NASHVILLE (BP) — In a year when there was war in the Holy Land and devastating fires in paradise, there was still good news to be found. A spiritual fire made its way across the landscape too, as revival once again ignited on campuses in Kentucky and beyond. Many churches saw great numbers of salvations and baptisms, and Southern Baptists have been generous to fund missions at home and around the world.
Here are the issues, trends and stories that Baptist Press believes were most important to our readers in 2023.
1. Salvations/Baptisms
Churches report high number of salvations, baptisms
71-year-old’s baptism comes after more than 15 years of prayer
58 baptisms at Tennessee jail result from ministry of neighboring churches
141 baptisms at First Simpsonville after ‘overwhelming’ response
116 Army soldiers profess Christ at First Lawton’s Living Christmas Tree
246 salvations at church car show outside Motor City
Lightning strike claims teen’s life, sparks revival
More than 150 U.S. soldiers baptized during basic training in Missouri
New Orleans church celebrates baptisms as result of Crossover
4,500 baptized at Pirate’s Cove Beach, iconic site of Jesus Movement baptisms
2. Generosity in AAEO, LMCO and CP
CP surpasses $191.8 million, falls just short of annual budget goal
Generous Lottie Moon offering – $196.1M – helps missionaries tackle greatest problem
Annie Armstrong Easter Offering hits all-time high as Southern Baptists give record $68.9 million
3. Asbury revival
Revival fires stir again at Asbury
Is Southern Baptist culture conducive to Asbury-type revival?
College students prime candidates for Asbury-type revivals
Baptist-affiliated schools among those reporting revival
4. War in the Middle East
Churches pray for peace in Israel, members stranded in region
Evangelical Statement in Support of Israel condemns attacks, calls for prayer and action
Send Relief helps victims of Hamas terror attack in Israel
SBC DIGEST: Israel statement well received; SBTS panel on events in Holy Land
Bombed Gaza hospital formerly led by Southern Baptists
‘Little confidence’ of safety for Christians sheltered in Gaza churches
‘It doesn’t travel alone’: Antisemitism should trouble Southern Baptists, prompt action
Jerusalem Baptist Church pastor returns to Israel for first time since Hamas attacks
Former pastor of Gaza Baptist Church loses aunt in Israel-Hamas war
Evangelical support for Israel steady one month after invasion
Barber discusses Gaza in prime-time TV interview, calls Southern Baptists to prayer
5. War in Ukraine
Minister learns ‘to rely on God more’ while planting churches in Ukraine
Ukrainians, Southern Baptists connect amid war in Gospel-based online ESL group
Ukraine Christians living ‘tragedy to tragedy’ as war enters year two
Former Russian Baptist leader prays for Ukrainian resolve
Orphans forgotten, untracked, likely abused in Russia’s war on Ukraine
Russia’s deadly airstrike on Lviv hits Baptist seminary worker’s home
‘Heartbreaking.’ Trauma deepens for Ukraine war widows, orphans
6. Hawaii wildfires
Hawaii wildfires death toll rises to more than 90; Southern Baptists meeting immediate needs
Hawaii death toll climbs to 99; Send Relief plans taking shape
Maui churches after Lahaina fire: ‘We’re not going back to normal.’
Pastors look past their own loss to serve fellow Maui fire survivors
Southern Baptists continue to serve, urge support for ‘devastated’ Maui
Pastor also serves as assistant chief of Maui County Fire Department
Maui churches continue ministry amid slow recovery
7. McLaurin resigns from EC
McLaurin resigns as interim EC president and CEO, removed from search consideration
EC conducting internal investigation related to Willie McLaurin
Trustees receive updates on EC personnel matters
8. Chat GPT stirs conversation
Artificial Intelligence requires Christians to consider what it means to be human
AI demands Christians have ‘robust understanding’ of humanity, ethicist says
Resolution on AI, emerging technologies intended to be timely statement
9. BF&M amended at annual meeting
Motion to amend BF&M passes, task forces approved
With BF&M amendment, conversation lands on process
Mohler agrees with amendment to Baptist Faith and Message, shares concern about process
10. Saddleback Church found to not be in friendly cooperation
Churches appeal EC’s decision to remove them, ask to be reinstated
Messengers deem Saddleback, two other churches not in friendly cooperation with SBC
