News

Advances in new technology, awareness making churches safer for future generations
By Sherri Brown, Special Assignment Reporter
Published January 6, 2005

It was a cold November night, weather reports predicted the first frost of the season. The ride to the small Atlanta church wasn't long and the car was warm.

Brandi Steedley of Waycross, pro-life champion, stands tall for God
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published January 6, 2005

"Brandi Steedley is passionate, persevering, energetic, talented and beautiful!"

Executive Committee elects officers in final meeting of 2004
Published January 6, 2005

The Georgia Baptist Convention Executive Committee elected new officers and heard committee reports during its regularly scheduled meeting Dec. 14 at the Baptist Center.

Richmond Hill pastor donates kidney to church member
Giving of yourself ... literally
By Scott Barkley, Staff Writer
Published January 6, 2005

Eighteen months.

Stewart Cink: Premier Golfer, Christian gentleman, missionary volunteer
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published January 6, 2005

Stewart Cink is quiet, mild-mannered and amiable, yet obviously acquiring the mental toughness to become a formidable force in the world of professional golf.

Baptist News Summary

Roy Honeycutt, Southern Seminary president from 1982-93, dies
Published January 6, 2005

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP) - Roy Honeycutt, who served as president of Southern Seminary from 1982-93, died Dec. 21 from head injuries sustained the previous day in an accident at his home in Louisville. He was 78.

Baylor standoff continues after vote
Published January 6, 2005

WACO, Texas(BP) - "The recently conducted Faculty Senate referendum on the leadership of President Sloan sheds no new light on the fact that a segment of faculty do not agree with the current administration of the university," Baylor University board of regents chairman Will Davis of Austin stated in response to a third no confidence vote in a 14-month period involving Baylor's Faculty Senate.

Miss. Southern Baptist Pickering won't seek re-nomination to court
Published January 6, 2005

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (BP) - Charles Pickering, whose nomination was filibustered by Senate Democrats and who was placed on the appeals court by President Bush with a recess appointment, announced his retirement Dec. 9.

Nashville church calls lesbian co-pastor; adds Georgia woman to team
Published January 6, 2005

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In July of 2002 Glendale Baptist Church in Nashville extended a call to April Baker, an admitted lesbian, to serve as associate pastor. The decision created considerable controversy and unwanted attention from the Nashville community and beyond. The decision eventually led to the dissolution of Glendale's associations with the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention.

Calif. Baptist volleyball team wins NAIA national championship
Published January 6, 2005

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (BP) - The California Baptist University women's volleyball team won their first NAIA national championship after defeating Concordia University of Irvine, Calif., in three out of four games Dec. 4 in San Diego. In addition, it is the first national title for any women's sport at CBU.

Names in the news
Published January 6, 2005

Religious NewsBriefs

Mormon Tabernacle Choir cancels overseas tour, cites security concerns
Published January 6, 2005

(RNS) The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has canceled a scheduled European tour this year due to concerns about terrorism.

Israeli women still unable to receive a divorce without husband's approval
Published January 6, 2005

JERUSALEM (RNS) - The Israeli parliament Dec. 1 shot down a bill that would have enabled Jewish women to get a divorce if their husbands cannot or will not agree to ending the marriage.

Religions urged to rise up and combat terrorism
Published January 6, 2005

(RNS) The president of Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, has called on the world's religions to fight terrorism and be a force for peace rather than conflict.

Former bishops' president named to lead archdiocese of Atlanta
Published January 6, 2005

(RNS) The Illinois bishop who guided the U.S. Catholic Church through a bruising clergy sexual abuse scandal received a major promotion from Pope John Paul II on Dec. 9 when he was named the archbishop of Atlanta.

People and Places

Anniversaries
Published January 6, 2005

Obituaries
Published January 6, 2005

Homecomings
Published January 6, 2005

Honors
Published January 6, 2005

Ordinations
Published January 6, 2005

Ministerial Moves
Published January 6, 2005

Cooperative Program Stories

Suggestions becoming necessities in securing children and ministries
By Sherri Brown, Communications, GBC
Published January 6, 2005

One out of every seven churches will be sued, according to recent research. It could be for a variety of reasons, but one of the top issues facing churches today is child abuse prevention.

Bible Study

Intentional Christianity: Be Pure
By Larry S. McDonald, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, Truett-McConnell College
Published January 6, 2005

Cliches of contemporary culture are boldly proclaimed in the media. Phrases such as: "If it feels good, do it!" "To each his own!" "Each person should live in light of what is truth for them." Over the past few years high profile cases have dominated news stories, all the way from a former President violating his marriage vows to an attempt at legally redefining marriage. Usually these cliches are flaunted as a justification of a lifestyle outside the bounds of traditional morality.

Intentional Christianity: Protect Human Life
By Larry S. McDonald, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, Truett-McConnell College
Published January 6, 2005

Few issues in contemporary life evoke as much division as the debate concerning human life.

Intentional Christianity: Reach Beyond Ethnic Barriers
By Larry S. McDonald, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, Truett-McConnell College
Published January 6, 2005

It is natural to love others who have similar interests and backgrounds as us. Yet it is when we encounter individuals different from us - especially those of different racial and ethnic backgrounds - that we face the real challenge of loving others unconditionally.

Columns

Four things every church needs in 2005
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published January 6, 2005

There are four things the church of 2005 desperately needs if it is to make an impact upon our age: fervent prayer, anointed preaching, genuine persecution and divine power.

Arguing with success in fighting AIDS
By Erich Bridges
Published January 6, 2005

RICHMOND, Va. (BP ) - Success is hard to argue with, but that doesn't stop some folks from trying.

The Open Door
By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC
Published January 6, 2005

The New Year presents the opportunity for a new beginning. This can be a significant time for you to correct past behavior, improve your life in certain areas, strengthen your devotion to your family, your church and make new commitments to Christ. What you do with the opportunity to start anew could impact the rest of your life.

"Commitment of will" in marriage outlasts emotional turmoil
By James Dobson
Published January 6, 2005