Pastors express ‘decision fatigue’, ‘ministerial frustration’ as COVID-19 pandemic lingers
LEXINGTON, Tenn. (BP) – For the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Rock Hill Baptist Church in rural west Tennessee was resuming onsite worship. Then, Pastor Richard Bray was exposed to the virus and the church had to transition once again to remote worship while Bray waited weeks for his test results.
Bible Study: God sees, knows and cares when we’re depressed
In our moments of despair and depression, we may feel no one sees or cares; but God sees, knows and cares. God will set us free from the tight space of depressing thoughts and bring us to a spacious place.
Pornhub’s steps inadequate, SBC leaders say
NASHVILLE (BP) – Pornhub’s recent reaction after its site was reported to be swarming with rape videos, even of children, still falls short of what is needed, a Southern Baptist theologian and an ethicist said.
Americans’ mental health outlook drops, but not for regular church attenders
A recent Gallup study reveals a connection between regular church attendance and a positive self-evaluation of one’s mental health.
FIRST-PERSON: Engaging the next generation on mental health
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – According to a recent Barna study, half of 18-year-olds in the U.S. report anxiety and fear of failure, and about 40 percent say they often feel sad or depressed. Thirty-four percent of young people say they feel lonely and isolated from others.
Four overdose deaths, dozen-plus relapses at Celebrate Recovery site during COVID-19
ARABI, La. (BP) – Donnie Broussard had been sober more than four years from heroin and crack cocaine when the COVID-19 pandemic shot his daily routine. He didn't feel worthy to continue as Celebrate Recovery leader at the Arabi campus of Celebration Church in greater New Orleans.
FIRST-PERSON: How much more can you stand?
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (BP) – One of the greatest and constant needs of the church since its birth at Pentecost is God-called, Spirit-filled, well-equipped leaders. Are you like me, some days just wondering: How much more can we stand?
As suicides rise, Army brass reassessing outreach
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) – If there were any signs that Staff Sgt. Jason Lowe was struggling, the soldiers he served alongside didn't see them.
Couple lives by faith while waiting for kidney donor
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (BP) – When Randy Hommel steps to the pulpit each Sunday at Clark Street Baptist Church, he faces the same pressures and stresses as most every pastor in the country – meeting the needs of a congregation still dealing with fears over COVID-19, as well as their own hurts and needs.
New Christian music speaks to rising mental health struggles
NASHVILLE (BP) – The isolation, stress and dramatic change in the pace of life brought about by the COVID-19 global pandemic has taken a toll on mental health. Anxiety, depression and drug use are on the rise.
