News

Pure & Proud
Couples, churches and families come together to redefine the courting scene
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published February 3, 2005

Winter is slowly passing, spring is coming, and before long a young man's fancy will be turning to ... waiting.

Georgia Baptist response brings first-hand account of tsunami destruction
By Scott Barkley, Staff Writer
Published February 3, 2005

As an RA leader at Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Hampton and paramedic, Willy Walls has seen a scrape or two. However, he wasn't prepared for the cuts and abrasions among the survivors of the South Asia tsunami in Banda Aceh, located on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra.

Christian Gala one of many on inaugural eve
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published February 3, 2005

The Nation's Capitol was blanketed with snow on the eve of the second inauguration of George Walker Bush. However, snow was not the only thing blanketing Washington before and after the inauguration. The city was also covered with a variety of balls, parties, receptions, galas and social events.

"God showed up and God showed out" in Gainesville church event
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published February 3, 2005

In 2003 Riverbend Baptist Church in Gainesville said goodbye to four staff members, including the senior pastor, who had been called to other churches. However, the church decided that they would not languish during the transitional period. In fact, it had a hugely successful event promoted as "Hope for the Harvest" in which 109 people were saved in one day.

Perdue encourages social involvement at GBC-sponsored prayer breakfast
By Staff
Published February 3, 2005

ATLANTA - Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue urged churches to become more involved in social issues during his address to legislators and pastors at the fourth annual Legislative Prayer Breakfast Jan. 26.

"Operation Desert Hedge" offers prayer support to Griffin National Guard Unit
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published February 3, 2005

Second Baptist Church of Griffin has launched "Operation Desert Hedge," a prayer emphasis to intercede on behalf of the soldiers and families of the 108th Calvary of the 48th Brigade of the Georgia National Guard.

Georgia Music Ministries increases performances for choral groups
By Scott Barkley, Staff Writer
Published February 3, 2005

In the three years Jon Duncan has overseen the ministries of the Jubalheirs and Sons of Jubal, he’s witnessed an increasing evangelistic role of the groups among Georgia Baptists, the nation and the world.

Newly married couples who say the wait was worth it
By Kelly Durham, Design Editor
Published February 3, 2005

Newly married couples like the Hammack and Burbanks have raised their level of cimmittment even more by vowing not to exchange their first kiss until their wedding day. See what they have to say about why the wait was worth it.

Georgia NewsBriefs

New associational missionary named for Middle Baptist Association
Published February 3, 2005

Gary Leutzinger began his ministry as associational missionary for the Middle Baptist Association Jan. 17. A graduate of Brewton Parker College and New Orleans Seminary, Leutzinger comes to the position from Friendship Baptist Church in Sylvania, where he was pastor. Previously, he served at churches in Tennessee, Texas and Missouri. He and his wife, Laura, have two children, Maria, 16, and David, 7.

Baptist educators group to mark 50th anniversary during Atlanta meeting
Published February 3, 2005

(BP) — "Equipping the Church to Engage the Culture" will be the theme of the Baptist Association of Christian Educators’ 50th anniversary celebration Feb. 24-26 at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta.

Three interim association missionaries named
Published February 3, 2005

Associational Missions Ministries has announced the appointments of three new interim associational missionaries.

Index Board elects officers at Jan. 20 meeting, welcomes Horner and Dixon as new members
Published February 3, 2005

Baptist News Summary

Baylor's Sloan to become chancellor of world's largest Baptist university
Published February 3, 2005

WACO, Texas (RNS) Baylor University President Robert B. Sloan Jr. will move from the role of president to become chancellor of the Baptist school here.

Southern Baptist leaders reiterate: No intention to compete with BWA
Published February 3, 2005

WASHINGTON (BP) - A statement by Richard Land, that he and fellow Southern Baptist leaders will attend a meeting in Europe "to form a new alternative to the Baptist World Alliance," prompted the BWA general secretary to say he was "shocked."

LifeWay president, younger leaders have initial face-to-face dialogue
Published February 3, 2005

BOSSIER CITY, La. (BP) - What began with a frog in a kettle has evolved into a series of face-to-face dialogues throughout the country that began Jan. 24 in Louisiana.

Over faculty objections, president named for Louisiana College
Published February 3, 2005

PINEVILLE, La. (RNS) --- The trustees of embattled Louisiana College have elected Joseph Aguillard president over the objections of most of his faculty colleagues and scores of student and alumni opponents.

LifeWay begins vote for film awards, introduces streaming media tool
Published February 3, 2005

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP) - The final phase is underway in the "Short Film Awards" competition sponsored by the e-business department of LifeWay Christian Resources.

Annie Armstrong Offering sets record; up 8.5%
Published February 3, 2005

ATLANTA (BP) - Southern Baptists gave a record $53,845,989 to last year's Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions, exceeding the previous year's offering by 8.5 percent and nearly reaching the national goal of $54 million.

Names in the News
Published February 3, 2005

Religious NewsBriefs

Mohammed enters top 20 most popular names in Britain; reflects growth of Islam
Published February 3, 2005

LONDON (RNS) -- The name Mohammed has entered the top 20 names for boys in Britain and Wales for the first time, a reflection of the growing strength and size of Britain's Muslim community.

Sex and religion not compatible, French believe
Published February 3, 2005

PARIS (RNS) - Islam is the more repressive mainstream religion and Buddhism the most tolerant when it comes to sex - or so many French believe.

Sudan's churches say resources needed to resettle refugees after Jan. 9 peace agreement
Published February 3, 2005

(RNS) - Sudanese church leaders have said they are ready to receive millions of refugees who will return home now that a final peace agreement has been signed between the government in Khartoum and southern Sudanese rebels.

Fox Network meets with Muslim leaders over fictional show's stereotypes
Published February 3, 2005

(RNS) - The FOX television network has agreed to distribute public service announcements against stereotyping American Muslims following a meeting in which Muslim groups objected to the depiction of an American Muslim family on the fictional program "24."

People and Places

Obituaries
Published February 3, 2005

Honors
Published February 3, 2005

Ministerial Moves
Published February 3, 2005

Ordinations
Published February 3, 2005

Retirements
Published February 3, 2005

Cooperative Program Stories

Reaching deeper to reach further
Increasing your church's giving
By Sherri Brown, Communications, GBC
Published February 3, 2005

Think pink and pray.

Bible Study

God's Tough Love: How much does sin cost?
By Larry S. McDonald, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, Truett-McConnell College
Published February 3, 2005

Sin is not a word often used in our society today. Many consider it too harsh of a word as well as an outdated concept. Individuals have gone to great lengths to convince others that their behavior is okay. In the name of "tolerance" and "not judging others" we are asked not only to accept alternative lifestyles but also to approve of them.

God's Tough Love: Does God want me back?
By Larry S. McDonald, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, Truett-McConnell College
Published February 3, 2005

Since I have failed God in the past, does He want me now? Most of us have heard someone else ask this question and have even felt it ourselves. Human failure is commonplace. All around us are Christians who have fallen short of God's plan for their lives.

Columns

Five biblical purposes for your marriage
By Rick Warren
Published February 3, 2005

LAKE FOREST, Calif. (BP) - I suppose you'd expect a man who's been married 30 years to a beautiful, intelligent woman would be able to share with you the intimate secrets to having a perfect marriage.

Despite cold weather, tight security, obnoxious protestors, multitudes celebrate 55th Inauguration
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published February 3, 2005

On Jan. 20 George Walker Bush placed his hand on the Bible and was sworn in the second time as President of the United States. He recited the 35- word oath that every president has spoken since 1789 avowing to "faithfully execute the office of President, and … preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

The Open Door
By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC
Published February 3, 2005

For the past two weekends I have preached in the 280 corridor and have been greatly inspired and encouraged by the warm-spirited, enthusiastic, committed Georgia Baptists with whom I have worshipped.

Child's destiny not guaranteed by personality 'type'
By James Dobson
Published February 3, 2005