Developing stewards
by Jeff Iorg MILL VALLEY, Calif. (BP) -- One of the casualties of the loss of discipleship focus in many churches is the absence of an intentional stewardship development strategy. Some pastors are afraid to "talk about money" in church (a ridiculous cop-out) and...
Six reasons why it is more difficult to lead your church to growth today
By Thom S. Rainer The conversation was both predictable and profound. It was predictable because I have been asked a similar question many times. It was profound because it represents the very nature of the challenges our congregations face today. “Thom,” he began. “I...
J.D. Greear shares counterintuitive message of a countercultural God
by Faith Morgan “True growth only comes through scattering and gain only comes by losing. It’s counterintuitive, but it’s true,” said sending church pastor J.D. Greear of Summit Church in Raleigh, N.C., keynote speaker for the opening session of the 2015 Send North...
New Orleans’ Katrina story still being written
by Joe McKeever NEW ORLEANS (BP) -- From the divine perspective, 10 years is a blip, one nanosecond in a timeless eternity. For us earthlings, it's one-eighth of a life expectancy. Even so, it's a convenient time to pull over and take inventory. Since Aug. 29, 2005,...
Conviction, kindness key to gay marriage response
by Keith Collier/Southern Baptist TEXAN AUSTIN, Texas (BP) -- In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage, Christians and churches must respond by speaking with confidence, conviction and kindness while also creating biblical community,...
Iowa Missions Offering Focus: The Friendship Baptist Center
Each summer the Friendship Baptist Center offers opportunities for youth and college students to identify and to use the gifts God has given them through ministry to others at the Center. Local high school students who have grown in their faith at the...
James Fisher of Lamoni licensed to the Gospel ministry
James was licensed to the Gospel ministry Sunday August 2, 2015 at First Baptist Lamoni, Iowa. He is excited to follow his Savior in obedience to His call.
Religious Liberty Resources Available
Religious liberty is being challenged across our country and in our own state. The Alliance Defending Freedom and the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission have created several resources to equip churches and ministries to prepare for and prevent...
Life on mission celebrated at Send Conference
by Joe Conway Some quotes from Iowa pastors and ministry leaders who attended the 2015 Send North America Conference: We had a great time at the SEND conference in Nashville. I was encouraged by the passion and direction of the SBC. This is not your Grandpas SBC!...
Religious freedom addressed in survey
by Lisa Cannon Green NASHVILLE (BP) -- Americans believe firmly in religious freedom but think atheists are more welcome than Muslims in the United States, Nashville-based LifeWay Research finds. More than 90 percent say people should be free to choose and practice...
