A Plea For Help February 28, 2008

I’m presently working on a history of the Big Emory Baptist Association - set to be published in 2009. I have a publisher and access to all manner of records and documents. But I need your help. I would like to gain access as well to photographs from Association events in order to illustrate the book amply.

Here’s how you can help:

1- If you have photos of Association events or personalities (like the annual meeting, or VBS clinics, or that sort of activity; or DOM’s) please scan them into a digital format and email them to me. I am especially interested in older photos. Regrettably if you have a print photo and no way to scan it, if its sent to me I won’t be able to return it. That’s why I am requesting digital images in .jpg or .gif format.

2- You can email these images to me at jwest ‘at’ highland ‘dot’ net. But use the normal @ symbol and . in their proper places!

3- If you do have items such as those described above, and are willing to send them as suggested, I would like to have them no later than August 31, 2008.

I thank you in advance!

Day of Prayer for Union University February 28, 2008

The TBC has set aside April 6th as a Day of Prayer for Union University.  The Baptist and Reflector describes it here.

Many Baptists Aren’t Baptist Anymore February 27, 2008

At least according to a study released Monday by the Pew Report. As Ethics Daily notes

Americans are leaving Baptist churches at nearly twice the rate that others are joining them, according to details of a study released Monday by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.

But it’s not all bad news for Baptists:

Despite their losses, Baptists had one of the highest retention rates of Protestant families. About 60 percent of people raised Baptists did not change from the church of their childhood. The group experiencing the greatest net loss was the Catholic Church. More than 31 percent of U.S. adults said they were raised Catholics, while just under 24 percent identify as Catholics today, a loss of 7.5 percentage points.

And

The study confirmed that the U.S. is on the verge of becoming a minority Protestant country. Protestants account for 51.3 percent of the adult population and 65 percent of Christians in the U.S.

And finally, and interestingly, at least to me

Baptists as a group are 45 percent male and 55 percent female. The gender gap is smaller in the evangelical tradition–48 percent male and 52 percent female–than in the mainline (44 percent male, 56 percent female) or historically black (40 percent male and 60 percent female) traditions.

File all this under ‘things that make you go, hmmmm…’

Overnight: And Our Snow Policy- A Reminder February 27, 2008

First, let me point out that overnight we had a bit of snow fall here- an inch as I measured it. And second, let me remind one and all that our snow policy is quite simple- we don’t cancel services.  If members and visitors feel comfortable getting out- we will be here at the regular service time.  If not, that’s up to each one.  Enjoy the day (and the snow, if you like such things).

Speaking of Baptist History February 25, 2008

If you haven’t had the opportunity to read the most important Baptist Confessions of Faith since the beginning of the denomination, you can always pick up a collection of them for a great price by a brilliant theologian. Just click here- and get one for all your friends!

Baptists At 400 February 25, 2008

The year 2009 is the 400th Anniversary of the establishment of Baptist Christianity. The whole year will aim at celebrating Baptist work around the world and Baptist’s contributions to the larger Church. And it’s all kicking off where it all began- in Amsterdam. Christian Today reports

Preparations are already underway for celebrations in 2009 to mark 400 years of the world Baptist movement, which organisers are stressing will not only look at the achievements of the past, but also set out the vision that will ensure the movement’s successful stride into the future.

Four hundred years have passed since the movement’s founding fathers – refugees from England – gathered in the backroom of an Amsterdam bakery in 1609 to read the Bible together. That small gathering became the first Baptist-minded congregation and the European Baptist Federation (EBF) anticipates that 1,700 Baptists from across Europe alone will turn out from 24 to 26 July 2009 to celebrate the occasion, slated “Amsterdam 400”.

If you want to be one of the lucky few- make plans now. And if you can’t go all the way to Amsterdam, don’t worry, there will be lots of opportunities around the globe.

When The Name Doesn’t Match the Behavior February 24, 2008

The Pastor of ‘Peace Baptist Church’ was stabbed 3 times after a meeting of the Church- which has been embroiled for months in controversy. The Post Tribune reports

The pastor of a church embroiled in a months-long public controversy was stabbed three times Thursday night as he left a meeting with members of his Peace Baptist Church. Marty L. Henderson, 50, suffered cuts to his arm, leg and abdomen after a church member from the opposing faction demanded Henderson shake his hand, the police report states.

Yikes! Now that’s a person unfamiliar with both the meaning of the word ‘peace’ and the way that differences should be settled when they arise in the community of faith.

Lynell Sartin, 66, allegedly punched the pastor and stabbed him with a folding knife, the report states.

Now that’s a lot of rage- and self centeredness.

Henderson is being challenged by some of his members over control of church assets. Several deacons are suing Henderson and other deacons.

Alas, another congregation that can’t get along- because of money. The love of money really is the root of all evil.

It’s Important To Be Careful When Writing… February 21, 2008

Or you can print something remarkably uncharitable! Like these folk did.

Just so you know, it’s supposed to be “Church of Christ” and not “Church of Satan”.

The Big Emory Baptist Association Website February 21, 2008

Has been totally revamped and updated- and will continue to be with new information and announcements of interest to churches and members in the Association.  Check it out at this web address.

Union University is Receiving Help From Across the State February 20, 2008

Today’s Baptist and Reflector has a number of essays concerning Union University and the outpouring of help they are receiving from across the State.  The Executive Board and state entities have sent aid, as has Belmont University, and Carson-Newman College.  If you would like to help, even in a small way, every effort is appreciated.  Visit here for how to do so.