Baptist Life

Three Southern Baptist Asian groups sent people overseas this summer to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Philippines. All reported amazing stories of God at work with and through them.

SAUTEE NACHOOCHEE, Ga. — If you happen to stop by the Old Sautee Store, near Helen, Georgia, on any given Friday or Saturday, you will be greeted by the stoic faces of two wooden cigar store Indians. You might also see the friendly face of Bill Coen, the retired minister of music from First Baptist Statesboro.

Joseph Hazen’s phone rang, and he answered to hear the voice of his North African friend. Hazen, an International Mission Board missionary, and his friend have served together for almost 20 years in a large European city, sharing the gospel on the bustling streets with people from all walks of life.

SALT LAKE CITY — Does God choose us or do we choose Him? This was the question considered by about 120 Southern Baptists and others from around the state of Utah at an event last month.

BRANDON, Miss. — Many biblical passages, especially within the Old Testament, have people questioning God’s opinion of women. In our modern day, the term “patriarchy” is associated with unfair advantages and exclusive power. But what if, rather than a revolution of one gender over another, the Bible reveals a patriarchy that was first created to love and protect women, not harm them? An order of headship and submission which was beautiful and equally valuable before sin corrupted all authority?

Keith and Morgan Rawlings’ permission to stay in South Asia was under scrutiny. As the International Mission Board missionary couple prepared to visit the U.S. for a few months, it was unclear whether they would be allowed to return to their home on the outskirts of a major South Asian city.  

Illinois teams bring gospel to Chicagoland

CHICAGO — Metropolis is a long way from Chicago. It’s 365 miles in distance—from the southern tip of Illinois to the north end, about six hours, not counting pit stops. But it’s also a long way in terms of population and culture—from small town to big city, from middle class midwestern to multi-ethnic communities at every socioeconomic level.

ELLIJAY, Ga. — One measure of the success of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church's bus ministry is the sheer number of kids running around. On some Wednesdays, that could mean as many as 60 kids, ages 4 to 16.

TIGERVILLE, SC (BP) – Joshua Gilmore was a student at North Greenville University in 2001, and he had a problem. Gilmore learned quickly that dorm rooms aren’t the most spacious and don’t accommodate drum kits too well.

Texans on Mission is not only bringing fresh water and good hygiene practices to people in the Andes Mountains of Peru, but also bringing the gospel, with 46 professions of faith recorded during an August mission trip.

This past July, TSA lines in airports were filled with students with passports in hand and a desire to learn about missions in their hearts. Volunteers from across the U.S. traveled to eight European countries to take part in the International Mission Board’s youth labs.

DANIELSVILLE, Ga. — Trinity Baptist Church is making a big impact in a small town. Though Danielsville’s population is fewer than 700, the congregation has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, leading to the completion of a new worship center.

BOLIVAR. Mo. — While churches often rely on shared resources for ministry, one Southern Baptist association in southwest Missouri found a way to turn a donated travel trailer into a block party trailer—designed to help churches reach their communities.

Many might think chaplains only work in hospitals or the military. But what is mostly unknown is a rapidly growing field — marketplace chaplains. “A lot of people think a pastor is someone who works at a church, preaches on Sunday mornings, and shepherds the flock of the local church community,” noted Matt Bostic, chaplain and business life coach.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – Terminology goes a long way in perception. It’s difficult to get a clear picture if words have different meanings on different sides of a conversation.

Camps prepare the next generation for ministry

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — It was 1994. He had just completed his freshman year of college and was diving into his first of what would be three summers working on the FUGE Camps staff.

ATLANTA, Ga. — Mission Georgia, an initiative of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, is partnering with First Baptist Church of Atlanta to provide a one-day workshop designed to help churches launch and equip a foster care and adoption ministry. Pastors and church leaders who attend the “Chosen Conference” will learn about a Biblical vision for foster care and adoption, and they will discover proven tools to launch or grow a foster care ministry.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (BP) – Only 66 percent of American Christians accept the biblical teaching that all have sinned, George Barna said in the latest release from the 2025 American Worldview Survey he oversees at Arizona Christian University (ACU).

​The Jubal Chorus, which is composed of the Sons of Jubal, Jubalheirs, and Jubal Symphony Orchestra, will be in concert at the First Baptist Church Statesboro at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 25th. This is one of the few times this year the combined Jubal Chorus will be in concert.

Pastor's wife: Getting off the couch

Life is easier if I stay on my couch. The cushions are cushy; the pillows are soft. My beloved got me a personal space heater, so it’s warm on my couch, too. I study my Bible on my couch and read mysteries there. I watch TV, eat, and occasionally nap on my couch. On my couch, everyone believes the same, votes the same, and feels the same. It’s safe on my couch.

Thursday thoughts: Trusting God

For some crazy reason, my granddaughters love to be scared. For several years, the same scenario has happened almost every night. The two youngest will go into our bathroom to brush their teeth and get ready for bed. They will ask Wayne or myself to "scare us when we come out." In essence, they want you to stand beside the closed bathroom door and scare them.

Social media ad leads to Bible studies, baptisms

The phone buzzed, flashing an unidentified caller ID. The Middle Eastern pastor deliberated before accepting the call. It wasn’t spam but a voice from the past.  “I wanted you to know I’m now a follower of Jesus,” the caller said. “I’m attending church and was just baptized.” 

ALPHARETTA, Ga.—Each year, students from Georgia Baptist churches are recognized for their academic excellence and commitment to the mission of Christ through the Georgia Baptist Student Achievement Award. Honorees are selected for outstanding achievement in both the classroom and their spiritual leadership.

From the president: 4 ways to welcome

The rain fell gently on my windshield as I pulled into the parking lot. Finding an open spot, I parked, opened my door, and stepped out onto the wet pavement. The weather was less than inviting, but I was about to experience a wonderful welcome.

WASHINGTON, D.C. —The presidential search committee for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention announced Wednesday, Sept. 17, that they are accepting applications from interested candidates for the office of president and CEO of the ERLC. 

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