By Laura Stephens-Reed It’s that time again! Many congregations launch stewardship campaigns in the fall to coincide with budgeting for the following fiscal year. Talking about money can be awkward for pastors because the largest portion of most church budgets is devoted to personnel costs. This is not a bad thing, by the way. Staff … Continue reading
By Carson and Laura Foushee The Foushees are CBF field personnel serving in partnership with the Japan Baptist Convention in Kanazawa, Japan. “By faith Rahab and the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobident, because she had received the spies in peace,” Hebrews 11:31. Growing up, I (Laura) do not particularly remember learning … Continue reading
By Jenny Jenkins Civil unrest and violence are not new to Haiti. Over the years, the country has had many such struggles. The difference this time is how long it has lasted and without any hint of an end in sight. Because of the current conflict the usual supply lines are blocked and the gang … Continue reading
By Kristen Thomason In one of the most polarized corners of the country, Agustín Quiles is uniting Latino Christians in Florida to serve God and advocate for social justice. Latino Christians are the fastest growing group of evangelicals in the country; but in 2016, cultural currents were pulling the community apart. Young people were leaving … Continue reading
Por Kristen Thomason En uno de los rincones más polarizados del país, Agustín Quiles está uniendo a los cristianos latinos en Florida para servir a Dios y abogar por la justicia social. Este grupo de evangélicos son el de más rápido crecimiento en el país; pero en 2016, las corrientes culturales estaban separando a la … Continue reading
By Leah Boling Col. Leah Boling is the director of the Air National Guard Chaplain Corps, the highest-ranking military chaplains endorsed by CBF in Maryland. “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40 When people … Continue reading
By Brian Foreman I play this guessing game with my wife. When she is talking and pauses to collect her thoughts, I interject mine; or when she is searching for a word, I fill in the blank for her. This is not a game she enjoys and, for my own health, I try to avoid … Continue reading
By Marv Knox A 2017 meeting in a Spanish city hall typifies Michelle and Matt Norman’s ministry in northeastern Spain. By that time, they had been Cooperative Baptist Fellowship field personnel in the semi-autonomous region of Catalonia about four years. Their progressing proficiency in both the Catalan and Spanish languages had enabled them to develop … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed It seems like every issue in our culture is contentious these days, and it’s not much different in the church. Ideas and practices that once seemed like foregone conclusions are now up for debate. That unsettledness is not totally a bad thing. It means that we are learning and discerning, then applying … Continue reading
Deconstruction is one of those buzzwords. It’s either being used by those who have or are experiencing it or those that want to criticize it. The reality is that Jesus invites us to deconstruct. From a biblical perspective, isn’t Jesus’ invitation to follow him an act of ongoing deconstruction, leaving the old and discovering the … Continue reading