News

BIVOCATIONAL
Small churches, big hearts
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published October 21, 2010

"We are out in the woods between Patterson and Blackshear."

GBC cuts 2011 budget to 2000 levels
12 staff reductions will not affect commitment to resourcing churches, White says
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published October 21, 2010

The recession may officially be over but a continuing slumping economy is forcing the Georgia Baptist Convention to trim its 2011 budget by $1,025,000 and once again reduce staffing levels.

Adding art to ministry
Bull Street Baptist in Savannah helps host student exhibits
By Scott Barkley, Production Editor
Published October 21, 2010

Look on a map and it appears to be only a 16-minute walk on Bull Street to Savannah College of Art and Design.

Margaret Cooper: a terrific teacher of timeless truth
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published October 21, 2010

Margaret Cooper, who was born on Aug. 29, 1918, has been teaching Sunday School for 75 years. Center Hill Baptist, the home church of this venerable teacher, has been the recipient of her faithful leadership for all those years.

Behind Colbert's right-wing funnyman, a quiet faith
By Kimberly Winston, c. 2010 Religion News Service
Published October 21, 2010

When comedian Stephen Colbert brought his act to Capitol Hill last month and stole the spotlight with his satirical shtick, no one was more surprised than lawmakers.

Southern Baptist pastor encourages others in the hunt
By David Figura and Garrick Otero, c. 2010 Religion News Service
Published October 21, 2010

Entering the chapel of Lamson Road Community Church here, visitors pass paintings of wildlife scenes, antique fishing gear, and a trophy buck's head hanging on the walls.

Chilean miners say 'Thank you, Lord' for their rescue
By Tristan Taylor
Published October 21, 2010

As 33 trapped miners in Chile stepped out of a rescue capsule to greet the world again Oct. 12-13, many wore a T-shirt with ¡Gracias Señor! (Thank you, Lord!) printed across the front.

Kentucky exec Mackey to retire
Published October 21, 2010

Bill Mackey, executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, has announced his retirement, effective May 31, 2011. Mackey, 69, has served in the position since February 1998.

Author finds faith, fanaticism in South's football god
By Greg Garrison, c. 2010 Religion News Service
Published October 21, 2010

Chad Gibbs has been on a pigskin pilgrimage throughout the South, searching for spiritual truth in Tuscaloosa, Baton Rouge, Gainesville and Fayetteville.

People and Places

Obituaries
Published October 21, 2010

Honors
Published October 21, 2010

Ordinations
Published October 21, 2010

Ministerial Moves
Published October 21, 2010

Cooperative Program Stories

Cooperation means sharing
By J. Michael Williams, Assistant Executive Director/ Vice President for Operations
Published October 21, 2010

The Panera Bread Company has begun a new experiment based on the principle of sharing.

Bible Study

Making Sense of Faith
By Aaron J. Werner, asst. professor of Christian Studies, Shorter University
Published October 21, 2010

Rom. 4:1-3, 23-25; 10:9-11 Heb. 12:1-2
Family Bible Study Lesson, Oct 31

Why "Good" Isn't Good Enough
By Tony Samples, senior pastor, Pickett's Mill Baptist Church, Dallas
Published October 21, 2010

John 14:15-31; 15:9-17
Family Bible Study, Nov 7

Columns

October is 'Eat Country Ham Month,' but don't let it end there
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published October 21, 2010

Has your church remembered that this is Clergy Appreciation Month? Actually, it is also Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, American Pharmacist Month, Apple Jack Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Computer Learning Month, Cookie Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Use 'secret worshipers' at your church
By Diana Davis
Published October 21, 2010

Do you ever wonder how your church looks to a first-time guest? Are you curious about why some guests attend once and never return? What if a "secret worshiper" anonymously visited your church and completed a survey to describe the visit?

The Open Door
By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC
Published October 21, 2010

Some experienced person once said that tough times require tough measures. That was an understatement when you think about the current condition of our nation and the economic and other challenges we are facing.

America's dangerous direction
By Chuck Bentley
Published October 21, 2010

In the process of trying to get a handle on their finances, people often ask me, "What role should money play in our lives?" That's really a good question to consider - and it's one that the Bible answers.

Man's Internet flings could destroy marriage
By Jim Daly, Juli Slattery
Published October 21, 2010