Troy Sirochman sets up his virtual reality headset. The Floridian has participated in three virtual mission trips. He said he realized on the first VR
The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) held its first Quarterly Board Meeting of 2026 on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at the
Attendees pray together during the Together: Africa to the Nations conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. One hundred missions-minded African leaders from 33 nations attended the
By Baptist and Reflector Staff SAVANNAH, Tenn. – Jerry Spencer, a Southern Baptist evangelist with deep Tennessee ties, who preached to millions across more than
A team of multiple generations from Second Baptist Church, Springfield, Missouri prepares to serve during a visit to Toronto where they engaged in conversations and
(OBU photo) ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Ouachita Baptist University has announced its Spring 2026 enrollment of 1,822 students, reflecting continued momentum in graduate programs and strong undergraduate retention. “Families in our
Little Willie Farmer (Submitted) (WALNUT RIDGE, Ark.) – In celebration of Black History Month, Williams Baptist University will host blues artist Little Willie Farmer in
Volunteers from Connection Church in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, share the gospel. The Winter Games are set against a backdrop of Italy’s iconic landmarks, like
Men enjoy a great meal and fellowship with others at 2025 What’s at Steak event. (Submitted) Men from across Central Arkansas are invited to gather for an evening of
Love is often talked about as something we fall into. In real life, love is something we tend, return to, and choose again and again. Through
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from Feb. 6-22 at sites across northern Italy. I(MB Photo) By Kristen Sosebee Let the Games
Prayer supporters gather around newly appointed IMB missionaries Austin and Tara Render, sent from Highview Baptist in Louisville, Kentucky. The Renders are joining a team
Spring offers a natural moment for churches to re-engage their communities with intentional gospel focus. The Spring Outreach Strategy is designed to help churches move from prayer to action to celebration. This Spring Outreach Strategy is built around four connected components—each simple on its own, but powerful when practiced together: Who’s Your One, Serve Local, Big Day, and Statewide Baptism Sunday.
Scheduled March 7 at Immanuel Baptist Church and the City Center in Little Rock, Lead Defend and Lead Defend Foundations equip the next generation to
By Emily McMaster, LAC February is one of the coldest months of the year. The ground is hard; the trees are bare, and there are no visible signs of
Pre-registration for messengers and childcare opens today as Southern Baptists continue preparations for the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting, June 7-10 at the Orange County Convention Center.
The staff of a pregnancy center in Nashville, Ark., surrounds a woman receiving an ultrasound exam. The center is a ministry of the Little River
By James Taylor, OBU ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Ouachita Baptist University will host its annual Christian Focus Week Feb. 2-6, offering students dedicated time and space
Until temperatures rise high enough and long enough to make roads more accessible, response to a winter storm stretching from Texas to the Northeast is going to have a more local focus, Southern Baptist leaders told Baptist Press Monday (Jan. 26).
Tokyo was a whirlwind of colors, sounds and — most importantly — signs. For two weeks in November, the Deaflympics met in the capital city of Japan, where the International Mission Board had more than 50 workers and volunteers sharing the gospel during the worldwide event for Deaf athletes.
Meant for the Mission, a two-year theme that will be woven throughout WMU curriculum beginning this fall, provided the backdrop for more than 20 different speakers who shared missions testimonies and illustrations of God’s faithfulness during WMU’s January board meeting, Jan. 10-12.
Williams Baptist University has announced the launch of a new bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness that students can complete in three years. WBU’s new degree, which requires 90 credit hours rather than the usual 120 hours, was recently approved by the university’s accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission.
Due to a forecasted weather system expected to impair travel across Arkansas, the Statewide Evangelism Conference (ECON) scheduled Jan. 26-27 has been canceled. “This decision was not
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief (ABDR) is on standby to assist impacted communities should the need arise as the potential of extreme cold and
Newly appointed missionaries share a little of their testimony and work they will do with more than 13,000 Southern Baptist messengers and their guests on
Tim Noel, Director of Church Partnership & Mission Advancement Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries On multiple occasions, I have shared that I love history, especially the
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Baptist women’s ministry leaders from across the state will gather Feb. 7 in Little Rock to be encouraged and refreshed
“Women all over the world have similar desires for love and relationship and affirmation, and also similar struggles,” said IMB missionary Julia Cota. “We may
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention has released its 2026 Public Policy Agenda, highlighting its federal legislative and policy priorities
Yacouba couldn’t stop the tears from flowing.
He heard there had been an attack on his brother-in-law’s village by a terrorist group. They hadn’t been able to get in touch with him, so he and his wife went to the village to search for her brother.
Students participate in recreation time at Student Life Camp in 2025. Lifeway camps will expand in 2026, adding four new locations and bringing new camps
My husband, Robbie, is always on the lookout for “good wood.” On our drives outside of town, he often points to places where he can find dead pine logs that render hearts rich with
The IMB’s Project 3000 initiative focuses on finding and researching the remaining unengaged and unreached people groups with the gospel. (IMB Photo) By Sue Sprenkle,
Nills Recinos, a member of First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, prays over a couple who recently began attending the church. The couple responded to a
A newly appointed IMB missionary stands behind a screen as he thanks Southern Baptists for their support. Missionaries going to countries hostile to the gospel
First Baptist Church in Rogers performs its Christmas at First program. (Church’s Facebook) Churches across Arkansas have been celebrating the Christmas season with theatrical productions,
By Gayla Parker Christmas is a time of celebration and traditions. Because we have blended traditions at our house, mine, my husband’s, American, and Filipino (from
Nigerian Baptists gather at the 2025 Nigerian Baptist Convention held in April. The convention was a time of celebration of all the Lord has done in
By Diana Chandler, Baptist Press EDMOND, Okla. (BP) – For the fourth time in the last six years, Isaiah 41:10 was the most downloaded Scripture
Sandy Wisdom-Martin makes a new friend while on a mission trip to Peru in 2019 to distribute water filters through WMU’s Pure Water, Pure Love
By Emily Smith, ABSC Abuse Prevention + Response Consultant I’m sure you’ve seen the commercial of the first-time mom whose stroller is completely loaded down with everything imaginable
New trustees at Williams Baptist University are (left to right) Jamar Andrews, Aaron Abbott, Cheryl Dean, Tonya Taylor, Shane Stolz and James Nichols. (Submitted) (WALNUT
Women link arms as they walk in a parade for Nowruz, a festival marking the Persian New Year. This festival holds deep significance for them,
By Nathan Winiecki, LPC As a single dad, I spent many Christmas Eves alone. While I wrapped presents for my son, I sometimes wondered what he might be doing. Was he watching Christmas movies? Was he
Suncica, a Deaf volunteer with the IMB, shares the gospel with two North American Deaf in line to see a volleyball match at the 2025
Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Executive Director Dr. Mark Dance has officially kicked off his Arkansas Baptist Listening Tour, meeting with leaders in the Washington Madison and Great
by Heather Maino, Clinical Director of Counseling, Living Well Counseling January 4, 2024… It was our fourth wedding anniversary. I stood on the shoulder of
A national partner in South Asia leads a discipleship group. The group consists of people from a former unreached, unengaged group. (IMB Photo) By Chris
FORT SMITH, Ark. — What unfolded at this year’s Women’s Conference: Our Story, His Glory proved to be more than a scheduled gathering. For many in attendance, it
The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) held its regularly scheduled Quarterly Board Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Arkansas Baptist
IMB missionaries Walter and Mary Norvell serve in Lesotho as part of the Masters program, a 2-3 year, fully funded missions opportunity for those who
The Southern Baptists of Texas Convention hosted IMB’s Sending Celebration during their annual meeting in Lubbock, Texas. They celebrated and sent out 31 newly appointed
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention has launched a new initiative called “Across State Lines” to bring the hope of the gospel, advocacy for the preborn, and tangible help to mothers in abortion-permissible states through the life-saving power of ultrasound technology.
This article was written by Dawn Reed, LPC, at Living Well Counseling. Fall is my favorite time of year in Arkansas. The colors are gorgeous, and I can’t help but love pumpkin spice, blankets, hoodies, football
Church and community partnerships are vital to the mission and ministry of Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries (ABCFM). These relationships have allowed us to expand into a statewide ministry, providing trusted, affordable counseling through more than 45 church-based locations. Our Markham Central office, now serving as our statewide hub, was once a church campus gifted to ABCFM. Church partners have also made it possible for us to offer private foster care across Arkansas, opening Christ-centered homes for children during their most vulnerable seasons.
(Lightstock photo) By Eric Davis, Treasurer/COO Arkansas Baptist Foundation This article brings back two topics that have been mentioned many times in this column. The reason
Rachel Drummond, from Florida, greets children outside of a local church on the outskirts of Lima, Peru, where she and a group of women from
Alex Edwards, students and young adults team leader at New Hope Baptist Church in Senoia, Ga., baptizes a student during the church’s September baptism service.
After hiking in 90-degree weather in flip-flops and a skirt to reach a village, Julia Spelter and another International Mission Board missionary were exhausted and dripping in sweat as they sat drinking tea in the dim room of a local nurse. The Malagasy nurse had the overwhelming task of serving several rural villages by herself in Madagascar.
Across the Asia-Pacific Rim, 15 trade languages have been identified for digital outreach. Each one needs native-speaking responders who can connect with seekers in their
By Amanda Johnson Life pulls on all of us. Whether through work, family, ministry, caregiving, or simply the weight of daily struggles, we all carry
Church Tax Tips Related to Payroll or Compensation WatersEdge is dedicated to supporting local churches by providing expert guidance on tax-related issues and helping navigate
Cheers erupted from the newly commissioned International Mission Board missionaries for the six global mission partners taking the stage. The representatives from Junta de Missões Nacionais in Brazil and the Korean Foreign Mission Board in Korea completed seven weeks of pre-field orientation alongside the American missionaries.
The volunteer team from Paris pauses for a group photo outside the International Baptist Church of Dakar in Senegal. The church was planted by an
An immigrant couple from a Slavic church in California will continue ministering in Spain, but they will return as International Mission Board missionaries. Another couple is going overseas after a long tenure of serving Southern Baptists through multiple entities. And a young man is returning to do missions in the same country he previously served as a Journeyman.
The Board of Trustees at Williams Baptist University elected new officers for the upcoming year at its regularly scheduled board meeting Tuesday, Sept. 23. Trustees also welcomed news of an increase in freshman enrollment for the fall semester.
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The 2025 Pastors’ Conference will kick off at noon Monday, Oct. 20, with lunch in the fellowship hall at First Baptist Church
Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission trustees pray over Interim President Gary Hollingsworth and Acting President Miles Mulling during the trustees’ meeting Sept. 16 in Washington,
The house where the first church plant met will soon be torn down to accommodate a new highway. With money from the government, the church
Camp Paron hosted an ABSC Hispanic Church Planting Retreat in August. By Andrew Campbell, Camp Paron Manager PARON, Ark. – We had a fun but
What if there was a ministry already within your reach that could strengthen the families in your church and also serve as an outreach to
Rachel Strange, LAC, Living Well Counseling I’ve been reading through the Psalms. And if you’ve ever read through just about any of the Psalms, you’ll
Friendly banter came before the final decision on who would carry which flag. Several of the new missionaries wanted to hold Mexico’s flag, of course. In the end, Roselia processed in carrying the flag of her home country and the home of seven of the 10 new Latin American global missionary partners, soon to join International Mission Board teams.
Hurricane Katrina evacuees were spread across the Gulf Coast. Here Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers prepare a meal in Meridian, Miss. In total, SBDR volunteers
Healthcare missions provide access to millions of people who’ve never heard of the Great Physician. The world’s greatest problem is lostness, and healthcare professionals play a crucial role in prescribing treatment for both physical and spiritual needs.
Explanations of Southern Baptist cooperation and helpful graphics like this one make “Navigating the SBC” a valuable resources for churches looking to partner with the
During the 2024 Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Annual Meeting, messengers gave final approval of a recommendation from the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws Committee
Each August, the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) provides an opportunity for its Board of Directors to experience, in-person, the work and ministry of the agencies
Joseph Hazen’s phone rang, and he answered to hear the voice of his North African friend. Hazen, an International Mission Board missionary, and his friend have served together for almost 20 years in a large European city, sharing the gospel on the bustling streets with people from all walks of life.
Walnut Valley Baptist Church in Hot Springs Pastor David Mason, from right, Living Well Counselor Aamie Mason, Walnut St Baptist Church in Jonesboro Pastor Grey
(Baptist Press) By Scott Barkley, Baptist Press NASHVILLE (BP) – Trustees for the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission selected seven from their group today (Aug.
By Brandon Porter, Baptist Press ORLANDO, Fla. (BP) – Southern Baptist leaders from across the country joined with Florida Baptists Aug. 12 to hear how
Martina, front right, listens to a Bible story shared using a felt board. Laura Metcalf, back far right, and her children also follow along. (IMB
A student missionary from the BCM at Rogers State University in Claremore, Okla., witnesses in South Korea. (Oklahoma Baptists) By Scott Barkley, Baptist Press NASHVILLE
(Submitted photos) BATESVILLE, Ark. – West Baptist Church of Batesville hosted a No Sale Yard Sale on Monday, July 28. Preparation began months ahead with
With his wife, Meredith, the ERLC leadership team, and the executive committee of the ERLC trustee board looking on, ERLC President Brent Leatherwood brings the
Dr. Ruth Provost, newly appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs at Williams Baptist University. (WBU) WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – A Williams Baptist University alumna with
Brooklin Pitard graduated in 2024 with degrees in biology and Christian foundations. (OBU) By James Taylor, OBU ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Ouachita Baptist University’s Christian foundations
On the mission field, missionaries quickly forge close relationships with other missionaries, often becoming like family. When missionaries return to the U.S., isolation may set in as they lose proximity to their missionary family.
Church Tax Tips When Dealing with Housing Allowances WatersEdge is dedicated to supporting local churches by providing expert guidance on tax-related issues and helping navigate
Sean Milliken, Arkansas Baptist Ranch Director of Operations Recently, while playing a trivia game with my family, I was surprised to hear from our (unsubstantiated)
After God removed Saul, He raised up David to be their king, testifying about him: “I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man
(WALNUT RIDGE, Ark.) – A new scholarship at Williams Baptist University will benefit students in the field of agriculture business. The Turner Family Scholarship has
FBC Kerrville Pastor Joey Tombrella posted a Facebook video on Saturday, July 5 to encourage his church members to come worship the next day and
IMB missionary Sue Foster poses for a photo with some members of a local church. She joined them at a local women’s prison to lead
By Danny Franks This spring, Lifeway Research released the results of a study on how Protestant churches welcome first-time guests. The results, as they say, speak for themselves.
(IMB photo) By Stella McMillian When Caylen Wood moved to Asia to serve as a Journeyman, she knew a big part of her job would
This article by Sam Rainer originally appeared at churchleaders.com. For many pastors and church leaders, feeling tired has moved from an occasional issue to an
Photo by Roy Burroughs By Josh Powell, lead pastor of Taylors First Baptist Church, Taylors, South Carolina Cooperation is hard. It has been difficult from the
Each stitch tells a story of resilience and hope. And that is the heartbeat of WorldCrafts artisan group Refugee Sewing Society (RSS), a nonprofit ministry
By Karoline Chapman, content strategist at GuideStone Editor’s note: Sunday, June 22, is Mission:Dignity Sunday in the Southern Baptist Convention. DALLAS – Psalm 68:5 says, “God
Dallas’ Omni Hotel is lit up to welcome Southern Baptists to the city. Photo by Roy Burroughs By Baptist Press staff DALLAS (BP) – More
Messengers lift ballots for a vote at the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas. Photo by Sonya Singh By David Roach DALLAS (BP) – Messengers
Adam Wyatt, chair of the SBC Executive Committee’s Committee on Convention Finances and Stewardship Development, speaks as messengers approve the 2025-26 Cooperative Program allocation budget
Julia Ketner, retired executive director for Arkansas WMU, was the 25th recipient of the Dellanna West O’Brien award for women’s leadership development, which recognizes Baptist women who demonstrate the ability to foster leadership in women, display the potential to be leaders in their community and world and excel in missions discipleship.
SBC Executive Committee President Jeff Iorg speaks during the June 10 afternoon session of the 2025 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas, leading
SBC President Clint Pressley presides over the business of the morning session of the 2025 SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas June 10. Pressley was elected
“Cooperation and the Cooperative Program are not bygone relics of a dying era. We stand today in awe of what God has done through Southern
Sheila Walsh speaks during the Ministers’ Wives Luncheon June 10 at the SBC Annual Meeting. (Mary Alford/ABN) By Erin Roach DALLAS (BP) – It is
Honoring Christ in the pastorate requires faithful preaching and holy living, attendees were told during the final sessions of the SBC Pastors’ Conference in Dallas June 9.
The very first group of Journeymen participants pose for a group photo in 1965. (IMB Photo) By Kristen Sosebee, IMB This year, the International Mission
At 23 years old, I lost someone important to me. One day they were here, the next day they were suddenly and tragically gone. The
Baptist Press By Scott Barkley, chief national correspondent for Baptist Press NASHVILLE (BP) — The newly proposed business and financial plan going before Southern Baptists
By Brandon Porter, vice president for Communications at the SBC Executive Committee. DALLAS (BP) – Resolutions to be presented to messengers to the 2025 SBC
Dillon Anderson and Jarrod Cook, members of Beck Spur Baptist Church deployed with the ABDR Delta Unit recently in an area just south of Forrest
ENGAGE Missions Camp is set for June 16-20 at Camp Paron. The camp combines biblical teaching, worship, evangelism, fun, and fellowship with hands-on ministry opportunities
IMB President Paul Chitwood speaks to trustees in the May 22 plenary session. (IMB Photo) By Leslie Peacock Caldwell, managing editor of IMB corporate communications
This article by Baptist Press Senior Writer Diana Chandler was originally published at baptistpress.com. DALLAS (BP) – Over 45 million online images of childhood sexual
Article by IMB Writer Sue Sprenkle(Photo provided) KINGSTON, Tenn. – Eight women sat around a table, their laughter filling Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Flour
By Hance Dilbeck Editor’s note: This is an adapted excerpt from “A Psalm for Unseen Servants” to be released by B&H Publishing Group June 3. Hance
(left to right) Luke Colley, WBU Vice President for Advancement; Dr. Rhyne Putman, WBU Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Stan Norman, WBU President; Beth
This article by Scott Barkley, chief national correspondent for Baptist Press, was originally published at baptistpress.com. DALLAS (BP) – A three-week reading plan associated with
By Ryan Ropp, LCSW, ABCFM Director of Connected Families “God in His holy dwelling is a father to the fatherless and a champion of widows.
This article by Jeff Iorg, President and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee, was originally published at baptistpress.com. One of the most important new sentences
Dozens of pastors, SBC officers, state Baptist convention leaders, SBC ethnic leaders and others gathered to commemorate Southern Baptists’ adoption of the Cooperative Program 100
The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) held its Quarterly Board Meeting on Thursday, May 8th at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention
Trish Waltz, LCSW, Living Well Counseling We all have pain in our lives: some pain can be debilitating, while other pain is a mere annoyance.
By Heather Noel, director of communications for Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries Sometimes the stories we tell are the ones that first told us
Recently appointed IMB missionaries Jonathan and Wendy Baker talk with Kevin and Suzie Rodgers (right) at the Celebration of Emeriti event near Richmond, Virginia. The
When Ruth visited Fran in summer 2023, Ruth didn’t expect to end up in the hospital, fighting for her life. International Mission Board missionaries Wade
This article first appeared in the Spring 2025 edition of Arkansas Baptist Life. The word “camp” evokes images of long summer days in a wooded
VBS is a timeless tool to intentionally reach your church and community with the Gospel. Studies show that we are in a crisis of evangelism.
This article first appeared in the Spring 2025 edition of Arkansas Baptist Life. It was written by Emily Smith, ABSC Abuse Prevention + Response Consultant.
Lightstock photo April is Child Abuse Prevention Month—a time for churches to come alongside vulnerable families with hope, support, and action. The Arkansas Baptist State
Photos submitted. Editor’s note: After two EF4 tornadoes left a wake of destruction the night of March 14, in addition to the Arkansas Baptist Disaster
The Amazon River leads to many unreached people groups. Don and Maria Friesen found a way to disciple new believers by living on a floating
WatersEdge is dedicated to supporting local churches by providing expert guidance on tax-related issues and helping navigate the financial complexities of churches with ease. We
First Baptist Rogers is excited to host its inaugural apologetics and evangelism conference, A Call to Adventure, on May 16-17. This two-day event will feature
As a licensed professional counselor, I am frequently asked the question, “How do I get my teenage daughter/son to talk to me?” During the season
The North American Mission Board is working with Dallas-area churches and Baptist associations, along with Southern Baptist seminaries, to host Crossover outreach events that will
A preliminary schedule for this year’s SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas June 10-11 was released Tuesday (March 25) by the Southern Baptist Convention’s Committee on Order of Business.
IMB missionary Journeyman Olivia Tucker helps prepare a picnic lunch at the farm where she worked alongside locals. (IMB Photo) By Kristen Sosebee, International Mission
By Heather Maino, LCSW, Director of Counseling, Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries Struggle is real! God is real! How do we struggle with addiction,
(Submitted) Editor’s note: This article was first published in a newsletter from Arkansas Baptist International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Due to security
(Lightstock) By Scott Barkley, chief national correspondent for Baptist Press LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (BP) – Peer pressure can be a good thing. It’s not something
LightStock By Kie Bowman, senior pastor emeritus of Hyde Park Baptist Church and The Quarries Church in Austin, Texas and the SBC National Director of
Zoe Hill, IMB Journeyman, sorts through letters sent to her during missionary training. (IMB Photo) By Sue Sprenkle, International Mission Board The 20-something held up
The 2025 Replicate retreat is set for Sept. 19-21. Replicate is a weekend of life-changing messages, powerful worship, small groups, and interactive experiences challenging students
(Screenshot) Editor’s note: This is a missions story first published by the North American Mission Board. “You really should hear them sing.” That’s one of
By Ellie Bennett, Ouachita Baptist University The J.D. Patterson School of Natural Sciences at Ouachita Baptist University has a long track record of quality professors,
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (BP) – SBC President Clint Pressley has announced his appointments to the 2025 Committee on Committees. Michael Wood, lead pastor of First Baptist
By David Johnson, executive director of the Arizona Mission Network of Southern Baptists. Members of the 1936 U.S. Olympic Rowing team depicted in the movie “The
(Photo/Send Network) By Send Network staff ALPHARETTA, Ga. — This fall, Send Network One Day events are coming to cities across North America to catalyze
Arkansas Baptist churches are invited to participate in the Arkansas Baptist State Convention’s Spring Outreach Strategy, a comprehensive initiative designed to help churches engage their
The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) held its first Quarterly Board Meeting of 2025 on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the
Facebook photo Volunteers at Line Baptist Church in Little Rock recently saw a need in the area around their church and have stepped up to
Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia, is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. The chain of islands hosts the most populous Muslim nation in the world.
This article by Kie Bowman, senior pastor emeritus of Hyde Park Baptist Church and The Quarries Church in Austin, Texas and the SBC National Director
Williams Baptist University is expanding its academic offerings to include a degree in agriculture. The university says its new degree, the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business, will be available starting this fall.
Students in Ouachita’s Patterson School of Natural Sciences whose cancer cell research was published in the scientific journal, “microPublication Biology” include, from left, Tuesday Melton,
Dr. David O’Dell (center), pastor of Second Baptist Church, Jacksonville, prays for Arkansas Baptist pastors during last year’s What’s at Steak men’s worship night. Photo
Steven McClatchy, LPC, Living Well Counseling February is a month with emphasis on love with Valentine’s Day in the middle. In our online world, there
PRESS RELEASE – Cross Theological Seminary is pleased to announce a formal partnership with Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. This partnership allows
Pastor and IMB trustee, Marshall Blalock, welcomes newly appointed IMB missionaries to First Baptist Church Charleston, South Carolina, the very first Southern Baptist church. (IMB
More than 200 leaders and volunteers representing 37 Southern Baptist state conventions – Canada and Puerto Rico included – gathered at Shearer Hills Baptist Church
Photos by Kerry Rodtnick BENTON, Ark. – More than 200 students gathered at First Baptist Church in Benton Jan. 31 to Feb. 1 for PraizFest
The Abiding Church, a Send Network church plant in Los Angeles, became a distribution and delivery center that met the needs of those who survived
Tim Noel serves as the Director of Mission Advancement and Church Partnership at Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries. Lately, I have been drawn to
NASHVILLE (BP) – Jeff Dalrymple has been named to lead the office within the SBC Executive Committee dedicated to Southern Baptists’ long-term efforts in Sexual
Prior to the annual Arkansas Baptist State Evangelism Conference (ECON) on Monday, Jan. 27, Lee Strobel will lead an apologetics study, focusing on defense of
Screen capture from NBC News By Laura Erlanson, managing editor of Baptist Press LOS ANGELES (BP) – Even as Southern California wildfires continue to burn,
Editor’s note: 3:16 on 3/16 is part of Arkansas Baptists’ Spring Outreach Strategy. Click here for more information on the four components of this strategy
Abiding Church Pastor Trenton Mueller, while in New Mexico for his grandmother’s birthday, received this photo from a neighbor of the approaching Palisades fire. His
Lightstock image Editor’s note: Heather Noel, Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries director of communications, contributed the majority of this article. At Arkansas Baptist Children
David McKinney and Cross Church Worship lead in worship in this photo from 2023. Our annual Arkansas Baptist State Evangelism Conference (ECON) promises to be
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow
By Diana Chandler, Baptist Press senior writer WASHINGTON (BP) – Religious nationalism, mass displacement, authoritarianism, surveillance technology and other trends combine to persecute 300 million
This article by Kie Bowman, senior pastor emeritus of Hyde Park Baptist Church and The Quarries Church in Austin, Texas and the SBC National Director
Larry Johnson, back to camera and wearing jacket, leads a prayer today (Jan. 2) for officers from New Orleans and surrounding jurisdictions. Johnson is vice
IMB missionary Trey Fleming (center) and Journeyman Adam Gaskins (with glasses) gather with students during a 2024 summer outreach event in Osaka, Japan. IMB photo
Southern Baptists’ generosity helped facilitate 116,992 baptisms around the world in 2023. (IMB photo) By Karen L. Willoughby, Baptist Press national correspondent NATIONWIDE – In
First Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Kentucky turned their gym into a miniature golf course for Christmas outreach opportunity. Photo submitted. SHELBYVILLE, Ky. – In a
Arkansas Baptists have a lot to look forward for 2025. A few events to mark on the calendar are: Evangelism Conference The 2025 Statewide Conference
From the deployment of Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief’s first all-women chainsaw unit to the new Missions U training, Arkansas Baptists had a lot of news to share in 2024.
Dr. Don Moore served as the executive director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention from 1982 to 1995. He encourages senior adults to pray for
Photo: (Center) Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders presents a ceremonial check to Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita president, recognizing a $437,500 Workforce Strategy Grant awarded to the
By Myriah Snyder BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — In January, around 4,000 ministry leaders and volunteers will gather in Nashville, Tenn., Houston and Fort Worth, Texas, and
By Paul Chitwood, IMB president Because this year’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® is the most important offering in the history of the International Mission Board,
Governor Sarah Sanders presenting the HIRED Grant award to Dr. Stan Norman. Left to right: Hugh McDonald, Secretary of the Department of Commerce; Cody Waits, Executive Director
Coach Todd Knight with OBU players after win over HSU. (Photo by Meghann Bledsoe) WACO, Texas – For the fifth time in the last 10
The North American Mission Board communications team compiled this report. ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) — A diverse group of more than 170 planters representing at least
Lightstock photo Someone recently asked me, “What does it mean to have people praying for you?” It’s a very timely question. You are about to
By Tabatha Miller, LCSW, Living Well Professional Counseling November is National Adoption Month. For many, this brings up the mental image of a courtroom full
Jane Thompson, IMB missionary (back row, left), joins her ministry partners for a joyful photo. Jane asked Southern Baptists to pray for Zambian women to
Damon Friedman speaks to graduates of an SOF Missions Be Resilient Clinic. Photo courtesy of Damon Friedman DATELINE (BP) – Like all others who have
WMU executive director Sandy Wisdom-Martin stands with a wall of the craft stick house boat currently in progress. (WMU photo) By GRACE THORNTON, The Baptist
IMB Kenya missionary Kristen Lowry works alongside national partners to run Naivasha Children’s Shelter. They work on the streets to rescue boys, restore their lives,
Worship Studies Preview Day is scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. This will be a
Katherine Smith, LPC, Living Well Counseling “Wait – you do therapy with children younger than five?” Shock, confusion and questioning is typically the initial response
Six Arkansas Baptist associations are uniting in an area-wide senior adult revival. Calvary, Caroline, Faulkner, Independence, Little Red River, North Pulaski and Pulaski Baptist associations
WBU President Dr. Stan Norman (right) looks over the newly renovated Startup Chapel with Trustees Susan Allison and Cliff Gifford. (Walnut Ridge, Ark) – The
Steve Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church and former SBC president, has begun a transition out of the pastorate, he announced Sunday (Sept. 22).
SBC Executive Committee President Jeff Iorg calls on Southern Baptists to press on as a force for good during his installation sermon Sept. 16, 2024
Unraveling a tale from the spreadsheets to the pews Have you ever considered what it feels like to be on the receiving end of your
By James Barham, LPC, LMFT, Director of Healthy Family Initiatives with ABCFM and marriage therapist with ABCFM counseling provider, Living Well Professional Counseling. In November
It is difficult to put into words the pressure and burden pastors carry. Even more difficult than carrying this burden is leading a church all
By Dr. Stephen Bell, LMFT, Professor of Psychology at Ouachita Baptist University Have you ever been in a situation where you just felt like
ABSC Executive Board meets Tuesday at Camp Paron. (Photo by Cassidy Higgins) PARON, Ark. – Tuesday’s meeting marked a first for the Executive Board of
Each August, the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) provides an opportunity for its Board of Directors to experience, in-person, the work and ministry of the agencies
A Southern Baptist volunteer hands out flyers inviting people to a center called The Living Room, hosted in partnership with a local French church. (IMB
The last two weeks in July saw several Arkansas Baptist churches serve throughout the state.
Don Moore, retired executive director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, continues to encourage Arkansas Baptists to pray. Coming out of the Olympic season we
Article by Jinny Richards, LAC, Living Well Counseling “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for
BENTON, Ark.– Top Christian artists are set to take the stage at the two-day Amplify Music Festival, including Grammy-nominated band Skillet, hip-hop artist KB and
PARIS (BP) – At first, Adam Moore was a little skeptical about one of the Olympics outreach strategies in which his mission team was participating.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Taylor Cain who serves as the associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Sylvan Hills and Bible teacher
Hosting a children’s festival was one way mission teams from the U.S. helped Antony Baptist Church in suburban Paris make inroads into its community. This
The Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Missions Team recently partnered with Grace Cowboy Church in Warren to host a Medical-Dental Clinic on July 13.
The historic sanctuary at First Baptist Church Dallas burned Friday evening, July 19.
This article was written by Myriah Snyder, a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources. BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — A child, around 12 years old, and her parents
Sunday morning! The sun is out, the church doors are unlocked, the AC is on (and working!), and the fellowship hall smells of homemade breakfast. A week has come and gone, and now it’s time to worship and fellowship with the church family.
This special day for Arkansas Baptist Women provides powerful worship, dynamic speakers, and meaningful times of connection that will bless, challenge, and equip you!
The days and weeks immediately following VBS are the most crucial for outreach.
Lament is found all through scripture, and nearly two-thirds of the Psalms are written as songs of lament, not to mention the entire book of Lamentations, where lament is the central theme.
Churches must understand and fix these church communication mistakes in order to evangelize our communities better, all while informing the congregation about ministry opportunities and discipleship.
Aubrey Lee and Aden Thompson compete at the National Bible Drill Competition in North Carolina. (Submitted) Concord, N.C. – Aubrey Lee from Grandview Baptist Church
Church group time can be one of the most pivotal moments for a student ministry during camp.
New beginnings can be tough. Here are some ways you can help keep high school graduates connected to God.
When I was asked to collaborate on this task force, I considered it a great honor not only for the association I serve, but also for our state convention
Minette Williams Drumwright Pratt—a remarkable, accomplished, beloved woman—died on June 15, 2024, at the age of 93. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandparent, denominational
Mark Tolbert serves as the Evangelism and Revitalization Strategist with the Evangelism and Church Health Team of the ABSC. Tolbert has spent the last 15 years on faculty as a professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. These words were originally posted on Facebook on June 19, the day after the death of Willy Mays at the age of 93.
Next summer, kids will explore the vastness of God’s character through the details of Scripture with Lifeway Christian Resources’ 2025 Vacation Bible School (VBS) theme: “Magnified! Discovering the Bigness of God in the Smallest of Things.”
By Sarah Barham, Vice President of Ministry Accounting, WatersEdge Ministry Services Even in the best circumstances, managing church finances can be daunting. Factor in complex
WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – Williams Baptist University has released the names of students on the President’s and Dean’s Lists for the 2024 spring semester. The
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – More than 415 students were named to the President’s List for the Spring 2024 semester at Ouachita Baptist University. To be named
This article was written by Marilyn Stewart and published at baptistpress.com. INDIANAPOLIS (BP) – North Carolina pastor Clint Pressley was elected SBC president Wednesday (June
Messengers and guests at the Southern Baptist Convention applaud IMB missionaries who will serve in countries where it is either illegal to share the Gospel
(Left to right) Shane Pruitt, Robby Gallaty and Paul Worcester lead out in prayer at the SBC Prayer Gathering Sunday afternoon June 9. Photo by
Southern Baptist messengers will have an opportunity to hear from the six men seeking to become the next president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) next week before election at the 2024 Annual Meeting in Indianapolis.
When we’re hurt, we have to heal, and healing involves honesty, dedication, vulnerability, and giving grace to ourselves. It’s a process full of ups and downs.
The resolutions to be presented at the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting are available in a preliminary form. This marks the earliest release date in recent history.
Williams Baptist University has announced a generous donation of $7,500 from the First National Bank of Lawrence County, dedicated to fortifying the Williams Works program.
Editor’s note: This article was written by Emma Richardson, who serves as the campus ministry associate at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Baptist
Because of LMCO, we didn’t have to worry about finances as well as my prognosis and transitioning back to the States. We will be forever grateful to everyone who prayed for and supported us – we still don’t know each one who lifted up a prayer and probably never will
One small group of faithful Baptist men and women sought to be different. They wanted to cooperate to support missions at a higher level.
The real secret to Camp Siloam is the partnership with Arkansas Baptist churches to bring kids out of their normal scenery and to a place where they hear the good news of Jesus. We partner together for the glory of God and to reach the next generation for Christ. That is why camp matters. It brings glory to God.
Jesus is still doing this work. He is redeeming and restoring families through the hard work of foster care, and I believe He is calling all of us to be involved.
Lightstock photo Every church needs a crisis communication plan to get leadership on the same page before a negative story is even written. What is
Changing your lens from perfectionism to self-compassion is not easy. Treat yourself like you would treat a friend today and take one step toward surrendering the burden of perfection.
Close to 330 participants representing 76 countries met for the first Global Senders Forum on April 16-19.
The Board of Trustees at Williams Baptist University approved the budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year Tuesday, April 16.
The Lord is moving through Arkansas churches.
GuideStoneFinancial Resources, Lifeway Research and Baptist state conventions have again teamed up for the SBC Church Compensation Survey.
Managing church finances can be daunting even under the most favorable circumstances.
We have an obligation to teach the next generation that the importance of God’s word still stands today.
The Arkansas Master’Singers, in collaboration with the Williams Singers, are set to take the stage for a concert Thursday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at Manley Chapel on the campus of Williams Baptist University.
For the fourth year in a row, recipients received this “13th Check” due to a fund established at the foundation.
Lightstock photo By Megan Cuzen, GuideStone Property and Casualty Relationship Manager Social media has the power to transmit ideas and information to those you minister
Newton County Baptist Church’s Egg Drop Eggstravaganza was just one of the several Easter outreach events Arkansas Baptists held throughout the state.
I invite all our lay people to join me on Saturday evenings to lift up these watchmen who stand on the walls and preach the Word.
To help parents make safety a priority for their family, MinistrySafe is providing their Awareness Parent Training for FREE for the entire month of April.
TEXARKANA, Ark. – The Kids Ministry at Trinity Baptist Church in Texarkana held their second annual Journey to the Cross event on Palm Sunday. Featuring
Lightstock photo What do you do when Friday didn’t end the way you envisioned, and Sunday hasn’t arrived? Two thousand years ago the events leading
Williams Baptist University is joining forces with Walnut Ridge Regional Airport and the Wings of Honor Museum to present entertainment before the upcoming eclipse.
Jeff Iorg will become the eighth leader of the SBC Executive Committee. Iorg received a unanimous vote from 60 EC members at a special-called EC meeting today (March 21).
First Baptist Church (FBC) in Smackover is approaching its 100-year anniversary. To commemorate the milestone, the church has planned a two-day celebration.
The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee will consider Gateway Seminary President Jeff Iorg for EC president and CEO in a special called meeting from noon-3 p.m. March 21 in Dallas.
By Don Moore, retired executive director, ABSC This is a question on the minds of many. For more than a decade our churches have declined
Pray for us at Arkansas Baptist Ranch, a ministry of Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries, as we serve the children in our care and their families.
Editor’s note: This article was written by Diana Chandler, Baptist Press. INDIANAPOLIS (BP) – A preliminary schedule for the Southern Baptist Convention 2024 Annual Meeting
Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief (ABDR) recovery teams are on their way to Texas to aid areas impacted by wildfires ravaging the state. According to recent
With a beautiful setting situated in Paron, Arkansas, at the edge of the Ouachita National Forest just 25 miles from Little Rock, it is the perfect place to host many different types of groups and events.
Steven McClatchy, LPC, Living Well Counseling, Sherwood There are those in our midst dealing with some deep wounds they need help with but are unaware
The ultimate reason we serve locally is to intentionally move people from the pews into the lives of the people in their communities to build relationships, share the Gospel, and call people to place their faith in Jesus.
A special-called meeting will take place March 21 for SBC Executive Committee members to consider the nomination of Jeff Iorg as the next EC president and CEO.
A culture of prayer is never accidental. It has to be cultivated and nurtured for growth.
Gen Z has passion. The church has purpose. There is common ground between these two if we look for it.
Incoming freshmen at Williams Baptist University this fall will each receive a new Bible, thanks to a gift from the Big Creek Baptist Association in northern Arkansas.
The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) held its first quarterly board meeting for 2024 on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) building.
On Valentine’s evening, many Southern Baptists gathered in Phoenix, Arizona, to celebrate the latest group of missionaries heading to the nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sarah Barham, Vice President of Ministry Accounting Services, WatersEdge It’s no secret that churches face complex challenges when it comes to their finances. Accounting, taxes,
Editor’s note: This article was written by Carol Pipes, director of corporate communications for LifeWay Christian Resources. NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God,
BENTON, Ark. – More than 100 students gathered at First Baptist Church in Benton Jan. 26-27 for PraizFest 2024. Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Worship
ABSC churches are encouraged to schedule Sunday, February 11, 2024 to promote the hunger ministries of Arkansas Baptists and Send Relief and to collect the annual Global Hunger Relief Offering.
As counselors at Living Well Professional Counseling, we often meet with people in their greatest heartbreaks or overwhelming experiences.
It is the IMB’s hope to continue to build relationships with churches.
Lightstock photo “Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you
Editor’s note: This article was written by Brandon Elrod of the North American Mission Board. PLANO, Texas – Prestonwood Baptist Church in Texas is hosting
In a world full of hurting children and hurting families, together we can help them find peace and healing.
By Todd Kaunitz, Lead Pastor, New Beginnings Baptist Church, Longview, TX. It is an understatement to say, “When God shows up, everything changes.” When the
This article was written by Leslie Peacock Caldwell, managing editor at the IMB. The call to reach all nations, people, languages and tribes with the
Nearly 200 missions leaders from across the country gathered on Missionary Ridge in Birmingham for WMU’s January Board Meeting this past weekend, Jan. 6-8, 2024.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief (ABDR) is on standby to assist impacted communities should the need arise as the potential of extreme
IMB Photo This article was written by Myriah Snyder for the IMB. Twenty-five Embera people were busy at work, taking care as they handmade each
Jason Wilkie has moved into a fundraising role for Camp Siloam.
The three-day camp will feature preaching, teaching, and breakout sessions expressly focused on various vocational calls to ministry: pastoral ministry, student ministry, music ministry, and women’s ministry.
Baptist Press article by Scott Barkley, national correspondent for Baptist Press. DALLAS (BP) — The Ministry Check website will soon be the central hub for
Baptist Press article by Art Toalston, former editor at Baptist Press. HARTSELLE, Ala. (BP) – Junior Hill, a beloved and in-demand evangelist among Southern Baptists
In my line of work, I often hear of past sins or the weight of life that seem to grab ahold and tear down the peace and hope in a believer.
David Dockery, SWBTS president, presents the James Leo Garrett Jr. Award for Contribution to Christian Thought to Wyman Richardson, pastor of Central Baptist Church in
NASHVILLE (BP) – A six-month update on the status of various committees connected to his role as Southern Baptist Convention president included Bart Barber’s recommendation
Missionary candidates who move through the pipeline are approved by IMB trustees, then blessed by Southern Baptists for service to the nations at Sending Celebrations
Send Network church planting missionary Justin McKay baptizes a new believer during The Local Church’s first anniversary service. Planted in Arvada, Colo., a suburb of
Twelve college students, along with our director and two recent UAM graduates, entered the city with the purpose of aiding four important ministries.
Churches across Arkansas have been celebrating the Christmas season with theatrical productions, candlelight services, gatherings and more. Here are photos Arkansas Baptists have shared to
By Debbie Moore, Arkansas WMU Executive Director Arkansas Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) is so thankful for the privilege of serving Arkansas Baptists in the areas
As usual, Arkansas Baptists have a lot on their calendars to look forward to next year. Pray First To start the year off, Arkansas Baptists
From the announcement of the new Arkansas Baptist State Convention executive director to celebrating the first graduating class of the Arkansas Prison Initiative, Arkansas Baptists
Beginning my eighth decade of ministry, perhaps the following will encourage others to press on.
FORT SMITH, Ark. – The goal of the Great Commission Baptist Association (GCBA) of the River Valley is to have one healthy Great Commission Baptist
Friend, if you are struggling with hurt during this holiday season, know that you are seen and known by a good Father that cares about your emotions.
Generous gifts provide Angela Dawson, IMB missionary, with a car to drive. When she received a “big” car for Thailand, she wondered why. It didn’t
Arkansas Tourism representatives are anticipating up to 1.5 million visitors for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Editor’s note: This article was first published by Williams Baptist University. WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – The Williams Works initiative at Williams Baptist University is expanding
Ethan Gee recorded a video plea asking the whole world to help him “raise 1,000 and 100 dollars” for IMB missionaries to share the gospel
WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – Tekla Research has made another major matching gift to the annual fund and the Williams Works initiative at Williams Baptist University.
It’s through God’s goodness we can be thankful.
Widows hold a deep place in the heart of God, and He loves and cares about them greatly.
Christians have less confidence in artificial intelligence (AI) than non-Christians, especially when it comes to AI use by churches, Barna Group researchers found in a study conducted in partnership with Gloo.
It will take the effort of every Baptist Collegiate Ministry and every church working cooperatively together to reach these nearly 150,000 students with the Gospel.
About 2,800 chaplains – including about 1,100 who are Southern Baptist – serve in the Armed Forces.
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Dr. Kathy Collins, associate professor and chair of the Department of Education at Ouachita Baptist University, died Sunday, Nov. 5. She was
Ouachita Baptist University will begin construction on an NCAA-compliant track & field complex to serve as a home venue for its thriving cross country and track & field teams.
The Church at Rock Creek held a groundbreaking ceremony Monday, Oct. 30, for its new food bank center. (The Church at Rock Creek) LITTLE ROCK,
LWC has established strong relationships with churches, community organizations, and professionals.
Gratitude can be a mindset—a lifestyle that when adopted, actually significantly improves our outlook on life, and therefore our mental health in general.
Pastors from across the state gathered at Walnut Street Baptist Church in Jonesboro on Monday to be “refreshed, re-signed and renewed” in the Lord.
If you want your team to lead more prayerfully, a staff prayer retreat is a game changer. It’s a necessity for any church attempting to build a culture of prayer.
Arkansas Baptist women from six different churches recently spent five days in Bay Ridge praying for, ministering among, and learning from the diaspora in Brooklyn, New York.
Spending a day in prayer requires both spiritual devotion and practical preparation.
Editor’s note: This article written by Paul Chitwood, International Mission Board president, was published by Baptist Press. October is Cooperative Program Emphasis Month in the
Relationships can take on many forms.
Editor’s note: This article was written by Amy Grigg of Desired Haven. Desired Haven, a ministry of Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries, equips parents
Editor’s note: This article was first published by the International Mission Board. Linda Gray moved to Benton in 1985. She joined Baring Cross Baptist Church
More than 50 students made decisions during Replicate, Sept. 22-24. (Submitted) Editor’s note: This article was written by Mitchell Waite, marketing supervisor for Camp Siloam.
Editor’s note: This article was written by Northark BCM Leader Jeff Brasel. HARRISON, Ark. — When God’s people come together, amazing things can happen. One
The ABCFM Toy Express will make debut this month at the 2023 Annual Meeting. (Submitted) The Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries (ABCFM) Toy Express
The Arkansas Baptist Women’s Conference was held Sept. 23 at First Baptist Church in Russellville. (Ethan Dial/ABN) RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Andrea Lennon, women’s ministry consultant
When we as Believers take the time on the front-end to build strong, effective rhythms of wellness centered around the enduring love and strength we access from Our Heavenly Father, we don’t have to huddle up to overthink about what’s next.
Williams Baptist University Board of Trustees take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of Startup Chapel. (WBU News) WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – The
What does it take to confidently share the Gospel with those around us? Often, we want to wait until we feel truly “ready” to share
For the people IMB missionaries Aaron and Sheila Crowder are trying to reach, a coffee meeting can take around three hours. Last year, Sheila was
A ministry unique to the Arkansas Baptist State Convention is our Church Mediation Ministry.
Four years ago, Arkansas Baptists celebrated the beginning of a partnership with Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis and the Arkansas Department of Corrections. This
The 170th annual meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) will take place on Oct. 24-25 at Walnut Street Baptist Church, 1910 Scenic Rd in Jonesboro.
Like any other scientific discovery, technology can be a gift from God that we can steward for his glory.
Caring Well Sunday, Sept. 24, is on the SBC Calendar this year for the first time, giving churches an opportunity to acknowledge the emotional toll of sexual abuse and commit to ensuring congregations are safe places.
We often hear about how Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief (ABDR) meets the needs of people trying to recover from natural disasters. Storm victims aren’t the
“I did not know how great the need is until I really was the hands and feet. I thought I was involved in church work.
RDNE photo|Pexels This article was written by Heather Keller, the children’s missions consultant at National WMU. It was first published by LifeWay. As part focus
One crippling danger of the misconception that “God will not give us more than we can handle” is that it implies that we will be handling our hardships in our own strengths. The Bible tells us that we don’t have to. He will walk the path with us.
Although the strategy for being obedient to the Great Commission might change from church to church, I believe there are five components that are common in every effective mission strategy.
(SWBTS photo) This article was written by Ashley Allen, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) – Beginning his 40th year of service in
On September 19th, an in-person MinistrySafe training event with attorney and MinistrySafe founder Greg Love is available to all Arkansas Baptists. This training will be helpful for pastors and church staff, student and children’s leaders, safety and security volunteers, and lay leaders of your church.
Lightstock photo This article was written by Scott Barkley, national correspondent for Baptist Press LAFAYETTE, Ga. (BP) – Vernon Barnett started his life of public
Arkansas Hispanic WMU and Iglesia Bautist Neuva Jerusalén in Little Rock recently partnered together to provide a student missions event for Arkansas Baptist Hispanic churches.
Article by Taylor Walker, LPC, LAMFT, Living Well Counseling. If you’ve never been to a Minor League Baseball game, you should! They’re full of memories
By the Ouachita Baptist University Office of Communications & Marketing Seth McDowell, 22, of Benton, Ark., died July 30. A graduate of Bauxite High School,
The better a church knows its community, the more strategic it can be in its ministries.
Lightstock Photo This article by Aaron Summers, pastor of First Baptist Church in Crowley, TX first first appeared at Lifeway Research. As a new school year approaches,
Dr. Rhyne Putman, vice president for academic affairs at Williams Baptist University, leads a service in a rural village near Zirobwe, Uganda. (Submitted) WALNUT RIDGE,
A missions movement for 18-25-year-olds is coming to Second Baptist Church, Conway, Arkansas on Oct. 14. Rev7:9 aims to create a community of people who
Editor’s note: This article was written by Scott Barkley, national correspondent for Baptist Press. ROCKWALL, Texas (BP) – Messages of condolences and prayer support came
Camp Siloam Executive Director Jason Wilkie is inviting Arkansas Baptists to celebrate 100 years of ministry. “We want you and your congregation to come celebrate
An internship allows us to pour into those up-and-coming leaders while at the same time staying connected to the heart and thinking of this next generation.
The Shepherds Conference, which is also sponsored by the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, Williams Baptist University and Ouachita Baptist University, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries’ central office, 9701 W. Markham St., in Little Rock.
Woman’s Missionary Union invites you to participate in a simple and easy project that allows your association, church, or missions group to support North American Mission Board (NAMB) missionaries with “gifts” for their specific ministries.
Arkansas Baptists churches have a heart for people all over the world.
Imagine arriving on the mission field knowing no one, speaking none of the language and wondering where your house is, with no one to guide you. Then imagine immediately being thrown into cross-cultural ministry, also with minimum guidance.
For the church to step into the brokenness that overwhelms all our communities, they must be healthy and equipped. Healthy churches will undoubtedly impact a hurting community.
Article by Christen Hayes, LMSW, Living Well Counseling, Northeast Arkansas Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be
Rendering of facility. (Submitted) WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – Williams Baptist University has announced that it has been selected for a $4 million gift from the
A child participates in Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church in Hot Springs. In their second week working with the Evangelism and Church Health
Southern Baptists have adopted a groundbreaking resolution on artificial intelligence that will serve as a guide to church leaders as well as their government lobbyists.
Chitwood shared the impact Southern Baptists had through IMB workers in 2022, made possible through record Lottie Moon Christmas Offering giving and $100 million in Cooperative Program receipts.
Messengers voted to amend the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, the statement of faith of the Southern Baptist Convention, to clarify the role of pastor Wednesday, June 14, at the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans.
2023-2024 SBC officers are (left to right) Recording Secretary Nathan Finn, Second Vice President Kason Branch, President Bart Barber, First Vice President Jay Adkins and
A young mother saw a group of Southern Baptists who were sharing the gospel in New Orleans, so she yelled to them. “I need to be saved.”
Editor’s note: This article was written by Timothy Cockes, staff writer for the Baptist Press. NEW ORLEANS, La. (BP) – Texas pastor Bart Barber was
Editor’s note: This article was written by Scott Barkley, national correspondent for the Baptist Press. Michael Catt was a speaker at the ABSC Prayer Workshop in
On Sunday evening, June 11, attendees of a prayer gathering in the New Orleans Theater worshipped, heard Scripture and prayed. They embraced times of silence designed for focus, and swung arms over shoulders in times of support.
Willie McLaurin, interim president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, exhorted churches to use their spiritual gifts to glorify God in a June 11 sermon at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans.
A group of men prays together at the prayer gathering ahead of the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim. BP file photo NEW ORLEANS (BP)
Article by Carnetha Wilson, Living Well Counseling graduate student. “Take one day at a time” is an idiom that is commonly easy to dish out
Several Southern Baptist churches and entities have been hit with online fraud nearing $1 million each. Their dramatic losses serve as warnings to all our churches
Courtesy of Williams Baptist University WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – Williams Baptist University awarded degrees to 134 graduates during its 2023 commencement exercises Saturday, May 6. The
Photo courtesy of Ouachita Baptist University ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Ouachita Baptist University honored more than 400 students during its 136th Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 13,
Michael Catt, the groundbreaking Georgia pastor who served as executive producer of the Christian movies Flywheel, Facing the Giants, Fireproof and Courageous, is facing setbacks in his battle with prostate cancer, his family said on social media Wednesday.
The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) held its quarterly board meeting on Thursday, May 11 at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) building.
Editor’s note: This article was written by Nathan A. Finn, SBC Recording Secretary and originally was published at baptistpress.com. Each year, the Book of Reports
Editor’s note: This article was written by the staff at Baptist Press and was originally published at baptistpress.com. NASHVILLE (BP) — The 2023 Book of
IMB President Paul Chitwood addressed missionary emeriti and new missionaries preparing for their first term. Referring to the faithful service of those leaving the field,
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Operating Committee of the Executive Board of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) is launching its search for the next
Messengers pray at the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by Kathleen Sparks/IMB) Written by Diana Chandler, Baptist Press senior writer NEW ORLEANS
Baptist Press file photo By AARON EARLS, Lifeway Christian Resources BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — For the second straight year, baptisms and giving increased among Southern Baptist
The Missions Team held its first medical-dental clinic of the year on April 29 at Iglesia Bautista Roca Fuerte (Strong Rock Baptist Church) in Little Rock.
But how do we get to that place when our minds are a loud whirlwind of anxious thoughts drowning out our best intentions to “fear not”? We go back to the basics.
David Sons, Executive Committee chairman, leads the group’s special-called meeting in Dallas on May 1. Members declined to call Texas pastor Jared Wellman as the
FARMERSVILLE, Texas (BP) — SBC President Bart Barber has announced his appointments to the 2023 Committee on Committees. Riley Prather, pastor of Green Valley Crossing,
BLACKSHEAR, Ga. (BP) – Mike Stone, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear, announced in a video on April 26 that he has “prayerfully agreed
he 2023 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting will convene at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Tuesday, June 13, at 8 a.m. and adjourn at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, according to the official schedule for the meeting released Thursday (April 20).
WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. (4/20/23) – Williams Baptist University will host an art exhibit April 21-26 in the Maddox Center Art Gallery, located on the second
Easter is a time to celebrate and share the Good News of Jesus our risen Lord and Savior, and to let the world know just
Kim Bailey’s car was damaged during the March 31 tornado. (Photo by Wayne Martin) Kim Bailey of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church shares her harrowing
Bryant Wright, president of Send Relief, talks with volunteers from Texas as they take a break on Tuesday, April 4. (Photo by Ethan Dial/ABN) This
This article was written by Bob Fielding, Arkansas Baptist State Convention Missions Team. The first senior class of the Arkansas Prison Initiative – College at
IMB missionaries Caleb and Carina Beaty sing Christmas carols at their neighbor’s house. The Beaty’s neighbors were moved by the Beaty’s Easter Sunday musical performance
Southern Baptist Convention president Bart Barber (left) and Send Relief president Bryant Wright (second from the left) visited Wynne, Ark., to encourage survivors of a
If we can be vulnerable with the Lord, He will empower us to become vulnerable with others. This in turn will create the connection we desire with the Lord and others. Matthew 22:37-40.
“One of the beauties of Southern Baptist disaster relief network is the relationship we have between the states where if one of us is running short of manpower or resources, we have the ability to call on other states, our brothers and sisters in the ministry and they’re there,” said Hubert Yates, SBDR director for Mississippi Baptists, while Mississippi and Arkansas Baptists responded to the March 24 storms that hit his state.
“It is urgent that denominations, networks and independent churches determine how to best motivate, mobilize, resource and deploy more young pastors,” said David Kinnaman, President
Craig Carlisle, foreground, listens during a panel discussion March 28 hosted by the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Carlisle serves as director of missions for
Lead Pastor Keith Baldridge of The Living Stone Church in Broomfield, Colo., baptized a new believer. LITTLETON, Colo. (BP) — During his years involved in
Volunteers begin cataloging relief supplies at First Church, Rolling Fork, after a super cell weather system raked the area March 24 and produced a deadly
Beach Reach photo University of Central Arkansas senior Kaylea Jobe spent her spring break, March 18-24, in Panama City, Florida, serving the Lord and sharing
This article was written by Dr. Sam Roberts, the Missions Team Leader at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Raised in the Delta of Northeast Arkansas,
Shane Fore baptizes a new believer at the Main Street campus of Maple Grove Baptist Church. TRUMANN, Ark. (BP) – During a recent drive home,
By Brandon Elrod, staff writer for Send Relief. ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Wars, natural disasters and famines have been displacing tens of millions of people around
Preston Nix, professor of evangelism and evangelistic preaching at NOBTS, described himself as a “long-haired hippie Jesus Freak” during the early ‘70s. NASHVILLE (BP) –
Arkansas Baptists are invited to join in praying first during this time to love their Muslim neighbors. Devotional material and prayer prompts will be provided each Wednesday during Ramadan via email.
Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries today announced that ABCFM Monticello, its flagship campus, will celebrate 130 years of life-changing ministry next year.
Decades of memories will be on the agenda for former summer staff of Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center at the group’s annual alumni reunion June 1-4.
As leaders, we should see Jesus as our perfect example and learn to pour into the lives of our people – one individual and one small group at a time – if we are to truly help them to engage the Word for themselves and live their lives like Christ.
This article was written by Wyman Lewis Richardson, pastor at Central Baptist Church in North Little Rock . The church historian Jaroslav Pelikan once said that
Ouachita Baptist University’s community & family services program will host a conference titled “Keeping Faith” to help faith-based communities learn how to recognize and respond to all forms of child abuse.
Editor’s Note: In support of the sixth strategic action of Vision 2025 adopted by messengers to the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting, Baptist Press will continue
This article was written by Ben Merritt, LCSW, of Living Well Professional Counseling, Harvest Baptist Church in Paragould. A recent study by Lifeway shows that
A woman and girl walk down a dirt road in the Kingdom of Bhutan. (IMB photo) If you asked many of our ministry leaders around
A new resource is available for Arkansas Baptists. An Overview of the Ministries & Entities that Comprise the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, produced by the
One of the most important gifts you can give your family is to help them know how to spend time with God. Before my wife,
A look at the windows and walls at a local convenience store serves as a reminder of the needs and opportunities that exist in the
Emma Sparks of Ashland, Ky. drove 2 1/2 hours with five of her friends to be a part of history at Asbury University on Monday.
Members of the Convention Nominating Committee for the 2023 Arkansas Baptist State Convention invite Arkansas Baptists to submit names of persons for consideration for service
This story was written by Natalie Sarrett and originally published by Send Relief. Over the course of the weekend, Send Relief’s L.A. team was battling intense spiritual warfare
Send Relief local partners began distributing water, food and other emergency supplies within hours of the disaster. More than 36,000 people have been reported dead
A man raises his hands in worship at revival services on the campus of Asbury University in Wilmore, Ky. Services featuring preaching, music and personal
God began to capture my heart for the peoples of the world when I was a child growing up in southwest Arkansas. As a 10-year-old
KAHRAMANMARAS, Turkey (BP) — A pair of earthquakes and a series of aftershocks have devastated portions of Turkey and Syria. According to the BBC, more than
Arkansas Baptists, thank you for the support and prayers given to the State Evangelism Conference (ECON) on January 23 and 24.
Robert Smith Jr., who serves as professor of Christian preaching and holds the Charles T. Carter Baptist Chair of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School in Alabama, shares his thoughts on evangelism following his appearance Jan. 23 at the Statewide Conference on Evangelism and Church Health (ECON).
Article written by Ashlyn Johnson, Living Well Counseling Let’s consider the topic of rural mental health today. While some concepts of mental health are universal,
Smithville Baptist Church held a dedication service for its new building on January 7, culminating a process that began more than 15 years ago.
Students interested in joining the excitement of PraizFest still have time to register. Set for Friday night and Saturday, Jan. 27 and 28, at First
Kevin and Casey Kilgore decided in 2021 to sell everything they had, purchase an RV and travel North America to encourage church planting missionaries who have been sent out by the North American Mission Board (NAMB). Together with their four kids, they’ve visited more than 125 church planters in 27 of NAMB’s send cities.
Jeff Struecker competes in the Munga, a five-day, 1,000-kilometer race in South Africa dubbed “the toughest race on earth.“ WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP) – Endurance,
ECON reminds us to bring the mission and message of Jesus to the forefront of our ministries.
From the retirement of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention executive director to a Chinese mission becoming an autonomous church after 23 years, Arkansas Baptists had
Often in the counseling process, we ask questions of our clients. It helps them to examine and learn from their life experience.
Marty and Chandler knew, as soon as they left the mission field, that they’d only be gone temporarily. They were only leaving their current assignment
Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief workers were deployed across Arkansas following a line of recent storms that brought intense winds and heavy rain to much of
AZTEC, N.M. (BP) – “It is so simple,” says Pastor Mike Napier. “It’s prayer and evangelism. That’s all that it is. Everything that is happening
File photo There are several ministry learning opportunities for Arkansas Baptists. Two such occasions on the horizon are the 2023 Arkansas Delta Vision Tour and
By Brandon Elrod, who writes for the North American Mission Board. NAMB photo. ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Southern Baptists and the North American Mission Board (NAMB) had a
By Marissa Postell NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For many, Vacation Bible School (VBS) is the best time of the year, and many ministry leaders and volunteers
More than 90% of IMB missionary teams actively engage unreached people groups, many in hard-to-reach places where safety and security are daily considerations.
Little Cakes with Big Attitude owners Robyn Schwartz, left, and Bridget Vaughn, right, pose for a photo. The bakery and coffee shop donated 10% of
This article originally appeared in the Baptist Press. It was written by Erin Roach. IMB photo. RICHMOND, Va. (BP) – Johnny and Bonita Kron had
Reaching the next generation doesn’t happen without intentionality.
Light is scarce during scheduled electrical outages as Ukraine suffers a bombed-out power grid, yet women there are using their light this Christmas to crochet angel ornaments to send churches and other supporters in the U.S.
John Carter Cash, son of late country music star, Johnny Cash, talks with Baptist Press reporter Timothy Cockes.
Thanksgiving presented an opportunity for Arkansas Baptist churches to serve their communities.
Imagine yourself arriving in Nepal to study at Kathmandu University. You are alone without friends or family.
John McCallum knows the pain of struggling with grief and loss during the holiday season. But rather than sinking in sorrow, he’s using it to serve others.
When news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine reached the West on the morning of February 24, few if any Arkansas Baptists could foresee the direct opportunities for service and ministry and the difference that one central Arkansas church could make.
Houston Nutt, former Arkansas Razorbacks football coach was recently invited to speak at Parkway Place Baptist Church as a part of their “Defining Moments” series.
The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) held its regularly scheduled Quarterly Board Meeting on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.
The mission team from Immanuel Baptist Church, Magnolia, Arkansas, expected things in Brooklyn, New York, to be different from their small southern Arkansas town.
The 10-0 Ouachita Baptist University football team seeks its sixth consecutive victory over rival Henderson State University on Saturday, November 12 when it crosses the street for the 95th edition of the Battle of the Ravine.
The David Bond “Heart of a Servant” Scholarship was established by the Arkansas Baptist Foundation to honor the life and ministry of David Bond.
“Calling Out the Called,” a new book written by SBC leaders Shane Pruitt and Scott Pace, discusses the importance of raising up the next generation of ministry leaders.
The upshot of such focused prayer is that the church is provided a climate in which her Gospel truth may be freely and vigorously proclaimed “in a quiet and peaceful” setting.
When Arkansans open their ballots, they’ll make an important decision about the fate of Issue 3, the Arkansas Religious Freedom Amendment.
May His praises be overwhelming, and His honor preserved by us having united hearts before His throne. Let’s understand there is a reason for us being as we are; accept that being different is not necessarily evil and then appreciate anything that blesses another brother or sister.
These ladies recognize the challenges, as well as the blessings, that come with being the wife of a pastor and desire to provide a safe place to show support for each other.
Jeremy Woodall, Baptist Collegiate Ministries Campus Minister at the University of Arkansas in Monticello, is using his passion for a worthy mission.
Your pastor needs your appreciation and support year-round.
On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, the SATF released its report to the 169th session of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention meeting at First Baptist Church in Hot Springs.
Executive Director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention Dr. J.D. “Sonny” Tucker released a statement opposing Issue 4, the constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana in Arkansas.
The Annual Pastors’ Conference begins at 1:30 on Monday, October 24 at First Baptist Church in Hot Springs.
This has already proven to be a great pool for potential candidates for our Church Planting Residency Program as we seek to enter new fields, evangelize, make disciples, plant healthy multiplying churches, develop leaders, and partner together in the advance of the Gospel.
On October 14-15, the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Missions Team held First Responder Chaplain/Peer Support training for current or future law enforcement, fire and EMS (emergency medical service) chaplains and peer support members.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Baptist Press and written by Diana Chandler. LVIV, Ukraine (BP) – Russia’s increased attacks across Ukraine forced the Ukrainian Baptist
Jeremy Woodall, was recognized by the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) athletic department and inducted into the UAM Sports Hall of Fame for the Spirit Award.
Southern Baptists are known for their support of missions, as evidenced by a record Lottie Moon offering. However, a significant portion also comes from the tithes and offerings given each Sunday and funneled through the Cooperative Program.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Baptist Press and written by Willie McLaurin. October is Pastor Appreciation Month. This is a month set aside to
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Baptist Press and written by Diana Chandler. MARIUPOL, Ukraine (BP) — A Baptist pastor and his wife remain missing
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Baptist Press and written by Jonathan Howe, vice president for communications at the SBC Executive Committee. NASHVILLE (BP) –
We want Arkansas Baptists to know what’s going on around the state and be able to celebrate together and encourage each other.
Arkansas Women’s Ministries and Woman’s Missionary Union come together for Inspire Conference.
Acts1:8 One Day Mission Trip is an annual opportunity for Arkansas Baptists to be witnesses in their Jerusalem and Judea.
Do you feel a bit like you and your family are living in a fishbowl or a glass house?
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Baptist Press and written by Timothy Cockes. NASHVILLE (BP) – As Southern Baptists across the country prepare and mobilize
Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief is currently deployed to Florida, where Hurricane Ian drastically swept across the state on Wednesday, September 28. Hurricane Ian made landfall
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Baptist Press and written by Mike Ebert. CHICAGO—Southern Baptists gave a record $68.9 million to the Annie
Ten-year-old Mai was in the jungle near her home in Southeast Asia looking for food with her mother when a plastic bag dangling from a tree caught her eye.
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary announced Friday (Sept. 23) that president Adam W. Greenway has resigned from his post effective immediately.
The team tasked with finding the next person to serve as president of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee is looking at “11 quality candidates,” search team chairman Adron Robinson told SBC EC members.
The 169th annual meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention will take place on Oct. 25-26 at First Baptist Church, 2350 Central Avenue, Hot Springs. The theme for this year’s annual meeting is “The Heart of a Servant.”
The Board of Trustees at Williams Baptist University voted Tuesday, Sept. 20, to confer the title professor emeritus upon Dr. Bob Magee, retired professor of music and director of choral programs. The board, meeting in regular session on the WBU campus, also pledged a challenge gift for an upcoming fundraiser and recognized four trustees who are rotating off the board.
Members of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee voted Tuesday (Sept. 20) to propose a change in the timeline for submitting and publishing resolutions to be voted on by messengers at SBC annual meetings.
The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee voted Tuesday to add a sexual abuse awareness day to be known as Caring Well Sunday to the SBC Calendar of Activities. The first Caring Well Sunday on the SBC calendar will be Sept. 24, 2023.
In his Monday night (Sept. 19) plenary session address to the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, Willie McLaurin urged Southern Baptists to continue to cooperate in carrying out their shared mission.
SBC President Bart Barber preaches at Executive Committee meeting on Sept. 19 in Nashville. (Baptist Press photo by Brandon Porter) Article written by Diana Chandler,
Chaplains can’t directly proselytize, but their presence and words of encouragement naturally lead first responders to want to know the source.
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission board of trustees named Brent Leatherwood the new president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s public policy entity in a unanimous vote Tuesday (Sept. 13).
SBC President Bart Barber recently announced the theme for the 2023 Annual Meeting. Pointing to 2 Corinthians 4:5, he said it will be “Serving the Lord; Serving others.”
The purpose of the trip was to encounter and engage with different cultures in a place that is home to many ethnicities.
Fifty church planters and leaders from Arkansas Baptist churches gathered at Camp Paron for two days in August for the Hispanic Church Planting Retreat to renew strength, be inspired, and fellowship with others in the ministry.
This article was a press release from Ouachita Baptist University. Ouachita Baptist University senior Clark Yarbrough, 21, of Rowlett, Texas, died Sept. 4. A business
Dr. J.D. “Sonny” Tucker announced in an email on August 31 to the Executive Board and ABSC employees, his plans to retire as Executive Director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention on December 31, 2022.
Editor’s Note: In support of the sixth strategic action of Vision 2025 adopted by messengers to the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting, Baptist Press will continue to report
This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
August 28 is Global Hunger Sunday. Global Hunger Relief (GHR) is an initiative of the Southern Baptist Convention dedicated to combating hunger and sharing the Bread of Life.
Next Monday as evening approaches, there will be an air of anticipation and excitement at the City Center, 315 N Shackelford Road, in Little Rock.
Each year, Arkansas Baptist churches are asked to complete the Annual Church Profile (ACP). The Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) and the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and their agencies use the data collected to be aware of trends and plan ministry accordingly.
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way.
Southern Baptists will, on Aug. 28, recognize Global Hunger Sunday to raise support for those in need.
With summertime fading, the new school year is at hand. According to home school, private school, and public school data, just over 513,000 Kindergarten through 12th grade students will be in Arkansas classrooms very soon.
About 400 Ukrainian Baptist congregations have been lost in Russia’s war on Ukraine, said Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary President Yaroslav Pyzh, who is working to restore pastoral leadership to impacted cities.
The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee has been informed that the United States Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into the SBC that will include “multiple SBC entities,” according to an Aug. 12 statement from all SBC entity leaders and SBC President Bart Barber.
The Missions Team of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) recently hosted two events with the title: Equipping Churches to Minister to Women in Crisis.
In this segment, we feature innovative and exciting things that churches are doing as well as any church staff changes.
Association camps were able to return in full force in 2022. Many students were impacted, and lives were changed as God moved in powerful ways this summer. The following stories illustrate the impact and importance of association camps in the lives of Arkansas Baptist students and children.
This year we celebrated 70 years of ministry through PraiseWorks and JoyWorks.
Emily Smith serves on the Evangelism+Church Health Team as the Children’s Specialist at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. As kids explore, discover, and grow, their
MILLS, Wyo. (BP) – Merry Marcus is among countless Southern Baptists nationwide who carefully watch their money to be sure they are able to participate
Pray for each person and family impacted by the floods in both Missouri and Kentucky.
If answering prayer is one way God has of revealing His grace, why would we not want to pray big?
A Lifeway research study explores U.S. Protestant pastors’ experiences with mental illness and how well their churches are equipped to respond to those who need help.
As surveyors continue assessing the damage done by the historic flooding that has deluged eastern Kentucky, Southern Baptists have begun planning their response.
During their first day in Peru, IMB missionary Amy Fisher had the missions team from Iglesia Bautista Nueve Jerusalem, Little Rock, Arkansas, do an activity
Putman baptized Ben on Easter Sunday at Mount Zion Baptist Church, Walcott, Ark., where he serves as the bi-vocational pastor.
The group tasked with recommending the next president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is currently working through the process with an active candidate, its chairman told Baptist Press July 26. Todd Howard, pastor of Watson Chapel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Ark., said the search team will present its report at the ERLC trustee board’s annual meeting in September.
One person sharing the gospel with another. It sounds simple but it can be intimidating.
We want to equip churches to creatively minister to women in crisis.
Churches from across the state are encouraged to bring parents, grandparents, staff and volunteers to be a part of this year’s NAVIGATE conference. The goal of NAVIGATE Conference is for attendees to leave feeling more equipped to face the realities of today’s culture and to do so with a renewed commitment to walk with children and students towards Jesus and the truth of Scripture.
After well over two years, Super Summer Arkansas made its return, continuing its focus on evangelism and discipleship for students in 6th-12th grades.
Dr. Daniel R. Grant, president emeritus of Ouachita Baptist University, died Wednesday, May 25. A celebration of Grant’s life will be held Saturday, July 23, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia.
All humans need to learn how to love, forgive, seek God’s guidance and most importantly repent.
On July 16th, 2022, the current 10-digit suicide prevention hotline number will transition to 9-8-8.
While the Supreme Court’s decision supports Christian efforts to defend each and every God-created life, there is still work to be done.
According to the latest statistics concerning estate planning, over fifty percent of United States’ citizens do not have an estate plan in place.
First Samuel chapter one chronicles Hannah’s cries to God for a son and God’s faithfulness to provide a child. Hannah’s story—in part—became our family’s story.
Pregnancy care centers across the United States were told to heighten security over the weekend in light of Friday’s (June 24) Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
The U.S. Supreme Court delivered what most religious liberty advocates declared an important victory in ruling Monday (June 27) the post-game, midfield prayer of a high school football coach did not violate the First Amendment’s ban on government establishment of religion.
The Supreme Court decision handed down today to overturn Roe v. Wade is significant.
Southern Baptist leaders are responding to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Political leaders are urging the pro-life community to prepare for a possible violent reaction to the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
Southern Baptist advocacy for life doesn’t end with the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on abortion.
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide abortion regime Friday (June 24) that lasted nearly half a century and resulted in the deaths of more than 60 million preborn children.
It’s not every day that you hear about an 80 year old who is physically able to run 100-mile races, much less someone that enjoys running that far.
On May 9, the Caroline Baptist Association honored Nina Burgan, who has served as the ministry assistant for the association since 2003.
Through a partnership with Jeremy Aylett, NAMB missionary and Arkansas native, we recently took a team of 11 students from our BCM at the University of Arkansas to serve alongside church planters in the greater San Diego area.
Yesterday was an historic day for the Southern Baptist Convention.
In one of two runoff elections at the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting, Bart Barber, pastor of First Baptist Church of Farmersville, Texas, was elected SBC president June 14 in a runoff with Florida pastor Tom Ascol.
Southern Baptists publicly lamented the harm their “actions and inactions have caused to survivors of sexual abuse” in a resolution adopted by messengers to the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif., on June 15.
The Southern Baptist Convention has set aside the fourth Sunday in June for churches to celebrate and raise a special offering for Mission:Dignity.
Outgoing Southern Baptist Convention President Ed Litton, former SBC president Fred Luter and noted author and pastor Tony Evans announced an initiative June 15 to build racial unity nationwide, conducted by the local church.
Missionaries heading to global areas where security is a concern were shown behind a screen. More than 90% of IMB missionary teams actively engage unreached people groups, many in hard-to-reach places where safety and security are daily considerations.
Southern Baptists responded with an overwhelming majority in favor of adopting the two recommendations presented by the Sexual Abuse Task Force presented June 14 at the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting.
Texas pastor Bart Barber won a run-off election for president of the Southern Baptist Convention Tuesday (June 14) evening at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.
International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood began IMB’s report to the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting with recent good news from the mission field.
Ted Traylor, pastor of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Fla., intends to nominate Georgia pastor Frank Cox for the office of SBC president Tuesday (June 14) during the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting.
Seven new SBC Executive Committee officers were elected during the group’s June 13 meeting, including new EC Chairman Jared Wellman, lead pastor of Tate Springs Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas.
Mark Clifton opened the 2022 SBC Pastors’ Conference by reminding shepherds of local congregations that there are no unimportant churches and no unimportant places.
Daniel Dickard, senior pastor of Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro, N.C., was elected president of the 2023 SBC Pastors’ Conference Monday afternoon (June 13).
Amid the busy event schedule of the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting, nearly 2,000 attendees gathered for the International Mission Board dinner.
Thirty-four churches engaged their communities through various outreach events Saturday, June 11, through Crossover, which partnered with Send Relief to host a Serve Tour experience that took place ahead of the 2022 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting.
ANAHEIM, Calif. (BP) – With the weight of so many important decisions facing Southern Baptists in the coming days, hundreds gathered to pray at the
The Board of Trustees voted to change the name of this ministry to Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries.
June 10 will be the 25th anniversary of the organizational meeting of the Red River Baptist Association (RRBA) Disaster Relief Team.
Send Relief announced its intent June 8 to give $3 million to fund the proposed Sexual Abuse Task Force (SATF) recommendations for sexual abuse reform, and an additional $1 million to establish a survivor care fund to provide trauma care for survivors and trauma training for pastors.
As Southern Baptists prepare to travel to Anaheim for the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting, the three known presidential candidates have submitted First-Person style essays to Baptist Press.
Staff changes at the ABSC will impact the College+Young Leaders Team and the Communications Team.
Spend time in God’s Word and focus on how to navigate troubling times so that you too can experience His favor upon you and your family for a thousand generations.
Former National Football League player Benjamin Watson and his wife have collaborated for the third time with the Southern Baptist Convention’s ethics entity to provide an ultrasound machine for the benefit of women in crisis pregnancies.
Former Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear says he’s encouraged by the SBC’s bottom-up structure putting power in the hands of lay members.
The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) held its Quarterly Board Meeting on Thursday, May 12 at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) building.
The word “doxology” is defined as an expression of praise to God. That is the very thing that the band entitled “Doxology” desires to lead their audience to do.
But at a gathering of missionary emeriti, these stories of sacrifice didn’t fill many moments. Instead, they spent hours telling stories of countless people coming to faith and the gospel penetrating the globe’s darkest places.
A hotline has been established to allow those affected by sexual abuse within Southern Baptist churches. The number is 202-864-5578.
The Southern Baptists of Texas Convention has dispatched ministers to South Texas to minister to the community and assist with relief in the wake of an elementary school shooting earlier Tuesday.
A statement from the ABSC Sexual Abuse Task Force regarding the recent report from Guidepost
The key strategy in making an impact this summer, in your kids ministry, is to be intentional—don’t let the elongated days of summer pass by without impacting the life of a child with the Gospel.
The below statement was issued today responding to the release of the Southern Baptist Convention Sexual Abuse Task Force report on behalf of Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC)
Months of work by the Sexual Abuse Task Force and Guidepost Solutions concerning the alleged mishandling of sexual abuse claims by the SBC Executive Committee (EC) resulted in a 288-page report released publicly Sunday (May 22).
Across the world, it is estimated that an abortion occurs every 23 seconds.
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month and in Arkansas, there are nearly 5,000 children in foster care.
Since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, Moldova, a small and impoverished nation bordering Ukraine, has received an estimated one refugee for every 25 Moldovans. Most refugees are being housed and cared for by churches in the Moldovan Baptist Union.
“It’s awesome that we were able to welcome more kids with special needs than ever before!”
We all have to agree that the safety and security of our houses of worship as we enter these troubling times of 2021 and beyond has to be a priority.
Four miles from the Tops Friendly Markets mass shooting May 14, North Buffalo Community Church Pastor William Smith is comforting a crying community.
Southern Baptist congregations saw a rebound in the number of baptisms and an increase of $304 million in overall giving in 2021, both hopeful signs congregations are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Camp Siloam is pleased to announce the grand opening of its newest bunkhouse.
There is no aspect of your life, ministry and church that will not be blessed if you will lead the way in your church becoming a “House of Prayer.”
Nearly 40 percent of Generation Z believe Jesus was a human and sinned like other people when He lived on earth, the American Bible Society reveals in State of the Bible 2022.
Charlie Houck loves serving as lead pastor at Mesa Church in San Diego.
If a church has a great next gen pastor, then that congregation should do everything within their power to cultivate a favorable environment for the pastor to have a long, fruitful ministry in the church.
Legacy of Praise, the words imprinted in the 75th anniversary logo, captured the spirit of Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock.
In this segment, we feature church staff changes, as well as church news and announcements you send to us.
hough he’s a busy senior professor of missions at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Robin Hadaway will be somewhat of a hometown presidential candidate when the SBC Annual Meeting takes place in Anaheim this summer.
Whether it’s from a video posted on social media or a microphone at the SBC Annual Meeting, you don’t have to listen to Bart Barber long before you know he cares about Southern Baptist polity.
For more than 30 years Tom Ascol has been known as a leader with deep theological convictions through his work at Grace Baptist Church and Founders Ministries.
In nature, what we know as a gift from our Creator has also been connected to mental health benefits through many years of research.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have selected Gregory Junior, cornerback from Ouachita Baptist University, in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He becomes the first-ever NFL Draft selection in Ouachita history.
Williams Baptist University commissioned over 40 students who will spend their summer working in ministry projects throughout the country in a special chapel service held in Manley Chapel on April 27.
When the people of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Cabot began to plan a celebration to honor their pastor for 25 years of ministry, church member Dennis Wilkins thought back to the Old Testament for an idea of stacking memorial stones.
Take somebody else’s idea and make it your own.
It’s very apparent that we need a great move of God in America—an outpouring of awakening and revival on our nation. We also know that
As someone who grew up in the church, I heard how important it was to share my faith with others early on in my life.
In early April, a team of six volunteers from the Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief traveled to Romania to assist however they might be needed. On April 14, we received the following report from our team…
Hundreds of Arkansas Baptists used part of their Saturday on April 9 to serve their communities during the annual One Day: Serve Local initiative.
Williams Baptist University officially broke ground on a meat processing facility and dedicated Williams Corner store on April 8.
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is “bringing the Dome” to Arkansas, connecting alumni, friends, and prospective students during Southwestern Nights event.
As pastors think about their greatest needs, some of those go beyond their ministries and are instead connected to their personal lives. Many pastors worry about their time management skills and how they can balance all the responsibilities they have at church and at home.
James Barham, LPC, LMFT, serves as the Counseling Director for Living Well Professional Counseling, www.livingwell.care, a ministry of Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries. As a Counselor, James fully understands that there are situations in life, such as when there has been trauma and abuse, that boundary setting is necessary rather than trying to rebuild or repair a relationship.
An Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief Update after Monday, April 11 storms.
Eight contenders arrived at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) building on Saturday morning, April 9 with their Bibles and a few butterflies.
The new app, provided through a partnership of the SBC Executive Committee and the Acts 2 Network, makes the programs more accessible for those not attending the 2022 events June 12-15 in Anaheim, said Jonathan Howe, SBC EC vice president for communications.
Southern Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference president Matt Henslee announced his intention to nominate Texas pastor Bart Barber for the office of SBC president at the upcoming SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim, June 14-15, 2022.
‘Around the State’ is a segment in the eMagazine that goes out every other Thursday to our email subscriber list. In this segment, we feature church staff
First Baptist Church in Sherwood held a day of celebration on Sunday, April 3, to celebrate being debt-free.
AR Baptist Brief brings you quick stories from around the state
MinistrySafe provides training to thousands of ministries, training more than 50,000 child-serving staff members, live and online, every month.
Southern Baptists have given more than $5.5 million to date. Disaster Relief teams from several state conventions have mobilized. Churches and small groups voiced prayers.
For the more than 1,500 Baptist churches in Romania, the decision to sacrifice their resources for the safety of neighbors was automatic…
The North Carolina coach has experienced the highs and lows of being a missionary in his own backyard, this year while leading the Tar Heels into a new era following the retirement of Roy Williams.
An update from Northwest Arkansas from our Disaster Relief teams as they clean up after Wednesday, March 30th storms.
Try to make a judgment on Cleveland Road Baptist Church from its exterior.
Disciple-making is the primary call of every pastor, and most recognize this as a skill they should continue to develop as church leaders.
Wendy Farrell of Springfield, Missouri has five daughters, including one she adopted from Ukraine eight years ago. When the war in Ukraine broke out, she felt compelled to help.
Dr. Justin K. Hardin has been named Ouachita Baptist University’s vice president for academic affairs, effective in summer 2022.
An update from Northwest Arkansas from our Disaster Relief teams as they clean up after Wednesday, March 30th storms.
Honoring Armstrong’s life means honoring the missions heritage of Southern Baptists and the contributions of Southern Baptist women.
As hearts and buildings are broken, International Mission Board missionaries are providing a digital lifeline for Ukrainians through a Facebook ad developed by missionaries and global partners.
Leadership Profile for 2022 Nominating Committee are now open! Nominations will be considered for all committees and boards.
“What a blessing it is to invest in the lives of the next generation of missionaries!”
Voddie Baucham, dean of theology at African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia, will be nominated for Southern Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference president at the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim…
Daniel Dickard, pastor of Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro, N.C., will be nominated for president of the 2023 SBC Pastors’ Conference.
Founders Ministries President Tom Ascol announced his intention to run for SBC president Tuesday (March 22) in a story published at the Daily Wire, a conservative news site conceived and founded by political commentators Ben Shapiro and Jeremy Boreing.
Former International Mission Board missionary Wade Akins has announced he intends to nominate fellow former IMB missionary Robin Hadaway for SBC president at the upcoming 2022 SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif.
The ABSC Missions Team recently hosted Arkansas Department of Corrections chaplains at Camp Paron for a three-day retreat on March 15 – 17. This was no ordinary retreat!
For 23 years, since the first Arkansas CWJC site began in Fort Smith, women across Arkansas have been impacted by this compassion ministry of Woman’s Missionary Union.
Women in the slum brothels of Kampala, Uganda, are learning God has not forgotten them, there is hope and redemption in their life stories, and He has given them a new name.
Despite a variety of challenges resulting from the ongoing war, a Christian radio station broadcasting to Slavic nations has continued its Gospel ministry, this time from Romania
Last January we came under conviction that Central Baptist Church, North Little Rock, could be much more intentional about prayer.
The goal of Serve Local is to provide a cooperative effort that assists churches in moving people from the pew to active ministry.
A Disaster Assistance & Response Team (DART) of Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) and volunteers returned from Poland last week to survey ways volunteers from the United States might engage and serve Ukrainian refugees fleeing the invasion of their homeland.
At least 97 million more people have fallen into extreme poverty globally since the COVID-19 pandemic began two years ago, World Relief said in a study released March 15 on the second anniversary of the declaration of the pandemic.
Prayer is an opportunity to spend time with God.
The emphasis on World Water Day also provides Southern Baptist churches a unique opportunity to share the WMU Compassion Ministry Pure Water, Pure Love (PWPL), with their congregations. PWPL exists to provide missionaries with water filters and water resources to the people they serve.
Churches have an opportunity to share the gospel, make a difference, and change a child’s life. Kids are worth it and VBS can still be a powerful tool to make an impact in your kids ministry this summer.
Amer and Vicki Safadi weren’t sure at first that Cincinnati was where God wanted them to plant a church.
A new Mandarin translation of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, the official statement of beliefs of the Southern Baptist Convention, is now available in traditional and simplified scripts at sbc.net.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
We want Arkansas Baptists to know what’s going on around the state and be able to celebrate together and encourage each other.
More than 1,600 students, young adults and church leaders gathered Saturday, March 5 at Immanuel Baptist Church (IBC) in Little Rock for the 2022 Lead > Defend apologetics conference which is a Cooperative Program ministry of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC). That number included middle/junior high students who attended Lead > Defend:Foundations.
275 million people are estimated lost in North America. That’s men, women, young adults and children. Among that population are more than 40 million people
On Tuesday, February 22 the Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) team showed up at the Little Rock Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) Center located at 5515 W.32nd St. in Little Rock, Arkansas to train 25 college students in Disaster Relief chainsaw recovery.
The announcement comes a day after current SBC President Ed Litton of Saraland, Ala., announced he will not seek a second term.
Citing a growing desire to develop a strategy to “bridge our divides and bring about a Gospel-driven unity and reconciliation” and the need to lead as a “pastor rather than from the office of president,” SBC president Ed Litton announced Tuesday (Mar. 1) that he would not seek a second term as SBC president at the upcoming SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif.
Polish Baptists and International Mission Board missionaries quickly rallied to respond to the needs of Ukrainian refugees crossing the border to seek sanctuary from the attack on their homeland.
The typical parental approach to the topic of sexuality is to avoid the subject as much as possible, drop one big “talk” sometime in their kids’ tween years, and then avoid it again for as long as possible.
In December of 2021, the Surgeon General released an advisory article on Protecting Youth Mental Health. Research shows us that mental illness and distress has increased rapidly in adolescents since the beginning of the pandemic
“We need a miracle from God,” Yaroslav Pyzh, president of the Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary in Lviv, Ukraine, said from his western Ukraine home in a Zoom interview with Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s news staff on the evening of Feb. 26.
On Thursday, Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine and launched attacks on cities and airports throughout the country, including near the capital, Kyiv.
An update from Northeast Arkansas from our Disaster Relief teams as they clean up after the most recent winter storm
The growing ethnic diversity of Arkansas requires more intentional church planting efforts among these diverse population.
A breaking news update from Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief in Northeast Arkansas
The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee has created a search team to begin the entity’s search for the new president and CEO
Williams Baptist University (WBU) will host a Youth Preview Event for any church or individuals with youth-aged students on March 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“We are called to serve well. We are called to steward well. We are called to submit to the lordship of the Lord Jesus Christ,” McLaurin said in the Feb. 21 plenary, drawing resounding applause and standing ovations.
“This investigation and the findings of it are not the ending of where we stand regarding sexual abuse,” said Mike Keahbone, pastor of First Baptist Church in Lawton, Okla. “It’s the very beginning. As an Executive Committee, with one heart [and] regardless of how the votes went in the past, we are united to stand against sexual abuse wholeheartedly.
Brasel said his team of BCM students and volunteers from the school and surrounding area churches hand out goody bags. Even Brasel’s grandson gets in on the distribution.
Lottie Elizabeth Sandusky charmed everyone she met in her mere 13 months of earthly life…
The selection process for a new president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is progressing, trustees of the Southern Baptist Convention entity were told Thursday (Feb. 17).
Christian Women’s Job Corps® (CWJC) is a ministry initiative of Woman’s Missionary Union. Women Equipped is one of five Arkansas CWJC sites.
New Send Network church planting missionaries can take advantage of increased support through the North American Mission Board (NAMB), anchored by a slate of customized benefits from GuideStone Financial Resources
Recently, I was blessed to hear Bill Elliff speak on the subjects of prayer, revival and spiritual awakening…
The congregations at Sligo Baptist and New Bethel Baptist, rural churches with similar footprints, had never heard of each other before the December tornadoes swept through western Kentucky.
The Ministry Report serves to aid the Southern Baptist Executive Committee in planning, evaluating and implementing the Cooperative Program Allocation Budget that will be presented for adoption by messengers at the June 2022 SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Calif.
“Around the world, as many as 811 million people – 1 out of 9 – go to bed on an empty stomach each night.”
*Names changed for security Ben is from a culturally Christian family in North Africa. He grew up in London and is familiar with Scripture. Adam*
Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ…Let us not lose heart in doing good… let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
In this segment, we feature church staff changes, as well as church news and announcements you send to us.
Last April, Archie Mason received clear confirmation that the podcast he hosted was meeting a long-neglected need and could literally save lives.
More time with Jesus in prayer would doubtless result in us having a more powerful influence on the unsaved.
The start of 2022 indicates a continuation of recent giving trends in the SBC as giving through the national Cooperative Program Allocation Budget has soared to more than 12 percent above budget for the fiscal year.
Neither John nor Serena Tail grew up as believers. “We routinely just lived for ourselves,” John explained. As a young person Serena often heard that church was full of hypocrites.
On February 1, Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries received our largest gift in its history.
George Liele is one of the most significant figures in the history of Christian missions.
In 1897, Annie Armstrong, recording secretary of the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), met with Nannie Helen Burroughs, an up-and-coming leader in the National Baptist Convention (NBC)…
The North American Mission Board (NAMB) announced Thursday, Jan. 27, that more than 50,000 people had, through the Who’s Your One evangelism campaign, represented their commitment to pray for and share the Gospel with at least one person by placing their “one” on the Who’s Your One map.
PraizFest ’22 was a great time of fellowship and worship as over ninety students gathered at First Baptist Church in Benton on Friday night and Saturday, January 28th and 29th.
This is the third article concerning, “Caring for the Care Giver.” The first two articles discussed the need for the ministry, the recruiting and organizing of the supporters, and the initial meeting with all interested parties.
Baptists in Western Ukraine have made plans to shelter fellow believers in the case of a Russian invasion at Ukraine’s eastern border, a Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary graduate who now leads a Baptist seminary in Ukraine told Baptist Press.
Willie McLaurin will be the interim president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee. The EC officers made the announcement Tuesday (Feb. 1)
People are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, loneliness, trauma, and broken relationships at unprecedented rates.
When it comes to sharing the Gospel, Evans encourages Christians to communicate that the Bible is relevant to every unique challenge that a person could face.
Arkansas Baptists are responding to our state’s critical nursing shortage through Ouachita’s new nursing program.
Kara and her husband are refugees from Burundi and live in South Africa. They work with IMB missionaries David and Julie Yngsdal, who serve among refugee communities in Durban, South Africa.
Williams Baptist University has announced the addition of Dr. Stephen and Tracy Bell to its faculty. The Bells will join WBU after 20-plus years of instruction at the College of Ozarks and work in the private sector.
For Jason and Allison Cook* history does repeat itself. Like Philip in the Bible, the Cooks obeyed God’s call on their life and traveled to another land.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ…Let us not lose heart in doing good…let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith,”
Being the Collegiate Church Mobilizer for the Metro New York Baptist Association involves helping churches reach over 80 college campuses with over one million students in a city with over eight million people.
“Everybody should be considering how the Lord is calling them to follow Jesus.”
ONTARIO, Calif. (BP) – My mother-in-law is an 88-year old loyal Southern Baptist who lives on a fixed income in a modest retirement center. She loves the Lord, her church and Southern Baptists. She has been a lifelong advocate of the Cooperative Program and understands, as a contributing member of a Southern Baptist church, she is a primary funder of Gateway Seminary. She reflects that understanding when she often asks, “How is my seminary doing?”
ECON gives Arkansas Baptists an annual opportunity to step away from the trenches of daily life to unite hearts and focus sights upon the Gospel message and ministries entrusted to us. As we draw nearer to the time for this year’s conference, I would like to suggest twenty-two reasons for you to prayerfully consider joining us:
It’s been almost two years since Arkansas Baptists last gathered for ECON, an evangelism and church health conference. However, 2022 is shaping up to be the year of returns as we head back to Geyer Springs Baptist Church in Little Rock on January 24-25 for a jam packed event – the first of many this year.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ…Let us not lose heart in doing good… let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith,”
After speaking directly with pastors to gather their perspectives on their ministry and personal challenges, Lifeway Research surveyed 1,000 U.S. pastors for the 2022 Greatest Needs of Pastors study to discover what they see as their most pressing issues.
NASHVILLE (BP) – Officers of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee will meet with EC vice presidents by the end of January, with a recommendation for one of them to serve as interim president coming at the Executive Committee’s February meeting, EC Chairman Rolland Slade told Baptist Press.
“The main purpose of the ABN is to point people to God by continually telling the stories of how He is working in our state.”
Dr. Mark Dance is joining GuideStone Financial Resources in the newly created Director of Pastoral Wellness position.
The WorldCrafts mission is this: “WorldCrafts develops sustainable, fair-trade businesses among impoverished people around the world.” Their vision is “to offer an income with dignity and the hope of everlasting life to every person on earth.”
Some of the women cut plastic shopping bags into strips then others loop and tie them together to form a ball of “plarn.”
The Evangelism + Church Health Team of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention will host three regional Kids Ministry + VBS trainings in April.
With the help of hundreds of churches, Pure Water, Pure Love (PWPL) provides thousands of water filters to missionary families and helps fund clean water projects.
“We cannot waste a day. The mission of God’s Kingdom to see people brought from death to life is too important.”
I didn’t set out to collect nativities, it just happened. They represent sweet memories and one of the sweetest stories.
Christmas at Ouachita had a deeper meaning this season compared to last. Our hope in Christ remained the same, but the way we acknowledged and worshiped this hope was done in fellowship and community, something we missed last season.
Events are held throughout the school year in the neighborhood, but nothing compares to the excitement that Christmas in The Cove brings to the campus and the community.
God never wastes time or opportunities to accomplish His work of drawing non-believers to him, strengthening His people and building His church—regardless of our pain or challenging situations.
“Jesus is for the nations, and so Christmas is for everyone. Opening your home for the holidays might just be one of the easiest ways to reach the nations this year.”
Six months ago, Daler* received a Bible from local Christians who were ministering in his village. Christian worker Brent Dorsett* has made several visits to this town, and he recently accompanied his national partner on a follow-up visit.
A round-up of headlines in sports from our Baptist universities, Williams Baptist University and Ouachita Baptist University.
Ben and Sheffield Coulter live in Magnolia, Arkansas, where he serves as senior pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church. John R. W. Stott said, “We must be global
Hope. Merely reading the word can stir our emotions, inspire positive thoughts and lift our spirit. Hope is what keeps us going, causes us to press forward even in the face of hardship or despair, and prevents us from giving up on ourselves or others regardless of past disappointments or current circumstances.
MONETTE, Ark. (BP) – Pastor Stan Ballard noted Monday’s “beautiful weather” as he described the resilience of the 1,500 or so people in Monette, Ark., in the face of death and destruction from unseasonable tornadoes.
Join us as we pray and fast together for spiritual awakening and revival in our state, the nation and the world. Devotions are available as a daily email and will be posted each day on social media from Jan. 3-23.
The Williams Baptist University (WBU) Board of Trustees met in regular session Friday and recognized WBU student Bailee Haskins for her life-saving actions following a recent accident.
BCM’s equip and empower student leaders to share this news boldly with the people God has placed in their lives. Here is the one-story (among many) of Gospel transformation shared by one of our student leaders, Landon.
A few years ago, God put the lost in North Little Rock on the heart of Roderick Rogers.
A round-up of headlines in sports from our Baptist universities, Williams Baptist University and Ouachita Baptist University.
A Lifeway Research study finds 9 in 10 U.S. adults say they celebrate Christmas, including many non-Christians. Overall, 91% of Americans celebrate the Christmas holiday, unchanged from 2010.
Immanuel Baptist Church of Magnolia served a Thanksgiving meal in the church fellowship hall to approximately sixty individuals from around the world.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s oral arguments Wednesday (Dec. 1) left pro-life advocates hopeful the justices are poised to uphold a state ban on abortion after 15 weeks’ gestation and possibly to overturn long-standing decisions in support of legalized abortion nationwide.
The week of prayer for international missions and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is Nov. 28-Dec. 5.
“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” – 2 Tim 2:2 (ESV)
Collectively, these three ladies had and are still having an immeasurable eternal impact for the Kingdom.
A round-up of headlines in sports from our Baptist universities, Williams Baptist University and Ouachita Baptist University.
‘Around the state’ is a segment in the eMagazine that goes out every other Thursday to our email subscriber list. In this segment, we feature church staff changes, as well as church news and announcements you send to us. We want Arkansas Baptists to know what’s going on around the state and be able to celebrate together and encourage each other.
Parents of kids with disabilities have both similar and unique needs in comparison to other parents. Brothers and sisters in Christ want to help each other but may struggle to know the best path
The Southern Baptist Convention Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission is focusing on pro-life work as oral arguments are scheduled for Dec. 1 at the Supreme Court in the case of Dobbs vs. Mississippi. Leaders from the ERLC talked with Jonathan Howe, vice president for communications of the SBC Executive Committee, during a special edition of the SBC This Week podcast released Monday
When Georges Boujakly arrived in Canada on New Year’s Eve 1969, his homeland of Lebanon was at war, the 19-year-old knew little English, and he had $30 to his name.
November 28 – December 5 is the Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (LMCO).
“There are a lot of forgotten people in a lot of forgotten places across rural America.” We give to the Cooperative Program to make sure they are not overlooked with the Gospel.
Arkansas Foundation holds quarterly board meeting, finalizes 2022 operating budget, and approves Amos distributions for mission work in Israel.
A round-up of headlines in sports from our Baptist universities, Williams Baptist University and Ouachita Baptist University.
SmartStart is an ABSC initiative designed to help churches in those crucial weeks after a pastor leaves.
What does child-centered adoption mean? First, it is informed by the question, “What is best for this child?” Further, it is motivated by the desire to provide families for children rather than children for families. Lastly, it seeks to value the birth mother and views adoption as a support of her brave choice.
GuideStone recently released information that Mission:Dignity recipients in Arkansas had received an additional check in September of this year.
On Oct. 29 in Kenya, IMB missionaries serving in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Asian Pacific Rim signed a memorandum of understanding solidifying the sending of missionaries from Asia to serve in Sub-Saharan Africa.
My simple advice for those journeying through holidays is to make whatever arrangement is necessary to not spend those days alone.
Adam Venters serves as the campus minister for Little Rock Baptist Collegiate Ministry, formerly Metro Baptist Collegiate MInistry. New Name On Nov. 9, the Little Rock
Sept. 26 marked the first time the IMB specifically celebrated the achievements and contributions of Hispanic churches and missionaries in taking the Gospel to every nation, tribe, people and language.
God has been asking the same thing from every person for all time, “obey me.”
“I want all of our ideas and strategies to be birthed out of our prayer life.”
This past summer more than 87,000 kids and students attended Lifeway camps with over 475 summer staffers providing fun and inspiring experiences at FUGE Camps, CentriKid Camps, Student Life Camps and Student Life Kids Camps.
Those of us whose families God has grown through adoption know that while our story is good, we did not become a family without brokenness and difficulty.
My college years were some of the most transformational years of my life
A round-up of this week’s sports headlines from our Baptist universities, Williams Baptist University and Ouachita Baptist University.
One hundred years ago a solemn procession made its way from the US Capitol, past the various National monuments, and across Memorial Bridge into Arlington National Cemetery.
Kitchens and his wife, Sherri, expressed their sincere gratitude to Southern Baptists for their faithful support and prayers during his decades of ministry as an endorsed Southern Baptist military chaplain.
The two new structures serve WBU’s Eagle Farms, which is a key component of the university’s Williams Works initiative.
For 176 years, Southern Baptists have sent missionaries to proclaim the gospel of hope among the nations through the IMB.
Dr. Magee has served as the director of the Williams Singers for 36 years and has touched the lives of many of his students in the process.
Church’s fellowship hall on Monday, October 25th for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Ministers’ Wives Conference.
The Institute has been a beacon of light and hope to bi-vocational pastors and church leaders across the state.
A round-up of sports headlines from our two Baptist universities – Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia and Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge.
The blessing of beautiful fall weather contributed to record attendance at fall festivals and trunk or treat events at many churches around Arkansas during the latter days of October.
An amendment to the Texas constitution prohibiting the state government from imposing limits on religious worship services passed with 62 percent of the vote Tuesday (Nov. 2).
As a new budget year gets underway, Southern Baptists continue to exhibit financial faithfulness and generosity resulting in a strong start to the 2022 fiscal year. Gifts through the National Cooperative Program Allocation Budget topped $16.7 million, exceeding budget expectations by more than 5.8 percent.
Along with discipleship, Geyer Springs First Baptist Church believes its generous support of the Cooperative Program is a key part of its strategy for advancing the Gospel.
The U.S. Supreme Court signaled Monday (Nov. 1) its dissatisfaction with a lower court’s ruling on a state abortion mandate and ordered it to reconsider that decision in light of the justices’ unanimous opinion in support of religious freedom earlier this year.
We can probably all agree that God works in amazing and unique ways. However, it never ceases to amaze me when I see His hands at work! God moves when you sometimes least expect it.
CABOT, Ark. – The 168th Annual Meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention convened last week, Oct. 26-27 at First Baptist Church in Cabot. The annual
Around the state features church staff changes as well as other church announcements.
Messengers to the Arkansas Baptist State Convention Annual Meeting approved six resolutions during the morning session on Wednesday Oct. 27.
CABOT, Ark. – On October 26 and 27 agencies and institutions with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) presented reports to approximately 500 registered messengers at First
At this stage, the high court is not considering the constitutionality of the Texas law but whether it may remain in effect while the case is being adjudicated and whether the U.S. government may challenge it in federal court.
A dozen states are challenging the Biden administration’s funding of organizations that perform or promote abortions in one front in an ongoing policy struggle.
NASHVILLE (BP) – Trustees of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee met in a closed session on Thursday (Oct. 28). It was the first meeting for the group since the resignations of key EC staff members and a letter from long-time attorneys, Guenther, Jordan & Price, withdrawing from providing legal counsel for the group.
The only demolition, however, came to perceptions about evangelism and discipleship – spiritual strongholds that whispered a tiny church in a county of less than 20,000 people couldn’t make a difference. The key tool was prayer. The first call, however, went to a plumber.
“OBEDIENCE AND FAITHFULNESS TO GOD GUIDES EVERYTHING WE DO INCLUDING THE STEWARDSHIP AND DISTRIBUTIONS OF FUNDS TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT KINGDOM IMPACT.” Arkansas Baptists desire to
“Missions and ministry endeavors that lead to life change and impacting lostness are what being an Arkansas Baptist is all about.”
WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP) – Nathan Rostampour expresses a heart for house churches. Among fellow Farsi speakers in his native Iran where he accepted Christ in secret, any outward display of salvation can be deadly.
Government leaders voted in favor of the settlement in exchange for the church dropping its lawsuit that claimed the county’s measures amounted to discrimination.
In serving SBC churches, the statement began, NAMB seeks to “fulfill its mission in fidelity” to The Baptist Faith and Message. As part of that commitment, NAMB will endorse or fund church planters whose practices remain consistent with the BF&M.
The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee in Nashville, lists a trio of claims for Stone’s legal action: defamation – libel, false light invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Officers of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee are planning for a special called meeting of the members. A letter from 25 EC trustees calling for the meeting was sent to EC Chairman Rolland Slade on Oct. 13.
Even the 2019 kidnapping and torture of two team members, the 2015 kidnapping and brutal beating of his wife Laurie and the 2018 murder of a base manager did not sway medical missionary David Vanderpool to close shop in Haiti.
Anticipated nominations for officers to serve at the 2022 Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Annual Meeting have been announced. Dr. J.D. “Sonny” Tucker, ABSC Executive Director, said that he has
Arkansas Baptists from around the state will gather at First Baptist Cabot next week for the Annual Meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 26-27. The Pastors’ Conference
Five Arkansas Baptist women were involved in English-teaching ministry through the Brooklyn Arab American Friendship Center, October 12-15. Prayer walking, visiting in women’s homes for coffee and prayer, encouraging missions partners, and doing
Greg Addison, executive vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, is stepping down. Addison notified Ronnie Floyd, SBC EC president and CEO, of his intention to step down on Oct. 15, according to an email sent to EC trustees and staff on Wednesday (Oct. 20).
f you ask Archie Mason, senior pastor of Central Baptist Church, how many cattle he manages alongside his son, Ty, he’ll tell you, “One too many.” However, for the last couple of months a mentality of “just one more” has taken root at the Arkansas church as 76 baptisms have been registered between its campuses in Jonesboro and Paragould.
We have a responsibility as believers to grow in our relationship with God. We also have the responsibility to be helping other people grow in their relationship with God.
“There is a difference between living next to someone and being their neighbor.”
A round-up of sports headlines from our two Baptist universities – Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia and Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge.
Ronnie Floyd, president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee, announced his resignation Thursday night (Oct. 14) in a letter to Southern Baptists released by email.
“[God’s] hand has been and is all over your life and your preaching and your ministry,” Dew said to Luter. “You are not just the pastor of Franklin Avenue, you are the pastor of New Orleans, and brother, we are grateful for you.”
Nigeria is increasingly in the news, and not for its tourist attractions. Headlines amplify the spiral of hatred, civil unrest, violence, kidnapping and destruction that is “spinning out of control” in many parts of the African nation, according to some observers.
Pastors from Texas, Oklahoma and Washington join a CPA in making up the five-member Committee on Cooperation that will act as a liaison between the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, the Sexual Abuse Task Force and Guidepost Solutions during the ongoing investigation over the possible mishandling of reports of sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention.
Proud, officially announced to the role on Monday (Oct. 11), has been in his current position as director of missions for the Orange County Southern Baptist Association in southern California since August 2011. His first day as Colorado Baptists’ executive director will be Dec. 1.
Because someone has directly discipled me, I have a desire and a goal to disciple others and to share with them what Christ has done in my life.
Jared Farley is the BCM Campus Minister at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. Over 300 college students from across the state gathered this past weekend
A round-up of sports headlines from 10/02 – 10/07 on our two Baptist universities
For southern Louisiana, they are living through the aftermath.
Sara Patterson is from Wylie, Texas and is a senior Christian Studies major with minors in English and Communications at Ouachita Baptist University. Ouachita Baptist University
‘Around the State’ is a segment in the eMagazine that goes out every other Thursday to our email subscriber list. In this segment, we feature church staff
RUSSELLVILLE – Arkansas Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) members and guests, together with International Mission Board (IMB) alumni and Arkansas missionary parents, celebrated missions at Second Baptist Church, Russellville, October
October is here and that means so is Pastor+Staff Appreciation Month! Every year here at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, we try to put together some new
Supporters of abortion rights succeeded in the executive branch Monday (Oct. 4), when the Biden administration announced the repeal of a Trump-era rule that prohibited family planning funds for Planned Parenthood and other organizations that perform or promote abortions.
Trustees met for more than three and a half hours via Zoom before the group voted in favor of a motion to waive privilege by a margin of 44-31. Three members abstained from the vote. Six members of the committee resigned between today’s meeting and the meeting on Sept. 28.
Digital media has changed the world. Jesus commissioned believers to make disciples of all nations, and that work is directly impacted by the accessibility provided through the internet. The ancient Roman Road opened the way to share Christ with the world in the apostle Paul’s day, and today the internet is opening the world in a new way for believers
John Dina’s job description isn’t medicine as missions, but he sees his work in community development in Mozambique as one way of doing healthcare missions.
A group from the ERLC, including Elizabeth Graham, ERLC vice president of operations and life initiatives, personally delivered the ultrasound machine to Hope House today to begin training their staff for this life-saving work.
Attendees at the Shrink the Divide racial reconciliation gathering at Redemption Church in Mobile, Ala., Sunday night (Oct. 3) took their seats, perhaps beside those who appeared most familiar. Then they were asked to change.
After a pandemic-influenced decline in 2020, Southern Baptists rallied to give $66.5 million to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® (AAEO) in 2021, the highest amount ever given to the offering that supports missions in North America.
We rejoice knowing that churches were mobilized for missions, needs were met, the Gospel was proclaimed and more than 100 people came to saving faith in Jesus!
It began with a birthday present and has grown into a group that gathers each week for fellowship and music.
A round-up of headlines in sports from our Baptist universities, Williams Baptist University and Ouachita Baptist University. Williams Baptist University Lady Eagles Drop AMC Opener
Hello! We are the Pollard* family. Both of us, Adam* and Evelyn*, were born and mostly raised here in Arkansas. We have five children, and four of them were born overseas. We have
The Marshalls are two of the 34 IMB missionaries recognized during the Sending Celebration on Sept. 29, 2021, at Staples Mill Road Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. The missionaries were approved for appointment by International Mission Board trustees earlier that day during their meeting.
Tim Beougher considers himself blessed that he already understood evangelism to be a natural part of the Christian life before he realized that for many Christians, it isn’t.
A five-hour meeting by Executive Committee members Tuesday (Sept. 28) included debate over three different motions and amendments toward negotiating a contract with the Sexual Abuse Task Force and Guidepost Solutions. The end result brought another agreement to extend discussions another seven days in order to pursue a potential agreement through what came to be called the Michigan model.
As feeding begins to wind down in Louisiana, most Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) sites will continue assisting homeowners into October. Some sites will remain active until the middle of the month, while at least one will continue until the end of October.
Brewton had served as the Carolyn King Ragan Professor of Church Music and Worship since 2002 and was head of the Department of Biblical Worship. He taught students at Boyce College and Southern Seminary for almost 20 years.
In a ceremonial bill signing at Great Hills Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist congregation in Austin, Abbott called the moment “a celebration,” the Texas Tribune reported. He was at the church for the annual Texas Faith, Family & Freedom Forum, hosted by policy group Texas Values.
Each August, the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) provides an opportunity for their Board of Directors to learn more about the work and ministry of the
UPDATE Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief and other agencies continue to clean up after Hurricane Ida, which made landfall at the end of August. Teams have continued to
Pray for Joel and Kellie to continue ministering with favor and boldness.
The 2021 Convention Nominating Committee Report
The 168th annual meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) will take place on Oct. 25-27 at First Baptist Church, 204 N. 3rd Street, Cabot, AR. The theme for this year’s annual meeting is “COMPELLED.” As Christ followers, we are compelled by the Spirit to testify to the Gospel. (Acts 20:22,24).
On August 17, 2021, the Executive Board of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention met and approved three recommendations to be presented to the messengers during
A marathon afternoon session that stretched past three hours Tuesday (Sept. 21) ended with Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee members approving a motion to fund a contractual agreement with Guidepost Solutions for investigating claims of mishandling sexual abuse accusations.Â
NASHVILLE (BP) — Southern Baptist sacrifice and generosity has pushed cumulative giving to the annual Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® for North American Missions past the $2 billion mark. The milestone was announced by North American Mission Board (NAMB) president Kevin Ezell as he shared a report with members of the SBC Executive Committee Monday evening, September 20.
Debate over the long-term effects of waiving attorney-client privilege and remaining in step with the entitys fiduciary responsibility led the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee to call for an executive (or closed) session Monday afternoon (Sept. 20).
“From our first meeting she was eager and excited to know God,” said Ellison. “She believed that God’s Word was truth and was eager to learn it for herself.”
“My heart is heavy about this gathering,” he said. “I think all of us feel the weight of it, and we need to find a way forward for the glory of God together.”
God and His mighty power at work within us, can do anything He wants to do through us.
When you give to your church, you give to missions through the Cooperative Program, bringing the Good News to the whole world.
A round-up of headlines in sports from our Baptist universities, Williams Baptist University and Ouachita Baptist University. Williams Baptist University Lady Eagles Drop Doubleheader to
Children’s Ministry is difficult in a lot of ways. It’s not even working with kids that make it so challenging. Instead, having enough people ready and able to serve is the most difficult part.
The Digital Public Square project will focus on the areas of human dignity, ethics, free speech and religious freedom. Jason Thacker, ERLC’s chair of research in technology ethics and author of the forthcoming book, “Following Jesus in the Digital Age,” from B&H Publishing, is spearheading the project.
Barry Calhoun opened the Bible study book on his desk and thought about Jesus’ parable of a man who refused to stop knocking on his neighbor’s door for help.
Baptist work in Brazil has grown from a small group of people 150 years ago to 15,000 congregations and 3.5 million people today.
The board of trustees of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention announced today they are accepting applications from interested candidates for the office of president and CEO of the ERLC.
FORT WORTH (BP) – In a conversation during chapel at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Tuesday (Sept. 14), Southern Baptist Convention President Ed Litton addressed topics ranging from God’s work through suffering, racial reconciliation, the crisis facing the SBC Executive Committee and the accusations of plagiarism that have dogged him since early in his presidency.
The ERLC trustees endorsed without opposition a profile presented by the presidential search committee that consists of eight criteria a candidate must meet to fulfill the role of the commission’s next head. The action occurred during the trustees’ annual meeting, which will conclude Wednesday (Sept. 15) at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville.
The GMB has appointed Mark Dooley as interim executive director. Dooley has been an active figure in convention life for decades and has served as the BCM/D’s state director of evangelism and Church Services team leader since 2019. He began serving as the interim executive director Wednesday (Sept. 15).
We asked some recently returned Disaster Relief volunteers to share their stories and experiences, so far, from Hammond and these are their words.
The new bunkhouse will continue the design aesthetic that the camp has been working developing the last several years and will be a prototype for future bunkhouses at the camp.
The first weeks of school for an incoming freshman are some of the most pivotal days of their lives.
Today is the last day to register so don’t wait!
Cabrera was sent to partner with IMB missionary Jeremy Taliaferro’s team serving these refugees earlier this summer. The team’s main objectives are humanitarian aid and spiritual aid. He plans to be in the country for a minimum of three years.
Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, reacted to the announcement saying: “We encourage vaccination but oppose mandated vaccination. We are watching the situation closely and fully expect multiple legal challenges to be filed against the President’s announced mandate to private employers.”
When an individual from an unengaged, unreached people group comes to faith, many rejoice
Twenty years after spending weeks in what could only be called a war zone, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers are reflecting on their experience working in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 and how it affected their lives.
The high court granted a stay of execution on the same night John Ramirez was scheduled to receive the death penalty for a 2004 murder in Corpus Christi, Texas.
On almost any given day throughout the year, Arkansas Baptist churches are actively meeting needs and sharing Jesus in their local communities.
Messengers approved the formation of the task force at the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting in June just five days after the Executive Committee had announced Guidepost would conduct a similar review at its own request. The Executive Committee-commissioned review was subsequently put on hold pending the actions of the task force.
A round-up of headlines in sports from our Baptist universities, Williams Baptist University and Ouachita Baptist University.
A week before Hurricane Ida hit southeastern Louisiana, William Bekemeier had just endured a heart attack. After he rode out the storm and felt the shock of a tree landing on his family’s house, he didn’t have the strength or stamina to clear the tree from his yard
Bethlehem Church, with Sunday attendance of about 4,000 on its three campuses, is routinely one of Georgia’s top baptizing churches with 200 or more yearly since 2018.
Southern Baptist Convention President Ed Litton and North American Mission Board Send Relief President Bryant Wright visited Louisiana Baptist churches, Sept. 6, who are hosting disaster relief teams in areas hit hard by Hurricane Ida.
Through the IMB Summer Sojourners program, four U.S. university students braved COVID-19 and unrest in Columbia to spend the summer serving with the Touch of Life Foundation in Bucaramanga, which ministers to Venezuelan refugees.
The impact that short-term missions can have on an individual is immense.
The Gospel is still the power of God for salvation.
A round-up of headlines in sports from our Baptist universities, Williams Baptist University and Ouachita Baptist University. Williams Baptist Lady Eagles Go 0-2 on Day 1 at MVC Viking
The Florida Baptist Convention has begun the process of sending more than 1,200 tarps to pastors and churches in the affected area near the large city of Les Cayes, about 150 miles west of capital city of Port-Au-Prince.
In a 5-4 split, the high court rejected a last-ditch effort by abortion providers and advocates to halt enforcement of the Texas Heartbeat Act (S.B. 8), which can prohibit abortions as early as five to six weeks into pregnancy.
Churches in several communities in Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. John the Baptist and Jefferson parishes were damaged, including churches on the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain and spanning more than 150 miles inland to Denham Springs. Ida killed at least eight people in the state.
Church planting has been about more than just starting a church. It has been about igniting light in a very dark place.
Lifeway was made aware of the need for Bibles by Felix Cabrera, senior director of NAMB’s Send Network Español, who had been in contact with Brandon Hembree, lead pastor of Impact Church in Washington D.C. Impact Church has a sister church near the border in El Paso, Texas, that regularly ministers to immigrants in detention centers.
When you and your Church give through the Dixie Jackson Arkansas Missions offering, you allow for ABSC Disaster Relief to stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to block enforcement of the measure in response to a last-ditch request by abortion-rights organizations meant the law became the first heartbeat ban to take effect in the United States.
For believers in South Asia, persecution comes in many forms. Often, professing faith in Christ can affect their standing within their communities and their ability to secure a means of providing for their families.
As New Orleans’ power company, Entergy, faces what it described as “catastrophic transmission damage” and the city faces what might be weeks without power, Dew pledged the seminary’s support to displaced students, staff, and faculty as they face displacement for the next couple of weeks.
Relationships, trust, and community is happening, and we look forward to seeing God cultivate these relationships.
Sara Smith knew that Williams Baptist University was where she wanted to attend, but neither she nor her family knew how they could afford it until a bold new initiative at the school opened an opportunity no one saw coming.
The prayer guide is one of the many resources Send Relief is providing for Southern Baptists related to the Afghanistan crisis.
Southern Baptist seminaries and affiliated colleges are taking a position of following COVID-19 recommendations while allowing room for individual choices as a surge in cases continues, driven largely by the highly contagious Delta variant.
Pastor Terry Dale Hudgins was in chapel at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary 27 years ago when he thought he heard God’s call to international missions.
A round-up of headlines from the world of sports at Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.
Ouachita is in its 135th year as a Christ-centered learning community.
Students accepted into Williams Works agree to work 16 hours per week all through the fall and spring semesters, and in exchange have their tuition and student service fees covered.
One Day Acts 1:8 Missions Experience provides an annual opportunity for Arkansas Baptists to impact lostness in a specific area of our state.
Members of First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs voted 69-35 on Aug. 22 to demolish the 100-year-old building that had been preserved as a memorial.
International Mission Board missionaries saw 18,380 churches planted, 144,322 new believers and 86,587 baptisms in 2020. This could not have happened without the prayers and financial support of Southern Baptist churches.
Send Relief is working with the Florida Baptist Convention and local Haitian churches on the ground to meet critical needs in the wake of the earthquake.
Parents and ballplayers know some things simply go with being a part of California Little League’s District 66.
The first three weeks of a collegian’s time on campus are the most pivotal. They begin to set patterns that literally shape the rest of their lives.
Ouachita’s News Bureau ARKADELPHIA, Ark.—Ouachita Baptist University will break ground on a 144-bed, $12.6 million student apartment complex this month, with plans for it to
Vazgen Zohrabyan was nine years old, living in Soviet Union-controlled Armenia when the Iron Curtain began to crumble in 1990.
When you give to your church, you give to missions through the Cooperative Program, bringing the Good News to the whole world.
A round-up of headlines from the world of sports at Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.
Send Relief, Southern Baptists’ compassion ministry arm, has begun the process of helping Afghan refugees as they resettle around the world by working with World Relief and other ministry partners.
Over the last two months, it’s been The Question directed at Ed Litton. “How are you going to unify the Southern Baptist Convention?”
Refugees take more than one journey. The more obvious journey is the one they take away from instability and threats of violence and death in search of stability and safety. Another journey is one of trauma, and for many women, it includes domestic and sexual abuse.
The full Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans reversed a federal judge and its own three-person panel in a
When a natural disaster hits, Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief is almost always the first to arrive and the last to leave.
Several recent news stories provided Southern Baptists the opportunity for reflection, reinforcement and encouragement regarding the pro-life ethic.
More than half of Gen Z Christians, 53 percent, have a very positive view of letting the way they live be the primary witness of their faith to non-Christians, compared to 40 percent who have a very positive view of sharing their faith by testimony
Gov. Chris Sununu signed into law on Aug. 10 a bill that in essence defines churches and other religious organizations as providers of “essential services.”
On Jan. 13, 2020, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 outside of China was reported in Thailand. Since then, Southeast Asia has experienced wave after debilitating wave of the virus.
As Taliban insurgents take control in Afghanistan, Christians around the world and believers in the beleaguered nation are pleading for prayer.
I like to say that I teach Cake to Christ. When women are learning how to bake a cake, they’re getting the gospel.
The ERLC applauds the Indiana court’s decision to reaffirm the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ constitutional rights and its prerogative to operate according to its deeply held religious beliefs, and the bearing that has on all other religious persons and institutions.
[Dana] Moore is the pastor of Second Baptist Church Corpus Christi and has been ministering to John Henry Ramirez in prison for several years as a part of Second Baptists’ chaplaincy ministry.
Calls from Southern Baptist leaders and others for immediate assistance, warnings of devastating consequences for Christians and prayer requests followed the rapid takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban.
God can use one week to completely change the trajectory of a college student’s life.
A massive earthquake that struck Haiti Saturday morning (Aug. 14) and has left more than 1,200 dead has spurred Southern Baptists to coordinate relief efforts.
At first glance, Korean and Zambian cultures don’t share many similarities.
“I want to follow Jesus, but I have years of Hinduism to unlearn.”
For better or for worse, technology plays a significant role in many of our lives and the lives of our children.
During consideration of a budget resolution, senators approved in a 50-49 vote an amendment by Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., that bars federal funds from being used to pay for abortions.
For a quarter century, Stewart served in multiple capacities at NOBTS until his retirement in July 2003.
This is good news for children, families and Christians who want to continue serving in roles without conforming to “the latest fashionable ‘right side of history’ cause.”
Historically a study of how adults interact with Scripture, this year’s State of the Bible includes the opinions and perceptions of Gen Z, which spans ages 9-24, and studies Gen Z youth as a subset spanning ages 15-17.
Jesus is the one who gives eternal life, and you cannot lose your salvation! Imagine hearing that truth for the very first time.
Arkansas Baptist Homes for Children in Monticello recently announced that Allen Elkins and his wife, Renee joined their staff on August 1. Allen is serving as Campus Director and Renee is serving as Campus Care Coach. A
Camp Siloam is a place of eternal, global impact, where life change happens from the worship center to the water slide and anywhere in between.
As a follower of Jesus, there is always a chance the Spirit can break through the mundane of a day and use a willing vessel as a tool to bring redemption to a dark soul.
This year’s Prayer Gathering for Pastors and All Ministers will be held August 30-31 at Indian Springs Baptist Church, 23581 I-30, Bryant, Arkansas.
‘Around the State’ is a segment in the eMagazine that goes out every other Thursday to our email subscriber list. In this segment, we feature church staff changes,
Since Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, states have enacted 1,313 abortion restrictions – 566 of them since the beginning of 2011. But this year alone, there have been an additional 561 abortion restrictions proposed in state legislatures…
Clint Purvis walked the sidelines with Bobby Bowden for 21 years and was his friend for 33. In that time, he witnessed a sporting legend grow as Bowden became one of the winningest college football coaches in history, claiming two national championships and an era of success few programs have experienced.
The CALLED website features a library of video and blog post resources contributed by a variety of prominent evangelical leaders aimed at helping individuals process their own calls to ministry.
Leading a declining church through change and revitalization takes a sense of humor and lots of patience says Charles “Buddy” Parrish, pastor of First Baptist Church Sweetwater.
An Aug. 3 press release from Judicial Watch and The Center for Medical Progress uncovered public records from the National Institutes of Health (a part of HHS) related to “government-sponsored fetal experimentation” that focused on minimizing the amount of time aborted fetal organs go without blood flow.
The College and Young Leaders Team has partnered with several church leaders to craft a one-day, overnight retreat to help your ministry and your students move into this season of discipleship and mobilization.
The team distributes a pamphlet that explains each of their pins. If people have time, they share their faith and use the pins to talk about faith, grace and God’s redemption.
According to a study from Nashville-based Lifeway Research, when asked which feeling they seek to avoid the most, 4 in 10 U.S. adults (41 percent) say fear. Far fewer say shame (24 percent) or guilt (22 percent). Around 1 in 10 aren’t sure.
NAMB mobilizes college students across North America each summer. These GenSend student missionaries work with church planters and compassion ministry missionaries, helping them serve and reach their communities for six to eight weeks.
The Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) decried the July 30 action by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and called for its reversal.
“One minute you think you’ve seen it all, then God does something to reassure you that He is at work, and you just get to join Him in it.”
NASHVILLE (BP) – Summertime often negatively impacts church attendance and giving as families travel for vacations. But even as the country experiences more than usual travel this summer and a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, giving through the SBC Cooperative Program Allocation Budget remains consistent, meeting the expected budget again in July.
HANNIBAL, Mo. (BP) – As a professor of Christian studies and religious history at Hannibal-LaGrange University (HLGU), Miles Mullin is always looking for ways to communicate the history and impact of Baptist work to the students in his charge.
In 2020, 4.3 billion people lived in cities – that’s 56 percent of the global population. By 2050, it is estimated more than 2 billion people will be added to that number.
SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. (BP) – The Cooperative Program is neither a “sacred cow” nor the only way to support missions. Rather, it’s the best way to financially provide for Kingdom-building missions, say members of Goshen Baptist Church, who will celebrate the church’s 150th anniversary next year.
GALLATIN, Tenn. (BP) – A week ago, Pastor Travis Fleming of First Baptist Gallatin thought all-digital worship services, recommended masking and strict social distancing were a thing of the past.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP) – Evangelist and well-known speaker Wade Morris died Tuesday morning (Aug. 3) at age 51 after a battle with COVID-19 and pneumonia.
When an individual from an unengaged, unreached people group comes to faith, many rejoice: the missionaries who’ve dedicated their lives to reaching the people group, the believers and churches in the United States who’ve spent time praying for and investing resources in the people, the national believers and churches who have been instrumental in gaining access to and reaching the people, and even the angels in heaven (Luke 15:10).
Prestonwood Baptist Church Pastor Jack Graham (second from right) presents a $1 million dollar gift to IMB President Paul Chitwood (second from left) Sunday, Aug. 1. Also pictured: L. Gilberto Corrdera, pastor of Prestonwood en Español (left) and John Brady, IMB’s Vice President for global engagement (right).
TOKYO (BP) – Japan’s population is aging. Almost 30 percent of its population is 65 years old and older. This statistic is affecting church planting, church health and church growth. International Mission Board missionaries and Japanese Christians must answer the question, “Who will lead the next generation of believers?”
TAMPA (BP) – Florida deacon Bobby Falcone was seeking to become the legal guardian of his handicapped sister when he discovered a trail of stolen, black-market babies that led to his biological father who never knew Falcone existed.
NASHVILLE (BP) – Southern Baptists continue to fight against human trafficking worldwide as the issue is acknowledged by the United Nations on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons today, July 30.
Driving my son to school one morning a few years ago, my five-year-old stated, “Mommy, do bad guys do bad things because they do not know Jesus?” I replied, “Yes you have it right—bad guys do bad things because they don’t know Jesus, but God has given us the task to share Jesus with them.” After pondering for a moment, my son replied back, “Mommy, I think I may be too scared to do that, but we could make a big sign and put it up.”
In recent years, church planting has been elevated to a key focus in the state of Arkansas. The Church Planting Team of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) aims to come alongside churches to assist with, raise up and support church planters as they work to establish new works across the state and across the country. Through leadership assessments, training, development, resources, prayer and financial support, the Church Planting Team helps churches plant between 15 to 30 new works each year.
‘Around the State’ is a segment in the eMagazine that goes out every other Thursday to our email subscriber list. In this segment, we feature church staff changes, as well as church news and announcements you send to us. We want Arkansas Baptists to know what’s going on around the state and be able to celebrate together and encourage each other.
Since 2010, thousands of underserved Arkansans have received free medical and dental care and hundreds have trusted Christ through Medical and Dental Missions of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC), a mission funded 100% through Dixie Jackson.
Williams said the SBC cannot change its past but must move forward with a united goal.
Speakers focused on the meeting’s theme, “Pressing On Toward the Goal,” and the central verse of Phil. 3:12-14.
The ERLC and five other organizations joined in a brief filed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) regarding a case involving Mississippi’s ban on abortions of unborn children whose gestational age is more than 15 weeks.
Conflict in terms of race relations boils down to a pivotal question, Pastor Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship told those gathered at his church on Wednesday, July 21.
Through the agreement, students in the Williams Works initiative will gain important certifications, as well as hands-on experience in healthcare.
IMB missionary Donn Broeker said he believes many Japanese are eager to connect with others, especially after 17 months of COVID restrictions.
“The calling keeps you, and seeing lives transformed by the Gospel motivates you.”
At the beginning of 2021, Glenn Mitchell, co-director of the church’s food pantry ministry, shared that he needed help due to a potential shortage of workers and the ongoing need for provisions. We prayed and I encouraged him to pray and encourage all involved to pray together to ask God to provide the food and workers. He and the others who serve in that ministry began meeting in prayer each week before they distributed food. They gather in a circle while holding hands to pray for direction, more workers, and food to share with those in need.
VIENNA, Va. (BP) – Controversy over the election of three elders reached a boiling point during a contentious business meeting last Sunday (July 18) at McLean Bible Church, where former International Mission Board President David Platt is pastor.
Several evangelical organizations, both internationally and in the U.S., are partnering together in an effort to cover Japan with 1 million hours of prayer during the 30 days of the 2021 Olympic and Paralympic games.
NASHVILLE (BP) – SBC President Ed Litton released a video Tuesday (July 20) following the first meeting of a task force he named to oversee an independent review of the SBC Executive Committee.
ST. LOUIS (BP) – Southern Baptist leaders commended the latest court victory for a student faith group that was removed from a state university campus for requiring its leaders to be Christians.
Williams Baptist University received a $7,500 gift from First National Bank of Lawrence County Wednesday in support of the Williams Works program. The check was presented to WBU President Dr. Stan Norman by Paula Haskins, assistant cashier and head teller for the Walnut Ridge branch of the bank.
Many Central Asian refugees found themselves grounded in one country on the refugee highway, routes often traveled by refugees crossing country borders, in 2015 and 2016 and the grounding continues due to the pandemic. This is the longest missionaries William and Darlene King*, who serve with the International Mission Board, have had with refugees whose journey on the refugee highway is somewhat of a modern-day telling of Homer’s Odyssey.
DALLAS (BP) – As a 33-year-old with a young family, NBA writer Jonathan Tjarks had never really thought about his own mortality, which is why he said it was “absolutely shocking,” to be diagnosed with cancer this April.
In a unanimous decision, the federal court for the 8th Circuit held that administrators at the University of Iowa are violating the First Amendment by removing Christian, Muslim, and Sikh student organizations for choosing student leaders who share the group’s mission and values. The court’s ruling of InterVarsity v. University of Iowa follows a series of recent decisions that uphold the First Amendment’s free exercise clause and specifically rejects skewed applications of anti-discrimination policies based on a leader’s viewpoints.
Jose and his wife, Juanita*, were Spanish speaking immigrants to Israel, working in a newly opened coffee shop when Ben and Christy walked in that spring evening.
HOUSTON (BP) – The Southern Baptist Convention’s ethics entity called for prompt congressional action after a federal court halted a program that has prevented the deportation of undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children.
WASHINGTON (BP)—The congressional effort to continue to prohibit taxpayer funds from paying for abortions suffered multiple setbacks Thursday (July 15).
Pursuing Gospel-centered community among do-it-yourself pioneers might seem like an inefficient evangelism method, but in Grand Junction, Colorado, the art of neighboring has proven itself effective in the life of River City Church.
KADUNA, Nigeria (BP) — In six days of attacks after the kidnapping of more than 125 Baptist school students in Kaduna, Nigeria, terrorists have killed at least 33 area civilians and burned four churches and hundreds of nearby homes, witnesses told Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
LACHISH, Israel (BP) — A written inscription spelling the biblical name “Jerubbaal” or “Yeruba’al,” has been found during an archaeological dig in a Southern District of Israel, according to media reports.
NASHVILLE (BP) — An expressed love of missions, education and the Gospel flow from the life experiences of Florida’s Archalena Coats and Louisiana’s Carolyn Fountain, the first two Black women to serve on the SBC Executive Committee.
Addiction is giving up everything for one thing. Recovery is giving up one thing for everything.
The opinion overturned a 2-1 decision last August by a Seventh Circuit panel in favor of a music director terminated by a Catholic church.
Along with making sacred American music accessible to the public, the NEH grant will support the research and writing of 425 volume summaries, 100 collection descriptions and 15 bibliographic essays introducing readers to the many works and contributions of the authors.
Teaching others English as a second language is personal to Natalie Prim of Ocala. Her father was an immigrant who came to America in the late 1940’s and married her American mother.
NASHVILLE (BP) – John Blackmon’s father-in-law couldn’t hear the message, but its boldness and life-changing capability rang through loud and clear two weeks before he died.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (BP) — Before his “eureka moment,” one of Pastor Reginald Hayes’ favorite meals was a McDonald’s fish sandwich. He could buy one, eat it in the car and be tempted to buy another upon reaching the next McDonald’s just around the corner.
WASHINGTON (BP) – The District of Columbia has agreed to pay $220,000 in legal fees in a settlement with Capitol Hill Baptist Church. The settlement comes nine months after a federal court ruled the government could not prohibit the Southern Baptist congregation from meeting outdoors with proper safety measures in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each and every generation faces new and unique challenges as it seeks to serve the generation coming behind it. As children and teenagers are plunged into the digital world, we know that today’s challenges may be unlike any we have seen before
COVID UPDATE – Monday, July 12, 2021 – We feel it is safe to host Week 7 (July 12-17), however, we want everyone to be aware of the circumstances. Currently, Northwest Arkansas is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 attributed to the Delta variant of the virus.
We are now in the third wave, and it is the highly contagious Delta variant. So many people are getting sick. In fact, my husband tested positive this week, and my daughter and I are experiencing symptoms, so we are all in quarantine for two weeks.
Since Easter 2019, 18 people have been baptized, and many who have been far from God are finding new purpose in Christ. And among the core team that has been mobilized from First Baptist Russellville many are already discovering a purpose for which The Church in the Dirt is serving as a training ground.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) – A squad of gunmen assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse and wounded his wife in an overnight raid on their home Wednesday, inflicting more chaos on the Caribbean country that was already enduring gang violence, soaring inflation and protests of his increasingly authoritarian rule.
TERRY, Miss. (BP) – A year before pastor Lee Faler’s firstborn son Rankin, 6, developed terminal brain cancer, First Baptist Church of Terry was focused on suffering and prayer.
WASHINGTON (BP) – Human traffickers took advantage of the conditions produced by the COVID-19 pandemic in the last year, but those working to combat the trade in human beings adapted their efforts to protect the vulnerable and aid victims, according to the U.S. State Department.
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Williams Baptist Men’s Basketball program has been chosen as the AMC Champions of Character Team®, the conference announced on Tuesday.
CHICAGO (BP) – Pastors are calling for prayer after the long July Fourth holiday weekend came to a violent end with at least 108 people shot in Chicago, 17 fatally.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Air Force is mostly responsible for a former serviceman killing more than two dozen people at a Texas church in 2017 because it failed to submit his criminal history into a database, which should have prevented him from purchasing firearms.
KADUNA, Nigeria (BP) – About 125 students kidnapped from a Baptist church school in northern Nigeria are especially in danger because of their Christianity and the unwillingness of local authorities to pay a ransom, a leading persecution watchdog group told Baptist Press.
We are Asher and Loren Cross* serving with the International Mission Board. Although we grew up in Fort Smith and Dardanelle, we call Conway our adult home. We met at the University of Central Arkansas and settled near there after graduating college. We are members at The Summit Church in Conway. In 2013 we left Arkansas for East Asia and our two children, Lilly and Evan, were born there.
In a small town near Madrid, Spain, a missionary couple, Walker and Becca Welch, walked around a university hoping to meet Chinese students and share the gospel. Usually, the town’s university hosts more than 300 Chinese exchange students every year. Unfortunately, due to COVID 19, the Welches have had few opportunities so far this year to get to know them.
WASHINGTON (BP) – The Southern Baptist Convention’s ethics entity has cheered the enactment of a new federal law nullifying a rule that had the effect of permitting predatory loans nationwide.
NASHVILLE (BP) – A search committee has been named to find a successor to Russell Moore as president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.
NASHVILLE (BP) – After nine months of lagging behind the previous year’s totals due to the COVID-19 pnademic, giving through the National Cooperative Program Allocation Budget surpassed year-over-year numbers and climbed to more than $6 million above budget for the current fiscal year.
Today, a Christian couple sits in prison. Arrested for sharing the gospel, they wait for another trial date to face the authorities and angry family members. They’ve been to trial already but have not yet heard a final verdict or sentencing. Trials are often postponed and drawn out, while government leaders look for further evidence against Christians and hope that believers will renounce their faith in Christ.
“We offer CISM courses to help equip first responders with tools to minister to people who have suffered a critical incident or disaster.”
NASHVILLE (BP) — Mark Richt, the former college football coach who is now a national spokesperson for Send Relief, announced Thursday (July 1) he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
SARALAND, Ala. (BP) — SBC President Ed Litton joined Jonathan Howe, SBC Executive Committee vice president for communications, on Friday’s (July 2) episode of SBC This Week, a weekly podcast related to SBC news and events.
With the first day of classes fast approaching, the attention of campus ministers across our state is turning to connecting to students as they arrive on campus, especially those freshmen that are coming to campus for the first time. If we are being honest, connecting with students, introducing them to the Gospel, and getting them plugged in to our ministries is something that we think about all day, every day.
This article was written by Gracen Goudy. Gracen is currently a junior at Ouachita Baptist University, where she is pursuing a major in Mass Communications and minors in Graphic Design and Christian Studies. She is from Benton, Arkansas and attends Geyer Springs First Baptist Church.
Crossroads New Baptist Church near Little Rock recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. This is the story of how God answers prayer to revitalize a church.
‘Around The State’ is a segment in the eMagazine that goes out bi-weekly to our email subscriber list. In this segment, which appears in the first issue of each month, we feature churches’ staff changes, as well as church news and big announcements you send us. We want Arkansas Baptists to know what’s going on around the state and be able to celebrate together and encourage each other.
CWJC/CMJC provides a Christian environment in which women and men are equipped for life and employment.
For the first time since 2019, a Promise Keepers Men’s Conference will convene in Arlington, Texas on July 16 and 17. Lifeway Baptist Church in Little Rock will host a simulcast of the live conference.
Following the release of a video showing similarities in a sermon, SBC President Ed Litton and his predecessor J.D. Greear said Litton had sought and received permission to use material from a sermon earlier preached by Greear.
During the height of a civil war, persecution was rampant and ruthless where IMB worker Edwin Hayes* serves.
A day after the 12-story Chaplain Towers South Condo collapsed on itself, Pines Baptist Church Pastor Luis Acosta was as close to the smoldering rubble as authorities allowed.
The Supreme Court of the United States denied a petition by the North American Mission Board (NAMB) to review its ongoing case involving a lawsuit filed by a former Southern Baptist state executive director.
Every year the Arkansas Democrat Gazette publishes an article about how prepared or unprepared academically high school graduates are for college. There has been great concern for preparing students for the next level of education, and both parents and students take great measures to ensure that they are adequately prepared. However, there may be a more urgent concern and that is, “are our youth prepared spiritually for college?”
Dr. Jeremy Greer is the new dean of Ouachita Baptist University’s Pruet School of Christian Studies. Greer, a Ouachita graduate and second generation pastor, has long ties to the university as well as Arkansas Baptists in addition to higher education experience through teaching and administrative roles.
As Southern Baptists from across the country gathered for the annual meeting last week, many were intentional about sharing the love of Jesus with the staff at the Music City Center.
Wally Contreras of First Baptist Church Gahanna, Ohio, had a passion for missions before he became pastor in January 2020.
As COVID-19 fears ease, Vacation Bible School leaders are especially delighted, as well as thousands of children who will receive spiritual nurture through music-sparked worship, Bible studies, activities, games and crafts.
“It is like we are speaking the same language but using a completely different dictionary.”
Traumatic experiences are part of the context for many missionaries, pastors and leaders who currently work with people who have been affected by some type of tragedy, especially in this time of pandemic. The suffering and the aftermath left by these experiences are part of the challenge that the Christian worker faces in presenting the message of the gospel.
A Uyghur family prepares dinner over an open fire.
WASHINGTON (BP) – Americans who most often turn to Scripture are more hopeful and forgiving but still suffer stress and trauma, the American Bible Society said in the latest release from its 2021 State of the Bible report.
Williams Baptist University has released the names of students on the President’s and Dean’s Lists for the 2021 spring semester. The President’s List includes those full-time students who achieved a perfect 4.0-grade point average, while the Dean’s List consists of those with at least a 3.5 GPA.
At the recent Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting, the topic of pastoral sexual abuse and assault dominated much of the conversation and business, including passing a resolution that “any person who has committed sexual abuse is permanently disqualified from holding the office of pastor.”
Messianic Southern Baptists are among Jewish and Gentile Christians issuing a statement decrying anti-Semitism that is rising globally and spiking since the latest fighting between Israel and Hamas.
Last week’s 2021 SBC Annual Meeting was the largest since 1995, and much of that had to do with the location and the involvement of first-time messengers to the convention.
A local Bambara subsistence farmer in the village of Falako in Mali, West Africa shows an IMB missionary and volunteer the worms that are killing his crops. This village is one of 120 that will benefit from 500 tons of millet. The grain was provided to help stave off the starvation for about 31,000 people living in this rural area.
Religious freedom advocates objected to Colorado cake artist Jack Phillips’ court loss in his latest attempt to defend the freedom to conduct his business according to his Christian convictions.
Presidents of the six Southern Baptist seminaries gave reports to messengers and guests attending the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting Wednesday (June 16). A common theme of the reports was God’s faithfulness during the challenges of 2020. Below are summaries of each report submitted by the seminaries.
Ramsey* didn’t want to take his own life. Instead, he accepted missions that put him in harm’s way. Years later, after he became a Christian, Ramsey still doesn’t want to take his own life, but is willing to lay down his life for the sake of Christ and accepted a mission that puts him in harm’s way.
The SBC’s future hinges on a reemphasis on evangelism and missions, four former presidents agreed during a panel discussion before the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting.
Refugee women display bracelets they made with the help of volunteers.
The 973 Korean Southern Baptist churches in the United States unanimously passed one resolution at their annual fellowship meeting in mid-June. It was to tell the government of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) they oppose that nation’s efforts to pass an “equality act” that would in effect silence preaching on biblical marriage.
“The number of fathers in U.S. jails and prisons has increased four-fold since 1980. Among the more than 800,000 parents in federal and state prisons, 92 percent are fathers.” – fatherhood.gov.
The U.S Supreme Court unanimously delivered an important victory for religious liberty Thursday (June 17) by upholding a faith-based adoption and foster-care agency’s right to carry out its ministry according to its beliefs.
Ben Mandrell, Lifeway Christian Resources president and CEO, expressed confidence in the future of the organization during his report to messengers at the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting on Wednesday (June 16).
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission intends to place 50 ultrasound machines in pregnancy resource centers during a two-year span in its ongoing and increasing effort to protect unborn children, acting President Daniel Patterson told messengers to the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting on Wednesday (June 16).
The Williams Baptist University athletics department announces the hiring of Tyler Fraley as the new head coach of its wrestling program. Williams Baptist University announces the hiring of Tevin Howard as their new men’s basketball assistant coach.
South Carolina pastor Tom Tucker’s reelection Monday (June 14) as vice chairman of the SBC Executive Committee became moot Wednesday (June 16), when messengers to the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting rejected a motion to nominate him to a second term on the Executive Committee.
George Smith’s COVID-19 test came back positive. The diagnosis began a months-long battle of prayer and physical challenges for Smith and his wife Geraldine, IMB missionaries in Uganda.
A slate of elections pushed to Wednesday (June 16) witnessed close votes among three contests as well as one result by acclamation.
Messengers to the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting overwhelmingly approved a motion calling for a task force to oversee a third-party investigation into allegations of mishandling abuse claims at the SBC Executive Committee.
The Resolutions Committee had declined the resolution, reasoning that while “messengers would agree with some aspects of this resolution,” the issue of abortion was addressed in another resolution condemning the repeal of the Hyde Amendment, which prevents federal funding of abortion.
Hispanic Baptists showed up by the hundreds to the Hispanic Celebration ahead of the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting Sunday (June 13).
The Filipino Southern Baptist Fellowship of North America two years ago said they wanted to support Filipino church planters, and they sent out their first this January.
Messengers to the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting approved a broad resolution on the Bible’s sufficiency regarding race and racial reconciliation Tuesday (June 15) but chose not to address specifically the contentious issue of critical race theory.
Messengers resoundingly defeated a change to the SBC Business and Financial Plan proposed by the convention’s Executive Committee.Critics said the proposal would have granted the EC too much authority and left the six SBC seminaries in trouble with accreditors.
IMB President Paul Chitwood addresses the Southern Baptist Convention during the IMB report on June 15, 2021. (IMB photo)
n the press conference following his election as the 46thpresident of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), Ed Litton, pictured above, spoke of family, healing and conversations to come. All of those dealt not only with subjects such as racial reconciliation and sexual abuse, but a Convention still divided over how to approach them.
Saying they faced a defining moment, the “most important crossroads” in a generation, departing SBC President J.D. Greear challenged Southern Baptists to hear the concerns of the entire body while unifying around the one true Gospel and the Great Commission.
Worship led by Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans, a rousing sermon from Tony Evans and a concert by Crowder kicked off the Send Conference 2021 Sunday night (June 13) at Music City Center.
Local Baptist associations are vital catalysts for unity in the SBC and the rebound of Cooperative Program giving, according to the three candidates for convention president who participated in a forum Sunday (June 13) hosted by the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders (SBCAL).
Twenty years from now, historians are going to call the upcoming annual meeting a defining moment for the Southern Baptist Convention. It will determine if the SBC chooses to let the Great Commission and the Gospel define its mission or if it will be seen as a geographical, cultural and political voting bloc. It will determine the basis for SBC unity.
About 130 people from most of 27 Southern Baptists’ distinct Asian cultures met for the “Asian American Kickoff Gathering” Sunday (June 13) in a double-sized room at the Music City Center.
Matt Henslee, pastor of Mayhill Baptist Church in Mayhill, N.M., was elected president of the 2022 SBC Pastors’ Conference Monday afternoon over four other nominees. Also elected to join him next year will be Vice President Cam Triggs, pastor of Grace Alive Church in Orlando, and Treasurer Sam Greer, pastor of Red Bank Baptist Church in Chattanooga.
SBC presidential candidate Randy Adams said he, along with others he declined to name, combined to fund the publication and delivery of a tabloid-styled newspaper. “SBC News” was being distributed outside the Music City Center Sunday and Monday (June 13-14).
If the SBC Executive Committee’s meeting Monday (June 14) is any indication, the convention’s annual meeting this year could involve drama.
“Vision 2025 is not a slogan or rallying cry. It’s a path forward to help us reimagine a new future together of reaching the world for Jesus Christ – every person, every town, every city, every state, and every nation.”
Following the release Thursday (June 10) of audio clips from two 2019 meetings among Southern Baptist leaders regarding how to address sexual abuse in the convention, SBC Executive Committee President and CEO Ronnie Floyd has joined Executive Committee Chairman Rolland Slade in calling for an independent, third-party review.
While the rewritten Business & Financial Plan up for vote at the SBC annual meeting next week has generated a lot of discussion, its overarching goal is to generate more transparency and accountability among SBC entities.
Houston’s First Baptist Church not only takes reaching the nations seriously, but they also take their call to reach the nations that have come to Houston seriously.
SBC President J.D. Greear led the third and final Wednesday sessions of focused prayer for the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting today (June 9) at 2 p.m. CDT.
We are the Fox* family. I grew up in Arkansas where my parents serve in music ministry at an Arkansas Baptist church.
The Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission will maintain the same aim in its work while the search is underway for a new leader, acting president Daniel Patterson said.
A second letter written by former Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore has elicited response from Southern Baptist leaders and calls for an independent investigation.
Jihadists are blamed for killing 160 people in Burkina Faso in a prolonged weekend attack among the latest in violent religious persecution in Africa’s Sahel region.
In January 2020, International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood announced 2025 targets built around the IMB’s vision and mission to engage unreached people and places in the next five years. The first target is “send an additional 500 missionaries.”
Reach the campus, and you can reach the world for Christ. Does that seem like an exaggeration? I was convinced that God was willing to do just that through our obedience at Henderson State University. Going to make disciples of all nations needed to start with reaching and discipling students right here on the local campus.
“Praise God. God is good all the time,” Seth Mahiga proclaimed at the altar of Life Church International in Nairobi, Kenya. Just two days earlier he announced his resignation as general secretary of the Atheists in Kenya Society.
Raymond*, a church planter and pastor, went to jail for sharing his faith in 2008, and now faces the possibility of more time in jail.
I have received a copy of the letter from former ERLC president Russell Moore to our current SBC president J.D. Greear.
magine being forced to leave your home with fear and uncertainty of where you are going or whether you will even survive.| For nearly 26 million refugees worldwide, this is a reality. As Christians, we are to show compassionate love to refugees by caring for their physical and emotional needs, while pointing them to the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ. June 20 is world refugee day. Consider the following WMU resources to learn more about the refugee crisis and how you and your church could respond.
In a letter written more than a year before his departure from the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, former president Russell Moore asserted that much of what he described as pushback from SBC leaders during his tenure resulted from his stances on race and sexual abuse issues.|
In that first meeting of the Ba Lau* group back in January 2021, two of the workers listening to the story prayed to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and others have since made a commitment to follow Him.
Download this full-color prayer guide for the Middle East to use at home or distribute in your churches. Presentation slides are also available below to use on screens.
The financial upturn much of the country has seen as the COVID-19 pandemic winds down is becoming evident though an increase in giving across the Southern Baptist Convention. Both Cooperative Program giving and designated giving reports for May 2021 showed strong year-over-year increases, and CP giving continues to run above budget for the fiscal year.
TULSA (BP) – Although for years, the horrific incident was only whispered about, Deron Spoo was very intentional in trying to ensure it was solemnly remembered.
One Year. That’s how long it was that retired pastor Homer Hinson and his wife Doris were unable to touch each other due to COVID-19 restrictions in Homer’s nursing home.
Arkadelphia is a close-knit community that is nestled beneath the Ouachita mountains. The name of the town is a word that combines ‘Arkansas’ and the Greek word for “brother.” When considering the relationship between Pediatrics Plus and Ouachita Baptist University (OBU), the meaning isn’t lost.
‘Around the State’ is a segment in the eMagazine that goes out every other Thursday to our email subscriber list. In this segment, which appears in the first issue of each month, we feature church staff changes, as well as church news and announcements you send to us. We want Arkansas Baptists to know what’s going on around the state and be able to celebrate together and encourage each other.
Former Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Paige Patterson is disputing allegations made by the seminary in the 2021 SBC Book of Reports that documents and other items belonging to the seminary were “improperly removed” from the campus after his firing in 2018.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series on global persecution, leading churches to pray for the persecuted church. The Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church will be observed this Sunday (June 6).
We are Travis and Beth Burkhalter and are currently serving with the International Mission Board (IMB) in Medellin, Colombia, with our four children. Our home church is University Baptist Church of Fayetteville, Arkansas. We have served with the IMB for over 11 years. The first eight were spent in a small jungle town on the Amazon River, and the past three have been spent in the city of Medellin in the Andes Mountains.
This article was written by Corley Shumaker. She is the assistant campus minister at Arkansas State University BCM. Shumaker lives with her husband, Kevin, and daughter Ellie Joy in Jonesboro. They love taking road trips, visiting National Parks and attending ASU football games.
On Friday, President Biden released his FY 2022 budget proposal. His budget notably removes the Hyde Amendment.
Winter scenes at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp near Kraków, Poland, are never cheerful and the weather usually has a big part to play. Even the cheerfully colored umbrellas of tourists exploring the ruins of the old camp barracks cannot change what history wrote there—the scar of concrete fenceposts and lives lost remain.
After tornado alarms sounded in Joplin on May 22, 2011, Pastor John Swadley of Forest Park Baptist Church here took shelter with his family in a crawlspace under their home. They listened to radio reports covering the storm and its devastating aftermath.
“It seems as if we have been in ‘crisis mode’ since straight-line winds tore through Camp Siloam in June 2019. A tornado a few weeks later and the virus crisis have been challenging for ministry and leadership.”
Religious freedom advocates mourned but expressed hope that a Christian college in Missouri will ultimately prevail after an opening setback in its challenge to a federal order that requires schools to open dormitory rooms, restrooms and shared shower facilities to members of the opposite sex.
Before we come together for our 2021 SBC Annual Meeting in Nashville, I want to share a few thoughts on the present state of the Convention.
Surfing involves a lot of things coming together. The waves have to be breaking. One has to get a sense of the ocean’s movement, when the wave is about to approach and join it. When that happens, it can take you farther than you expect.
In the silence since the May 20 ceasefire between Israel and Gaza ended 11 days of violence, Baptist workers among Israeli and Palestinians urge churches to look past the politics and see people in need of Jesus.
Answering an acute need, the Fellowship of Native American Christians (FoNAC) helped provide clean water to Native American tribes in Arizona this past year as a way to minister both physically and spiritually.
SBC President J.D. Greear led the first of three Wednesday sessions of focused prayer for the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting today (May 26) at 2 p.m. CDT.
We are thrilled to announce that Chad and Mandy Plummer are joining the Camp Siloam family on May 31, 2021. Chad will be serving as Camp Siloam’s Director of Operations, the role formerly held by Pat Moore.
U.S. Protestant churches endured a difficult 2020, including starting the year with fewer congregations.
May 26 marks the first of three consecutive Wednesdays in which SBC President J.D. Greear invited Southern Baptists into “committed, specific times of prayer and fasting,” leading up to the SBC Annual Meeting in Nashville June 15-16.
People said they were too young to be in love. Don Chandler said he and Margaret “Maggie” Kinley met at church as teens, married as teens and experienced 53 years as husband and wife.
At first glance, the merging of Burncoat Baptist Church and The Church on Seven Hills may have appeared to benefit one congregation more than the other. Burncoat’s membership and building were both showing their advancing years. The Church on Seven Hills was energetic, four years removed from its founding and full of college students.
Like most other things in 2020, church planting looked different. But thanks to a strong network of support and a cadre of resilient church planters, Southern Baptists planted 588 new churches, an increase of 36 over the previous year.
Adam*, a national believer, knew death was coming. He told Jonathan*, an International Mission Board worker, he would be killed. His days were numbered, and though he didn’t know the number of days, he knew what God had called him to do.
Amaziah Church between Hickory Flat and Myrtle, averages 75-80 people in attendance and, like all churches, has been impacted by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. But that hasn’t stopped the members from sacrificially supporting the work of the Lord at home and around the world.
Dr. Kyle Walker, Senior Pastor of Cartersville First Baptist Church in Cartersville, Georgia has announced his intentions of nominating Jamar Andrews, Senior Pastor of Word Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas as a candidate for president of the 2022 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Pastors’ Conference.
Meghan Aranda, an IMB journeyman, serves in Colombia among Indigenous people along the coast, including the Zenu. Toward the beginning of her two-year term, Aranda attended a workshop hosted by Send Relief in Panama. The purpose of the workshop was to provide practical tools to equip or start microenterprises within communities.
Dr. D. Hance Dilbeck Jr. was unanimously elected GuideStone president-elect during a called meeting of the GuideStone Trustee Board on Thursday (May 20). Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer of Oklahoma Baptists since 2018, accepted the call and gave thanks to the Lord, his family and trustees for the opportunity to serve at GuideStone.
ohn Wesley famously said, “God does nothing in the world except in answer to prayer.” That’s probably an overstatement, but the apostles’ experience in Acts verifies at least the sentiment behind it. It was after a 10-day prayer meeting that God gave Peter the power to birth the church through his preaching in Acts 2.
Last year was a statistical mess with the pandemic; churches weren’t meeting for much of the year, much less having intimate events like baptisms where hugs and close contact abound. Baptisms dropped by about half to 123,160 the lowest since the flu epidemic of 1919. That was a good comparison, I thought.
“God, What I can do, I can do anywhere. Just tell me where.”
NASHVILLE (BP) – Fifty years ago, as they prepared to bring their third child into what seemed to be increasingly chaotic times, Bill and Gloria
AUSTIN, Texas (BP) – Texas has become the latest and largest state to prohibit abortions when a fetal heartbeat can be detected. Gov. Greg Abbott
NASHVILLE (BP) – Annual Church Profile data collected for 2020 by Lifeway Christian Resources shows the staggering impact of COVID-19 but also the faithfulness of
LAKE CHARLES, La. (BP) – Some may give up trying to make a home in southwest Louisiana with flooding that has killed four people and
Tina Frost, a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Cabot, just celebrated nine years of service as a volunteer chaplain with the Cabot Police Department.
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) – IMB missionary Jim Flora, who served among the Basotho people of Lesotho in Sub-Saharan Africa, died Friday, May 8, 2021 from
NASHVILLE (BP) – When a local television station in Nashville aired footage of pastor Zach Lloyd leaving Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital, probably few people realized
Editor’s Note: May is Mental Health Awareness Month. OKLAHOMA CITY (BP) – When Julie Busler returned to America with her family after serving with the
Macie Craddock* said she always felt compelled to serve overseas in some capacity. From an early age Craddock interacted with missionaries through Girls in Action
Russell Moore is leaving the SBC’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, ending an occasionally controversial eight-year tenure, to take a role with Christianity Today.
WASHINGTON (BP) – Pro-life advocates gladly welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court’s announcement Monday (May 17). It would rule on the constitutionality of Mississippi’s ban on
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series on global persecution, leading churches to pray for the persecuted church. The Day of Prayer for
CHICAGO (BP) – Southern Baptist Messianic Jewish believer Ric Worshill is receiving prayer requests from those in danger as fighting continues between Israel and Hamas.
WACO, Texas (BP) – Baylor University’s Board of Regents approved a resolution Friday (May 14) that paves the way for an officially recognized LGBTQ student
NASHVILLE (BP) – Lifeway Christian Resources has completed the sale of its building in downtown Nashville for $95 million. “I’m pleased and grateful to God
NASHVILLE (BP) – Billy Graham is the subject of a new documentary premiering Monday (May 17) on PBS. The film chronicles the life, ministry and
When Eric Haney stepped onto the train platform after a long night of music rehearsal in Stockholm, Sweden, his eyes were drawn to the wall
“There is a mission field right in front of us. And there is work to be done. This is what we want to awaken in others: not just to come to church, but to see everyone actively reaching the lost.”
International Mission Board trustees approved 68 new fully funded missionaries for appointment during their May 11-12 meeting in Richmond, Virginia. This is the first in-person
Having presented the 2020 Annual Statistical Report (ASR) to IMB trustees during the May 13 board meeting, IMB is now making the full report available
WASHINGTON (BP) – State Department officials sought to provide assurances the Biden administration will maintain the United States’ commitment to international religious freedom in commenting
WBU Eagles Sports Digest brings you updates from this week’s sporting events at Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge.
I am Joel, and my wife, Kellie, and I have been serving with the International Mission Board for the past 19 years in Southeast Asia
To say I was scared when I accepted the call to become pastor would be an understatement.
SPRINGDALE, Ark. (BP) – Large numbers of baptisms continue to make a splash throughout the Southern Baptist Convention as several churches baptized hundreds of people
The Cooperative Program (CP) has caught on with Iowa Baptists – to say the least. Since 2014, total CP giving through the Baptist Convention of
PHILADELPHIA (BP) – More than half of Americans believe the Bible is “without error,” the American Bible Society (ABS) said Tuesday (May 11) in its
ROWLETT, Texas (BP) – Crossroads Church doesn’t plan a youth Sunday anymore. To be honest, the concept seemed pointless. “A lot of what we do
IMB missionary couple Jay and Kathy Shafto understand the importance of people hearing the gospel in their own languages. The Shaftos currently serve in the
NASHVILLE (BP) – As more Americans have access to legal marijuana, most U.S. Protestant pastors remain opposed to its use and legalization. In November 2020,
WACO, Texas (BP) – Adam Kovach spent much of his childhood in hospital waiting rooms while his father battled terminal brain cancer. The family struggled
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series on global persecution, leading churches to pray for the persecuted church. The Day of Prayer for
JISR, Israel (BP) – Jewish Israeli Neta Hanien has forged a business partnership with Arab Israeli Ahmad Juha in Jisr, the only exclusively Arab town
We have realized that, like me, the Lord has brought many to Walnut Street Baptist Church in Jonesboro to be trained up and sent out.
WASHINGTON (BP) – An estimated millions of Americans petitioned God for the health and care of America as the nation marked the 70th anniversary of the
OKLAHOMA CITY (BP) – Mart Green has a vision that everyone in the world will have the Bible in their own heart language in the
What would happen if the more than 47,000 churches in the Southern Baptist Convention were directly connected to International Mission Board missionaries and actively engaged
MARION, Ala. (BP) – The Judson College faithful fought hard for five months trying to save the school, but in the end it just wasn’t
“What a brave thing to do. To choose to hurt in order to make a plan that she felt was in her child’s best interest.” Becky Bruns, Adoption Specialist, ABCH
Ouachita Baptist University’s Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community held its annual community service awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 13, recognizing the service
NASHVILLE (BP) – Attention to mental health across the country increased over the last year due to the potential effects brought on by the COVID-19
NASHVILLE (BP) – The American economy has bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic at a quicker pace than many experts expected. Thankfully for Southern Baptists,
Maggie Pearce* was crushed. Her friend who had been so receptive to studying the Bible and hearing about Jesus suddenly seemed angry and closed to
WBU Eagles Sports Digest brings you updates from this week’s sporting events at Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge.
Christian leaders are working tirelessly to serve—finding oxygen cylinders, medicine, empty hospital beds, meals and burial sites for countless people. Pray Isaiah 40:31 that as they wait on
Death is literally in the air. I opened the veranda door of my apartment in Delhi this week and realized the sky was grey and
DULUTH, Ga. (BP) – A simple furniture purchase turned into a life-changing experience for two men visiting Pastor James Merritt this past weekend. Merritt, pastor
BOSTON (BP) — During their spring 2021 meeting, trustees of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) unanimously passed a resolution formally requesting the SBC’s collegiate
SOMERVILLE, Tenn. (BP) – A steady stream of teenagers is coming to faith in Christ at Fayette Baptist Church. Madison had been attending the Memphis-area
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Ouachita Baptist University will hold its 134th Commencement honoring the class of 2021 on Saturday, May 8, at 9:30 a.m. in Cliff Harris
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) recently affirmed accreditation for Ouachita Baptist University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in the
PEABODY, Mass. (BP) – A grim statistic has created new ministry for New England pastor Antonio Luis Ferreira. With more than 400,000 deaths, Brazil ranks
GRAPEVINE, Texas (BP) – The recent 2020 Census results may have led to headlines nationwide and particularly regarding the state of Texas. But for Doug Hixson the
At age 15, Cristhina Danies knew God was calling her to work with women and children overseas who were victims of wars, human trafficking and exploitation. Danies moved to Miami, Florida,
The International Mission Board is collaborating with Nik Ripken Ministries to raise awareness about current religious persecution through the Day of Prayer for the Persecuted
NASHVILLE (BP) – State governments are on pace to enact a record number of pro-life laws during a year. Already in 2021, a total of
NIGERIA (BP) – Boko Haram and affiliated Islamic terrorists are poised to form a caliphate in Sub-Saharan Africa, international religious liberty leaders told Baptist Press.
Electricity! Transportation! Rent/Mortgage! Clothing! Food! Formally or informally, we all “budget” for these living expenses and others.
CARTERSVILLE, Ga. (BP) – Trevor Lawrence isn’t your typical 21-year-old, but he was a fairly normal church kid. In January 2019 Lawrence hit the national
NASHVILLE (BP) – For more than 30 years, Southern Baptists have focused on working together to serve and reach those in the host city of
COLMESNEIL, Texas (BP) – Over the last two months, we have seen an amazing manifestation of the Spirit of God in our little community of
CLINTON, Miss. – Nursing is a demanding profession even in the best of times. Those demands have skyrocketed over the past year as nurses and
WBU Eagles Sports Digest brings you updates from this week’s sporting events at Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge.
NASHVILLE (BP) – The 2021 SBC Annual Meeting will convene at the Music City Center on Tuesday, June 15, at 8 a.m. and conclude Wednesday,
La Unión Femenil Bautista Misionera Helen Stuart donated $1,180.88 to the 2020 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® (LMCO). The group is a part of the Baptist Convention of Panama’s Woman’s Missionary Union and has faithfully donated to the International Mission Board (IMB) for many years.
While living in the Family Care Home with his Mamaw, Ethan’s hope is being restored as Charlotte can offer the safety and structure he needs and deserves.
AMES, Iowa (BP) – Shane Kelley and his wife Samantha couldn’t have fully prepared themselves for the world of foster care even with the mandated
WASHINGTON (BP) – The largest portion of teenagers in the U.S. believe that more than one religion may be true, Pew Research said in its
AUBURN, Ala. (BP) – A year into his pastorate at Lakeview Baptist Church, Al Jackson was approached by three men who said they felt called
In March 2020, Sophia Roberts* was scheduled to fly to Southeast Asia to begin her term with IMB’s Journeyman program. As she was signing the contract
BURLINGTON, W.Va. (BP) – Broken Before the Throne prayer ministry leader Dan Biser discovered a reality when working with a multidenominational group of Christian ministers.
NASHVILLE (BP) – Joe Wright expresses a heart for the “smallest of these,” churches numbering 75 or fewer in Sunday attendance and comprising two-thirds of
When COVID-19 first arrived in Guinea in March 2020, churches closed almost immediately. With churches and many businesses shutting down simultaneously, most church leadership completely
More than 90 graduates will receive diplomas from Williams Baptist University during its 2021 commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 1. The event begins at 10 a.m.
TRENTON, Tenn. (BP) – Going to church on Easter Sunday wasn’t an option for the inmates at the Gibson County jail. So, Sheriff Paul Thomas
RIPLEY, W.Va. (BP) – “He was sent our way out of Florida. On suicide watch, he’d lost some buddies in Iraq. He was scarred and
NASHVILLE (BP) – John Yeats, who has served 23 terms as Southern Baptist Convention recording secretary, will be renominated to the post at the SBC
Time is never a guarantee when Christians meet a refugee in Greece. They may have years, months, weeks or just hours to share the hope
One of the greatest privileges that college ministers share is participation in weddings for college students.
WASHINGTON (BP) – Countries used COVID-19 as an excuse to persecute religious minorities and sometimes blamed certain religions for the pandemic itself, the U.S. Commission
BOSTON (BP) – Soon after it launched in 2005, Boston’s Grace Church had a realization: nonbelievers would drive an hour for work or Little League,
LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (BP) – As a deputy for the Loudon County Sheriff’s department and a bivocational pastor, Kenny Palmer is used to calls for
It has been said, “ministry wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for all the people.” Whether two months or 20+ years in your position, you will have all kinds of people to deal with.
Each year the Communication Team from the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) takes part in the Baptist Communicators Association’s Wilmer C. Fields awards competition. In the 57th year of the competition, the team from the ABSC won awards in a wide array of categories.
The Arkansas Baptist State Convention and First Baptist Church of Benton have partnered together to introduce the Navigate Conference 2021
This position is more than a job to go to each day – it is a way of ministering to church staff, church members and maybe even an unbeliever who crosses her path.
MINNEAPOLIS (BP) – Leaders and pastors in the Southern Baptist Convention joined others today (April 20) in commenting on the verdict of former police officer
March 22, 2021, marked one year anniversary of the first COVID-19 related death in Czech Republic, where I serve. In memory and honor of those lost in
DALLAS (BP) – Super Bowl champion Benjamin Watson has long known the sanctity of human life. It was instilled in him from his youth, when
WASHINGTON (BP) – Pro-life advocates decried the Biden administration’s decision to rescind policies that restricted research using human fetal tissue obtained from elective abortions. The
Praying, giving, and going on mission with Jesus is central to the identity of Arkansas Baptists.
SOUTH ASIA (BP) – Missionary Liz Karwood* reports that in the area where she serves, the lostness can feel staggering. She understands that her team
NASHVILLE (BP) – Fewer churchgoers filled pews and Bible studies during the pandemic, but many still continued personal discipleship habits throughout 2020. A study by Nashville-based
WASHINGTON (BP) – Evangelical Christian and other advocates for resettling more refugees in the United States are waiting to see if the Biden administration will
WASHINGTON (BP) – The Biden administration has issued new policies to grant abortion providers access to federal family planning funds and to remove the in-person
HOUSTON (BP) – The coalescing factor behind a record missions gift by Houston’s First Baptist church is that it truly was an act of worship
Pastor Cecil Richards calls it “pure gold” – a missionary’s 5-gallon bucket of water that led to his salvation after the 1979 La Soufriere volcanic
Our hope is that the Gospel will penetrate the hearts of individuals on these teams and that they will think of their team as a mission field.
AUSTIN, Texas (BP) — My first pastorate, on a back road through the tobacco fields of Kentucky, had a church building with room for about
WASHINGTON (BP) – Seven years after Boko Haram kidnapped 276 girls from a majority Christian school in Chibok, Nigeria, U.S. religious freedom advocates are lamenting
(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) – The WMU Missions Celebration and Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, June 13 from 1-5 p.m. at Nashville First Baptist Church.
On April 13, 2021 history was made in Little Rock. City of Refuge Community Church, a seven-year-old church plant in the inner-city of Little Rock purchased a building owned by Immanuel Baptist Church of Little Rock, a 129-year-old Anglo church.
NASHVILLE (BP) – The 2021 SBC Annual Meeting will move to the Music City Center in downtown Nashville June 15-16, the SBC Executive Committee announced
Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) has the longest-running civil war in history, spanning 70 years. The country is divided into seven regions, and within these
NASHVILLE (BP) – The submission portal for 2021 SBC resolutions opened today (April 15) at 12:01 am. In accordance with SBC Bylaw 20, proposed resolutions may be
NASHVILLE (BP) – Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear has announced the 68 members of the Committee on Committees that will meet prior to the
CINCINNATI (BP) – Pro-life leaders praised a federal appeals court decision upholding an Ohio law that prohibits a doctor from knowingly performing an abortion because
Ministering to families in our modern day is no easy task. Things just seem to be harder than even 10 years ago when I entered ministry. Families have issues to deal with that previous generations would have called unbelievable.
“A demon came to me and said, ‘You cannot serve both God and me—you have to choose.’” This is what one witch doctor’s apprentice, Choi*,
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (BP) – These days at Long Hollow Baptist Church, interruptions aren’t considered bad. The plan isn’t as crucial as the response. Things flow
RAYADO CREEK, N.M. (BP) – A couple of years ago, Jeff Ogata felt God calling him to plant a church in New Mexico. Today, he
Ouachita Baptist University’s Elrod Center for Family and Community held its Spring 2021 Tiger Serve Day event on Saturday, April 10, with 75 teams completing
Dr. Justin Lohmeier, M.D., had no idea how valuable his skills as a healthcare professional could be, when he was first presented the opportunity to
WASHINGTON (BP) – Southern Baptist leaders and other religious liberty advocates applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s latest decision supporting the free exercise of religion in
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent (BP) – About 10 miles below the erupting La Soufriere volcano on the small island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Kingstown
CLEARWATER, Fla. (BP) – When Calvary Church turned 150 years old in 2016, Pastor Willy Rice laid out an ambitious vision: plant 150 churches in
Up until 2020, this culmination of months of work to memorize and practice finding Scripture passages then participating in church and regional drills was attended by large groups of supporters from each participant’s home church.
Williams Baptist University has announced a transition among its leadership team highlighted by Dr. Andrew Watson and Angela Flippo, who have assumed new roles within
The Board of Trustees at Williams Baptist University approved the school’s budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year Friday, April 9. The board, meeting in regular
Ouachita Baptist University’s Office of Development has announced its annual Stepping Up for Ouachita luncheon will be held on Friday, Nov. 12, in honor of
SANFORD, Fla. (BP) – When Arthur Gonçalves first met Adam, he was pushing a cart in downtown Sanford. When offered a meal and prayer, he
International Mission Board leaders are celebrating a monumental milestone in Southern Baptist life: On March 31, 2021, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® surpassed $5 billion total
NASHVILLE (BP) – On Tuesday (April 6), Arkansas became the first U.S. state to prohibit doctors from providing gender transition procedures for children. The legislation,
More and more students are closed off to the truth. But that does not mean that the Gospel is not still reaching students or that God is not transforming the lives of college students.
WASHINGTON (BP) – Federal courts have recently delivered victories to student faith groups that were kicked off state university campuses for requiring their leaders to
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (BP) – When Resurrection Church found its present home in downtown Charleston, members Cleve and Katie Persinger offered to lease the church’s storefront
CARY, N.C. (BP) – Have you ever been tempted to jump into an online comment section and take someone to task? The impulse to argue
A couple of months ago, a longtime patient at our dental practice passed from this life. He was a retired pastor, director of missions, and
What I do see as a father and a pastor is a great need for Christian parents and churches to be better equipped to try to have spiritual conversations with those in their lives that might be affected by autism.
Travel restrictions and a worldwide pandemic haven’t kept Southern Baptists from engaging in the work God is doing in East Asia, though churches and IMB
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) — Milton Hollifield, the longtime executive director of the North Carolina Baptist Convention who retired in February, will be working with the North
NASHVILLE (BP) – More than 25 states are considering bills to limit women’s sports to biological females, blocking men who identify as transgendered women from
NASHVILLE (BP) – As Americans attempt to move past the life-altering effects of 2020, their perspective is shifting on some of the most significant questions
Snow shuts down half of this Central Asian province in the winter. Where a person is when the immobilizing snow hits is where they will
NEW ORLEANS (BP) – The excitement was like “anticipating or opening gifts on Christmas Day,” Fred Luter said of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church’s onsite Easter
MARION, Ala. (BP) – Campus life will continue at the 183-year-old Judson College despite recent fundraising efforts coming up more than $3.7 million short of
“If you want me to go to Africa, I will go,” vowed the 10-year-old girl as she put down the Girls in Action study book.
MADISON, Tenn. (BP) — Like most every church in Tennessee, Madison Heights Baptist Church in Madison had to learn to adjust to the unique challenges
Easter 2019 was an unforgettable Easter. Several new believers from surrounding villages came to a celebration we had at our house under the huge, shady
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14, NIV) Immigration is a hot topic in
PENSACOLA, Fla. (BP) – If “you have 30, 60 seconds,” Pastor Jeff Henry is bound to tell you “an amazing story.” There’s the time three
WASHINGTON (BP) – The Kentucky Senate approved a proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit abortion a day after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to decide if
Planting a church in downtown Cincinnati has been “the greatest experience of my life and the most difficult experience—sometimes on the same day,” said Pastor
NASHVILLE (BP) — “Someone asked me the other day how I felt about launching a church this weekend,” Derrick DeLain, lead pastor of Proclamation Church
Psalm 90:12 teaches us to “number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” When applying the truth of those words to the
NASHVILLE (BP) – Working through a time of grief. Exhausted from what they’ve been through. Excited about what’s to come. As pastors prepare for Easter
HENRICO, Va. (BP) – In its ninth year, a partnership between the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) and the Ghana Baptist Convention is looking
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (BP) – First Baptist Church here served as the official starting point for the Alaska Baptist Convention at its organizational meeting March 27-28,
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BP) – Evangelist Richard Hamlet, who has preached the Gospel in nearly 100 countries, had just returned from Russia and Belarus when the
EULESS, Texas (BP) – The crowd of approximately 700 Hispanic young people sang and swayed to the Christian singers and musicians at Cross City Español
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (BP) – With the current migrant crisis along the U.S.-Mexico border worsening by the day, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC) churches and
Annie Armstrong is perhaps one of the most recognizable names in Baptist life. Although many may know the name, few people can actually tell you
For Mateusz Kowalski*, a Polish believer, Lent and the Easter holiday changed meaning when he gave Christ lordship of his life more than ten years
WASHINGTON (BP) – Church members are in the minority for the first time in at least eight decades, with just 47 percent identifying with a
This article was written by Seth Tucker, Youth Ministry Consultant for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention Summer ministry has been an integral piece to student
Travis Burkhalter and his wife, Beth, have served with the IMB in Central and South America since 2010. In those years, their Spanish language skills
DURHAM, N.C (BP) – There is no evidence that Bryan Loritts discouraged anyone from reporting sexual abuse when he was pastor at a Memphis church,
NASHVILLE (BP) – When Nik Ripken met with a radically changed freedom fighter in Central Asia, he realized the bold story of conversion was powerful
Fannie Heck was born in 1862 in Virginia. She grew up in North Carolina with a mother who was passionate about missions, and from an
You may think that when you pray, your prayer goes to Jesus who then turns to the Father and relays your prayer to Him. That is not the meaning of intercession. The Heavenly Father doesn’t need hearing aids.
ORLANDO, Fla.—Irma Moss vividly remembers five or six Communist soldiers invading her family’s home in Cuba and whisking her father off to jail in the
DALLAS (BP) – Members of Primera Iglesia Bautista of Dallas and their pastor, Ricardo Brambila, could not have known that Sunday in October 2019 that
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – A nationwide collection of local Send Network Gathering events on March 17 encouraged hundreds of North American Mission Board (NAMB) church planting
Oklahoma Baptist University recently introduced a new degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Global Marketplace Engagement, that will include a semester-long internship during the student’s
Arkansas Baptists recently initiated a prayer adoption strategy for the unengaged unreached people groups (UUPGs) in South Asia.
Seriously? They ought to know better…. Murat* sighed as he looked down at the door hanger attached to his apartment door. It read: “Don’t celebrate
NASHVILLE (BP) – Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, churches responded to serve churchgoers in a variety of ways, and churchgoers are overwhelmingly proud of how their
NASHVILLE (BP) – COVID-19 wasn’t the only influence on Southern Baptist Disaster Relief preparedness across state conventions last year, but it was a big one.
As we celebrate notable women during Women’s History Month, we are reminded each of these women was once a teenage girl. For many people, the
The revised booklet features a six-step process for a team, commonly called a Pastor Search Committee, that is tasked with finding a new pastor.
Naomi*, a young Deaf widow, had a hard decision to make. Year after year she saw and understood the truth of the gospel as she
CALHOUN, Ga. (BP) – Pastor Shane Parrott’s wife Resa wanted to know what possessed him to install a 16-foot wooden cross on the front lawn
SOUTH ASIA (BP) – Desperation took over as the mother and father prepared the last bit of food they had for their children and then
(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) – Beginning this fall, children’s leaders will have a new curriculum option for children’s discipleship that is flexible enough to fit just about
CONWAY, Ark. (BP) – Pastor Larry White, a board member of Renewal Ranch, knows how important it is for the church to invest in such
MILTON, Ga. (BP) – Elders at Crabapple First Baptist Church condemned both the “extreme and wicked” actions and the purported motives of a church member
WASHINGTON (BP) – Supporters of the Equal Rights Amendment are seeking to revive the controversial proposal in the face of adversarial legal opinions and criticism
LAS VEGAS (BP) – Joseph Gibbons and his wife Kristen had been involved in youth ministry in Alabama for a while when God started tugging
NASHVILLE (BP) – Extraordinary prayer is experienced when you pray beyond your normal practice of prayer. If you ordinarily pray five minutes a day or
You need a prayer partner. This is so important that Jesus makes the point twice in two verses.
WASHINGTON (BP) – Xavier Becerra narrowly gained U.S. Senate confirmation Thursday (March 18) as secretary of Health and Human Services to the dismay of pro-life
PHILADELPHIA (BP) – The T-shirts say it all. “Ask me why I’m not in church” encourages people on the streets to ask just that of
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (BP) – One was a young church plant, a few years old and outgrowing their meeting space. The other was an older congregation
Is passion genetic? Can one love burn for three generations? Do children pick up Great Commission tendencies from parents, along with mannerisms or voice inflection?
MILTON, Ga. (BP) – The elders of Crabapple First Baptist Church issued a statement today (March 17) expressing grief after a series of Atlanta-area shootings
WASHINGTON (BP) – The Equality Act will explicitly contradict the “fundamental liberties” guaranteed in the Bill of Rights if it becomes law, the Southern Baptist
Using data collected for IMB’s most recent Annual Statistical Report, this collection of videos features highlights from each of IMB’s nine global affinities. Use these short videos with
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BP) – Despite the hardships of 2020 – and the inevitable continued challenges the pandemic brings – Blue Valley Baptist Church in
These three guys get together weekly to share a meal and study God’s Word with other guys they invite from the baseball team. Almost every week new guys are showing up to study the Bible and hearing the Gospel in a clear way.
Last night at sunset the electricity in our neighborhood flickered off. I stalled my dinner prep in hopes that the lights would return quickly, but
ALBANY, Ga. (BP) – Citing a desire not to stay one day too long or leave one day too soon, Michael Catt announced his retirement on
DESOTO, Texas (BP) – As in much of the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, churches are easy to find in DeSoto. What is harder to find,
NASHVILLE (BP) – The economic fallout of COVID-19 among churches, it turns out, wasn’t as bad as anticipated. Nevertheless, the pandemic left an imprint on
SANGER, Calif. (BP) – Before the people at Set Free Church got involved in Bernice’s life, she didn’t have a bed. She also didn’t have
When COVID-19 became a global pandemic, many missionaries were forced to return to the U.S. or made the decision to return because it was the
My question to you is this: Are you willing to do the hard work of prayer?
In a world that tries to give us twenty million things to put our trust in, there is only one true foundation. There is only one that is worth building our life on and putting our trust in and that is Jesus.
NASHVILLE (BP) – Facebook timelines changed forever on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Many if not most churches opted to go digital-only that day after witnessing
AUSTIN, Texas (BP) – Texas has won the latest legal battle in its lengthy effort to remove abortion giant Planned Parenthood from the Medicaid program.
Focused on Scripture and bringing actuality to its truth, Anthony Banks is determined to see the harvest in full bloom.
As vaccines are distributed and guidelines are adjusted, the possibility of hosting VBS in 2021 seems to be increasing.
The Board of Directors of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) held its first Quarterly Board Meeting for 2021 on Thursday, February 25, 2021, at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) building.
NASHVILLE (BP) – Longtime Bible study leader Beth Moore has publicly announced that she is ending her affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention and Lifeway
FARMINGTON, N.M. (BP) – For a while now, Joshua Valdez has felt that his call to Farmington was a call to go out and look
NAMPA, Idaho — When Anders Snyder met Josh*, the man was leaning on the side of the church, head in his hands. “He was released
As a photographer with the International Mission Board, I have had the privilege of working alongside Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) partners on numerous projects
Last week, I introduced Vision 2025 and our opportunity to cooperate as Baptists on five strategic actions to stand tall with a passionate vision of reaching every person for Jesus Christ in every town, every city, every state, and every nation.
According to the ADH, Houses of Worship are defined as operating religious organizations – such as churches, religious temples, and monasteries – and administering an organized religion or promoting religious activities.
If you had to get an urgent message out to a million or more people but could not physically access any of the countries where
BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (BP) – Taken from his cell in Iran’s harsh Evin prison for a trial that to him was impromptu, evangelist Dan Baumann was
WASHINGTON (BP) – Republican efforts in the U.S. Senate to insert a long-standing protection against federal funding of abortion in a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief
WASHINGTON (BP) – In an 8-1 vote, the Supreme Court ruled today (March 8) that $1 in damages is enough to revive the lawsuit of
When Erasyl* started university in his hometown in the former Soviet Union, he knew very little about Jesus. Being from a Muslim home, he was
Annie Armstrong is one of the most well-known names in all of Southern Baptist history. Born in Baltimore on July 11, 1850, Annie spent most
NASHVILLE (BP) – The year is 2041. What do we want the Southern Baptist Convention to look like? More importantly, what steps can we take
If you want the power of God in your life, step outside the self-centered society you live in and try to see yourself from His perspective.
NASHVILLE (BP) – Church closures related to COVID-19 and winter weather in the Deep South slowed giving through the Cooperative Program in early 2021, but
DALLAS (BP) – GuideStone trustees gathered March 1 for their Winter 2021 meeting, their second Zoom meeting of the full trustee board in the last
Editor’s Note: This year’s Week of Prayer for North American Missions is March 7-14 and is focused on the theme: The Mission Moves Forward (“Therefore, my dear
IMB missionaries in Sub-Saharan Africa have a goal to see 55 unengaged, unreached people groups engaged with the gospel by the year 2025. Among these
LYNN, Mass.— Above the Hills Church in Lynn, Mass., plans to launch on Easter Sunday and North American Mission Board (NAMB) church planting missionary Simon
ASHLAND, Ky. (BP) – Ninety-year-old Fred Boggs stepped into the church sanctuary for the first time in almost a year last Wednesday night (Feb. 24).
When Will came to the Arkansas Baptist Ranch in 2017, he didn’t have anywhere else to go. He didn’t realize that the Ranch was exactly where God wanted him to be.
Taking a gap-year is an appealing option for many recent graduates, and studies show growing numbers of students are choosing to pursue other interests before
WASHINGTON (BP) – Southern Baptist leaders expressed disappointment and concern for the ramifications of Bethany Christian Services’ national policy reversal to place children for adoption
Eden Benton, a 16-year-old high school student from South Carolina, is proof of the adage, “God can use you no matter your age.” She’ll be
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (BP) – The issues brought by the historic cold front that enveloped Texas last month were many: bitter cold, power outages, frozen
Missionaries with Oklahoma connections are coordinating with leaders of the International Mission Board (IMB) and leaders in the global Deaf Community to advance the gospel
HOUSTON (BP) – A Texas appellate court has overturned the dismissal of a lawsuit by a man accusing longtime Southern Baptist leader Paul Pressler of
I have a confession. Sometimes I “zone out” until a speaker begins to tell a personal story; only then am I completely engaged. Maybe like
WASHINGTON (BP) – Pro-life advocates decried a COVID-19 relief bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives that fails to include safeguards against abortion funding
The Arkansas university campuses are not only our most strategic mission fields but our greatest mission agencies.
In times of difficulty, we must take our eyes off our problems and look to Jesus.
On Feb. 25, the International Mission Board hosted a panel discussion, “The Future of Missions: Why Biblical Diversity Matters”. The discussion was streamed on Facebook and through
Sammy’s vision in 2004 was clear: God wanted him to raise up leaders who have the same faith that Moses of the Old Testament had.
WASHINGTON (BP) – The U.S. House of Representatives passed Thursday (Feb. 25) for the second time a far-reaching gay and transgender rights proposal that opponents
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) – The five years after what was termed a historic financial and operational “reset” for the International Mission Board have brought two
ABAKAN, Russia (BP) – Russia has sentenced a frail elderly woman and her son to prison for being Jehovah’s Witnesses, the first time the country
Blaylock began volunteering with the IFO in 2015 by hosting two international students in his home. It was through this experience that Blaylock realized food is a valuable tool for bonding between cultures.
REDLANDS, Calif. (BP) – Brody Brewer wanted to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering in 2020, but he wasn’t sure how. As a 12-year-old
NASHVILLE (BP) – The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee disfellowshipped four churches today (Feb. 23) for adverse policies and practices including employing convicted sex offenders
Sometimes when relationships go south, forgiveness is refused. As we know, churches, denominations and personal friendships can be ruptured by the wounds of unforgiveness and bitterness.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (BP) – Arkansas became the most recent state to attempt a ban on most abortions when the state Senate passed a bill
I had dreamed of 2020 for as long as I can remember. The anticipation and expectations were high as I counted down to welcome 2020.
NASHVILLE (BP) – A dispute about whether a Southern Baptist entity can suspend trustees for misconduct will be studied by a task force formed by
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled for a floor vote on a controversial bill titled the Equality Act. This legislation, filed as H.R.
The Arkansas Master’Singers Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of deceased members, is awarded annually and designed to support a college or seminary student who is preparing for some type of vocational ministry through music.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – The North American Mission Board (NAMB) and the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee (EC) announced a new investment that will help
NASHVILLE (BP) – Saying the global pandemic didn’t cause the crisis in the Southern Baptist Convention, but revealed “a deeper, more insidious crisis,” SBC President
NASHVILLE (BP) – Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee President Ronnie Floyd urged Southern Baptists to return to unified Great Commission cooperation as he lamented “a
NASHVILLE (BP) – Most churches have found a way to continue meeting despite the ongoing pandemic, but fewer met in person in January as COVID-19
Southern Baptists are helping victims of an unusual and disastrous winter storm in Texas, where nearly half a million residents are still without electricity or
NASHVILLE (BP) – As states continue with the initial rollout of vaccines for COVID-19, the availability for pastors depends on their location as well as
BENTON, Ark.—New Beginnings Pregnancy Center in Benton, Arkansas, has had a few new beginnings of its own over the past several years. Originally established in
WEST POINT, Miss. (BP) – At 83, Bill Duncan is still the man Mississippi churches are apt to call as an interim when they aren’t
It would be understandable if E.W. Perry was nervous as a silence fell over the hushed crowd. He had stood before large congregations of all
Neighboring is hard, especially in a pandemic. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). Yet, the challenges of a
LEXINGTON, Ky. (BP) – Richard Gaines knew the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine. To prove it, he put some skin in the game –
The piazzas are empty. The selfie-snapping, sneaker-wearing tourists who normally frequent Milan’s historical squares are no longer visiting Italy due to COVID-19 restrictions. And, like
WASHINGTON (BP) – The North American Mission board has filed a petition with the Supreme Court of the United States in its ongoing case involving a lawsuit
This past year has proved trying for everyone, especially those in the ministry. We’ve dealt with sickness and dying on a scale beyond our experience.
First Baptist Church, located at 315 S. Main St. in Hope, Arkansas, transformed their gymnasium into a shelter for those who lacked winter provisions, beginning with preparations made on February 14.
KILLEEN, Texas (BP) – As the overwhelming majority of the country experienced a blast of Arctic air, Southern Baptists joined others in helping weather the
EASTERN CONGO (BP) – Spiraling Islamic terrorism that has killed more than 100 people in a two-week span in the Democratic Republic of Congo is
The decision had been made. Colt Baptist Church would not go along with the trends and dismiss services on Sunday night January 1, 2017.
When we experience a new technology or innovation, we often believe the ethical challenges we encounter are brand new and may even require a novel
STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. (BP) – Winford Smith remembers when, as chairman of the pastor search team for First Baptist Church, he realized the group needed to
WASHINGTON (BP) – The decision to increase dramatically the number of refugees to be welcomed into the United States will provide Christians with important opportunities
What is biblical diversity? Why does it matter in a conversation about international missions? How do we pursue diversity and unity at the same time? God’s
If you think Jeff and Cassie Lothes’ hands are full as the parents of nine children, you should see their hearts.
The International Mission Board has introduced a new interactive tool, Knowing the IMB, that enables Southern Baptists, in less than an hour, to discover what’s
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.—How can your church start a missions group like Love World to help young women develop a heart for missions? Kim Cruse, a former
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – Internationally-known evangelist and apologist Ravi Zacharias sexually abused women under the guise of massages for a chronic back injury at least
WASHINGTON (BP) – The U.S. Supreme Court upheld late Thursday (Feb. 11) a lower-court ruling that blocked Alabama from executing a prisoner because the state
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) – Brian Croft jokes that masks are the new “color of the carpet argument” in churches, with similarly poor outcomes. Pastors are
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Some 45 abortion clinics across the U.S. ceased performing the procedure in 2020, according to a recent report published by Operation Rescue,
HOUSTON (BP) – “Daddy, he looks like me!” My young Black son pointed to the only Black basketball player on the court that night at
the raising of awareness about church planting in Arkansas and North America, as well as advocating for thousands of unreached people groups around the world leads us to the notion that we can impact that lostness in spite of the travel restrictions placed on us by COVID.
We all have to agree that the safety and security of our houses of worship as we enter these troubling times of 2021 and beyond has to be a priority.
The wilderness doesn’t sound like much. But in the Bible, it sure is a popular place. Jesus spent 40 days there. Moses, 40 years. When
NASHVILLE (BP) – Fewer Americans believe our nation has made significant progress in race relations, and a majority say things grew worse under Donald Trump’s
EASTERN EUROPE (BP) – More than 125 people put their trust in Christ during a three-day mountain retreat in the Caucuses region of Europe. National
WASHINGTON (BP) – Nearly all of the Republicans in the U.S. Senate have united to warn the Democratic leadership they will oppose any effort to
Ouachita Baptist University has reported a total spring 2021 enrollment of 1,619, a 3% increase since spring 2020 and the highest spring headcount for the university in 25 years.
In a 6-3 opinion, the high court halted California’s prohibition of indoor worship in Tier 1, the state’s category for the highest risk of COVID-19’s transmission, and substituted a limit of 25 percent capacity.
A settlement in a lawsuit filed by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Baylor University effectively returns control of the Harold E. Riley Foundation to the schools.
Before COVID, the small church in northern Indiana averaged 80 in worship attendance. Since restarting in-person meetings, that number is around 30 or 35, at the most. When the economy suffered, so did the church budget.
Over the past year, my small group has steadily worked through the narrative story of the Bible, and a few months ago, we found ourselves in Judges 19, a story that isn’t for the faint of heart.
We need them to see that the Bible is more than “stories.” It is the inspired, inerrant, Word of the Living God. It is true and it is powerful in addressing all of life’s questions. Questions on values, identity, origins, and so much more.
National WMU will provide a virtual experience leading into the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering Week of Prayer, which is March 7-14. The offering supports missions and ministry through the North American Mission Board (NAMB).
To say “times have changed” when it comes to the way people consume content is a tremendous understatement. When social media started to dominate the internet around 2006 with the expansion of Facebook beyond college campuses, the way we all consume content changed dramatically.
Each summer, California Baptist University sends 30-35 teams and more than 300 students on missions throughout the world. The plans changed during 2020, of course, but still included sending the Gospel.
Young people today don’t operate in ways that older adults are accustomed to or fully prepared for. Rather than conforming to tradition, young people today are quite content blazing their own trail.
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives both approved Friday (Feb. 5) a budget resolution that paves the way for the enactment of President Biden’s proposed $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package.
SHERMAN, Ill. (BP) – Early in my ministry, a young lady from an unchurched family accepted Christ. The family dynamic was unusually complicated by divorce
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – The board of trustees for the North American Mission Board unanimously passed a resolution on cooperation and missional strategy at their February
GLEN ALLEN, Va. (BP) – The International Mission Board celebrated the appointment of 33 missionaries being sent to the nations in a virtual Sending Celebration
NASHVILLE (BP) – After a slow start to the budget year, giving through the Cooperative Program rebounded in January with more than $19.3 million being
The church shouldn’t be a place where people are trying to preserve their favorite songs and rituals at the expense of making the message accessible to outsiders. Reaching people—presenting the message in the most winsome and considerate way—was what the apostle Paul strived for.
Los 175 años de ministerio de la Junta de Misiones Internacionales (IMB siglas en inglés) entre las naciones han dado como resultado la formación de 140 convenciones y uniones bautistas en 73 países.
The SBC Executive Committee voted in February 2020 to approve the first Sunday in February as the annual George Liele Church Planting, Evangelism and Missions Day, at the recommendation of the International Mission Board.
Registration for the 2021 Send Conference officially open. Jointly hosted by the International Mission Board (IMB) and the North American Mission Board (NAMB), the event will take place on June 13-14 in Nashville ahead of the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting.
A racist letter sent to a prominent Black pastor drew swift condemnation from SBC leaders while further highlighting elevated racial tensions within the convention.
NASHVILLE (BP) — A new resource for churches is offering a set of tools for greater financial stewardship and support of missions and ministry through
WASHINGTON (BP) – Southern Baptist ethicist Russell Moore urged leaders in a Democratic-controlled Congress Tuesday (Feb. 2) to continue to include the Hyde Amendment and
Drinking tea and telling Bible stories was Cynthia Martin’s favorite thing to do while on the missions field in Central and South America. It still
Join thousands of kids across the country in hands-on ministry in your community for Children’s Missions Day! WMU invites all children in grades 1–6 to participate on a Saturday in February each year.
How do we build churches and communities where relationships are built and thrive, but are still centered around the study of the Scriptures and following Jesus?
A devout Muslim responded to hate with hate, but he surrendered to Jesus and now leads a weekly bible study for the people he once vowed to kill.
A task force studying the effectiveness of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission issued its report today (Feb. 1), acknowledging both support within the Southern Baptist Convention for the entity and that some see it as “a source of significant distraction from the Great Commission work of Southern Baptists.”
The International Mission Board celebrates the ongoing and indelible legacy of African Americans who have served and are serving on the mission field.
Messenger and childcare pre-registration are open at sbcannualmeeting.net for the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting June 15-16 in Nashville.
New Testament translations were completed in 141 languages, and 8 languages now have completed translations of the Old Testament.
Brad Branham has served as the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) Campus Minister at Arkansas Tech University since January 2015. Additionally, he planted Hello Church on
IMB will host another virtual Sending Celebration to allow Southern Baptists to collectively rejoice in 33 missionaries being sent to the nations. Join us on
SEATTLE (BP) – Kevin Gibbs was a minister to college students at a church in Arlington, Texas, the first time he traveled to Seattle. He
WASHINGTON (BP) – President Biden issued a directive Thursday afternoon (Jan. 28) that resumes funding for organizations that perform and promote abortions overseas and begins
WASHINGTON(BP) – Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear declared abortion the “greatest moral tragedy of our day” at the 2021 March for Life held virtually
There are many needs that pregnancy care centers have. Read this article for more information on how your church can help.
Janice and I would like to believe that if someone had been on the sidewalk that day offering to pray or offering assistance, or just to simply listen without judgement, that we would have made a different decision [about abortion] that day.
En un estudio reciente realizado por la SBC, se aprecia que las iglesias hispanas han ido creciendo y multiplicándose en términos porcentuales en todo Estados Unidos, así como las iglesias afroamericanas.
Freedom through discipline. Study with rigor. Application for life change. What could be more impactful?
Former Southern Baptist Convention President Fred Luter announced today (Jan. 19) his intention to nominate longtime friend and Mobile, Ala.-area pastor Ed Litton for SBC president at the upcoming annual meeting in June.
Mike Stone, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear, Ga., and immediate past chairman of the SBC Executive Committee, will be nominated for SBC president at the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting, per an announcement today (Jan. 13) by fellow Georgia pastor Kevin Williams.
I do know the Lord will bring peace one day, and my prayer for all of them is that they would find the hope and healing that is found in Christ.
IMB is celebrating with these partnering churches and is grateful for the continued generosity shown by those who have joined with us to spread the gospel to all peoples.
The Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission commended the United States declaration on the Trump administration’s last full day that China has committed genocide against Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic and religious minorities.
As it appears Missouri has become the first state since the Roe v. Wade decision to virtually eliminate abortions, Baptists are celebrating while preparing for more battles ahead.
Being the believer that I am in a Sovereign God who “makes all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose,” I have to believe He has plans to bring out the good.
One of the goals of each BCM campus ministry is to develop next-generation leaders. At the UAM BCM, one of the ways this is accomplished is by investing in the lives of students and equipping and challenging them to become student leaders.
The heart of those who founded this nation and led us to our independence as the United States of America believed with great conviction, “out of many, one.” They knew their strength was working together and acting as one people.
Melinda Chisum was sixteen years old when she discovered she was pregnant. Growing up in a very poor family, there often wasn’t enough food in her house.
Life affirming ministry is what executive director, Valerie Long, gets to do every day. However, she describes it as more – upholding it as God’s work that she gets to be a part of.
The Church Health and Evangelism team will be hosting a Sexual Abuse Awareness Training Webinar, presented by MinistrySafe, on February 9 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The BCM at Southern Arkansas University (SAU) made the decision early in the fall semester to be present on the SAU campus to interact with students with the intention of sharing the Gospel.
A Korean Christian and three nationals of India are in jail in Uttar Pradesh state, accused of fraudulent conversion attempts while distributing food and other aid to people in need due to the COVID-19 lockdown, sources said.
Security cameras at Nashville’s First Baptist Church captured the moment a bomb exploded four blocks away on Christmas morning, damaging 40 buildings downtown and injuring at least three people.
Whatever we face in the days to come, may we remember: Fear not the future, God is already there.
Every 23 seconds an abortion is performed worldwide. Pregnancy care centers in Arkansas are diligently working to change that statistic. The Arkansas Baptist State Convention partners in three different avenues with pregnancy care centers so that together we can make a difference.
CONNECT for students is a weekend missions experience where Arkansas students and leaders find ways to make an impact in the lives of residents within a community.
WMU offers several resources on human trafficking: an hourlong simulation called Trafficked: Fighting to be Free; an online course called Human Trafficking: The Church’s Response; and WMU Compassion Ministries.
Recently, Warren Gasaway of the Evangelism and Church Health team offered a model for doing multi-generational, missional, discipleship based on Titus 2. This strategy could help fill the void for the approximately 1,300 Arkansas Southern Baptist Churches that do not have full-time ministries.
This was the Psalm I was memorizing when I was sent home in March from my sophomore year of college. My semester was fueled by a newfound passion for scripture memorization.
Tis the season for tinsel, twinkling lights all a glow, gift wrapping and hanging bows, but in a year like no other, does the hustle and bustle of traditions past leave something in people’s hearts that truly last?
As Arkansans, we are surrounded by visual reminders of Christmas, often before Halloween candy has even disappeared from the grocery stores. But, in some countries Christmas celebrations are nowhere to be seen.
Most of us have favorite Christmas traditions and memories we can share. We build them based on family and community culture, then personalize them along the way. Our International Mission Board (IMB) missionary families find that the influence of family and community culture is expanded even more as they also incorporate the traditions of their adopted countries.
A pair of pilots flew 297 passengers from New Zealand to Antarctica on a sightseeing journey. They were supposed to see beautiful mountain ranges and all kinds of wonderful topography.
While Sunday School and other activities may be curtailed for a stretch, this could be a good time for your church to look ahead and ask God for a fresh vision for your children.
For many of us, the six or so weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day represent a full and busy season. But in many cultures, the Christmas season represents a time of rest, even in the midst of celebration.
And in a culture where snarky skepticism seems to be a defining zeitgeist of our times, the church can also feel less than genuine, even if intentions are to sincerely present our best for the Lord.
While COVID-19 continues to reshape and affect everything across America and the world in 2020, I want to share a few wonderful things God has done through our work together as Southern Baptists despite a global pandemic.
Several weeks ago, the ERLC was presented with an invitation to join a brief written by lawyers at the Thomas More Society, in support of one of our SBC entities.
IMB missionaries and staff pledged $802,700 to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® through an internal campaign that began Sept. 23 and ended Nov. 30.
Colt Booth is the assistant campus minister at Henderson State University (HSU) and his story is why Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) plays such a critical role on the college campus.
Southern Baptists joined other religious liberty advocates in voicing opposition to President-elect Joe Biden’s pick for secretary of Health and Human Services, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra.
As a researcher and statistical analyst, Minh Ha also studies the history and reality of Southern Baptist Convention congregations by race and ethnicity.
In March 2020, IMB missionary Reid Karr’s church was unable to meet as the Italian government had already restricted gatherings.
Ouachita Baptist University celebrated 309 graduates from the classes of 2019 and 2020 during its 133rd commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 5.
Independent abortion clinics that combine to provide nearly 60 percent of abortions in the U.S. are struggling to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report from an abortion advocacy group.
Twenty years is a long time. That’s how long it took to establish a gospel presence among a Muslim unreached people group of 10 million in South Asia.
If you go for a tour at the National WMU building in Birmingham, Alabama, you are bound to see the letter. That’s right, the letter written by Lottie Moon in 1889 to Annie Armstrong.
While challenges due to the COVID-19 global pandemic continue for churches across the Southern Baptist Convention, giving through the Cooperative Program remains above budget through the first two months of the budget year.
The Worthy family recognizes the importance of investing in relationships in the Italian culture. For more than 17 years, Charlie and Shannon Worthy have invested their lives and ministry in Italy as IMB missionaries.
This month, members of Lakeshore Church may wake up to find a shadowy figure in their front yard. There won’t be cause for alarm, though.
Throughout its 175-year history, Southern Baptists have maintained an uninterrupted witness among the nations, in spite of famine, war and civil unrest.
What would you do if you were dropped off in an unfamiliar place, had no friends, knew little of the language or culture, and were far away from family and friends?
For 25 years at his previous in-state pastorate of First Baptist Craigsville, Sommerville had always included a missions moment in the worship service.
Like many tribal people groups, the Akawa are animists who live in fear of the spirits that inhabit the world around them, said Joe Brewster, an IMB missionary who works with the small tribe.
In March 2020, the COVID-19 physical/social distancing began. Churches moved online, as did groups.
Let’s make one thing clear from the outset: There is absolutely no denominational hierarchy when it comes to the Southern Baptist Convention.
The Council of Seminary Presidents of the Southern Baptist Convention has reaffirmed “with eagerness” the BFM’s status “as the doctrinal statement that unites and defines Southern Baptist cooperation and establishes the confessional unity of our Convention.”
When it comes to disciple making in the local church, I am hearing from frustrated pastors and other church leaders who feel they expend a great deal of energy and resources but still don’t make much progress. Their discipleship ministry, much like our flat-bottom boat, is stuck.
Along the Kwilu River, deep in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the town of Kikwit rests nestled among verdant foliage.
Medical missions leads to church planting
Southern Baptist leaders praised a federal appeals court decision that enables states to prohibit abortion giant Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funds.
Government restrictions against Christian schools in Kentucky and Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic have been upheld by a federal appeals court.
Leaders of the national Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) are executing a plan to send hand-written appeals to 20,000 Southern Baptist churches to encourage every church to give to the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
Surrounded by cow pastures and hayfields, South Fork Baptist Church is small enough to fit into a corner of many big-city church sanctuaries.
The Georgia Baptist Mission Board (GBMB) has offered voluntary early retirement to 50 employees to “right-size” the organization in the midst of dwindling revenue, GBMB Executive Director Thomas Hammond told Baptist Press.
After living in Croatia for more than 22 years, missionary Eric Maroney understands why some people describe life and ministry as difficult in this part of Europe.
International Mission Board missionary Kristen Lowry and the staff at the Naivasha Children’s Shelter in Naivasha, Kenya, see the value and worth in the life of each boy.
This year at the BCM, we began hosting Masterclasses. We saw students desiring to understand what the Bible says concerning certain topics.
We don’t know a single pastor who hopes their church becomes a holy huddle—an exclusive, clique-ish group of people who are apathetic about seeing others come to new life in Christ.
Nueva Esperanza (New Hope Ministries) is bringing people to Christ through its food distribution ministry.
On November 18, the International Mission Board celebrated the appointment of 79 new missionaries in a virtual Sending Celebration streamed on Facebook and through the IMB: Advance the Kingdom app.
R. Albert Mohler Jr. describes himself as “a creature of print.” He pores over more than a dozen newspapers a day in order to prepare for his podcast, “The Briefing with Albert Mohler,” in which he provides cultural analysis from a Christian worldview.
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.
March 1st of this year was my last official day in law enforcement after serving 34 years at the North Little Rock Police Department.
After a few years of economic optimism, pastors say the 2020 economy is hurting their congregation.
“They found my brother’s body last Friday,” he says, recounting a recent storm that caused his brother to be swept away by the current of the nearby Cumberland River.
“I don’t think our family is complete. I think we’re supposed to have a fourth child.”
Taking the Good News of Jesus Christ to every language, every tribe, and every nation is why we join in partnership to support full-time, fully-funded missionaries across the globe.
Even though the pandemic may change Thanksgiving celebrations this year, Americans still express thankfulness for their family and friends.
They left their world behind in search of a safer one. On their journey, they found the Creator of the world.
When Jesse Florea glances out his office window at the patchwork display of fall colors surrounding the snow-capped summit of Pikes Peak, he’s reminded of the power of worldviews.
Hurricane Iota has sights set on Central America, making it the second major hurricane to hit the region following Hurricane Eta’s Nov. 3 landfall.
How can a church reach out—with minimal contact? These fresh outreach ideas for 2020 can be accomplished with social distancing in mind.
The nation’s High Court allowed blatant discrimination to stand in at least two cases limiting church activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito told the Federalist Society Thursday (Nov. 12).
The new document is another part of the multi-faceted effort by a partnership of the ERLC and SAAG that began more than two years ago.
With more than 400,000 children reportedly in the foster care system in the United States, and 100,000 of them available for adoption, experts in these fields say the COVID-19 crisis has opened up more opportunities for families to explore ways to help vulnerable children.
Why do they do this? Because they’ve learned that the enthusiastic support of the pastor is the most effective way to get a church to take action toward any initiative.
Newly mandated sexual health education in kindergarten through senior high public schools in Washington state includes guidance contrary to Scripture, according to several groups opposing the change.
The church needed a military ministry, she told them. If they didn’t start one, she would.
As a pastor in a small town I can have a larger influence on my town than a pastor at a larger church in a bigger city.
Jim Richards, the executive director of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC), has announced his intention to transition from leadership, effective Dec. 31, 2021.
In Governor Asa Hutchinson’s COVID-19 update on Tuesday, November 10, he drew attention to the recent spike in COVID cases stating, “the numbers aren’t good.
The SBC is a convention of churches. Churches plant churches and churches send missionaries.
In early September, fires destroyed Moria, the largest migrant camp in Greece on the island of Lesbos.
“We’re aware of people that are hurting,” Galvan said. “[W]e’ll just have to pray and let God be sovereign,” Galvan said.
Over four million Americans served in World War I, and all of them are gone now.
Do we ever stop and think if there is a church reaching these Hispanic employees?
The difference a 6% annual increase in giving would make
Viewers can join the celebration livestream on Facebook, Vimeo and on IMB’s Advance the Kingdom app.
A surge in new COVID-19 cases has at least a few churches returning to online-only worship as many churches continue meeting onsite.
The U.S. Supreme Court gave hope Wednesday (Nov. 4) it will uphold the freedom of religiously based adoption and foster care agencies to carry out their ministries according to their beliefs.
Southern Baptists continue to exercise financial faithfulness as the nation recovers from the economic struggles brought on by the COVID-19 global pandemic.
In the nearly 14 years since retired Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Fields became pastor, Nellis Baptist Church has continued and added several ministries to ever more effectively reach its community.
Oregon will become the first state in the nation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of drugs including Oxycodone, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine beginning in February 2021.
God’s Word cuts and exposes the diseased parts of our hearts, allowing them to be removed. The Great Physician deftly works to bring us to health, to remove unhealthy parts, and to make us into who He wants us to be.
Louisiana’s abortion measure was among many measures on ballots in 32 states, including Stand Your Ground gun laws for churches in two Alabama counties and various measures regarding racial sensitivity received voter approval.
Southern Baptist leaders encouraged Christians to be patient, pray and trust God as they await the results of the race for the White House between President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden.
World Changers is gearing up for another year of serving those in need.
Fall Festivals, or at least the traditional ones we have become accustomed to, took on a new look this year as churches had to rethink their festivities during a pandemic.
No matter the outcome, we must choose to live what we testify to already know.
Like many churches across the U.S., Cropwell Baptist Church hosted thousands of voters on election day as a polling location. The church used the opportunity to be a blessing to its community.
LifeWay Christian Resources President Ben Mandrell has affirmed the evangelical commitment of the group intending to purchase the Ridgecrest Conference Center from LifeWay.
Pray for Katherine, Adam, and all new refugee believers, that God will continue to bring believers alongside them to walk with them in healing and growth as followers of Jesus to comfort others with the same comfort they’ve been given.
On Nov. 1, Christ followers around the world will recognize the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church – a global prayer movement for Christians who boldly witness for Christ at any cost in nations where Christianity is not welcomed.
Total registration for the event topped 5,200, with many watching the livestream in groups or with their churches.
Remember to pray for missions with these custom backgrounds for your computer and mobile devices.
Casting a long shadow across one of Mexico City’s poorest and most crime-ridden neighborhoods stands a seven-story tall image of Santa Muerte – the Saint of Death.
No matter what you believe, what you think, how you vote, or how you live your life, someone is going to disagree with you.
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) and Dallas Baptist University (DBU) have partnered together to offer a joint Master of Divinity/Master of Business Administration degree
Citing a desire to serve as a uniter amid turbulent times, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr. said he has agreed to accept a nomination to serve as SBC president at the 2021 SBC Annual Meeting.
In the throes of one of the most isolated seasons in human history, LifeWay Women launched this new tool to keep women connected.
Illinois churches host students displaced by pandemic; Georgia churches help bridge broadband gap
My first Sunday back after quarantine, I sat in a daze on the pew in my Central Asian church.
They go abroad and visit churches. When they leave the islands, they leave behind Islam. When they return, they pick their Muslim identity back up.
Homecoming will look considerably different at Williams Baptist University this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Remember, Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
Jesus died for every person in every town, city, state, and nation. His call to us is to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in the world and to make disciples of all the nations.
A revitalizing leader’s mission is to strive to see the Lord restore health and vitality to a church by leading the people to seek the heart of God and live out His purposes.
In our cultural moment wrought with crises, we’re faced with a new question: What does it look like to lead well in peculiar and difficult circumstances?
Every number represents a person so valuable to God that he’d be willing to send his only Son to die in their place. That’s value!
The U.S. Senate confirmed Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in a nearly party-line vote Monday evening (Oct. 26), and Southern Baptist leaders focused on prayer for the new justice.
I have been in the ministry for approximately 62 years, and I have never experienced anything like the situation in which we find ourselves now.
With Chicago Public Schools continuing virtual learning, Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles is working with Progressive Baptist Church to distribute hundreds of laptops to low-income students.
But there are also many advantages to sharing online; social media can be a blessing instead of a burden.
Heading into the final week of October, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) operations have gone from seeing a light at the end of a tunnel to staring down the barrel of a potential Hurricane Zeta.
What’s a good way to learn a language? Converse with a native speaker. What’s a good way to advance the gospel? Invest in a missionary. What can catalyze both objectives? A global pandemic, apparently.
The United States has signed with at least 31 other members of the United Nations a pro-life declaration decrying abortion and affirming the family unit and universal health coverage among other beliefs.
The Southern Baptist Convention Cooperative Program funds the Baptist Collegiate Ministry at LSU, as well as BCM outreaches at more than 20 other Louisiana colleges and universities.
A pastor’s work is never finished. When he goes to bed Sunday evening, the last thoughts on his mind are the things that he will need to attend to the following week.
The Southern Baptist Convention’s religious freedom entity and other faith organizations have urged a federal appeals court to reconsider its application of the “ministerial exception” rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court in cases involving employment decisions by churches and other religious institutions.
The financial offering is an exciting part of worship deserving preparation and exhortation on par with sermons, SBC Executive Committee President and CEO Ronnie Floyd believes.
In recognizing these demographic shifts, the North American Mission Board (NAMB) will emphasize Hispanic church planting starting in 2021.
On October 29, 7-9 p.m. EST, please join the IMB for a virtual event highlighting the global, cultural, and spiritual realities that are impacting and shaping the future of international missions.
Ouachita Baptist University surprised its students today, Oct. 16, by declaring it Student Catch-up Day and canceling classes in an effort to encourage self-care.
Churches who chartered or have ever hosted a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) troop should seek legal counsel now in case they are named in future sex abuse claims against the BSA, a Southern Baptist legal representative told Baptist Press.
Pro-life advocates and the state expressed their disappointment with a federal court decision Wednesday (Oct. 14) that invalidated a Tennessee law requiring a 48-hour waiting period before an abortion.
Psalm 139 Project places ultrasound machine; Asian American leaders meet with GuideStone
Sunday morning rolls around, the alarm clock sounds, and a sudden urge to fall back to sleep hits. But through the fog of your grogginess, you remember the words, “Don’t forsake the assembly.” It’s the Lord’s Day!
The North American Mission Board (NAMB) has selected Paul Worcester as its National Director of Collegiate Evangelism.
Here are some ways to show your gratitude during this Pastor Appreciation Month
LifeWay Christian Resources has reached an agreement to sell Ridgecrest Conference Center and Summer Camps to the Ridgecrest Foundation.
But data tells us most people without a religious background aren’t showing up in our churches. This is a problem.
A gift from First National Bank of Lawrence County will benefit the Williams Works initiative at Williams Baptist University.
LifeWay Christian Resources and Thom Rainer have agreed to settlement terms in a breach of contract lawsuit between the SBC entity and its former CEO.
Permanent resettlement is an elusive dream for many of the world’s 79.5 million forcibly displaced people.
Louisiana received a “gut punch,” Friday, as the second hurricane in six weeks made landfall in the state.
This is the twelfth post in a 12-part series that highlights information found in IMB’s Annual Statistical Report.
On Monday (Oct. 5), the North American Mission Board (NAMB) announced the 2020 total for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® (AAEO) for North American missions.
The International Mission Board is reporting a 2019-20 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering total of $159.5 million, the second highest offering in history.
The 2020 fiscal year for the Southern Baptist Convention ended September 30, 2020, and despite challenges related to the COVID-19 global pandemic, giving by Southern Baptist churches through the Cooperative Program for national and international missions and ministries totaled more than $192.9 million.
Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee President Ronnie Floyd is encouraging Southern Baptists to help the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions (LMCO) exceed its $175 million goal for 2020.
Nevada’s new COVID-19 safety guidelines still unconstitutionally favor casinos over churches, religious freedom advocates said.
There were no 4-on-4 full-court scrimmages, no defensive rebounds and no passes of any kind, but First Baptist Church of Alpharetta, Ga., still held summer basketball camp and is preparing for winter leagues.
October is when we encourage all Southern Baptist churches and congregations to promote our Great Commission mission and ministries giving through the Cooperative Program.
Ouachita Baptist University’s Elrod Center for Family and Community held its Fall 2020 Tiger Serve Day event on Saturday, Sep. 26, with 116 teams and 850 total volunteers participating.
Lakota Hills Baptist Church in West Chester, Ohio has been heavily involved, ministering in their community throughout the months since COVID-19 arrived in the spring. They’ve met needs and shared the gospel with their neighbors.
When Charles Fowler received his orders to go to Korea in the summer of 1950, he did not fully understand why he was going to fight other than knowing that North Korean forces had invaded South Korea and nearly taken the entire peninsula.
In Southeast Asia, IMB workers strive to equip and empower local churches to reach what they’ve identified as the edge of lostness.
October is when we encourage all Southern Baptist churches and congregations to promote our Great Commission mission and ministries giving through the Cooperative Program.
LifeWay Christian Resources has decided not to proceed with a breach of contract lawsuit against the SBC entity’s former president Thom Rainer, but will instead seek to resolve the dispute without litigation.
After 38 years, the work of 53 translators is complete – a translation of the whole Bible into American Sign Language (ASL).
International Mission Board trustees unanimously approved the appointment of 80 full-time, fully funded personnel during their Sept. 29-30 meeting.
My husband and I live in East Atlanta among refugees. I taught at a school where all of my students were refugees learning English as their second language.
While I cannot agree with that assessment, I will say that pastors need and deserve the fervent prayers of their church family. We expect them to pray us through our trials and they should count on us to pray them through their trials.
Barron Martin, lead pastor of One Faith Christian Center, said he is blown away at the way his small church plant has been able to impact its community and spread the Gospel.
Online hotel registration opens Thursday (Oct. 1) for the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting June 15-16 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville.
Southern Baptist leaders Russell Moore and Ronnie Floyd commended President Trump’s nomination Saturday (Sept. 26) of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court.
It perplexes Pastor Rolland Slade that certain secular institutions have the good sense to strip professional credentials from sex offenders, while some churches seem to overlook their crimes.
Every year, the World Meteorological Organization maintains a list of 21 official names for major storms that originate in the Atlantic. In 2020, the season has been so active that they have had to turn to the Greek alphabet for names, including Tropical Storm Beta, which hit the Texas Gulf Coast Sept. 21.
Bobby Bowden coached football for more than 50 years. Over the course of 34 seasons as head coach of the Florida State Seminoles, his teams won twelve conference championships and two national championships. Coach Bowden knows about winning.
This is the tenth post in a 12-part series that highlights information found in IMB’s Annual Statistical Report. The report is based on 2019 research data. A full copy of the report is available at imb.org/asr.
In these uncertain, divisive and fearful times, I want to remind us of a sustaining vision we find in God’s inerrant, all-sufficient Word – a vision recorded by the apostle John in the midst of their own fearful and uncertain times.
From the heights of the mighty Himalayas to the crystal-clear water of the Maldives, South Asia is both awe-inspiring and heart-wrenching. Despite the beauty of much of the region and its people, South Asia remains home to the largest concentration of non-Christians on the planet.
New Mexico pastor Steve Ballew will be nominated as the next executive director of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico (BCNM), the search committee announced at a meeting of the BCNM State Mission Board.
The news that Walker’s 11-month-old daughter Esther had leukemia redirected not only her everyday life, but also her ministry calling.
Soon after Hurricane Laura unleashed its destructive fury, Arkansas Baptist disaster relief volunteers responded with tangible expressions of God’s compassion.
Southern Baptist layman and financial expert Jeff Pearson will be the next chief financial officer of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, replacing William “Bill” Townes who is retiring.
Decreased giving during the COVID-19 pandemic led the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee to adopt a Cooperative Program Allocation Budget Tuesday (Sept. 22) that is 5 percent less than the committee projected last February.
God used our simple, imperfect family to be His hands and feet in a place on the other side of the world for His glory. By His grace, He is still using us. However, this is not just our story.
LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention has sold the Wordsearch Bible to Logos Bible Software creator Faithlife.
Debbie Reese has met a lot of people over the past 13 years she says she’ll never forget – people who have lost homes, friends, family members and in some cases, everything.
“See You at the Pole” is a bit of a misnomer this year.
At 12 years old, Malachi Russell had a list of 17 people – one person for each month he was expected to live. They were his “ones.” During his battle with cancer, Malachi had heard about the Who’s Your One movement – a challenge to Christians to pray for and share the Gospel with one person in their circle of influence – and he took it personally.
In 2012, a church in Texas committed to pray for an unengaged people group in Northern Africa. They knew they would not have access to much, if any, information or updates but they remained committed to pray.
This is the ninth post in a 12-part series that highlights information found in IMB’s Annual Statistical Report.
As Hurricane Sally’s deluge flooded Alabama and the Florida Panhandle Wednesday (Sept. 16), Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) readied its response.
The 167th annual meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) has been adapted due to safety concerns and limitations presented by the coronavirus.
Pastoring a church has never been an easy job—preparing sermons, counseling church members through difficult circumstances, managing the day-to-day business of the church.
SBC Executive Committee President and CEO Ronnie Floyd hosted a Facebook Live event today (Sept. 15) to share more about the 2021 Annual Meeting and encourage as many churches as possible to send messengers to Nashville.
When a hurricane leaves town, the ensuing days evoke whirlwinds of activity for Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.
The Williams Baptist University Board of Trustees conducted its regular fall meeting on the university campus Friday, September 11. It marked the first gathering of the full board on campus since December 2019.
In 2017, IMB workers Mark and Hannah Bustrum attended a retreat with missionaries from the region and invited national partners to participate. For more than a decade they had worked to strengthen relationships with Portuguese believers but inviting them to this retreat was about more than building or maintaining those relationships.
Southern Baptist religious freedom advocate Russell Moore and other evangelical Christian leaders have commended a new Trump administration regulation to protect the constitutional rights of students and organizations on college campuses.
Len Arney has seen ash before, and he offers a little perspective.
As I raised my right hand the morning of Sept. 7, 2001, and once again took the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, I was hopeful that rejoining the military would help get my life straightened up.
We often don’t realize how far a single act of obedience can reach until we hear stories like Waylon Tay’s.
Summer camp is a staple for many churches. In Arkansas, Camp Siloam in Siloam Springs has stood for years as a standard of that camp experience.
SBC Executive Committee President and CEO Ronnie Floyd will host a Facebook Live event Tuesday (Sept. 15) to share more about the 2021 Annual Meeting and encourage as many churches as possible to send messengers.
God’s ability to do immeasurably more extends to places that most of us will never go, including prisons in Arkansas.
Every church has adjusted some aspects of ministry since the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic. But even as the effects of COVID-19 continue to press into the modern landscape of the evangelical church, some congregations are already turning from the question of how to shift from the current moment toward changes for the long-term future.
When God sets the stage for His gospel to spread through a new church plant, He rarely calls just one person. Instead, He plants His vision in multiple hearts, drawing their different passions and talents to a unified focus.
As Great Commission Baptists, we are compelled with the vision to reach every person for Jesus Christ in every town, every city, every state and every nation.
The International Mission Board joined with Barna Group for an online workshop titled The Future of Missions. The workshop, hosted virtually on Wednesday (Sept. 2), included IMB President Paul Chitwood, IMB staff and Barna Group representatives. Nearly 1,000 people joined the online event from around the world.
With only one month remaining in the 2020 fiscal year, giving through the Cooperative Program remains steady despite challenges faced by churches and members through the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Though distant, Arkansas Baptist pastors and ministers were still able to unite and connect together through a virtual option for this year’s annual statewide prayer gathering.
Survivors faced decimated homes, church buildings, and communities that had scattered across the South. More than 1 million people fled the Category 5 hurricane and its aftermath, many of them for good.
In January 2020, IMB President Paul Chitwood announced five targets built around IMB’s vision and mission to engage unreached people and places over the next five years.
Even amid the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ouachita Baptist University’s fall 2020 enrollment has grown to 1,704, a 4% increase from fall 2019 and the highest headcount the university has seen since 2000.
Netflix or Nehemiah? Disney+ or Daniel? When confronted with the choice, Americans including Christians are choosing streaming over Scripture.
A Southern Baptist pastor is among 18 deaths related to Hurricane Laura, dozens of churches are damaged and parts of Cameron Parish remain flooded five days after the storm, according to news reports and interviews.
A manual providing guidance on hiring staff members and selecting volunteers is the latest Southern Baptist resource designed to help churches prevent sexual abuse.
Grant helps NOBTS meet COVID guidelines; SWBTS virtual preaching conference advocates sermon-based small groups
The 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina will find Gulfport Pastor Jimmy Stewart praying where First Baptist Church stood before Katrina destroyed it.
Charles Grant has been named executive director of African American relations and mobilization at the SBC Executive Committee.
Southwestern Seminary launches Women’s Leadership Institute; WMU Foundation grants national WMU $45,000
Madisonville rancher Craig Bailey drew from the New Living Bible translation of Romans 8 to encourage the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Executive Board to view the “thorns and thistles” of life from a heavenly perspective.
Gateway developing a ‘new normal’ as students return to campus; New study Bible takes readers on a Holy Land journey.
Southern Baptist churches and associations from west Louisiana to east Texas were preparing for the storm Monday and Tuesday, with mandatory evacuation orders impacting 750,000 or more residents in the target zone.
In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, trustees of LifeWay Christian Resources unanimously approved a $210 million budget Tuesday (Aug. 25) for the 2020-2021 fiscal year that includes reductions of 17 percent year over year.
The Annual Meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) has been adjusted for this year.
Ouachita was one of the few institutions in the state to continue summer research during the COVID-19 pandemic
A challenging time for higher education hasn’t slowed enrollment growth at Williams Baptist University
The Chinese government’s repression of Uyghur Muslims is a foretaste of the world’s future if there is not a change, human rights advocates warned Aug. 21 in a Southern Baptist-sponsored panel discussion.
Like a lot of cities, Kansas City has seen a dramatic increase in violent crime this year. And at least one pastor is looking to do something about it.
Churches are providing options for parents as schools delay or modify reopening plans to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
At Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) and Williams Baptist University (WBU), students returned and started classes this week.
Coy Webb, longtime director of Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief, has been selected to take the helm of Send Relief’s new crisis response arm.
China’s increasingly repressive regime will receive the attention of a panel of experts Aug. 21 in a webinar hosted by the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.
Drop by to say “hello” as we continue to serve Arkansas Baptists – the greatest folks in the world!
Shirley Clark and her husband, Charles, served as missionaries in Venezuela for more than 30 years.
Each August, the Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) provides an opportunity for their Board of Directors to learn more about the work and ministry of the
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (BP) — Cheryl recalls the moment she heard the storm sirens as a powerful, sustained windstorm — a derecho — approached Cedar
NASHVILLE (BP) — William “Bill” Townes, CFO of the SBC Executive Committee, announced his retirement from the post effective December 31, 2020. Townes and his
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published by Talk Business & Politics, and it was written by George Jared. It’s one of the most notorious
Scammers are using various names of ministers, church leaders and Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) staff to attempt to scam people via email. If you
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) — School districts across the nation are striving to continue delivering food to children at risk when school buildings close due to
NASHVILLE (BP) — The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee meeting scheduled to be held in Nashville Sept. 21-22 has been canceled and replaced with a
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Ouachita Baptist University will suspend all athletics competition through Dec. 31, 2020, along with other universities in the Great American Conference (GAC).
On July 1, the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) welcomed two new staff members, Will McKay and Rusty Richardson. McKay joined the staff as the
DAVIS, Okla. (BP) — Anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000 students attend a camp at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center in Oklahoma each summer. This year,
Editor’s note: This is the fourth post in a 12-part series that highlights information found in IMB’s Annual Statistical Report. The report is based on
Camp Siloam, a Christian camp for children, youth and families – funded, in part, by the Arkansas Baptist churches giving through the Cooperative Program –
WASHINGTON (BP) — A silver lining has appeared for pro-life advocates in the U.S. Supreme Court’s otherwise disappointing decision in June regarding the protection of
The coronavirus has left virtually no country unaffected. Unrelenting and indiscriminate, the COVID-19 pandemic has threatened the welfare of millions and has wreaked havoc on
After a hiatus of several months, the campus of Williams Baptist University is about to spring back to life. WBU will welcome freshmen and other
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written by Phillip Johnson, Worship Pastor at Heber Springs Baptist Church. I made a terrible mistake when attending my first
Jerry Gibbens, who served for more than half a century as an English professor at Williams Baptist University, was presented an honorary doctorate by WBU
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (BP) — Brentwood Baptist Church digital strategy director Darrel Girardier admits that he has a love-hate relationship with analytics, especially in relation to
NASHVILLE (BP) — The American economy may have recorded the largest contraction in its history over the past few months (a 32.9 percent reduction in
LEAWOOD, Kan. (BP) — Pastor’s wife Marilane Carter has been missing since Aug. 1 when she departed her Overland Park, Kan., home, reportedly to seek
LAKE CITY, Fla. (BP) — At 96-and-a-half, Betty Schoch is believed to be the oldest person to ever be baptized at Hopeful Baptist Church in
SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. – On June 5, Camp Siloam’s Board of Trustees accepted the staff recommendation to cancel the 2020 summer camp season as a
By Ben Sells, Ph.D. President, Ouachita Baptist University When visiting with prospective students and their parents about Ouachita, I conclude with two statements. First, we
We are excited about our newest Church Planting Strategist here at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, Chanson Newborn. Newborn comes to the ABSC from Fellowship
Some have wondered through the years if it’s really worth the time and effort it takes to become a credentialed Disaster Relief (DR) volunteer. The
The Ouachita Student Foundation has announced that it will livestream Tiger Tunes, its annual fundraising event for student scholarships, with the theme “Tunes REWIND” on
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (BP) — Flash flooding rolled through the St. Joseph, Mo., area beginning July 20, displacing families and rendering many homes unsafe. But
Williams Baptist University has announced that Dr. Christopher Hair will be joining the WBU English faculty this fall. Hair, who has more than 20 years
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Pastor Dan Panter’s awareness of the effectiveness of the Cooperative Program dates to his 24 years in the U.S. Navy. An active
WASHINGTON (BP) — Chaplain Col. Randall (Randy) E. Kitchens of the U.S. Air Force received confirmation from the U.S. Senate to become the Air Force’s
NASHVILLE (BP) — Continued financial faithfulness of Southern Baptists has pushed monthly giving through the Cooperative Program to levels not seen since before the COVID-19
Williams Baptist University will hold its 2020 commencement exercises Saturday, Aug. 8. The ceremony was postponed from its originally scheduled date in May due to
Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief officially launched its virtual training sessions Monday, August 3. Chainsaw, Flood Recovery, Feeding, Shower/Laundry, and more are now available online for
Dr. Ben Sells, president of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, announced today that Dr. Lewis Shepherd, Jr., will join the school’s executive leadership team as
ORANGE CITY, Fla. (BP) — Although he grew up in the church, Jordan Harris identified himself as an agnostic during his college years at Florida
NASHVILLE (BP) — Most churchgoers say they can address doubts others have about the Bible, but half admit they have problems understanding Scripture on their
MUNFORD, Ala. (BP) — A barbecue restaurant, a fast food place or two and a department store are about all the town of Munford has,
[BAPTIST PRESS] EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated with additional comments from Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief Director Dwain Carter . DEEP SOUTH TEXAS
ALPHARETTA, Ga.—The North American Mission Board (NAMB) announced on Tuesday (July 28) that pastors can now get its evangelism kits for free. Four kits, which
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Gospel Light Baptist Church is hosting an event by Teen Revolution on August 5-7, 2020. Teen Revolution is a ministry for
FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) — COVID-19 has upended many plans. From vacations to graduations and everything in between, the global pandemic has left few events
NASHVILLE (BP) — After the cancellation of the 2020 SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando, preparations are underway for the 2021 meeting to be held in
WASHINGTON (BP) — Pro-life advocates, including a Southern Baptist, welcomed a Planned Parenthood affiliate’s repudiation of founder Margaret Sanger’s eugenics advocacy but said the country’s
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) — Southern Baptist leaders challenged college students and young adults to use their first years out of college to serve on mission
WASHINGTON (BP) — Religious freedom advocates and four justices expressed strong disagreement with the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to grant relief to a church seeking
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) — Churches are gathering again, but services and programs remain drastically different from the beginning of the year. At the start of
JACKSON, Miss. (BP) — Longtime editor and lay preacher William Perkins likens it to standing on a railroad track, sticking your hand out and telling
YouTube is a major media platform for young South Koreans. “You have your cell phone and you also have your YouTube channel,” said IMB missionary
SILVER SPRING, Md. (BP) — China persecutes Christians to gain leverage in future diplomatic relations with the U.S., a Christian seeking U.S. asylum claimed in
Editor’s note: This is the second post in a 12-part series that highlights information found in IMB’s Annual Statistical Report. The report is based on
JACKSON, Miss. (BP) — The Baptist Record will cease printing after 143 years, going fully digital and free of charge on its own website, according
It’s possible that churches across the state will at one point or another have a person in attendance test positive for COVID. At that point,
A disaster is defined as an occurrence that causes human suffering or creates human needs that the survivors cannot alleviate without assistance. Disasters have been
NASHVILLE (BP) — If God created everything, how did He create Himself? How was Jesus created? Can I touch Jesus in heaven? Does God talk
Whitfield to be nominated SEBTS provost By BP Staff WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP) — Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, plans to nominate
The words weren’t easy for Angela to hear: “If you go back as a single career missionary, you probably will never get married.” She understood
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – On Monday, July 20 Colonel Bill Bryant director of the Arkansas State Police and Alice Fulk, Assistant Chief of Police –
EDITOR’S NOTE: Ronnie Floyd is president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee and former pastor of Cross Church in northwest Arkansas. NASHVILLE
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) — Over the past few months, my morning routine has consisted of the same few activities: exercising, reading Scripture and browsing through
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Madison Burch recently joined the News and Communications team of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention as the Communications Production Assistant. Burch
[IMB] Editor’s note: This is the first post in a 12-part series that highlights information found in IMB’s Annual Statistical Report. The report is based
NASHVILLE (BP) — When 9-year-old Zac McCullar presented a motion at the 2018 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting to add Children’s Ministry Day to
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written by Jimmie Sheffield, Assistant to the Executive Director at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “Give
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Governor Asa Hutchinson announced on Thursday, July 16 that he would sign an executive order for a mask mandate for the
Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Biological Sciences virtually hosted 45 faculty members from 38 colleges and universities last month in its fourth annual AR-CURE Synthetic
Over the past few months, my morning routine has consisted of the same few activities: exercising, reading Scripture, and browsing through news sites of my
Follow the continuing adventures of the Singerman missionary family Do you remember the Singerman family who were stranded in Kenya during the lockdown? If not,
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written by Aaron Earls, online editor of Facts & Trends. As churches begin to regather and eventually restart their children’s ministry
SBTS adds three online doctoral concentrations By Forrest Strickland LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) — Beginning January 2021, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary will add three fully
NASHVILLE (BP) — Tennessee enacted a law Monday (July 13) that provides some of the country’s strongest protections for unborn children, but it remained in
FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) — During a called meeting Tuesday (July 14), trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary unanimously approved a “conservative” budget for the
FRESNO, Calif. (BP) — Many California Southern Baptist pastors will likely find ways to continue to worship while obeying Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Monday (July 13)
EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information about this article, click here. The COVID-19 pandemic has created serious challenges for leaders and citizens around the globe. The
EDITOR’S NOTE: Click here for a link to the official ERLC document. WASHINGTON (BP) — Churches should partner with government officials to fight the spread
The Hotel Rhea will soon be under the management of students at Williams Baptist University. Through the university’s new student work initiative known as Williams
EDITOR’S NOTE: Kie Bowman is senior pastor of Hyde Park Baptist Church and The Quarries Church in Austin, Texas, and president of the Southern Baptists
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written by Jimmie Sheffield, Assistant to the Executive Director at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. During COVID-19, many people have
WASHINGTON (BP) — The U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed in two 7-2 rulings Wednesday (July 8) that churches and religious organizations are free to make employment
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – At some point in life, every person has questions. Some of us have unanswered questions that paralyze us with fear, rejection
By Tyler Hoffpauir College campuses across the state have resembled a ghost town since COVID-19 sent students and faculty home in mid-March. Usually, summertime for
It seems like every day brings new revelations of another part of society affected by the coronavirus. Ministry has changed, the coming school year is
Editor’s Note: This is the third and final installment in a series celebrating the work that God has done during the first year of the
EDITOR’S NOTE: The need for these DVDs has arisen again. See the article for how you can help. Volunteers are what keep prison ministries afloat
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written by Stella Prather, Director of Communications for Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries. “Fostering is not always easy,
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written by Jimmie Sheffield, Assistant to the Executive Director at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. “Well, our pastor has resigned
For the past 13 years, IMB has hosted the MedAdvance conference as a forum for healthcare professionals, students, church leaders and state and associational leaders
International Mission Board senior leaders are urging Southern Baptists to use extreme caution if they are considering overseas missions travel for the remainder of 2020.
Throughout our 175-year history, Southern Baptists have maintained an uninterrupted witness among the nations, in spite of famines, wars, civil unrest and—as we have all
On Friday, June 26, 2020, the Arkansas Department of Health released to the press a list of churches allegedly “with documented COVID-19 exposure.” In response,
SAN JOSE, Calif. (BP) — Two San Jose churches have filed a federal lawsuit claiming a coronavirus-related ban of indoor worship violates their First Amendment
ONTARIO, Calif. (BP) — On-campus instruction, following specific protocols, will resume during the Fall 2020 semester at each of Gateway Seminary’s campuses. “We are committed
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally written by Roy Hayhurst, director of denominational and public relations at GuideStone. DALLAS (BP) — Kasan Boyd is no
NASHVILLE (BP) — Gifts to the national Cooperative Program Allocation Budget for June 2020 were below budget by almost $1.3 million, but the deficit was
WASHINGTON (BP) — The U.S. Supreme Court narrowly upheld Tuesday (June 30) a state tax credit scholarship program that includes religious schools, thereby maintaining its
You can pray for missions with these custom backgrounds for your computer and mobile devices. Using IMB photos from around the world, you can focus
WASHINGTON (BP) — Defenders of religious freedom inside and outside the federal government praised a court decision to block enforcement of New York orders on
WASHINGTON (BP) — Pro-life leaders expressed deep disappointment with the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal Monday (June 29) to uphold a Louisiana law designed to protect
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally written by Brandon Elrod ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) — Since the launch of the “Who’s Your One” evangelism initiative, the
Dr. Rhyne Putman, a Williams Baptist University graduate and highly regarded theologian, is returning to his alma mater. Putman is joining the administration and faculty at
By Heather Noel, Content Manager Connected Foster Care Imagine being removed from your home by an unfamiliar person, dropped off in an unfamiliar home, with
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written by Lisa Falknor. You turn 18 once. You graduate from high school once. For Luke Faddis, these milestones look
LITTLE ROCK – During his daily briefing, Governor Asa Hutchinson discussed various settings where clusters of COVID cases have been found, including churches. You can
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally written by Alex Sibley, the associate director of news and information at SWBTS. FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) — During
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally written by Tyler Sanders, director of communications for Gateway Seminary. ONTARIO, Calif. (BP) — Gateway Seminary is rapidly expanding
It is the uncertainty that has frustrated me the most. My family was due to return to the mission field this week but the invisible COVID-19
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally written by Jenny Whitaker. The COVID-19 pandemic has given kids ministry leaders a lot of uncharted waters to navigate,
NASHVILLE (BP) — The Southern Baptist Convention is growing in three key metrics among ethnic minority fellowships despite a continuing decline among the broader SBC,
Most Arkansas Baptists develop a passion for missions in a very practical way. They feel a call to go on a mission trip, and while
Arkansas Baptists, in partnership with Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee recently helped launch a brand-new prison seminary at the Varner maximum security unit.
Chances are you have never heard of Ellen Harrison or Natalie Burk until now. But many in Russellville, Arkansas know who they are. Harrison and
EDITOR’S NOTE: This post includes a video at the end. GALATIA, Ill. (BP) — “Why did you become involved in corrections ministry?” It was a
A donation to Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge will fund the construction of two greenhouses. The $75,000 gift from Tekla Research, Inc., is providing
EL CAJON, Calif. (BP) — Rolland Slade’s longtime friend John Hughes describes him as the pastor of all of El Cajon, a San Diego suburb
WASHINGTON (BP)—The U.S. Supreme Court left multiple questions regarding religious liberty unanswered but provided some hope in its landmark decision for gay and transgender rights,
FRANKFORT, Ky. (BP) — More than a century ago, a Baptist church in Kentucky’s state capital city was started by slave owners and had a
RICHMOND – The International Mission Board on June 10 publicly released its Annual Statistical Report (ASR) based on 2019 data, revealing year-over-year increases in gospel
The second issue of the official Camp Siloam email newsletter was released June 12. Read the newsletter in its entirely below and sign up to
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – Trustees for the North American Mission Board (NAMB) heard reports of how missionaries and staff are meeting needs and responding to
Save the date for the 2020 Statewide Prayer Gathering coming August 31 and September 1 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. See the
ALEXANDER, Ark. – Navigating the territory of online children’s ministry has been an interesting experience for most. With many school-aged children dealing with online school,
“We’re trying as Southern Baptists to get the Gospel into every culture in the world. The prison culture is a culture that desperately needs the
ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Dr. Ben Sells, President of Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) announced yesterday (June 9) via email to students, staff, and faculty the fall
Tonight at 6 p.m. join us, along with other churches across the nation, as we celebrate during the Sending Celebration hosted by the International Mission
“There is as great a need for ABSC pastors to lead out in prayer in this season as any other time that we have gathered
India and Bangladesh were already suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic when Cyclone Amphan slammed ashore on May 20. The storm uprooted trees, flattened homes and
Editor’s note: With the necessary cancellation of the 2020 SBC Annual Meeting, Southern Baptist entity leaders offered reports during SBC Advance, a lived-streamed event held
Each year, around this time at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting (SBC), a Sending Celebration is hosted to pray and celebrate new missionaries being
Editor’s note: The ABSC has a new emphasis for Summer 2020, called A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity. This emphasis is two-fold to promote student
The IMB Student Team is providing an opportunity for students to reach the nations through the Stateside Summer initiative. Stateside Summer empowers students to reach
Midwestern Seminary’s Accelerate program introduces four new tracks of study By T. Patrick Hudson KANSAS CITY, Mo. (BP) — Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College announced
Camp Siloam director Jason Wilkie announced this Saturday that Camp Siloam will remain closed for the entirety of the summer 2020 season. Watch the video
Just as COVID-19 has changed church ministries and patterns during the Spring of 2020, churches are now facing how the pandemic is changing ministry this
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A month or so before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock was exploring the
By Travis McCormick Editor’s Note: This article is written in first person format based on the interview with the subject in an effort to better
By Brandon Elrod ALPHARETTA, Ga.—Every summer for the last few years, college students have participated in the GenSend missions experience, being fully immersed in one
It didn’t seem like much—just $32.20—but it was all this 11-year-old had. The small stash represented 6 months of household chores and errands, not to
Camp Siloam director Jason Wilkie issued the following statement after the release of yesterday’s directive from the Governor’s office pertaining to overnight camps: “Yesterday Governor
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) — Ravi Zacharias, the renowned Christian apologist, evangelist and author, died Tuesday (May 19) after a brief battle with cancer. He was
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) — During a virtual meeting May 13-14, trustees of the International Mission Board approved the appointment of 59 new missionaries and received
This year’s annual Explore, Discover, Grow Conference Faith-Based Early Childhood Conference has been adjusted due to the ongoing pandemic. However, another option for Weekday Directors
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) — Like their fellow Southern Baptists in the United States, International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries are adjusting to government lockdowns and other
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) — As airlines reduced flights and countries around the world went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some International Mission Board
By Travis McCormick The International Mission Board defines the core missionary task as entering the mission field, evangelizing the lost, discipling believers, forming healthy churches,
A Vermont student getting saved and baptized in Warren, Arkansas is probably not something you hear about every day. Mikaela Farmer was a student from
AUGUSTA, Ga. (BP) — When 327 delegates met at First Baptist Church in Augusta, Ga., on May 8, 1845, they did more than start a
Most college students struggle figuring out their next step after graduation, but for Bob Smith,* a memorable mission trip to Southeast Asia after his freshman year
Executive Director of Camp Siloam Jason Wilkie made a statement today regarding the cancellation of camps scheduled for the summer of 2020. Read the full
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BP) — Christians will mark the 69th National Day of Prayer Thursday (May 7) with several virtual prayer and socially distanced events
NASHVILLE (BP) — As churches adjust to ministry in a post-COVID-19 world, LifeWay has developed a collection of resources to help them. The new Church
NASHVILLE (BP) — LifeWay Christian Resources is canceling World Changers mission projects for summer 2020 and closing all future operations due to declining numbers and
2020 has been a year like no other. COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has taken lives across the globe and caused untold
FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) — Helping congregations without pastors or worship leaders during a time when churches are unable to hold in-person meetings is the
By Dr. J.D. “Sonny” Tucker As Arkansas Baptists, we are preparing to enter the next phase of this unprecedented COVID-19 journey. On May 4, Governor
Some 40 students have been selected. The first round of crops has been planted. Anticipation is growing by the day. Williams Works is ready to
HOUSTON (BP) — Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) leaders and volunteers continue meeting needs and sharing the hope of the Gospel in response both to
Prospective students offered virtual lunches during “Meals with Midwestern” By T. Patrick Hudson KANSAS CITY (BP) — In the days before the new norm of
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) — As COVID-19 started becoming a global pandemic, Send Relief staff began making preparations around the world to serve communities they knew
EDITOR’S NOTE: C. Ashley Clayton is executive director for church affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee. Sunday (April 26) is Cooperative Program Sunday
ORLANDO (BP) — The 2020 Southern Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference has been canceled, and its officers have asked the North American Mission Board to plan
ROSHARON, Texas (BP) — The 165 students earning bachelor’s degrees in biblical studies at Darrington Prison Unit in Texas can no longer attend classes, with
By Brandon ElrodSENECA, S.C.—Southern Baptists across the South have been providing disaster relief after one of the broadest storm systems in recent years delivered tornadoes
Midwestern Seminary hires Geoff Chang as Spurgeon Library curator By T. Patrick Hudson KANSAS CITY, Mo. (BP) — Midwestern Seminary President Jason Allen announced Tuesday
Today, the Arkansas Baptist News is launching the first edition of a new eMagazine. The ABN eMagazine will be published bi-weekly through email to its
Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief (DR) volunteers are ready to go at a moment’s notice. Jay Paul Woods is no different. He was recently deployed to
Camp Siloam has a new email newsletter called The Impact, freely available to keep Arkansans informed about what’s happening with the camp. Camp Executive Director
Covid-19 has contaminated hundreds of thousands of people with infections increasing dramatically daily. Some have projected the total number of those affected worldwide will be
NOBTS receives $311,000 for summer scholarships By Gary D. Myers NEW ORLEANS — When New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College leaders asked alumni
NASHVILLE (BP) — With churches preparing for another week of online services — this Sunday, an unprecedented Easter — Ronnie Floyd gathered Southern Baptists from
By Tobin Perry KABUL, Afghanistan—Like many other ministry leaders around the world, Dan Thompson has needed to make a number of adjustments to minister to
NASHVILLE (BP) — Thousands of students each summer attend camps held at Baptist conference centers across the U.S. But in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,
Though it seems like the COVID-19 epidemic has brought much of the world to a standstill, God is always at work. Believers everywhere are finding
As churches have adjusted rhythms to facilitate ministry amid various stay-at-home orders from state and local governments, a new reality has set in: Easter is
Recently, the Paycheck Protection Program was rolled out through the Small Business Administration. Many churches are eligible to take part in this program. Bobby Thomas,
NASHVILLE (BP) — Earlier this week, Ronnie Floyd, president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee, announced an SBC Good Friday Online Prayer Gathering. Today
COLUMBUS, Ohio (BP) — Talk to hospital chaplains for long about what they do, and they will eventually mention a regularly repeated phrase: “ministry of
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) — As COVID-19 cases continue to increase in the United States, many medical facilities have faced shortages of masks and other protective
By Brandon Elrod ALPHARETTA, Ga.—The North American Mission Board (NAMB) is encouraging Southern Baptists to use social media to share their testimonies with their networks
NASHVILLE (BP) — While the financial impact of COVID-19 is still unknown, the SBC Executive Committee announced today that Cooperative Program giving in the SBC
By Brandon Elrod BALTIMORE—Governors all across the United States have been calling on the National Guard to assist in the fight to stop the COVID-19
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) and ABSC Executive Director Dr. J.D. “Sonny” Tucker have filed an Answer to the December 2019
By Tobin Perry NEW YORK CITY—When the COVID-19 pandemic began hitting New York City last month, Bridge Community Church in Queens, N.Y., wanted to help.
RICHMOND, Va. – International Mission Board (IMB) senior leaders have directed IMB missionary personnel around the world to postpone hosting any ministry volunteer groups through
MADRID – The streets are eerily silent. It’s as if the life has been sucked out of this vibrant capital of Spain, this city of
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – On the front lines of the global COVID-19 outbreak, Southern Baptist military chaplains serving in South Korea and Italy are faced with
FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) – After months of planning, The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, is launching eight-week courses for online students
LITTLE ROCK – With the ongoing concern surrounding COVID-19, the Arkansas Baptist State Convention has decided to err on the side of caution and cancel
SAN DIEGO – Southern California sounded like a vacation spot to Ebbie Davis at first, not a location for serious mission work. Besides, the seminary
BOSTON – If anyone had looked at a map of Southern Baptist church plants in Boston just 15 years ago, there would have been just
In light of the continuing global expansion of the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus), the International Mission Board’s coronavirus task force and senior leadership recommend that mission
DENVER – Thousands of people move to North America every year, many coming from nations and regions that have historically been difficult to reach with
Editor’s note: The annual Week of Prayer for North American Missions, March 1-8, and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering provide support for missionaries who serve
EDITOR’S NOTE: The annual Week of Prayer for North American Missions, March 1-8, and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering provide support for missionaries who serve
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The International Mission Board (IMB) and the North American Mission Board (NAMB) announced Bryant Wright as the new president of Send Relief
Nashville, Tenn. – If every Southern Baptist increased giving to international missions by the price of a single cup of coffee over the next five
FRANKFORT, Ky. – As pastors and lay leaders left Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfort, Ky., on Monday afternoon, Feb. 24, another stop on the
Editor’s note: The annual Week of Prayer for North American Missions, March 1-8, and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering provide support for missionaries who serve
RICHMOND, Va. — In light of the global expansion of coronavirus (COVID-19), the International Mission Board has convened a task force to specifically address the
PETOSKEY, Mich. – Children’s Missions Day, an annual missions emphasis promoted by Woman’s Missionary Union, has the potential to generate missions projects that reach far
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The International Mission Board (IMB) and the North American Mission Board (NAMB) will work together to combine compassion ministry efforts in North
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – SBC Executive Committee President Ronnie Floyd announced a new five-year initiative in conjunction with multiple entities to reach every person with the
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Mark Richt, a former college football head coach and current college football commentator, will be a national spokesman for Send Relief, the
Patrick and Erin Schwartz have had to get used to the darkness that often clouds Scotland’s beauty. According to the World Weather Information Service, Scotland
RICHMOND, Va. – The International Mission Board (IMB) has selected Somer Nowak to fill the newly created position of prevention and response administrator for the
GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Five at a time, the members and friends of the two-year-old Church at Estrella boarded a SaberCat helicopter Jan. 19. In all,
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee announced today that Cooperative Program giving in the SBC is above budget for the fiscal year
APLHARETTA, Ga. – More than 130 pastors left the first gathering of the Timothy + Barnabas Institute (TBI) at the North American Mission Board (NAMB)
NEW ORLEANS – The inauguration ceremony of Jamie Dew, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) and Leavell College, reflected the tone that is
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – From Alaska and Hawaii to Maine and Florida, Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) board members and state leaders from across the U.S. gathered
ORLANDO, Fla. – Registration is open for the 2020 Southern Baptist Convention Ministers’ Wives Luncheon June 9 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla.,
RICHMOND, Va. – Jason Thomas has joined IMB’s partner relations team as African American church mobilization strategist. In this capacity, Thomas will work with nearly
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) is excited to announce the next MinistrySafe training event on May 4, 2020 at First Baptist
RICHMOND, Va. – For 175 years, Southern Baptists have not failed to have a witness among the nations, International Mission Board (IMB) president Paul Chitwood
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – J.D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, is calling SBC churches to participate in a nationwide focus on baptism this Easter
“Junior saw how tired the mayor was,” Jonathan Santiago, a Send Relief missionary in Puerto Rico, said as he relayed the story. “So, Junior stopped
VANCOUVER, Wash. – A group of Southern Baptists has announced an intention Jan. 14 to nominate Randy Adams, executive director of the Northwest Baptist Convention
YUACO, Puerto Rico – The ground is still shaking as southern Puerto Rico continues experiencing aftershocks from earthquakes earlier this week. Send Relief staff and
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Twelve-year-old Robert Moore couldn’t take his eyes off the dynamic preacher in front of him at his deaf school in St. Augustine,
YAUCO, Puerto Rico – “People are still very scared,” Jonathan Santiago said of residents in Puerto Rico who endured a 6.4 magnitude earthquake early Tuesday,
LITTLE ROCK – A lawsuit filed Dec. 16, 2019 alleges former Millcreek Baptist Church pastor Teddy Leon Hill engaged in sexual assault, battery, felonious conduct
I don’t know about your household, but Hallmark has quickly become the go-to for our family in recent years because of its family-friendly and values-based
Editor’s Note: Modern hymn writer Keith Getty has written a series of essays, each focusing on a Christmas hymn or carol. This is the last
RICHMOND, Va. – Going on mission wasn’t new for members of First Baptist Church in Tifton, Ga. They were already partnering with IMB workers in
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Peter Yanes has been named executive director of Asian American relations and mobilization at the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee. The new
LITTLE ROCK – Clint Ritchie, former pastor of First Baptist Church, Hampton, and Swifton Baptist Church, Swifton, who has served as pastor of First Baptist
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Baptist Foundation (ABF) Board of Directors approved the organization’s 2020 budget and officers, as well as distributions for mission work
FORT WORTH – Southwestern Seminary provost Randy Stinson has issued a statement affirming the seminary’s commitment to biblical sexuality in response to former professor Robert
CROSSETT – Most people see a run-down building and don’t think twice about it. However, church leaders at Jarvis Chapel Baptist Church, Crossett, saw an opportunity.
PEARL, Miss. – A Southern Baptist pastor indicted on a rape charge continues as the senior pastor of Metro Grace Community Church in Pearl, Miss.,
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The 71st annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society focused on the theme “Christ in All Scripture” and gave an opportunity
WASHINGTON – The government should not prevent faith-based agencies from providing services in keeping with their beliefs to children without homes and to families opening
MARIETTA, Ga. – Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Ga., received a record $5.1 million in a single day for Great Commission causes, collected to
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Julio Arriola has been named executive director of Hispanic relations and mobilization at the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee. The new role
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – As a 10-year, active duty service member in the Marine Corps, Brian O’Day regularly moved with his family. He traveled to 15
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Being a military chaplain is a special calling to be a pastor to the troops in uniform. The chaplain serves the role
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – “Lots of factors go into where someone pursues their career. Why wouldn’t the Kingdom and mission of God be the largest of
SOUTHEAST ASIA – The scent of pine trees and roasting coffee beans permeates the Southeast Asian air. International Mission Board worker Katelyn Summers* keeps careful
PITTSBURGH – While more than 100 volunteers and well-wishers filled Vintage Church’s freshly renovated basement during the grand opening of Pittsburgh’s Send Relief Ministry Center,
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Baptists in Texas received the benefit earlier this month of an alliance between the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC) and Ethics
RICHMOND, Va. – More than 155,000 people die daily without Christ. This is a harsh and unacceptable reality facing Southern Baptists, IMB President Paul Chitwood
CLOVIS, N.M. – Baptist Convention of New Mexico (BCNM) Executive Director Joseph Bunce announced Tuesday, Oct. 22, he will retire from his position effective February
Messengers to the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Annual Meeting approved the following seven resolutions Oct. 23: 1) “Appreciation” (of the various individuals and organizations
LITTLE ROCK – Seven agencies or institutions of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) presented annual reports during the 166th annual meeting of the ABSC
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Baptist messengers approved seven resolutions at the 2019 annual meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) at Geyer Springs First
FORT WORTH, Texas – Four Southern Baptist Convention entity heads charged Adam W. Greenway to remain committed to a high view of Scripture, confessional fidelity,
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Fifty-six churches have been started in the Utah-Idaho Southern Baptist Convention (UISBC) over the last 5 1/2 years, messengers and guests
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Associational leader is the most fulfilling role that Sean McMahon has held in nearly 40 years of ministry. “I absolutely love my
RICHMOND — Andrew (Andy) N. Leininger, who served as a Christian worker in the former Soviet Union for 22 years, died in his home state
WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Religious freedom and pro-life advocates commended a new federal court decision that protects freedom of conscience for health-care professionals. In an
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Shane Pruitt, an evangelist, Bible teacher and director of evangelism for the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, has been named director of
SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Bay Area is known for being a launching pad for digital and technological innovations. A group of church planting
Editor’s note: October is the Cooperative Program Emphasis month in the Southern Baptist Convention. To learn more about the Cooperative Program, go to sbc.net/cp. KANSAS
DETROIT – Travis Whittaker of Mile City Church encourages the Detroit-area church plant “all the time” to give. “Every Sunday before we have our time
Editor’s note: October is the Cooperative Program Emphasis month in the Southern Baptist Convention. To learn more about the Cooperative Program, go to sbc.net/cp. ONTARIO,
WHEATON, Ill. — The International Mission Board and the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College’s Rural Matters Institute have launched a five-year research project that
SAN FRANCISCO – North American Mission Board trustees gathered for their annual fall meeting Oct. 7-8 with much to celebrate as Ronnie Floyd, president of
PHOENIX – Like some other churches around the country, Valley Life Church in the Tramonto neighborhood of Phoenix has adopted the “Who’s Your One?” evangelism
SAN FRANCISCO – For the third straight year, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering (AAEO) for North American missions has hit a record high. The 2019
KALISPELL, Mont. – Messengers to the 2019 annual meeting of the Montana Southern Baptist Convention voted unanimously Oct. 3 to enter into a seven-year reciprocal
SAN JOSE, Calif. – On Father’s Day 2017, Sophie Nguyen found herself in San Jose, close to 2,000 miles from her father back home in
TOKYO – The world will converge on Tokyo, Japan, twice in the span of a year for two international sporting events – the 2019 Rugby
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – For the fifth consecutive fiscal year, contributions to Southern Baptist Convention national and international missions and ministries through the Cooperative Program met
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In geese, Jay Wolf sees an illustration of the Cooperative Program. One goose “can fly 1,000 miles alone, but in a flock
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Mark Hoover, pastor of First Baptist Church in Hayti, Mo., is looking for a new “one.” After witnessing long distance to
SOLDOTNA, Alaska – The Alaska Baptist Convention (ABC) entered the third year of its refocusing effort involving a “new vision, new face, new structure” at
Editor’s note: October is Cooperative Program Emphasis month in the Southern Baptist Convention. RICHMOND, Va. – As I near the first anniversary of being elected
COLUMBIA, S.C. – With a long family history of military service and after baptizing hundreds of soldiers in two years at Fort Jackson, chaplain Chris
FREEPORT, Bahamas – After three days surveying the damage from Hurricane Dorian, an eight-member team of Southern Baptists returned to the United States with a
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A report examining how evangelical Christians might help in healing America’s political and cultural divides was issued Thursday, Sept. 26, by the
Thousands of students in Arkansas and across the nation gathered at their school’s flag pole as part of the 29th annual See You at the
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Nearly 200 associational mission strategists (AMS) from across North America gathered at the North American Mission Board in Alpharetta, Ga. Over the
Arkansas River Valley – 4:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at Second Baptist, Russellville. Arkansas Valley – 3 p.m. Oct. 21 at First Baptist, Helena. Ashley –
BILLINGS, Mont. – A seven-year partnership between Southern Baptist churches in Montana and Canadian Baptist churches in Alberta is on track to begin Jan. 1.
BOHOL, Philippines – The International Mission Board has signed a covenant with One Sending Body, the sending entity of five Baptist conventions in the Philippines.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Church planting and gospel unity anchored much of the dialogue during the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee’s September meeting, spotlighting a new
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – At more than 47,000 churches strong, Southern Baptists can have a massive spiritual footprint – they just have to harness the power
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – In his first visit to the North American Mission Board in his new role as president of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive
HATTERAS, N.C. – As Hurricane Dorian moved along the East Coast, North Carolina officials hoped they had dodged a direct hit. Then, the storm made
Editor’s Note: Baptist Press is releasing a series of columns leading up to Sept. 8, which is Baptism Day in the Southern Baptist Convention. For
Editor’s Note: Baptist Press is releasing a series of columns leading up to Sept. 8, which is Baptism Day in the Southern Baptist Convention. For
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Contributions to Southern Baptist Convention national and international missions and ministries received by the SBC Executive Committee in August were 2.05 percent
NASHVILLE , Tenn. – Jonathan P. Howe has been named vice president of communications for the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee effective Sept. 5. Officers
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Hurricane Dorian finally completed its pounding of the Bahamas Tuesday, Sept. 3. After intensifying to a Category 5 before devastating the islands,
LITTLE ROCK – Don Moore, retired executive director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC), has been named the convention’s new prayer ambassador. “(Don’s) heart
LITTLE ROCK – Three new Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) team members were recognized, and potential missions partnerships were discussed during the Aug. 13 ABSC
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Hurricane Dorian missed the island of Puerto Rico. While the storm reportedly appeared to be within striking distance, Dorian took a
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – The words cut deep for Sam Calhoun who, at the time, pastored Windsor Hills Community Church in La Mesa, Calif. A young
Editor’s note: The experience of new birth – and the witness of baptism – undergird the intent of three Massachusetts collegians to reach their peers
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In his first trustee meeting as president and CEO, Ben Mandrell gave board members an optimistic vision for the future of LifeWay
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Tropical Storm Dorian is staring down the islands of the Caribbean, two years after Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico and the
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Southern Baptist Convention is built upon relationships between local churches, associations, state conventions and national entities. A new change to church
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – More than 1,000 Hispanic Florida Baptists are coming together across the state for the annual Hispanic State Fellowship gathering focusing on the
NASHVILLE – The “Caring Well Challenge” to help Southern Baptists address sexual abuse will launch this Sunday, Aug. 25, in about 750 churches. Caring Well
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Eight state Baptist conventions – at their own initiative – are moving toward sweeping changes. The conventions’ goal: adding value to their
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico – Send Relief celebrated the start of construction of a new ministry center in Puerto Rico with a ceremonial groundbreaking on Monday,
LITTLE ROCK – “Viable,” a play dramatizing the impact of abortion, is coming to Arkansas in September, and the leader of the state’s leading pro-life
Editor’s note: Southern Baptist will celebrate Baptism Day Sept. 8. ALPHARETTA, Ga. – To me, when I study the New Testament, especially the book of
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – More than 1,300 people have registered for a Southern Baptist-sponsored, national conference on sexual abuse in churches. The Ethics and Religious Liberty
It has been quite a journey serving as editor of your state Baptist news service ministry since 2011. There have been ups and downs, challenges
THE YEAR WAS 1845. Texas was the 28th state to be annexed into the United States. The sewing machine was invented. The New York Herald
CLARKSTON, Ga. – A lawsuit brought by the North American Mission Board (NAMB) against the City of Clarkston, Ga., potentially adressed important serious constitutional and
STURGIS, S.D. – “Their eternity is forever changed,” Garvon Golden said of 10,647 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attendees who named Jesus as their Lord and Savior
RICHMOND, Va.– International Mission Board trustees voted to elect Mark MacDonald as the mission organization’s vice president of marketing and communication during a virtual meeting
Editor’s note: J.D. Greear is president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of The Summit Church in the Raleigh-Durham, N.C., area. Baptist Press will
SOUTH ASIA – Zoya’s* family life was a mess. She had fallen in love with a Hindu man, and consequently, her Muslim family disowned her.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – What would it take to boost evangelism and baptism numbers among Southern Baptists? Johnny Hunt says the answer is pretty simple. “If
CLARKSTON, Ga. – A couple of old, uninhabitable farmhouses from the 1900s are in the spotlight of a lawsuit between the North American Mission Board
ABN Podcast host Bill Bumpas chats with newly elected Executive Director of Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries (ABCHomes) Derek Brown on his new
RIDGECREST, N.C. – The Southern Baptist Conference of the Deaf (SBCD) gathered for their 71st annual meeting and elected a woman president for the third
ON THE SAME day that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam shared comments on a radio program, which were widely interpreted to imply the approval of infanticide
