Essay: Some Baptists debate about women preaching, others listen to women preach
Baptist minister BRIAN KAYLOR says, in an article first published on Religion News Service, that focusing almost entirely on the SBC not only minimizes the theological (and political and racial) diversity of Baptists, but it also privileges a patriarchal body over others…
In the US, Progressive National Baptists to deploy $US1 million grant to boost ‘compelling preaching’
United StatesRNS The Progressive National Baptist Convention plans to use a new $US1 million grant to fund a five-year training program for ministers of the historically Black denomination as they adapt their preaching in an age changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is one of 32 recipients in an invitational round of grants provided by […]
The Interview: US preacher Will Willimon on what makes a good sermon
YONAT SHIMRON, of Religion News Service, interviews Will Willimon, described in a Baylor University survey as one of the most effective preachers in the English-speaking world and the subject of a new documentary, about his approach to preaching and what makes a good sermon…
Sermon preparation: Why some preachers rely on holy ghostwriters and other pulpit helps
“Cheating” or much-needed help for busy pastors? BOB SMIETANA, of Religion News Service, explores the use by some churches of sermon ghost writers…
Black Americans attend church and pray more often – survey
New York, USAP Black Americans attend church more regularly than Americans overall, and pray more often. Most attend churches that are predominantly Black, yet many would like those congregations to become racially diverse. There is broad respect for Black churches’ historical role in seeking racial equality, coupled with a widespread perception they have lost influence […]
Churches and coronavirus: Masks keep churches from being superspreaders. But they make sermons tough
BOB SMIETANA, of Religion News Service, reports on how US preachers are coping with masks, church closures, online services and social distancing measures…
Books: Beyond the pulpit – when relaying the Gospel narrative is every Christian’s privilege
JO KADLECEK reviews Tim Keller’s 2015 book on preaching in a culture of sceptism…
New website hopes to make sermons a vital part of life
RNS Every week, millions of American go to houses of worship to hear a message from a spiritual leader. Most of those congregations are small. And few sermons ever make their way beyond the four walls of a given congregation. Publisher David Murray – a connoisseur of the spoken word – wants to change that […]
SIGHT-SEEING: 14 LIFE LESSONS FROM MISSION TRIPS
Brisbane-based pastor MATT PRATER reflects on lessons he’s learnt while going on short-term “mission trips” and how they apply to everyday life…
Thousands of faith leaders ask US Congress to protect Johnson Amendment
RNS Advocates and clergy deliver letters from faith leaders to Congress to keep the Johnson Amendment intact, in Washington, D.C. PICTURE: Americans United More than 4,000 religious leaders have signed a letter urging the US Congress to maintain the Johnson Amendment, a law barring pulpit politicking that President Donald Trump has vowed to gut. “As […]