PEARL, Miss. — The commencement service for the graduating class of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College was held at the Mississippi Correctional Institute for Women on Monday, Dec. 16, at the prison in Rankin County. Twelve women graduated with either an Associate of Arts in Christian Service or a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Service.

ASHLAND, Ky. (KT) – Kentucky's 45th, 46th, 47th, and 48th Safe Haven Baby Boxes are available for use in Jefferson County, Madisonville, Hodgenville, and Ashland.

Missions begins with vision and strategy. Missions is also continually fueled through a carefully planned mechanism for outreach. But for many local churches, the idea of a systemic plan for yearlong missions efforts is nonexistent.

As we begin a new calendar year, it is a great time to think through one’s leadership priorities for the next 12 months. Every leader in Christian ministry, whether a local church pastor or an organizational leader, must care well for people, address emerging problems and advance the mission of their church or organization. 

Over Christmas break, I took two of my granddaughters to get their nails done. They had received money and gift cards for Christmas and were anxious to use them. Honestly, they were ready to spend all of their money and gift cards on Christmas night but thankfully nothing was open.

It was pitch dark. Darker than usual. Something was different. And there was a nip in the air. Chillier than usual. That’s when we realized the power was off.

PASADENA, Calif. (BP) — California Baptist Disaster Relief is prepared to help in the recovery effort as three wildfires burn across Los Angeles County, a state spokesperson shared with Baptist Press on Wednesday.

SMYRNA, Ga. — Under the leadership of Pastor Jeff Pennington, First Baptist Church of Smyrna, founded in 1884, has taken a monumental step toward ensuring a bright and blessed future for the church.

THE COLONY, Texas — Since launching a new Texas Baptist church plant in September and holding worship services inside a state-of-the-art office and meeting space area, Jamael Graves, lead pastor of Cultivate Church in The Colony, realizes the mission field surrounding his congregation.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock has opened its doors to serve as a shelter to those displaced following a fire at the Midtown Park Apartments on Markham Street.  

A past president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention and educator at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has begun a new role as a Christian educator in Florida.

NASHVILLE (BP) — The winter weather currently sweeping into the Midwest and expected across the South later this week has Southern Baptists responding and preparing for how to help others through the cold, snow, and possible freezing rain or sleet.

TOWNSEND, Ga. — Shellman Bluff Baptist Church is celebrating tremendous growth, which Pastor Brad Butler attributes to the grace of God, and the generosity and enthusiasm of its members. “We are growing through word of mouth,” he says. “Members are inviting friends, family, and people in the community. They are genuinely excited about the church family.”

This past December, the Summerhill Baptist Association distributed well over a thousand backpacks to students within the association area. The association has been providing students with backpacks for Christmas for the past five years.

BURLESON, Texas — Anansi Flaherty, a backup fullback on Katy High School’s 2000 State Championship team, gave his life to Christ in prison. On Dec. 19, 2024, he was baptized—“raised to walk in new life”—outside those walls.

Children in Sunday School or Vacation Bible School may be challenged to memorize the Ten Commandments. While memorizing them is important, living out the Ten Commandments is a key to living an obedient life that honors God.

Do any of you remember the inexpensive toy that allowed you to take a small magnetic pencil and draw a mustache or beard on the face of a cartoon man? It was cheap entertainment and brought some momentary joy and creativity to children. The magnetic pen was the guide that made the finished product.

​Georgia Baptist Convention President Steve Browning, First Baptist Alpharetta, announces that the following persons will serve on the 2025 Committee on Nominations:

Of all the stories covered in The Christian Index in 2024, perhaps none had a greater impact than the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene and the Georgia Baptist Mission Board’s response.

PLAINS, Ga. — The memorial services for former President Jimmy Carter will culminate Thursday with a private funeral service and burial in Plains, Ga. Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers are partnering with other agencies to help feed the hundreds of workers present for those events.

NEW ORLEANS — The Leeke Magee Christian Counseling Center at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, in conjunction with Baptist Community Ministries, is offering free counseling services to those impacted by the attack that took place New Year’s Day on Bourbon Street. This includes direct victims, their families, first responders and any other community members otherwise impacted by the event. 

Anora used to think serving in church was one-sided; you’re blessing the church with your service. This Central Asian believer discovered the blessing goes both ways.  

President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Sanctity of Human Life Day on Jan.13, 1984, and it took place on that Jan.22. That date was the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion on demand in the U.S. in 1973.

Some Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Texas Baptist College students started their Christmas break by spreading the gospel in a country whose people generally are not open to the gospel.

HORSE CAVE, Ky. (KT) – Horse Cave Baptist Church has an eye on the future with a renewed commitment to children’s ministry.