By Andy Hale Of the many things that congregations are considering as they exist in 2020, is not only the COVID-19 Crisis and the ever-present plague of racism within America, but how the faith community relates to the environment around them. Environmental stewardship is not limited to how we specifically care for the world’s ecosystem. … Continue reading
By Andy Hale These are unsettling times. Such times demands that one has to figure out where one hits on the emotional register: afraid, disgusted, angry, apathetic, embarrassed, sad, indifferent… If I’m honest, which you know I always will be, I’m angry. And, if I have to explain to you why it’s just not worth … Continue reading
By Andy Hale “She’s not a Christian, so no I can’t vote for her,” “He’s a good Christian man,” “She has good Christian values,” or “There is no way that he’s a Christian if he supports ____,” are common talking points among Evangelical voters. Among Evangelicals in American, the faith affiliation of prospective political candidates … Continue reading
In this special series of the CBF Stories Podcast, you’ll hear from some of the 25 Leaders to Know for 2020. Each year the CBF Ministries Council recognizes 25 Young Leaders to know as part of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s ongoing investment in young Baptists. This year features graduate students and seminarians, continuing their education … Continue reading
By Andy Hale The Exodus narrative is one of the most familiar passages in the Judeo-Christian text. We all know the story of Moses, Pharaoh, the Plagues, and the Red Sea (Yam Suph) crossing. As one delves deeper into the text, the early signs of ancient oppression rise to the surface as one encounters the … Continue reading
By Andy Hale When Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God, he spoke of it in both present and future, both in terms of great distance and proximity. For many, the Kingdom of God comes down to talking about and fixating on Heaven. Oh, that sweet Beulah Land. In other words, the point and … Continue reading
By Andy Hale The last few months have offered upon the dais of life scores of horrific news. Over 5.5 million people have been infected worldwide, 1.6 billion face job loss and over 346,000 people have died from COVID-19. You have heard the phrase, “Laughter is the best medicine.” But is now the best time … Continue reading
By Andy Hale Will American self-centric ideology only allow us to submit to a stay-at-home order for so long? NPR dropped a report that cell phone data usage shows that fewer people are following the social distancing guidelines. Of course, some states, like Georgia, have reopened in their personally designed phases. While some have lauded this … Continue reading
By Andy Hale When it comes to economic, gender, nationality, ethnicity, and systematic privilege, life has been handed to me on a silver platter. That doesn’t mean that I haven’t faced difficult circumstances, hardship, disappointment, or rejection. However, I have been given more than my fair share of a leg up as a result of … Continue reading
By Andy Hale As of the week of April 26, some states across the United States are starting to announce revised restrictions to the stay-at-home orders from the COVID-19 pandemic. When we emerge into this new normal, the church will need to rethink a lot. What are the short-term and long-term practices that need to … Continue reading
