News

Seven years later, New Yorkers still searching
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published September 11, 2008

“But Grandmother, why did the men fly the airplanes into the two buildings?”

RTVC building sale closes final chapter on Southern Baptist radio, television efforts
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published September 11, 2008

The North American Mission Board has sold its historic broadcast building here, closing a chapter on Southern Baptist involvement in broadcast media.

Pause and think
By Danny Watters, Specialist, Church-Minister Relations
Published September 11, 2008

It is said that Martin Luther’s favorite psalm was Psalm 46.

Simple plant battles malaria and gives hope
By Mark Kelly
Published September 11, 2008

Every 30 seconds, a child in Africa dies of malaria.

Harry Moore: champion of creationism
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published September 11, 2008

Harry Moore is a mild-mannered, sincere Christian gentleman who has spent the last twenty years deepening his faith in the Creator God. He shares his views on “Creationism” as a knowledgeable proponent of that fundamental truth.

First Baptist Snellville's Men of Praise in third year
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published September 11, 2008

Those who enjoy hearing a choir of men will surely enjoy the group known as the Men of Praise from First Baptist Church of Snellville directed by Lawton Roberts. One Sunday evening each month the Men of Praise make themselves available to sing in other churches.

Julian and Sarabelle Pipkin: 70 years married, ministering
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published September 11, 2008

Michael Phelps, the United States Olympic swimming sensation, is a remarkable athlete, but Julian Pipkin is no less remarkable to those who know him best.

Cameron hopes people see themselves in 'Fireproof'
By Michael Foust
Published September 11, 2008

Actor Kirk Cameron calls divorce “the big elephant” in the room – the subject few want to address.

Be a responsible Christian and register by Oct. 6
By Ray Newman, specialist, Ethics and Public Affairs, Georgia Baptist Convention
Published September 11, 2008

Eric Gorski of the Associated Press reported the results of a survey conducted by Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life in a recent article. The survey indicates that from the 35,000 adults surveyed 57% of evangelical church attendees say they believe many religions can lead to eternal life.

City Uprising
Published September 11, 2008

Next summer Georgia Baptists will have two opportunities to bring their faith and muscles to two locations for four days of community outreach sponsored by Gallery Church. Congregations should place the dates on their calendars now to be sure the dates are not overlooked.

Georgia NewsBriefs

Georgia Baptist Convention minutes listing
Published September 11, 2008

Lists of ordained ministers who are not serving in the pastorate at the present time and full-time evangelists in fellowship with a church in cooperation with the Georgia Baptist Convention will be published in the 2008 Georgia Baptist Convention Minutes.

Shorter College rises in annual rankings report
Published September 11, 2008

Shorter College has rung up its eight consecutive year among the top baccalaureate colleges according to U.S. News & World Report.

Baptist News Summary

Minimal Gustav damage at NOBTS
Published September 11, 2008

New Orleans Seminary suffered only minimal damage as Hurricane Gustav pushed through about 70 miles southwest of the city Sept. 1.

Southern Baptist Native American churches launch new organization
Published September 11, 2008

Native American churches virtually have been a silent segment of the Southern Baptist Convention, and Emerson Falls believes it’s time they start beating their own drum.

Hunt's first months focus on challenges
Published September 11, 2008

In his first months as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, Johnny Hunt has met with more than 500 Southern Baptist leaders, discussing ways to tackle challenges facing the SBC – issues such as baptism-less churches, declining membership, and a generation of pastors disconnected from the broader fellowship of churches.

Union opens new student housing
Published September 11, 2008

Union University students recently moved into 14 new student housing buildings when they returned to the campus for the fall semester, less than seven months after a tornado destroyed much of the university’s existing student housing.

Baptist schools listed in colleges rankings
Published September 11, 2008

Forty-two member institutions of the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities (IABCU) have been listed in the 2008 rankings of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report and Forbes.com.

Zambian president's death mourned at Southwestern Seminary
Published September 11, 2008

Southwestern Seminary is mourning the death of Zambia’s president, Levy Mwanawasa, on Aug. 19 at the age of 59.

Prayer vigil for revival to begin Sept. 24
Published September 11, 2008

A call for Southern Baptists and other believers to engage in 40 days of prayer beginning in late September has been issued by the SBC’s North American Mission Board and Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.

Religious NewsBriefs

Hamas leader's son declares faith in Christ
Published September 11, 2008

The son of a prominent leader in the Hamas terrorist organization has publicly declared his faith in Jesus Christ and warned that Israel can never be at peace with the “wicked and cruel” men who lead Hamas.

Tennessee poultry plant reinstates Labor Day with Muslim holiday after public outcry
Published September 11, 2008

Responding to intense criticism, a Tyson Foods plant in Tennessee that deemed a Muslim holy day one of its eight paid holidays has changed its stance.

New Jersey court says faith no laughing matter
Published September 11, 2008

Making jokes and comments about a person’s religion can create a “humiliating and painful environment” and be a form of on-the-job discrimination, New Jersey’s highest court ruled July 31.

Atheists come up short in funding ads on buses
Published September 11, 2008

A band of atheists warring with Christians over advertising space on London’s traditional red buses have lost their fight.

People and Places

Anniversaries
Published September 11, 2008

Obituaries
Published September 11, 2008

Ordinations
Published September 11, 2008

Ministerial Moves
Published September 11, 2008

Revivals
Published September 11, 2008

Cooperative Program Stories

Merging ministry and muscle
By Sherri Brown, Communications, GBC
Published September 11, 2008

It was a bit risky taking a group of teenagers used to trips to Six Flags and the beach to a place where they worked hard all day for a week – and didn’t even swim.

Bible Study

No Time Like the present
By Bill Blanchard, Pastor, Mountain Park First Baptist Church, Stone Mountain
Published September 11, 2008

Matt. 25:1-13
Related Sunday School Lesson, Bible Studies for Life, Sep 21

Use It or Lose It
By Bill Blanchard, Pastor, Mountain Park First Baptist Church, Stone Mountain
Published September 11, 2008

Matt. 25:14-30
Related Sunday School Lesson, Bible Studies for Life, Sep 28

Columns

Afraid, ashamed, or aglow?
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published September 11, 2008

This issue of The Christian Index is coincidentally dated Sept. 11 – the date that will live in infamy because of the terrorist attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.

A tradition we can't afford to abandon
By Scott Mixon, Director of Business, New Orleans Seminary North Georgia Hub
Published September 11, 2008

I was recently reminded of a problem that many churches, like mine, probably have in common. During a conversation with a fellow church member, he asked the question: “So what is the Cooperative Program? I’ve never heard of it.”

The Open Door
By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC
Published September 11, 2008

Relentless Pursuit: Reaching the Next Generation” is the theme for this year’s State Missions Offering. There is no greater need right now than to reach the next generation. This is one critical area of ministry that is affected by this offering.

Perfect marriage is too much to ask for
By James Dobson
Published September 11, 2008