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  County-seat West Texas church embraces change

  Even though First Baptist Church in Sweetwater has ministered to its community 127 years, that doesn’t mean the congregation is beyond changing if changes will invigorate outreach and effectiveness.

  10/03/2010 - By admin

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  RFD–OK, or DOA?

  America’s rural churches were built upon and grew from a strong sense of community. Although many rural congregations now are in decline, that community reliance may be the key to spiritual renewal and to thriving ministry.

  10/02/2010 - By admin

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  Hundreds make spiritual decisions at Tulia crusade

  Some thought an evangelistic crusade in Swisher County wasn’t economically possible, but the sacrifice proved worth it when hundreds made life-changing decisions.

  10/01/2010 - By admin

• Texas Baptists Committed leader says group has moved to ‘next level’

  A recent e-mail appeal from six former Baptist General Convention of Texas presidents encouraging attendance at the state convention’s annual meeting in McAllen and an announcement regarding a new blog devoted to historic Baptist principles marked the first—but not the last—efforts of Texas Baptists Committed to reconnect with Baptists in the state, said Michael Bell, chairman of the group’s board of directors.

  10/01/2010 - By admin

• Ways to engage a changing suburb

  Suburbs are changing ethnically and socioeconomically, creating ministry opportunities and challenges for churches across the country. Here are some tips from leaders about engaging changing neighborhoods effectively for Christ.

  10/01/2010 - By admin

• Some rural churches see their calling as providing a laboratory for training ministers

  Rural churches, particularly those within driving distance of a seminary or denominational college or university, often become training grounds for ministerial staff.

  10/01/2010 - By admin

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  Poverty moves into suburbia; creates ministry opportunities

  Suburban churches don’t need to leave the state, travel to colonias along the Rio Grande or drive into the inner city to meet the needs of the poor. A recent study shows they may not even have to leave their own neighborhoods.

  10/01/2010 - By admin

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  Population shifts present challenges for rural churches

  Rural churches in America face a host of challenges as they seek to continue ministry in their communities. Loss of members through population shift from rural areas to urban centers can drain rural churches.

  10/01/2010 - By admin

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  Rural churches measure growth differently, pastors say

  Brand New Church in Arkansas and Fairy Baptist Church in Texas are examples of rural churches that follow different worship styles and appeal to different kinds of people.

  10/01/2010 - By admin

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  Ethnically changing suburbs may require different strategies

  Most ethnic minorities live in suburbs, according to a recent Brookings Institute report. Texas Baptists are responding by helping start suburban churches that reflect those areas’ ethnic diversity.

  10/01/2010 - By admin

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  Mormons catch a glimpse of life in the big leagues

  Mormons have been making headlines across the nation—from HBO’s Big Love to California’s Proposition 8, from American Idol wannabe David Archuleta to Twilight author Stephenie Meyer, from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to conservative icon Glenn Beck.

  10/01/2010 - By admin

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  When does human life begin? In Missouri, it’s legally at conception

  The question has perplexed philosophers, theologians and scientists for thousands of years: At what point does human life begin?

  10/01/2010 - By admin