News

Breaking up fallow ground in France: No easy task
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published October 13, 2005

A graduating seminarian stood out among his peers with the prospect of a most promising future. In fact, he was offered a position as associate pastor in a very prestigious city church upon completing his degree.

Dramas bring churches together for autumn evangelism
By Scott Barkley, Staff Writer
Published October 13, 2005

You'll have to excuse Jeannie Barfield for her growing excitement when summer comes to an end and fall begins to take over.

Pilot of B-2 Stealth Bomber is spiritual leader in home, church and community
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published October 13, 2005

Some men have such a compelling demeanor, such a depth of character and are such pillars of strength that they make an indelible impression upon your life. Major Brian D. Neal, a pilot for the United States Air Force, is such a man. Neal is patently unassuming, but remarkably exceptional in many ways.

Ten Commandments Georgia launches next initiative at fundraiser
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published October 13, 2005

Comparing American society to a driver cruising down a highway unaware the bridge is out, Sen. Zell Miller cautioned a group of listeners at Atlanta's Capital City Club that without a moral warning sign posted at the edge of the road, Americans are hurtling toward a similar crash.

GBCC-Toccoa now temporary home of special needs evacuees
By Scott Barkley, Staff Writer
Published October 13, 2005

TOCCOA - It appears the early preparations for housing Katrina evacuees at GBCC-Toccoa (the Index, Sept. 29) was a dry run at the real thing.

GBC Executive Committee affirms record budget, extends Moldova partnership
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published October 13, 2005

The Executive Committee of the Georgia Baptist Convention, presided over by chairman Wayne Hamrick, met at the Baptist Center in Atlanta Sept. 27 and approved a record Cooperative Program Budget of $50,500,000 for 2006.

Long-term help, long-term ministry from Georgia Baptists
By Celeste Pennington, Special Assignment Reporter
Published October 13, 2005

PASCAGOULA, MISS. - Everywhere you turn are temporary signs boldly spray-painted on big sheets of plywood. One seems to catch the spirit of Mississippi Baptists: "Be thankful you're alive. Everything else can be fixed."

Getting your arms around Mississippi
By Celeste Pennington, Special Assignment Reporter
Published October 13, 2005

Want to help with Mississippi disaster relief efforts?

Foundation in Scripture crucial, speaker's tournament winner says
By Liz Pantana, Staff Writer
Published October 13, 2005

On Aug. 3 the 2005 Youth Speaker's Tournament winner Olivia Neeley presented her award winning speech to staff of the Georgia Baptist Convention during their weekly chapel service. The home-schooled high school senior is a member of Harp's Crossing Baptist Church in Fayetteville.

Georgia NewsBriefs

Cloud named new associational missionary
Published October 13, 2005

Kenneth Cloud will return to his native Decatur County and assume his new role as associational missionary for Bowen Baptist Association Sept. 26. He succeeds Charles Holland, who retired Aug. 31.

Resolutions Guidelines released for November 14-15 GBC meeting
Published October 13, 2005

Religious NewsBriefs

Poll finds support for teaching creationism alongside evolution in public schools
Published October 13, 2005

WASHINGTON - Nearly two-thirds of Americans support teaching creationism alongside evolution in public schools, according to a new poll, but there is far less agreement over who gets to decide what is taught.

Muslim version of Barbie creating "Fulla fever"
Published October 13, 2005

(BP) - As many Muslims in the Middle East tend to be appalled by the sex-drenched American culture, one toymaker has unearthed a gold mine of sorts by offering an alternative to the curvy blonde American icon known for decades as Barbie.

Russian abortions now outnumber births
Published October 13, 2005

(BP) - Russia has more abortions than live births each year, the country's leading obstetrician says.

At this British school, F-word may be spoken
Published October 13, 2005

(RNS) - Pupils at a British school are being allowed to use the f-word as frequently as five times a lesson without being reprimanded, according to a London newspaper.

People and Places

Anniversaries
Published October 13, 2005

Dedications
Published October 13, 2005

Homecomings
Published October 13, 2005

Ordinations
Published October 13, 2005

Ministerial Moves
Published October 13, 2005

Cooperative Program Stories

Reflecting the Son for more than 50 years
By Sherri Brown, Communications, GBC
Published October 13, 2005

They arrive early in the morning to start preparing for the evening concert. Between setting up instruments, making sound checks and holding group business meetings, there is a lot of laughter and a lot of friendship.

Bible Study

Honor God in His Church
By Dannie Williams, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Lyons
Published October 13, 2005

We live in a day of spiritual compromise. One could compare it to the times immediately following the death of Joshua. In those days the people began to make practical compromises in their walk with the Lord that soon led to spiritual lukewarmness and ultimately deadness.

Follow God's Example
By Dannie Williams, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Lyons
Published October 13, 2005

Bruce Wilkinson has written a great book entitled First Hand Faith. He gives the analogy that everybody is sitting in one of three spiritual chairs. Each chair represents a life lived in relation to God.

Columns

Baptist - A Pretty Good Name
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published October 13, 2005

Identity theft is a serious problem in America today. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission has been assigned the responsibility of helping individuals repair the damage caused by identity theft. American Express has established its own Fraud Protection Center stating that identity theft was the largest consumer complaint lodged in 2004.

How should one respond to Republicans' ethical troubles?
By David P. Gushee, c. 2005 Religion News Service
Published October 13, 2005

The Open Door
By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC
Published October 13, 2005

Grandchildren are a blessing from God! You may know that Janice and I enjoy six grandchildren under the age of four and one-half. I have never had more fun in my life than I do when I am playing with my grandchildren.

A Missional Church
By Ed Stetzer, Special to the Index
Published October 13, 2005

Thanks so much to The Christian Index for the Sept. 29 article on the missional church. For many evangelicals, the terminology is new, but the actual practice is as old as the church and her sacred effort. Now that the word "missional" is on the front page of The Christian Index, Lifeway's Facts & Trends, and throughout Baptist Press, it is good to be clear what the word means and why it matters so much.

Single parenting is the challenge of a lifetime
By James Dobson
Published October 13, 2005