News

The Missouri Baptist Convention is seeking to collect attorneys’ fees and court costs even as its case against the Missouri Baptist Foundation continues in the legal system. The MBC Agency Restoration Group reported to messengers to the MBC annual meeting on the status of the lawsuit against the Foundation, The Baptist Home and Missouri Baptist University.

This year's Missouri Baptist Convention annual meeting will be held at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach Oct. 27-29. "Together" is the theme of the 180th annual meeting based on Colossians 2:2. The sessions will feature messages, reports, music and leadership development as messengers conduct the business of the MBC. The meeting will be streamed live and can be accessed on the annual meeting page of the MBC website.

HESSTON, Kan. — Business, preaching, reports and fellowship highlighted the annual gathering of American Baptist Churches of the Central Region — covering Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas — at their conference center in Hesston, Kan., Oct. 17-18. President Jo Templin underscored the value of people across the region who help churches.

HESSTON, Kan. — Executive Minister John Williams closed the annual gathering of the Central Region of American Baptist Churches USA Oct. 18 by pointing to six contributions -- church health, clergy health, shared ministry, spiritual vitality, financial stability and future outlook -- the region made to its churches over the past year.

Interfaith dialogue: Conversations can lead to greater understanding, cooperation and community change.

American Baptist clergy in Nebraska learned that some approaches to negotiation in business also might work in ministry. Longtime psychologist and business consultant Karl Slaikeu shared his Preferred Path concepts with about 30 clergy in a three-day retreat Oct. 6-8.

Religious bodies, including denominations, are changing. But where are they headed?

Sisters Heather Gilion and Holly Snell describe the loss of their husbands — James Brill and Scott Nesbitt — on Aug. 1, 2000, like it had just happened. The two women recounted their story at the Missouri Baptist Foundation Annual Conference Sept. 16 at the Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Mo., and they described God’s care and faithfulness in their lives for the 14 years since.

Some watch too much news. Others ignore it altogether. Yet others suggest a balanced approach: praying the news as a way to express compassion for those in strife.