BP photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. (BP) – A lawsuit brought by Hannibal-LaGrange University against the U.S. Department of Education was settled last week after the DOE issued new guidance making the lawsuit unnecessary.

The suit, filed in May of last year, was in response to a 2024 rule change stating that program participation agreements (PPAs) for private, nonprofit institutions must be signed by “an authorized representative of an entity with direct or indirect ownership of the institution if that entity has the power to exercise control over the institution” alongside an authorized representative of the institution.

Hannibal-LaGrange said such a requirement was “discriminatory and unconstitutional” for both the school and for Missouri Baptists, who appoint the school’s trustees but do not assert “ownership” over it. [Read more…]

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (BP) – Reading Scripture and telling others about it is “bigger than football,” New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye told reporters this week.

Leaning on the Lord “is a constant” in his life, Maye said. “It’s such a thing for me to lean on, and take my thoughts away from football.”

“This is my purpose,” he added, motioning to the microphones, cameras and recorders. “This is why I’m on this stage today, to shine a light … and get them to follow Jesus Christ. … It’s what God put me here to do.”

The Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba isn’t the biggest or fastest wide receiver in the league, but he may be the best. But the way he carries himself and where he gives credit is most important, he said. [Read more…]

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee addresses the 2026 National Prayer Breakfast Feb. 5. – BP Photo

WASHINGTON – Attendees at the 74^th annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington Feb. 5 heard a moving address on persevering through tragedy and remembering the brevity of life from keynote speaker Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.

Lee’s address followed brief remarks from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who both spoke of God’s sovereign hand on the nation.

President Donald Trump also gave a long, seemingly off-the-cuff speech in which he called out political enemies but also spoke of the nation’s religious heritage and his efforts to secure religious liberty in the U.S. and around the world. [Read more…]

Rick Lance – Photo by Travis Frontz/The Alabama Baptist

PRATTVILLE, Ala. – After nearly three decades, Rick Lance has announced he will retire as executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM). Lance has held the post for 28 years and is currently the longest-serving state executive in the Southern Baptist Convention.

He announced retirement plans for early next year during the Feb. 3 meeting of the organization’s trustees. [Read more…]

NASHVILLE (BP) – South Carolina pastor Josh Powell will be nominated for SBC president at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando.

Tennessee pastor Jay Hardwick told Baptist Press that he intends to nominate Powell this summer.

“I’ve known Josh as a close friend for 30 years and the word I use to describe his character and relationship with God over these 30 years is consistent,’” Hardwick said.

Powell is the lead pastor of Taylors First Baptist Church in South Carolina. He has served the church since 2021. [Read more…]

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — If discipleship were a test, the average churchgoer would pass – but not by much.

In the second half of the State of Discipleship study, Lifeway Research studied churchgoers’ levels of discipleship by asking dozens of questions related to Christian doctrine and practice. Analysis of their answers reveals eight characteristics that are consistently present in the lives of believers who are progressing in their spiritual maturity.

Churchgoers were given a score from 0-100 overall for each of the eight characteristics of discipleship. The average total score is 68.1, with some factors topping near 80 while others languish in the 50s.

Pastors recognize the need for improvement among those attending their churches. Earlier, as part of the State of Discipleship study, Lifeway Research asked U.S. Protestant pastors their perspectives on helping their congregants grow in their faith. Half of pastors (52 percent) are satisfied with discipleship and spiritual formation in their churches, but only 8 percent strongly agree. [Read more…]

Ice and snow cover trees and homes alike in Middle Tennessee, just one of the regions facing the recent winter storm. – Photo by Zoe Watkins

NASHVILLE (BP) – A storm system that has moved across much of the U.S. is wreaking havoc on millions as snow, sleet and freezing rain are leaving many without electricity and unable to travel.

Send Relief is currently working with Baptist state disaster relief teams to assess needs and availability.

“Every affected state has teams on standby for response with some teams already in response, but hazardous road conditions may delay SBDR teams in some areas in their ability to deploy,” Coy Webb, crisis response director for Send Relief told Baptist Press. [Read more…]