A look back on Midwest Baptists in 2013
Word&Way looks back through its archives at the significant events among Baptists in the Midwest the news journal reported in 2013.
New Baptist Covenant enters its work phase
A century and a half after the Civil War divided Baptists in America into separate congregations predominantly black and white, a diverse group of U.S. Baptists is exploring ways to cross boundaries of identity, doctrine and ethnicity to collaborate in community service.
Minority Report: Humanitarian aid, human rights advocacy bolster Baptist witness
Aid and advocacy create a positive witness for Baptists globally, leaders of the Baptist World Alliance noted.
Federal judge strikes down income tax break for clergy
A federal judge said Nov. 23 that an IRS rule allowing clergy to avoid paying taxes on a part of their income designated as a housing allowance violates the constitutionally mandated separation of church and state.
U.S.-Ukraine church partners concentrate on new work
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Politicking and pulpits
Should churches endorse political candidates or lobby over issues? Experts are divided on what the IRS rules mean.
Staying motivated for service among the poor demands discipline
Chronic poverty, hunger and homelessness can leave even the most committed Christian activists feeling overwhelmed and defeated.
Beauty and the budget — a balancing act
Keeping the church facility in good shape and ministries vital costs money. Maintaining balance in budgeting for building maintenance and support for ministry is a choice faced through the ages by Christians who believe God is revealed both in beauty and in the impoverished. The question is how to find the money for both.
Church budgets — choices that reveal ethics
It may not feel like it to number-crunchers fine-tuning annual financial proposals, but church budgets are moral statements that reflect ethical priorities.