Archive Issue

News

Will Georgia Baptists baptize 50,000 in 2005?
Pastors, evangelists praying for a resounding "yes"
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published February 26, 2004

Next year may be history in the making for Georgia Baptists if the state convention’s goal of 50,000 baptisms becomes a reality. State leaders believe the goal is not only possible but could be easily surpassed if churches catch the vision and equip their members for the task.

Georgia profile study shows higher baptism rates are tied to revivals
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published February 26, 2004

Some churches around the nation may be questioning the effectiveness of revival meetings, but the Georgia Baptist Convention has proof that higher baptism rates are directly tied to the number of revivals that are held.

Wayne Hamrick elected chairman of LifeWay trustees
By Gerald Harris, Editor
Published February 26, 2004

Wayne Hamrick, pastor of Cartersville’s Atco Church, was elected as chairman of the board of trustees for LifeWay Christian Resources on Feb. 9.

Evangelism a constant force on Georgia Campuses
By Scott Barkley, Staff Writer
Published February 26, 2004

Baptist Student Unions across the state are finding new ways for students to take ownership in evangelizing their campus.

10 reasons why a church should have regular revival meetings and use revivalists and evangelists
By Revivalist Larry E. Ferguson, Secretary-Treasurer, COGBE, Jasper
Published February 26, 2004

Preparation makes the difference in revival
By Joe Westbury, Managing Editor
Published February 26, 2004

Bobby Harrell of Leesburg knows that nothing beats prayer when it comes to preparing a congregation for a movement of God. But adequate preparation sure comes close, he says.

Georgia NewsBriefs

Former Georgia pastor Quinn Pugh dies
Published February 26, 2004

Former Georgia pastor Quinn Pugh died Feb. 13 following open heart surgery. He was 74.

Augusta couple appointed by International Mission Board
Published February 26, 2004

Winston and Cheryl Collins of Augusta have been appointed by the International Mission Board as community outreach missionaries to Mexico City.

New Hope New York outreach makes N.Y. Times front page
Published February 26, 2004

The North American Mission Board’s “New Hope New York” outreach effort was the focus of a front-page story in The New York Times Feb. 15.

Religious NewsBriefs

Airline pilot suggests Christians share faith with non-Christians; reprimanded for remarks
Published February 26, 2004

An American Airlines pilot is under investigation after he suggested Christians on a recent flight should discuss their faith with non-Christians traveling with them, the airline said.

French assembly adopts ban on religious garb
Published February 26, 2004

A plan to ban Muslim head scarves and other religious symbols in French schools inched closer to law Tuesday, as France’s National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of the legislation.

Disciples last year started most churches in almost a century; sets goal of 1,000 by 2020
Published February 26, 2004

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) started 82 churches last year – the highest number in almost a century – and is well on its way to planting 1,000 new churches by 2020, church officials said.

Episcopal dissidents formally launch new ‘network’ church for conservatives
Published February 26, 2004

Dissidents in the Episcopal Church formally launched a new “network” Jan. 20 to act as a church-within-a-church for conservatives.

People and Places

Anniversaries
Published February 26, 2004

Retirements
Published February 26, 2004

Honors/Achievements
Published February 26, 2004

Ordinations
Published February 26, 2004

Special Birthdays
Published February 26, 2004

Ministerial Moves
Published February 26, 2004

Cooperative Program Stories

Missions a vital part of Sisters Who Care
By Sherri Brown, Communications, GBC
Published February 26, 2004

The bitter wind whipped at their coats and they held on to their hats to keep them from flying off. But the dozen women continued their prayer walking around the Dekalb County Jail in Atlanta.

Bible Study

Demonstrating Spiritual Leadership
By John S. Connell, Senior Pastor, Calvary Baptist Temple, Savannah
Published February 26, 2004

The Battle of Saratoga took place in October 1777, and according to many, marked the turning point of the American Revolution. In the midst of that epic engagement, commander Daniel Morgan said to his troops, “Forget the poor fellows who fight for sixpence a day. Concentrate on the epaulet men!”

Opposing False Beliefs
By John S. Connell, Senior Pastor, Calvary Baptist Temple, Savannah
Published February 26, 2004

Israeli life had reached an all-time low. Not only had the culture become characterized by reprehensible behavior and lifestyles (v.1), but for the first time in her national history, the people of Israel were forced to flee their homes and search for refuge in the caves and dens of the mountains.

Columns

The Secular Worldview is Bold, Brazen, Unashamed
By J. Gerald Harris, Editor
Published February 26, 2004

I never thought I would see the day when “Christian” America would have to specify that marriage should be between a man and a woman. In fact, it has been said, “If God doesn’t judge America, He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.”

These are exciting days for impacting our culture
By Steve Hale, President, Conference of Georgia Baptist Evangelists
Published February 26, 2004

According to Ephesians 4, the evangelist is as much a gift to the Church as is a pastor. In God’s economy, we simply have different functions within the Body, but that does not minimize the significance of any one gift. Depending on who you’re listening to, you’ll get a different perspective on the state of evangelism in America today. To observe some contemporary churches who are supposed to be “cutting edge,” a sustained four-day revival meeting is antiquated.

The Open Door
By J. Robert White, Executive Director, GBC
Published February 26, 2004

Every year in February the state executive directors from the forty-two state conventions gather for our annual meeting. This year we enjoyed being in Portland, Oregon. Our host was Jeff Iorg, executive director of the Northwest Baptist Convention.

Seeds From The Sower
By Michael Guido
Published February 26, 2004

“Pop,” said a boy, “one of the kids said I looked and acted like you.”

Time spent with kids can reduce need for discpline
By James Dobson
Published February 26, 2004

Forum

Must be allowed to preach
By Mike Stone, Pastor, Emmanuel Church, Blackshear
Published February 26, 2004

I was recently invited to serve as the chaplain of the day for the House of Representatives of the Georgia General Assembly. I felt it was a great honor to take God’s Word and address the men and women of our state legislature. The text for my 15-minute address was the beautiful Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble.”

Disagrees with SBC/BWA separation
By James D. Williams, Memphis, Tenn.
Published February 26, 2004

A decision by the SBC Executive Committee to recommend that the SBC withdraw complete funding support for the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) would be tragic. Should that happen, my prayer is that convention messengers will vote it down and restore full support.