2007 Archives
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TOGETHER: Churches need ‘Jesus kind’ of leaders
Posted: 5/25/07
TOGETHER:
Churches need ‘Jesus kind’ of leadersOne of the recurring concerns in church life is moving effectively toward the future. Who will lead the way? What role does the pastor have? What is the role of deacons and church leaders? How does the staff fit into the process in churches with multiple ministers? These issues will always be with us.
In my book, The Jesus Principle, I address these matters . Here are some principles:
Executive Director
BGCT Executive Board
• The only thing worse for a church than a dictatorial pastor is a pastor who won’t lead.
When a church calls a pastor, they expect spiritual leadership. They want maturity and sensitivity in their pastor—not arrogance and a “my way or the highway” attitude. They feel they deserve someone who has spent enough time in prayer, Bible study and service that they can have confidence in his or her leadership. But no pastor can give effective leadership if church members squabble over every attempt to move forward. Both pastor and congregation need to give thanks to God for each other.
05/25/2007 - By John Rutledge
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Hispanic youth challenged to see God-given potential & purposeHispanic youth challenged to s
Updated: 5/11/07
Victor Rodriguez, pastor of South San Filadelfia Baptist Church in San Antonio, speaks during the Hispanic Youth and Singles Congreso. (Photos courtesy of BGCT Communications) Hispanic youth challenged
to see God-given potential & purposeBy John Hall
Texas Baptist Communications
BELTON—God designed each person exactly as he wanted and has plans for each individual, Victor Rodriguez, pastor of South San Filadelfia Baptist Church in San Antonio, told participants at the Baptist General Convention of Texas Hispanic Youth and Singles Congreso.
Unfortunately, many people easily forget that notion when they look in the mirror, he said. They focus on what they see as their faults and weaknesses. They listen to the criticism of others and allow it to affect the way they view themselves.
Participants at the Texas Hispanic Youth and Singles Congreso join in worship. 05/24/2007 - By John Rutledge
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Carter meets with SBC bloggers, who welcome gesture
Updated: 5/20/07
Carter meets with SBC
bloggers, who welcome gestureBy Robert Marus
Associated Baptist Press
ATLANTA (ABP) — Some of the Southern Baptist Convention's most prominent bloggers reacted positively to a summit they held with former President Jimmy Carter May 17 in Atlanta.
Carter and the leaders discussed building a broad range of Baptist support for an unprecedented gathering of Baptists in North America, set for next year in Georgia's capital city. The "Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant" is scheduled for next January.
05/20/2007 - By John Rutledge
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Giuliani explains views on abortion, gays at HBU
Updated: 5/18/07
Giuliani explains views on abortion, gays at HBU
By Robert Marus
Associated Baptist Press
HOUSTON (ABP)—The front-runner among potential Republican presidential nominees used a speech at Houston Baptist University to explain his views on abortion rights and other controversial social issues.
But the moderately pro-choice, pro-gay-rights positions former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani staked out in his appearance at the Texas Baptist school still may prove problematic as he attempts to convince social conservatives that he’s their best choice.
Rudy Giuliani speaking at Houston Baptist University. Watch a video clip of his speech here. 05/18/2007 - By John Rutledge
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Successful churches provide meaning and belonging
Posted: 5/18/07
Successful churches provide meaning and belonging
By Ken Camp
Managing Editor
WACO—Successful congregations do two things well; they provide people with meaning and with a sense of belonging, said religious researcher Kevin Dougherty.
“To succeed, a church must provide meaning. It must make a compelling case there is something worth believing—worth sacrificing for,” said Dougherty, assistant professor of sociology at Baylor University and a researcher in the school’s Institute for the Studies of Religion.
05/18/2007 - By John Rutledge
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Trial date set in first of five Missouri Baptist lawsuits
Posted: 5/18/07
Trial date set in first of five
Missouri Baptist lawsuitsBy Vicki Brown
Associated Baptist Press
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (ABP)—A Missouri judge has set a date for the first jury trial in the cases of five statewide Baptist institutions embroiled in an ongoing legal battle with the Missouri Baptist Convention.
Jury selection in the convention’s lawsuit against Windermere Baptist Conference Center is set to begin on Oct. 23, with the trial scheduled to run through Oct. 31.
05/18/2007 - By John Rutledge
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Women caught in the crosshairs of global debate over families
Posted: 5/18/07
Women caught in the crosshairs
of global debate over familiesBy Hannah Elliott
Associated Baptist Press
WARSAW (ABP)—Critics of the World Congress on Families called it homophobic and unrealistic. Supporters saluted the recent congress—the fourth such global gathering, which played to a sympathetic audience in conservative Poland—for proclaiming the family unit as the only hope for economic and spiritual growth in Europe.
In each case, women are caught in the crosshairs of the debate—portrayed either as saviors of civilization or victims of conservative dogma.
05/18/2007 - By John Rutledge
