(RNS) — Two years ago, Vineyard United Methodist Church was in trouble. They chose to change, pulling out pews cancelling some traditional events, and . gradually tweaking services. The first few changes were the hardest, according to co-pastor Jim Hein. But each one built trust
(RNS) — A new Gallup report found that only half of Americans say they belong to a church or other religious body, down from 69% two decades earlier.
Perhaps the time has come for Baptists today to ask in the same spirit whether or not Methodists, Catholics, Presbyterians and others who are genuinely committed disciples of Jesus Christ are true Christians and have been accepted by the grace of the Triune God into
Should Baptist churches be encouraged to adopt open membership, or are there good reasons for not doing so? I would like to offer five of the latter.
Baptism and local church membership have been inextricably linked historically in the minds of many Baptists. But that view is shifting as a decline in denominational loyalty and the easy movement of American Christians among churches of all stripes have created what writer Phyllis Tickle
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In 2008, the Southern Baptist Convention showed a net loss in total membership for the second straight year and baptized the lowest number of new members since 1987, according to annual statistics compiled by the denomination's pubishing-and-research arm.
By Ken Camp Texas Baptist Standard DALLAS — In a growing number of Baptist churches, new arrivals learn an important lesson early: Membership has its privileges, but it also has its responsibilities. “We want to create a culture of
By Vicki Brown Word&Way Correspondent JEFFERSON CITY — Cole County Circuit Court Judge Richard Callahan dismissed conspiracy allegations against five entities on Aug. 17. He also heard arguments regarding the Missouri Baptist Convention’s claim to be the sole member of the corporate boards of
Columbia — Churches and individuals would be able to become members of the Baptist General Convention of Missouri at less cost if a director-approved proposal is adopted at the BGCM's annual meeting in April. Meeting Dec. 8, directors agreed to changes in the organization's corporate
Columbia — Baptist General Convention of Missouri directors emphasized missions and evangelism at their regular board meeting at the BGCM offices in Columbia on Sept. 9.The BGCM will seek membership in the North American Baptist Fellowship, a regional affiliate of the Baptist World Alliance. Baptist