Stories

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Hunt, Rankin urge Baptists to reprioritize
By Shawn Hendricks

After a vote by International Mission Board trustees to suspend some short-term appointments and limit the number of new missionaries, Southern Baptist Convention President Johnny Hunt told trustees it's time "to take the gloves off."

IMB board chairman: 'Change CP formula'

"If you will, with a broken heart, affirm the recommendation of our staff to temporarily suspend the ISC and Masters programs, and limit other new missionary appointments, please say 'aye.'" The motion passed.

Trustees say troubled economy causes IMB to scale back missionary appointments
By Shawn Hendricks & Erich Bridges

In response to reduced giving during the current economic downturn, International Mission Board trustees approved suspending new appointments to the International Service Corps and Masters programs during their May 19-20 meeting in Denver.

Trustees affirm NAMB's 'crucial' role as agency

Trustees of the North American Mission Board unanimously approved a resolution describing the entity as "crucial to the weaving together of Southern Baptist partners to fulfill the Great Commission."

Missions pioneer Ralph Winter dies

Ralph Winter, a veteran missiologist who 35 years ago sparked an emphasis on unreached people groups worldwide, died at his home in Pasadena, Calif., May 20 after a struggle with cancer. He was 84.

Former SBC president signs GCR 'with caveats' ... prefers to clarify some verbage in document
Index editor interviews Jerry Vines

Signers of any document, whether the Baptist Faith and Message or Great Commission Resurgence, frequently affix their signatures but are unable to explain which portions they agree with and which portions give them concerns.

Great Commission Resurgence: Tone, focus, clarity of declaration questioned by non-signers
By Mark Kelly

Reaction to the "Great Commission Resurgence" declaration in various quarters of Southern Baptist life includes questions about its tone, focus, and lack of clarity.

Online pre-registration available through June 20

Online pre-registration will remain open throughout Saturday, June 20, for the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting here.

Crossover slated for June 20

Numerous evangelistic events are slated for June 20 as part of the annual Crossover outreach involving Baptists locally as well as volunteers from across the country.

New books by Ken Hemphill to debut

Two new books from Ken Hemphill, Southern Baptists' national strategist for Empowering Kingdom Growth, are being released in conjunction with the SBC annual meeting in Louisville.

Mandisa to sing for NAMB

Mandisa, the Grammy and Dove award-nominated singer who rocketed to fame during the 2006 "American Idol" season, will perform as part of the North American Mission Board's presentation at the SBC on Wednesday night, June 24.