Scott Barkley

ORLANDO (BP) – With a theme of “Faithful to Multiply,” out of 2 Timothy 2:2, members of the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders (SBCAL) adopted a substantial budget increase, hosted breakout sessions covering numerous areas of ministry and heard from Southern Baptist leaders as to the inherent cohesiveness modeled by churches working together during the group’s annual meeting, June 7-8.

ORLANDO (BP) – The ongoing process of establishing resources for equipping churches to identify and prevent cases of abuse is just that, a process, SBC Abuse and Prevention Response Coordinator Jeff Dalrymple told a group late Sunday afternoon, June 7. And, he added, those in attendance were among the most crucial part of that effort.

LAUREL, Miss. (BP) – Last August, a Mississippi pastor’s suggestion that he preach for 96 straight hours brought the most honest reaction one could get from his friend and administrative pastor.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (BP) – Protestors who disrupted the worship service of a Southern Baptist church and proceeded to “terrorize” attendees, according to an affidavit, will not face state charges for their actions, a city attorney announced on June 4.

NASHVILLE (BP) – In 1917, Southern Baptists decided the Convention needed a central office to handle its business throughout the year. When the Cooperative Program was established a few years later, the SBC Executive Committee received a small portion of the budget each year.

NASHVILLE (BP) – Later this month, for the first time, Southern Baptists will have a chance to adopt a budget that will send 51 percent of all Cooperative Program receipts to the foreign mission field. IMB President Paul Chitwood said the move shows global missions is a “first priority” for Southern Baptists.

NASHVILLE (BP) – A grassroots movement to rebrand June as a month celebrating fidelity “to God, spouses and families, and our country and communities” is gaining traction.

Christian universities are looking to leverage the benefits of artificial intelligence while remaining within ethical boundaries.

NASHVILLE (BP) – States that have approved or are pursuing legislation protecting houses of worship from would-be protestors deserve accolades for protecting a foundational right, said incoming Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission president.

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.