Reflecting on Belarus
As protesters fill the streets in Belarus to protest the recent presidential election, John Jackson reflects on his many trips to the nation and what he has learned about and from Baptists there.
Democrats Plan Interfaith Service to Kick Off Convention
Democrats plan to kick off their party convention next week with an interfaith service that officials say is designed to represent diverse faith communities and further the party’s theme that its presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden, will “restore the soul of America.”
Israel Pauses Annexation Push with UAE Agreement
On Thursday (Aug. 13), U.S. President Donald Trump announced Israel and the United Arab Emirates agreed to diplomatic relations. But while many applauded the move as a step toward peace, others criticized it as another effort that undermines Palestinian hopes for sovereignty.
Jerry Falwell Jr. Needs to Go, Say Liberty University Alumni & Pastors
In the week since Jerry Falwell Jr. agreed to a leave of absence from Liberty University, Liberty alumni serving as Christian pastors have let it be known they would like that leave to be permanent.
Evangelical Christian Colleges Take Steps to Address Racial Justice after Criticism
Dozens of evangelical colleges and universities issued statements grieving George Floyd’s death in police custody and pledging to find practical steps to address racial justice on and beyond their campuses. But the efforts left some students unsatisfied.
Missionaries Gain Access to Amazon’s Indigenous Peoples Despite Pandemic
When the first COVID-19 cases hit Brazil in March, the government agency in charge of protecting the country’s Indigenous peoples ordered all civilians to leave the Indigenous reservations. But a new law made an exception for one group: Christian missionaries. And some people aren’t happy.
Church Conflict During COVID-19 Growing Worry for Pastors
Church conflict is a growing pressure point for pastors during the coronavirus pandemic, a new report shows. Twenty-seven percent of evangelical and mainline pastors cited maintaining unity and addressing conflict and complaints when asked about the pressure points they are feeling most.
COVID Tips for Christian Colleges: Wear Masks, Social Distance, Pray — & Watch for Tornadoes
This week we returned to the classroom to teach a weeklong intensive course together at Wheaton College, making it one of the first on-campus college classes to be taught in the U.S. during this new school year. So, of course, there was a tornado.
John Lewis & the Masks Black Preachers Wear
John Lewis said in his posthumously penned op-ed: “Each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up, and speak out.” This is why Black preaching and Black preachers matter.
Why Me?
What if instead of rewarding the most brash, most aggressive, most self-assured leaders we instead elevated those who didn’t seek the position? What if we took into account which candidates have more humility, self-sacrifice, and even hesitancy when offered power and glory?