EDITORIAL: Priesthood of the believer defines Baptists’ differences_112403

Posted: 11/24/03

EDITORIAL:
Priesthood of the believer defines Baptists' differences

If you could study Baptists' DNA under a theological microscope, the defining chromosome–the strand that gives shape to all others–would be labeled “priesthood of the believer.”

Of course, numerous Baptist characteristics have received more attention, especially in recent decades. During the 1980s, at the height of the Southern Baptist Convention controversy, disagreement over Baptists' understanding of the nature of Scripture grabbed countless headlines. In the '90s, after one group gained control of the convention, Baptists focused on relationships, particularly between the fundamentalist-run SBC and the emerging moderate Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. In the last few years, Baptists have debated how to conduct foreign and domestic missions. Baptists also have argued long and hard about structure, particularly the links–financial and relational–between churches and conventions, as well as between state and national conventions. If you've paid close attention, you probably could suggest a dozen other defining characteristics.

But Baptists' perspectives on the priesthood of the believer–the doctrine they have contributed to the larger church–pervade all these issues. In general, an interpretation of the priesthood of the believer determines how a person or group understands humanity's place in the world. And that determination divides Baptists.

11/21/2003 - By John Rutledge

Scarborough Hall begins new chapter at ETBU_112403

Posted: 11/24/03

Scarborough Hall begins
new chapter at ETBU

MARSHALL–An old building has a new look and a new name at East Texas Baptist University.

Scarborough Memorial Chapel opened in 1948 as both a chapel and home to the music department. It was named by its benefactor, Evelyn Scarborough Linebery, as a memorial to her parents, W.F. and Kara Scarborough, and her uncle and aunt, L.R. and Neppie Scarborough. L.R. Scarborough was president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

Over the past two years, the structure has been gutted and refitted as an academic center at a cost of $2 million. The exterior remains essentially the same in appearance.

11/21/2003 - By John Rutledge

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Nov. 30: Christians are heaven’s ambassadors on earth_112403

Posted: 11/24/03

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Nov. 30

Christians are heaven's ambassadors on earth

Colossians 3:18-4:18

By John Duncan

11/21/2003 - By John Rutledge

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Dec. 7: A fish tale: When the grace of God spat_112403

Posted: 11/24/03

LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Dec. 7

A fish tale: When the grace of God spat

Jonah 1:1-2:9

By John Duncan

11/21/2003 - By John Rutledge

LifeWay Family Bible Series for Nov. 30: Paul demonstrated God’s life-changing power_112403

Posted: 11/24/03

LifeWay Family Bible Series for Nov. 30

Paul demonstrated God's life-changing power

Acts 21:27–22:29

By David Jenkins

11/21/2003 - By John Rutledge

LifeWay Family Bible Series for Dec. 7: Joy can be discovered through giving to others_112403

Posted: 11/24/03

LifeWay Family Bible Series for Dec. 7

Joy can be discovered through giving to others

2 Corinthians 8:1-24

By David Jenkins

11/21/2003 - By John Rutledge

Baylor names Kim Gaynor interim vice president_112403

Posted: 11/24/03

Baylor names Kim Gaynor interim vice president

WACO–Kim Gaynor has been named interim vice president for university relations at Baylor University.

The interim post has been filled by Larry Brumley, associate vice president for university relations, since Feb. 1, when Vice President Stan Madden returned to the classroom.

Kim Gaynor

Gaynor has held a long career in advertising, most recently with Bozell, Jacobs, Kenyon & Eckhardt, the largest advertising agency in the United States and the fifth-largest worldwide.

11/21/2003 - By John Rutledge

Fuller: Help Habitat build character_112403

Posted: 11/24/03

The recent house dedication featured a visit by Habitat founder Millard Fuller (second from left on back row). He is shown with Julie Turner, chairwoman of the DBU board; DBU President Gary Cook; WFAA-TV meteorologist Troy Dungan; new homeowner Dee Wright; and Blair Blackburn, DBU's executive vice president.	The DBU chapter built the latest Habitat house for Dallas resident Dee Wright, and her 17-year-old son, D.J. Students, faculty and staff constructed the home on campus, and it is being moved to the nearby Oak Cliff community. The photograph above shows the house in the early stages of framing.

Fuller: Help Habitat build character

By Marv Knox

Editor

DALLAS–Habitat for Humanity needs Baptists to help preserve its Christian character, founder Millard Fuller pleaded.

11/21/2003 - By John Rutledge

Where are the large Hispanic churches in Texas?_112403

Posted: 11/24/03

Where are the large Hispanic churches in Texas?

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

According to the 2000 census, 6.7 million Hispanics live in Texas. The Baptist General Convention of Texas relates to more than 1,200 Hispanic churches, a ratio of one congregation per 5,500 Hispanic resident.

11/21/2003 - By John Rutledge

Wanted: Trained Hispanic pastors_112403

Posted: 11/24/03

Wanted: Trained Hispanic pastors

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

Trained Hispanic pastors are a precious commodity, both because of their value and their scarcity.

11/21/2003 - By John Rutledge

Irving church changes course for Thanksgiving meal_112403

Posted: 11/24/03

Irving church changes course for Thanksgiving meal

By George Henson

Staff Writer

IRVING–A church with a history of ministry to its community on Thanksgiving will have a slightly more personal touch this year.

11/21/2003 - By John Rutledge

LifeWay launches site to download Christian tunes_112403

Posted: 11/24/03

LifeWay launches site to download Christian tunes

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–LifeWay Christian Resources last week launched a new digital music download service with no monthly subscription fees.

The Southern Baptist Convention publishing house will offer downloads of single songs for 99 cents and complete albums for $10 to $12.

The service, conducted through a partnership with online music pioneer Liquid Digital Media, is the first of its kind available through a Christian retailer.

11/21/2003 - By John Rutledge