Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835
July 25, 2017
Lifeway news office NASHVILLE — Jesus warned his followers to keep their good deeds secret, warning them not to seek attention when doing the right thing. American Christians seem to be following that advice. According to a new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research, few Americans are aware of many efforts by local Christians or churches […]
July 14, 2017
By David Roach Baptist Press (updated) NASHVILLE (BP) — Author Eugene Peterson, known for “The Message” paraphrase of Scripture, has clarified his beliefs about homosexuality, stating he affirms “a biblical view of marriage” and would not perform a same-sex wedding. In a July 13 statement released by his agent Rick Christian, Peterson said he “would […]
July 14, 2017
By Lisa Sergent Baptist Press ARTHUR, Ill. — Fourteen-year-old Lindsey Yoder walked 15 miles a day along the dusty back roads of southern Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee in a quest to raise awareness about human trafficking. She departed from Arthur (Ill.) Southern Baptist Church, where she and her family are members, on May 28 […]
July 13, 2017
Baptist Press ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) — The North American Mission Board has named Sam Porter as the new national director for Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. Porter will replace Mickey Caison, who will officially retire Aug. 31. NAMB noted Porter has been a proponent of SBDR for years and one of the first disaster relief leaders […]
July 12, 2017
Baptist Press OKLAHOMA CITY – Hobby Lobby Stores will forfeit thousands of improperly acquired ancient biblical artifacts and pay a $3 million fine in a civil settlement the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced July 5. The settlement closed a federal investigation of the store’s 2010 purchase and subsequent importation of more than 5,500 artifacts from […]
July 3, 2017
By Art Toalston Baptist Press PHOENIX — Just to the right of a heart defibrillator and fire extinguisher, Phil Baker has set up a plastic-top folding table in the cavernous loading dock at the Phoenix Convention Center. Baker has placed a plastic box there labeled “Prayer Requests,” along with a supply of blank index cards […]
June 30, 2017
Baptist Press PHOENIX — Through Southern Baptists’ “faithful, generous and consistent giving” of more than $98 million to the Cooperative Program and approximately $153 million to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, the International Mission Board has reached financial stability, IMB President David Platt told the entity’s trustees June 12. “That’s breathtaking: over $250 million given […]
June 29, 2017
By Bob Smietana Lifeway Research NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Americans love to fight about sex and religion. From shacking up and same-sex marriage to birth control and bathrooms, Americans disagree about what is right and wrong with sex—often based on faith. Those disputes can end up in court, in highly divisive and controversial cases. This week, the U.S. […]
June 28, 2017
Baptist Press PHOENIX — A 12-member study group is expected to recommend in 2018 a new title, credentialing process, and expectations of effectiveness for Southern Baptist directors of missions (DOMs). The Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders (SBCAL) appointed the group at its conference held June 11-12 in advance of the 2017 Southern Baptist Convention […]
June 27, 2017
By Carol Pipes Writer, LifeWay NASHVILLE — Southern Baptists experienced growth in the number of churches that cooperate with their convention in 2016, according to the latest Annual Church Profile report (ACP). However, other key measures declined in 2016, including membership, baptisms, average worship attendance, and total giving, according to the ACP compiled by LifeWay […]
June 22, 2017
By Diana Chandler Baptist Press PHOENIX (BP) — A protest that an LGBT advocacy group had billed as “historic” was hardly noticeable on the opening day of the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Phoenix, bystanders said. But flyers distributed by the group included the SBC 2017 logo and theme. About 50 people appeared to […]
June 22, 2017
By Diana Chandler Baptist Press PHOENIX (BP) – Professors, pastors and a state convention leader comprise a new task force to suggest how Southern Baptists might reap a greater harvest through personal evangelism and evangelistic preaching. Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines announced the team Wednesday (June 14) during his closing remarks at the 2017 […]