News

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.

American Baptist Churches USA President Don Ng recalled his own experiences as a Chinese-American in reminding Great Rivers Region delegates they are God’s people.

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.

Meeting the needs of the hungry in American communities requires churches to network with other churches, various community agencies and volunteers.

Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church’s massive building is a landmark in an economically depressed Kansas City, Mo., neighborhood. But it also is a beacon to many who live in the community and struggle to get by.

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Nzunga and Kihomi Mabudiga, missionaries to Haiti, showed American Baptists in Nebraska the multicultural complexion of 21st century missions.