News

Hobby Lobby presents: Passages
an extraordinary Bible experience
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published December 29, 2011

Passages is a 23,000-square-foot, multimedia exhibition that provides an interactive experience and tells the dramatic story of the most-banned, most-debated, best-selling book of all time - the Bible.

Ebenezer Church demonstrates faithfulness in recession
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published December 29, 2011

Ebenezer Baptist Church has had a rich and fascinating history dating all the way back to April 20, 1849. Since P.C. Chambers was called as the first pastor the church has had a total of 33 pastors, with Andy Childs having assumed that role in November of 2003.

Southern Baptists could learn much from Russian Baptists
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published December 29, 2011

Russian Baptist Church here has 2,050 members, but will likely have 2,500 for their worship services on any given Sunday.

Missions and growth intertwined at Grove Level Baptist, Dalton
By Scott Barkley, Production Editor
Published December 29, 2011

Grove Level Baptist Church wants to make a connection.

Call for healing, unity, sets tone for Executive Committee meeting
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published December 29, 2011

A spirit of unity and a call for greater harmony among Georgia Baptists set the tone for the Dec. 13 Executive Committee meeting at the Baptist Missions and Ministry Center.

States move toward Great Commission thrust
By Tammi Reed Ledbetter
Published December 29, 2011

The Great Commission Resurgence that arose within the Southern Baptist Convention last year is being embraced by many state conventions as they restructure for greater efficiency and provide increased funding of missions and church planting efforts in North America and around the world.

Conventions struggle in tight economy
Published December 29, 2011

Reflecting the economic downturn, 24 of Southern Baptist state conventions reduced their budgets, oftentimes reducing allocations to convention-related entities such as colleges, children's and retirement homes and foundations in order to keep expenses in line with CP receipts from local churches.

Alpharetta pastor testifies to biggest difference in Russian, American Baptists
By Gerald Harris, Editor
Published December 29, 2011

Andrew Ryzhkov, pastor of Calvary Russian Baptist Church here, reported to The Index that his attendance exceeds his membership very much like the Russian Baptist church in Sacramento. Ryzhkov's church is smaller, but he also contends that repentance is a major emphasis in his church.

Associational Reports
Published December 29, 2011

People and Places

Tabernacle Baptist in Cartersville celebrates century of ministry
Published December 29, 2011

Mansfield celebrates centennial
Published December 29, 2011

Anniversaries
Published December 29, 2011

Obituaries
Published December 29, 2011

Ministerial Moves
Published December 29, 2011

Cooperative Program Stories

Christ followers declare God's truth
By Karen Pace, State Missionary, WMU & WEM
Published December 29, 2011

More than 100 million people across the Horn of Africa are walking in darkness because they have not encountered and responded "yes" to a relationship with Jesus - the Light of the World.

Bible Study

Seeking Purity in a Sensual Culture
By Tommy Fountain, Sr. Associational missionary, Mulberry Baptist Association
Published December 29, 2011

Ephesians 5:1-21
Bible Studies for Life, Jan 8

Caring in an Expendable Culture
By Tommy Fountain, Sr. Associational missionary, Mulberry Baptist Association
Published December 29, 2011

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Bible Studies for Life, Jan 15

Columns

Resolutions, Doomsday predictions, and a daily walk
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published December 29, 2011

Here we stand on the threshold of another year. Charles Lamb said, "New Year's Day is every man's birthday." Benjamin Franklin stated, "Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man."

The Open Door
By J. Robert White, Executive Director GBC
Published December 29, 2011

As we enter a brand new year, I recall from my reading an author who referred to entering the New Year as a dreadful thing. He suggested that it is like launching out into the deep on a starless, dark night.

Monitor grandparents' excessive gift buying
By Jim Daly, Juli Slattery
Published December 29, 2011

Georgia Voices

Let other drivers know Who you trust
By Bill Ivey, Tucker
Published December 29, 2011

I would like to share something that seems to be a secret ministry opportunity for Georgia Baptists.