(ChurchLeaders) Stateline Church in Rockford, Illinois, is challenging its members to have political conversations over dinner with people who have different views than they do. The church gave away $50 gift cards in order to support local restaurants and encourage believers to have discussions where they show Jesus’ love instead of tearing others down. “If you are a … [Read more...] about IL Church: Go Out to Dinner and Talk About Politics with Love
Church
Harvest, MacDonald Speak Out About Settled Legal Dispute
(ChurchLeaders) The protracted dispute between Pastor James MacDonald and Harvest Bible Chapel (HBC) recently concluded through arbitration. Now the Chicago-area megachurch is sharing details of the settlement and has apologized to its former pastor, who was fired in February 2019. MacDonald also is speaking out for the first time about the contentious, high-profile split … [Read more...] about Harvest, MacDonald Speak Out About Settled Legal Dispute
Kentucky Church To Investigate Chris Rice, Christian Musician, After Abuse Allegation
by Bob Smietana NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) A Kentucky church has announced plans to investigate allegations of sexual abuse by Dove Award-winning Christian musician and songwriter Chris Rice. Tates Creek Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Kentucky, said that Rice, whose songs include “Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)” and “Deep Enough to Dream,” had been a guest musician at … [Read more...] about Kentucky Church To Investigate Chris Rice, Christian Musician, After Abuse Allegation
Redemption Church Returning to Greenville After Bungled Succession
(ChurchLeaders) In an October 9 video announcement, megachurch Pastor Ron Carpenter revealed that his longtime ministry, Redemption Church, will get a new home in its birthplace of Greenville, South Carolina. He also shared his dream of expanding Redemption into a national presence, citing Lakewood and Hillsong as examples. Carpenter founded Redemption in 1991, leading the … [Read more...] about Redemption Church Returning to Greenville After Bungled Succession
Fewer Southern Baptists Call Themselves ‘Southern Baptist’
(Christianity Today) Several prominent Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) leaders have embraced a moniker that identifies it with the denomination’s mission rather than its regional (and at times racist) past: Great Commission Baptists. Last month, SBC president J. D. Greear announced “We Are Great Commission Baptists” as the theme for next year’s SBC annual meeting and said … [Read more...] about Fewer Southern Baptists Call Themselves ‘Southern Baptist’