Shawn Hendricks

RICHMOND, Va. (BP) -- The International Mission Board's Presidential Search Committee announced today (April 12) it is accepting nominations for the Southern Baptist entity's next president. The committee, chaired by Chuck Pourciau, senior pastor of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Shreveport, La., said in a statement they will accept nominations through May 15 by email at [email protected].

NASHVILLE (BP) -- In a year where scandal, tragedy, political strife and one too many devastating hurricanes dominated the headlines, some might be surprised this year's most-read Baptist Press story was about a movie. The release of the "The Shack," based on a bestselling book by the same title, sparked debate over its depictions of the Trinity as well as fictional references that conflict with Scripture. This list of most-read stories for the year, drawn from the web-traffic tracker Google Analytics, also includes the spiritual journey of a woman who lived for nearly a decade as a transgender man, a column on death and angels, the forced resignation of Ole Miss ...

NASHVILLE (BP) -- It was a year of unexpected election outcomes, race-related violence, ongoing global terrorism and natural disasters. It also was another year of controversial comments and consequences. In 2016, the most-read Baptist Press story was one about a popular author and speaker who sparked a firestorm for statements she made in an interview about gay marriage. This year's list of stories, compiled by the web-traffic tracker Google Analytics, also includes coverage of a tragic highway crash that took the lives of a young missionary ...

NASHVILLE (BP) -- Shoppers probably wouldn't know that Thanksgiving is this week judging by all of the Christmas decorations already up in most stores. Many retailers rolled out the jingle bells and strings of lights before trick-or-treaters barely had an opportunity to try on their costumes. It almost seems like society doesn't have much time for giving thanks these days. But a new study released Nov. 15 by LifeWay Research shows that most ...

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (BP) -- When Southern Baptists depart St. Louis after their annual meeting in June, says SBC president Ronnie Floyd, he will be praying they do so with a "deep burden for our nation, a new commitment to racial unity and an extraordinary commitment to evangelize America." With the theme of this year's June 14-15 gathering being "Awaken America: Reach the World -- Agree, Unite, Pray," Floyd continues to point to passionate prayer as a critical tool for a "nationwide and global spiritual awakening."

SAN FRANCISCO (BP) -- It's safe to say Carolina Panther J.J. Jansen won't make headlines if his team wins the Super Bowl this weekend. He's in the starting lineup and he will touch the football every time he's on the field. But when the game is over and the confetti settles on the field for the Panthers or Broncos, the only way most people who watch the game will know who Jansen is will be if he makes a mistake. So goes the life of a long snapper in the National Football League.

SAN FRANCISCO (BP) -- After having to pay $1,800 for his newborn daughter to be able to attend Super Bowl 50, Bronco punter Britton Colquitt is quick to point out that all things work together for the good of those who love God. Colquitt captured attention earlier this week after news broke that he would need to pay for his newborn daughter to attend the Super Bowl. While each player is allotted 15 tickets, they are required to pay a $1,800 fee for each one. And that fee apparently includes newborns.

SAN FRANCISCO (BP) -- While underinflated footballs aren't dominating Super Bowl headlines this year, the National Football League still had its share of unsportsmanlike conduct calls, concussions and doping allegations this season. But rules do matter and those who don't follow them must pay the consequences, players say. Team members from the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers weighed in on the importance of sportsmanship and their Christian faith during Opening Night of Super Bowl 50 with the media at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., Feb. 1.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (BP) -- As this year's Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting approaches, SBC President Ronnie Floyd urges fellow Baptists to gather June 16-17 in Columbus, Ohio, to cry out to God and expect great things to follow. This year's annual meeting theme is "Great Awakening: Clear Agreement, Visible Union, Extraordinary Prayer," based on Romans 13:11. Floyd hopes Southern Baptists of all ages and ethnicities will attend and "rise to this moment in our nation calling out to God for the next Great Awakening in our nation."

NASHVILLE (BP) -- Filmmakers Alex and Stephen Kendrick will tell you they believe prayer can change America. The Southern Baptist duo, of Kendrick Brothers Productions, acknowledged they picked a good time to promote and release their latest film, "War Room," focusing on the power of prayer. Southern Baptist Convention President Ronnie Floyd has been urging prayer for revival around the country since his election last June, and this year's annual meeting theme is "Great Awakening: Clear Agreement, Visible Union, Extraordinary Prayer."