Some churches use lengthy pastor search as chance to rediscover identity, purpose_110804

Posted: 11/05/04

Some churches use lengthy pastor search
as chance to rediscover identity, purpose

By Ken Camp

Managing Editor

Texas Baptist churches in growing numbers seem to believe good things come to those who wait–particularly when it comes to finding a pastor.

11/05/2004 - By John Rutledge

Three teens out of 10 took part in missions, ministry_110804

Posted: 11/05/04

Three teens out of 10 took part in missions, ministry

By Jonah King

Religion News Service

WASHINGTON (RNS)–About three U.S. teenagers in 10 have gone on at least one religious mission trip or participated in a religious service project, a new study says.

11/05/2004 - By John Rutledge

Texas Tidbits_110804

Posted: 11/05/04

Texas Tidbits

Wayland trustees OK funds transfer. Wayland Baptist University trustees have approved a recommendation to use surplus funds toward a student activity center planned for the Plainview campus. The board's finance committee recommended that $1 million be moved from a surplus operating fund at the Baptist Foundation of Texas into an account of funds already raised toward the Laney Activities Center. The project will be completed in two phases, with the first involving a double gymnasium, indoor running track, weights and aerobics area, classrooms and student lounge. Total projected cost for that phase is $5.6 million. To date, gifts and pledges for the activity center total around $2.3 million, and the university hopes to be able to approach foundations and other donors to help secure the remainder needed to fund the center.

UMHB hosts forum. David Beasley, former governor of South Carolina, will be the keynote speaker at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor College of Business economic development forum, noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 17. Beasley will speak on the post-election United States economy and about global trade and its impact on Texas.

DBU Patriot Weekend offers preview. Dallas Baptist University will offer prospective students a college preview during Patriot Weekend, Nov. 12-13. The two-day preview is designed to provide high school juniors and seniors and their parents information on financial aid options, the admissions process and campus life. Students will have the opportunity to interview for Christian leadership scholarships while parents meet DBU administrators. The weekend concludes with a concert by DBU's student ministry team, Glowing Heart. The cost for students is $25, which includes lodging and meals, as well as meals for their parents. For more information, call (214) 333-5360, or e-mail admiss@dbu.edu. Students who are unable to attend the weekend in November may register for the next Patriot Weekend, Feb. 11-12.

11/05/2004 - By John Rutledge

TOGETHER: Urge lawmakers to do what is good_110804

Posted: 11/05/04

TOGETHER:
Urge lawmakers to do what is good

Is it important that Texas Baptists work together? Well, judge for yourself.

Texas is growing rapidly. By 2010, 9 million Hispanics will live here. This is 23 percent more than now. The non-Hispanic population will increase by 5 percent, or 676,000, so that in six years, there will be approximately 24.5 million people in Texas.

That is why starting new churches, with an emphasis on starting Hispanic churches, must remain a high priority for the Baptist General Convention of Texas. In 1994, there were 801 Hispanic congregations; now there are 1,131, a 41 percent increase. That must continue. We have emphasized working with Hispanic congregations to start churches, and more than 100 Hispanic churches have or are sponsoring new congregations.

11/05/2004 - By John Rutledge

Baptists bring brighter smiles to children’s faces_110804

Posted: 11/05/04

Baptists bring brighter smiles to children's faces

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

Texas Baptists are looking for more than a few clean teeth.

11/05/2004 - By John Rutledge

Personal morality beats social justice at the polls_110804

Posted: 11/05/04

Personal morality beats social justice at the polls

By Kevin Eckstrom & Michele Melendez

Religion News Service

WASHINGTON (RNS)–Forget Iraq. Forget terrorism. Forget the economy. The biggest factor shaping Americans' votes on Nov. 2 was the mother of all sleeper issues–“moral values.”

11/05/2004 - By John Rutledge

Wayland marks 20 years of making a mark in San Antonio_110804

Posted: 11/05/04

Wayland marks 20 years of making a mark in San Antonio

By Teresa Young

Wayland Baptist University

SAN ANTONIO–When Jim Antenen became dean of Wayland Baptist University's San Antonio campus two years ago, he discovered it already was a thriving school, settled into a new 33,000-square-foot facility on Interstate 35 with enrollment figures rising each term. He thought things couldn't get any better.

11/05/2004 - By John Rutledge

Low-income mentally ill people find hope at the Well_110804

Posted: 11/05/04

Low-income mentally ill people find hope at the Well

By George Henson

Staff Writer

DALLAS–Joel Pulis ministers to a previously unreached people group–lower-income people with mental illness.

11/05/2004 - By John Rutledge

On The Move_110804

Posted: 11/05/04

On the Move

Olin Boles to Central Texas Area as interim director of missions.

Kelly Burkhart to Baptist Temple in Houston as pastor from First Church in Riesel.

Mickey Chitwood to Ephesus Church in Jewett as minister of music.

11/05/2004 - By John Rutledge

Cybercolumn by Brett Younger: Jesus & our churches_110804

Posted: 11/05/04

CYBERCOLUMN:
Jesus & our churches

By Brett Younger

Jesus wouldn’t recognize:

Heated, fiberglass baptisteries. Rivers are better symbols than bathtubs.

11/05/2004 - By John Rutledge

Storylist_110804

Storylist for 11/08/04 issue GO TO SECTIONS: • Texas       • Baptists       • Faith       • Departments      • Opinion       • Bible Study      • Baptists bring brighter smiles to…

11/05/2004 - By John Rutledge

BGCT board approves mission, vision, values & priorities_100404

Posted: 10/01/04

BGCT board approves mission, vision, values & priorities

By Marv Knox

Editor

DALLAS–The Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board overwhelmingly approved a set of mission, vision, values and priority statements to guide the convention's work in coming decades.

11/01/2004 - By John Rutledge