(Christian Headlines) Prominent Dallas pastor Dr. Tony Evans delivered a rousing sermon as he urged Christians to unite amid racial tensions in the body of Christ. Evans, who leads Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, spoke to a crowd of an estimated 10,000 people as part of the opening session of the Send Conference, co-hosted by the International Mission Board (IMB) and North … [Read more...] about Pastor Tony Evans Calls for Gospel Unity Amid Racial Tensions in the Church
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‘We Did It!’—Abuse Survivors Win Victory in SBC Executive Committee Investigation
(ChurchLeaders) A motion to put an independent task force over the investigation into the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) Executive Committee (EC) has been adopted. The news comes after Mike Stone, one of the EC members accused of mishandling sexual abuse allegations, lost the SBC presidential race—and had a controversial exchange with survivor Hannah-Kate Williams. “By … [Read more...] about ‘We Did It!’—Abuse Survivors Win Victory in SBC Executive Committee Investigation
Saddleback Church’s Ordination of Women Pastors To Be Considered by SBC Committee
Adelle M. Banks NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — A committee that determines whether churches are conforming to Southern Baptist Convention affiliation rules will consider whether Saddleback Church, a prominent California congregation led by bestselling author Rick Warren, can continue in fellowship with the SBC after Saddleback recently ordained three women pastors. Shad Tibbs, … [Read more...] about Saddleback Church’s Ordination of Women Pastors To Be Considered by SBC Committee
Southern Baptist Pastor: Minister Accused of Abusing a Dozen Boys Never Investigated
Yonat Shimron (RNS) — A Georgia pastor has identified up to 13 boys he says were sexually abused by a Southern Baptist minister whom top leaders of the denomination in effect cleared two years ago when they declined to inquire about the church where the minister was working. Troy Bush, the pastor of Rehoboth Baptist in Tucker, Georgia, said he undertook his own inquiry of … [Read more...] about Southern Baptist Pastor: Minister Accused of Abusing a Dozen Boys Never Investigated
Gavel Named for Slaveholder Replaced With One Recalling Missionary at SBC Meeting
Adelle M Banks NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — As outgoing Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear prepared to open his final annual meeting in that role, he determined to follow through on his plans to change the way he officially got it started. Traditionally, Southern Baptists open the two-day meeting — which starts Tuesday (June 15) — with the banging of a gavel. … [Read more...] about Gavel Named for Slaveholder Replaced With One Recalling Missionary at SBC Meeting