2004 Archives
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Commentary by Megan Wiliford: America’s strongest foundation_41904
Posted: 4/12/04
COMMENTARY:
America’s strongest foundationBy Megan Williford
When separation of church and state arises for discussion, more often than not, strong opinions are voiced quickly. One must ask several questions: What exactly does separation of church and state mean? What were the Founding Fathers’ intentions when creating the First Amendment’s free exercise and establishment clauses? Where does the line between separation of church and state begin? How long is it? And most importantly, where does it end?
America was founded under Judeo-Christian principles, and I believe the foundation, the solid ground laid before us with every possibility for freedom, liberty and the right to happiness, lies in the trust and faith in the church. In addition, I also believe that due to this solid ground instilled by our Founding Fathers, America is the greatest nation in the world.
Where does the line between separation of church and state begin? How long is it? And most importantly, where does it end? 04/12/2004 - By John Rutledge
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Buckner marks 125 years of ministry to children, families and the elderly_40504
Posted: 4/02/04
The population of the Buckner Orphans Home grew dramatically in the early part of the 20th century, with entire family groups of children accepted as residents. The children pictured were representative of orphans from the Great Depression. Buckner marks 125 years of ministry
to children, families and the elderlyDALLAS–The vision for Buckner Baptist Benevolences began 125 years ago in the heart of R.C. Buckner and his love for “widows and orphans.” Today, it touches points around the globe.
Burdened by a deep concern for the weak and vulnerable, Buckner–a Baptist preacher and editor–traveled Texas to campaign for the creation of an orphans' home. He found an ally in Texas Baptist deacons. After a series of letters, he called for the formation of a Texas Baptist Deacons Convention.
See related articles:
• Buckner honors BGCT, Park Cities, orphans' home alumnus
• Buckner marks 125 years of ministryAt the deacons' meeting in Paris, Buckner sponsored a resolution to begin an orphans' home as soon as $2,000 could be raised, and those present named him fund-raising agent for the project. Under the shade of a spreading oak tree, Buckner passed a hat, putting the first dollar in himself. When the collection was counted, it totaled $27.
Buckner's Shoes for Orphan Souls humanitarian aid drive, expects to net its 1 millionth pair of new, donated shoes in 2004. The shoes are sent to children in more than 30 countries. 04/07/2004 - By John Rutledge
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Buckner honors BGCT, Park Cities, orphans’ home alumnus_40504
Posted: 4/02/04
This year marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of Buckner by R.C. Buckner (left), who served as its first president from 1879 to 1919. Buckner honors BGCT, Park Cities, orphans' home alumnus
By Russ Dilday
Buckner News Service
DALLAS–The Baptist General Convention of Texas, Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas and Buckner Orphans Home alumnus Bill Annis have been named recipients of the R.C. Buckner Founder's Award for their contributions to Buckner Baptist Benevolences.
04/07/2004 - By John Rutledge
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EDITORIAL: More churches need to go bivo_40504
Posted: 4/02/04
EDITORIAL:
More churches need to go bivoAre churches needlessly starving their pastors? And what's the connection between pitiful pastoral pay and the plague of vacant pulpits?
A new study by Duke University's Pulpit and Pew Research on Pastoral Leadership validates these questions. The Duke survey documents a national shortage of pastors, which is especially acute in small rural and inner-city congregations. These churches have a hard time providing sustainable salary and benefits that can support a full-time pastor. (See the full story here.)
The survey shouldn't surprise anyone who's paid close attention to churches. At any given moment, about 12 percent of churches affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas are pastorless. Of course, every church is going to be pastorless from time to time. But many small churches are chronically pastorless, due both to short tenures and long vacancies.
04/05/2004 - By John Rutledge
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