Thinking Critically . . . Acting Faithfully

For some time, I’ve been intrigued and impressed with the work of Fresh Expressions, a movement that began in England, and has been brought to the US by Virginia Baptists. Fresh Expressions encourages creativity and innovation in worship and, generally, “doing church.” Maybe Fresh Expressions was on my mind when I began thinking about a Read more . . .

(NOTE: The late Phil Strickland, who served as director of the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission for over 25 years, prepared this address for presentation to the 2005 Texas Baptists Committed Breakfast at the BGCT in Austin. Because Phil’s illness prevented him from attending, his friend and pastor George Mason delivered the address.) (Click here Read more . . .

Christmas has taken on a different feel for our family this year. Every year, we are reminded that Christmas is not a joyous time for those whose despair and despondency are magnified when all around them are celebrating, singing carols, partying, shopping . . . This year, our family has struggled as we almost lost Travis Read more . . .

(NOTE: The author is pastor of Bread Fellowship of Fort Worth, executive director of Pastors for Texas Children, and a member of the Texas Baptists Committed Board of Directors.) Pastors for Texas Children (PTC) is a new organization that mobilizes local churches to provide both wrap-around care for local schools and advocacy for adequate funding Read more . . .

Shortly after lunch on November 22, 1963, I was sitting in Common Learnings class at Northgate Junior High School in Kansas City, Missouri, when we were told that President Kennedy had been shot and killed. I was in 7th grade. I don’t remember whether our teacher, Mrs. Elliott, told us, or the principal told us over Read more . . .

In recent months, Texas Baptists Committed (TBC) has lost – through resignation – the active service of three long-serving members of our Board of Directors. TBC’s accomplishments through the years owe much to the contributions of Michael Bell, Joy Fenner, and Steve Wells. Personally, I have come to consider all three to be dear friends Read more . . .

On Tuesday, New Year’s Day, after serving 2 years as associate executive director of Texas Baptists Committed (TBC), I transitioned to executive director. Our Board voted last month to name me to this post, and I want to express my appreciation to them for their trust and affirmation. They are my partners in this work Read more . . .

Dear Mike Huckabee, Ever since last week’s shootings in Newtown, I’ve read your quotes all over the media; here’s just a sampling of them: “We’ve systematically removed God from our schools.” (UPI) “We’ve created an atmosphere in this country where the only time you want to invoke God’s name is after the tragedy. . . Read more . . .

(NOTE: David R. Currie, Ph.D., is a Baptist minister and owner of Cornerstone Builders in San Angelo, Texas, who retired in 2009 after serving Texas Baptists Committed as executive director for over two decades.) I own over 20 rifles, shotguns, and pistols. We gun owners have insisted on our Second Amendment rights, and we have Read more . . .

Be Near to Us, O God of Love (based on Psalm 36:5-9)   Be near to us, O God of love, all goodness in your sight. In you we find the fount of life, Your radiance springs forth light.   Your steadfast love to heaven extends, Your faithfulness the clouds. The mountains sing your righteousness, the Read more . . .