2011, reported at 15,978,112, represents a 0.98 percent drop from 16,136,044 reported the previous year and is the fifth straight year of decline. "An increase in baptisms is something to be celebrated," said Thom S. Rainer, president of LifeWay. "God's Word is being proclaimed and God's Spirit is continuing to move in the hearts of people, drawing them to repentance. This is something that should excite us as Christians who care about the Great Commission." While the SBC increased by 37 churches, Rainer noted this is one of the smallest increases in the last 40 years. Factoring in a decrease of 1.18 percent in the "church-type missions operating" category -- 4,952 reported in 2011 after 5,011 in 2010 -- indicates a decline in the growth of the number of congregations. Rainer added, however, that "Southern Baptists continue to be a giving people, even in challenging economic times," pointing to $1.33 billion in reported total mission expenditures, a $26.2 million increase from 2010.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- More than half of the pastors in the Southern Baptist Convention do not intend to use the name "Great Commission Baptists" in communication about their church, although 40 percent say they have not discussed the issue or decided, according to a survey by LifeWay Research.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- Eric Geiger wants to help pastors become heroes.       "My dream is that we would bless and serve church leaders so well, they will become heroes within their area of ministry and influence," said Geiger, newly appointed vice president of LifeWay Christian Resources' church resources division.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (BP) -- When Montia Setzler comes to the pulpit to preach during a "Lecture Lab" series, many worshippers already know where to open their Bibles.      It's not about being too predictable as a preacher -- far from it; it's that virtually every adult Sunday School class at the church is spending time in the Scripture text from which Setzler is preaching.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- Presidential candidates who discuss their faith on the campaign trail may not be helping their bid for the nomination, according to a LifeWay Research survey of American adults.

        In China, a professed atheistic nation of 1.3 billion people, Christianity is growing at a staggering pace. Missiologists estimate that there were approximately three million Christians in China in the early 1970s. Today, estimates place the number of believers at approximately 130 million believers—an estimate some say would increase significantly if […]

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) -- In China, a professed atheistic nation of 1.3 billion people, Christianity is growing at a staggering pace.

RIDGECREST, N.C. (BP) -- The life and legacy of Southern Baptists' "Prince of Preachers" was honored by trustees of LifeWay Christian Resources on the first night of their semiannual meeting, Sept. 12-13 at LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina.