BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Churchgoers may hear the Bible preached every Sunday, but their pastors also want them to engage with Scripture during the week. And, more than 9 in 10 pastors are happy to provide free Bibles to anyone who needs one.

DALLAS—Leaders from the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the North American Mission Board agreed in principle to a clear path forward for providing church-starting resources and support for BGCT churches desiring access to NAMB resources during a two-hour meeting hosted at the BGCT’s Dallas office on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

BURBANK, Calif. (BP) — Jared Osselaer isn’t sure how many people will need a generator or place to stay as fires continue to spread across Los Angeles County, but Story City Church will be ready.

While people in central Illinois dug out from heavy snowfall, the state’s southernmost counties were covered in ice and fallen trees causing power losses, leaving many without shelter. That’s when local churches came to the rescue.

NASHVILLE (BP) – The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission has announced the hiring of three new staff members to begin 2025. New hires include Daniel Darling as church engagement strategist and RaShan Frost as director of research. Lindsay Nicolet, who previously served as ERLC editorial director, has been named director of communications.

ROSWELL, Ga. — Dustin Schadt, lead pastor of Northside Church in Roswell, has a message for believers. To share the gospel, we need to truly see those we are sharing with. In his book, Who Did You See Today? The Power of Outrageous Kindness , he encourages Christians to engage with those around them by taking the time to get to know them and respond to their needs.

Baptists arriving in colonial Georgia came for many reasons. Most were looking for a fresh start to provide a better life for their families. Some were spurred because of religious persecution; others were compelled by economic circumstances, seeking virgin farmland, to escape poverty beyond their control; some had no choice, arriving in the bonds of slavery.

PEARL, Miss. — The commencement service for the graduating class of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College was held at the Mississippi Correctional Institute for Women on Monday, Dec. 16, at the prison in Rankin County. Twelve women graduated with either an Associate of Arts in Christian Service or a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Service.

ASHLAND, Ky. (KT) – Kentucky's 45th, 46th, 47th, and 48th Safe Haven Baby Boxes are available for use in Jefferson County, Madisonville, Hodgenville, and Ashland.

Missions begins with vision and strategy. Missions is also continually fueled through a carefully planned mechanism for outreach. But for many local churches, the idea of a systemic plan for yearlong missions efforts is nonexistent.

As we begin a new calendar year, it is a great time to think through one’s leadership priorities for the next 12 months. Every leader in Christian ministry, whether a local church pastor or an organizational leader, must care well for people, address emerging problems and advance the mission of their church or organization. 

Over Christmas break, I took two of my granddaughters to get their nails done. They had received money and gift cards for Christmas and were anxious to use them. Honestly, they were ready to spend all of their money and gift cards on Christmas night but thankfully nothing was open.

It was pitch dark. Darker than usual. Something was different. And there was a nip in the air. Chillier than usual. That’s when we realized the power was off.

PASADENA, Calif. (BP) — California Baptist Disaster Relief is prepared to help in the recovery effort as three wildfires burn across Los Angeles County, a state spokesperson shared with Baptist Press on Wednesday.

SMYRNA, Ga. — Under the leadership of Pastor Jeff Pennington, First Baptist Church of Smyrna, founded in 1884, has taken a monumental step toward ensuring a bright and blessed future for the church.

THE COLONY, Texas — Since launching a new Texas Baptist church plant in September and holding worship services inside a state-of-the-art office and meeting space area, Jamael Graves, lead pastor of Cultivate Church in The Colony, realizes the mission field surrounding his congregation.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock has opened its doors to serve as a shelter to those displaced following a fire at the Midtown Park Apartments on Markham Street.  

A past president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention and educator at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has begun a new role as a Christian educator in Florida.

NASHVILLE (BP) — The winter weather currently sweeping into the Midwest and expected across the South later this week has Southern Baptists responding and preparing for how to help others through the cold, snow, and possible freezing rain or sleet.

TOWNSEND, Ga. — Shellman Bluff Baptist Church is celebrating tremendous growth, which Pastor Brad Butler attributes to the grace of God, and the generosity and enthusiasm of its members. “We are growing through word of mouth,” he says. “Members are inviting friends, family, and people in the community. They are genuinely excited about the church family.”

This past December, the Summerhill Baptist Association distributed well over a thousand backpacks to students within the association area. The association has been providing students with backpacks for Christmas for the past five years.

BURLESON, Texas — Anansi Flaherty, a backup fullback on Katy High School’s 2000 State Championship team, gave his life to Christ in prison. On Dec. 19, 2024, he was baptized—“raised to walk in new life”—outside those walls.

Children in Sunday School or Vacation Bible School may be challenged to memorize the Ten Commandments. While memorizing them is important, living out the Ten Commandments is a key to living an obedient life that honors God.

Do any of you remember the inexpensive toy that allowed you to take a small magnetic pencil and draw a mustache or beard on the face of a cartoon man? It was cheap entertainment and brought some momentary joy and creativity to children. The magnetic pen was the guide that made the finished product.

​Georgia Baptist Convention President Steve Browning, First Baptist Alpharetta, announces that the following persons will serve on the 2025 Committee on Nominations: