Opinion - Baptist Standard: Recent Episodes
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Texas Baptists’ past, present and future is built on partnership. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been and still is a great strength.
Jim Lemons uses the illustration of a bumblebee stuck in a jar to illustrate the importance of looking up to God if a person is to be free.
Providing a safe ministry for children is more than background checks and policies. George Trudeau argues it is a doctrinal issue.
Ruth and Joe married while he was in seminary. The early years were a struggle, but her mom's marriage advice proved really helpful.
How we as Christians are to respond to the election isn’t determined by who won it, but is governed by a greater and higher law.
RE: Voices: Silent on Sunday, manager on Monday The main thrust I gleaned from Ms. Lukefahr’s opinion piece is it seems unfair women can run a boardroom but not a...
A combination of bad actors and negligence has allowed worship spaces to become unsafe sanctuaries for children, George H. Trudeau explains.
Will we rise above political affiliations to embody what it means to be a Christian in a divided society? Prayer is one way we can.
“Women encounter disorienting differences between their Baptist churches on Sunday and their workplaces on Monday.”
To know your faithful labor in service of God’s call will live beyond your ministry is great encouragement to a beleaguered pastor.
Leon Blevins cautions against the fallacy of thinking the church and the state are synonymous and champions church-state separation.
Abortion is not a single issue—a political soundbite, talking point or policy matter—but a multifold issue we need to address completely.
Editor Eric Black, Old Testament professor Timothy Pierce, and theology and ethics professor Kimlyn Bender respond to Richard Hays’ new book.
Kimlyn Bender, Baylor professor of theology and ethics, responds to Part II of a new book contending for God’s acceptance of same-sex sex.
Timothy Pierce, professor of Old Testament, responds to Part I of a new book contending for God’s acceptance of same-sex sex.
Roger Williams played a significant role in establishing religious liberty, one of America’s key freedoms. Baptists do well to remember.
Associational Director Scott Whitson describes three reasons churches are struggling and suggests solutions to combat those problems.
I applaud the work of the Sexual Abuse Task Force and their recommendations. Let’s honor their work by enacting their recommendations.
RE: SBC to create sexual abuse response department Sexual abuse in churches is a type of quality control, and good quality control requires measurement. Lifeway needs to conduct anonymous surveys...
Wade Berry explains the sometimes tense relationship between truth and unity, and issues a warning and challenge.
Carol Crawford Holcomb relates Obadiah Holmes’ 17th-century contribution to Baptist’s advocacy for religious freedom.
“My adopted country gave me a new start, freedom I never had enjoyed before and a bright future for my family. But as a Christian, I’m saddened by the hateful rhetoric that often greets newcomers today.”
Editor Eric Black condemns the false claims against the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, for at least three reasons.
“For more than 200 years, Baptists in America and Southern Baptists in particular proudly have repeated the stories of our fight for religious freedom.”
Sergio Ramos, durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, recuerda el rico legado de familiares y ministros que han influenciado su vida.
Sergio Ramos, during Hispanic Heritage Month, remembers the rich legacy of family and ministry leaders who have influenced his life.
Matthew Soerens warns against sharing false information online that may constitute slanderous lies against those bearing God’s image.
The 2024-2025 academic year is underway. It’s not too late to encourage and support teachers. Nor is it too early.
Ruth Braunstein points to the organizations and efforts that have been confronting Christian nationalism and its spread.
His son said of him, “The greatest gift our dad gave us was a love for the Lord and a good name.” How about you?
“What was done before will not be enough to move churches into the future,” Ben Karner writes. Churches will need Holy Spirit inspiration.
“We lost a tree yesterday, and I can’t help feeling like it’s a metaphor,” Editor Eric Black writes about a momentous day for his family.
In our individualistic, democratized society, many wonder how much we have to agree to be united. Wade Berry addresses the question.
The Pokot and Turkana area of western Kenya is a mostly arid region, frequented by severe drought throughout the year, except for a few pockets that receive small amounts of...
Ben Karner, noting worship is a verb, considers the full scope of worship as described in the Bible and to be embodied by Christians.
What would Christians do if all we had left was evangelism? It’s possible we would argue and fight less. I phrase the question with “had left,” because we have far...
The SBC and BWA differ over Gaza. Jack Nassar calls for “a compassionate and unified global Baptist community” instead.
Ben Karner points to the church at Antioch as an example of leadership development in the church and suggests three guidelines.
Despite their marked differences, a scene in the Olympics’ opening ceremony and Trump’s promise to Christians have a common denominator.
Raiding neighbors’ cattle is a way of life among some tribes in western Kenya. Boaz met Jesus and started to change that.
We should acknowledge our own role in political violence and recognize its many forms, Stephen Reeves contends.
Jesus didn’t simply pray for our unity. He modeled the disposition necessary if his followers are to be what Jesus wants us to be.
Ben Karner reminds us of the power of the early church’s purposeful compassion through giving specifically and as they were able.
Mandating the teaching and posting of Scripture in public schools may not accomplish what proponents hope it will. It may do the opposite.
As Christianity in America declines, Christianity in Africa is growing exponentially. African Christians wonder about American Christians.
Elijah Brown outlines the presence and influence of Africa in and on Scripture, theology, Jesus’ life, the early church and the church today.
While on a walk through her neighborhood, Ruth Cook saw a metaphor for how people can be known by how they respond to loss.
“Too many people who claim to be Christian have no idea what it means to be a Christian and have no understanding of the teaching of Christ.”
We must denounce the attempt on Donald Trump’s life. And I do. But simply denouncing political violence doesn’t go far enough.
A Baptist Standard reader shares his prayer following the attempted assassination of former president and current candidate Donald Trump.
“Hispanic Baptist work in Texas is connected to the history of Baptist work in Mexico. Both predate the formation of the BGCT.”
John Litzler compares the America he saw Saturday morning with what happened Saturday evening and encourages the first.
Ben Karner describes what successful outreach is, how it keeps a church thriving and why it is the church’s job.
In praise of God’s love, that changed a teenager debilitated by rheumatoid arthritis into a young man committed to Jesus.
Tera Kouba shares her Burmese heritage, her call to ministry and the strength of being connected to the BGCT.
The first mark of the authentic church is the Holy Spirit fills it. Boldness in communicating the gospel is a proof.
“We don’t measure what is true or false by how we feel. Our feelings and thoughts need to be brought into line with what Jesus taught.”
Cintia Aguilar describes a model of ministry that involves her whole family in embodying a communal calling.
Felisi Sorgwe explains the benefits to international churches and the whole BGCT of Texas Baptists’ decades-old intercultural ministry.
Ruth Cook encourages cancer survivors through what she learned during her own experience with and surviving cancer.
Distinct from decades of fear-based evangelism, Taylor Standridge suggests a love-based approach to evangelism.
Casey Spinks presents an argument for fetuses as human beings based on the doctrine of Jesus being fully human.
Summer camp can give us a spiritual high, but the reason we need summer camp goes at least a step further.
A Baptist Standard reader takes issues with Mike Miller’s perspective of the 2024 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.
Josh King, new pastor of First Baptist Church in Lewisville, describes six things he’s learned about Texas Baptists in six months.
“Not all distinctions are bad, and support and cooperation can thrive even when disagreements are real,” Myles Werntz contends.
“God has called and will continue to call women. And those he calls, he equips—regardless of the circumstances surrounding the call.”
Jalil Dawood, pastor of Arabaic Church of Dallas and a refugee who fled Iraq in 1982, describes what life is really like for refugees.
VBS—happening in many churches right now—might benefit our children’s ministry more than we think. If we take a cue from its history.
I became a Southern Baptist by accident—providence, really—but I remain a Southern Baptist by choice and conviction. Not only am I in doctrinal alignment with the SBC, but I am...
Chris Backert sees the removal of churches with women pastors from the SBC as an opportune moment for the Great Commission.
Baptist Standard readers voice their strong opposition to Pride Month and TBM’s name change.
Wade Berry expresses the struggle of weighing convictions and connection when there is a disconnect between oneself and one’s denomination.
Dustin Slaton suggests dialogue with five essential elements to address and overcome the distance between NAMB and the BGCT.
A Palestinian Christian critiques resolutions adopted by messengers to the 2024 SBC annual meeting that seem to favor Israel over Palestine.
It's good to know who you are and why and to connect with those who will enable God to work in and through you best.
A Baptist in the Middle East criticizes a resolution on the Israel-Hamas war adopted by SBC messengers at their 2024 annual meeting.
Jack Goodyear agrees with Southern Baptists’ resolution on religious liberty and calls Baptists to continue opposing Christian nationalism.
Baptists aren’t supposed to adopt creeds, are they? Editor Eric Black has questions about a proposed motion to do just that.
The four Southern Baptists moving to add the Nicene Creed to the Baptist Faith and Message respond to questions about their motion.
Johnny Teague loves growing a garden. One plant in his garden is not like the others and gives him a picture of growing in Christ.
The Law Amendment, NAMB, DOJ investigation of the SBC. Yes, there’s all of that. There’s also a lot of good news happening this summer.
The Bible doesn’t support all the memes, Jay Givens contends in his examination of what the Bible says about the land of Israel.
An adolescent and young adult therapist and Baptist Standard reader pens a letter to college freshmen in response to a previous letter.
Tensions are rising over the North American Mission Board’s relationship with Texas Baptists. Messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention will vote on the highly controversial “Law Amendment” at their annual...
A Baylor University graduate responds to the Baylor Board of Regents’ recent decision to amend the university’s motto.
When significant sums of money changes hands, partnership necessitates being clear and upfront about expectations.
Jeff Iorg, new president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee, gives a thorough explanation of his opposition to the Law Amendment.
As high school seniors make plans to become college freshmen, a campus minister points to advice from Jeremiah for that journey.
Brandon Galbreath shares what his grandmothers taught him about being good and God's goodness demonstrated through Jesus’ crucifixion.
Despite what you may have heard, peacemaking is not as simple as winning elections, passing certain laws, changing culture, growing the church, paying our debts, saying “we’re sorry”—just to name...
Rev. William Lawson, who died May 14 at age 95, holds a special place in Patti Greene’s life as the person who led her to Jesus.
Pastors’ kids have a unique and sometimes negative experience of the church. A pastor’s kid suggests ways to improve care for PKs.
The SBC has significant business to consider during its 2024 annual meeting that will affect the connection of many SBC churches.
Chad Selph passed away Dec. 16, 2023, after a three-year battle with cancer. He was our pastor and friend. For me, Lezah, he was my boss. I, Joel, realize the...
A Baptist Standard reader responds to a news article, republished from Religion News Service, about the hymn “How Great is Our God.”
Atrocities once condemned are happening again today. Would you be willing to identify with the targets of those atrocities?
Ellis Orozco wraps up a four-part series explaining three principles for how Christians should approach elections and politics in general.
The Tennessee convention executive director voices his opposition to the so-called Law Amendment up for a second vote this summer.
We need to listen to protestors, not necessarily to agree, but to love and to learn. But those aren’t the only reasons we need to listen.
God used a West Texas teacher/preacher and an everyday man—who loved his wife and family and worked hard—to bring revival.
"Christians continue to be transformed by the Lord and find the solitude and comfort he supplies through such actions as prayer.”
A consistent biblical approach to voting requires Christians to know the Bible, but a growing number of Christians don’t.
Zoom in on the photo accompanying this article, the one up by the headline. What do you see? Do you see all of it?
A Palestinian Christian challenges particular uses of God’s promise to Abraham, calling for “embodying the grace Jesus showed to all.”
The historic Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield, with help from Baylor University's Soundings Project, brought youth and police together.
The responsibility to vote includes approaching the privilege with the spirit of Christ and from a Christ-centered perspective.
Superman is not your pastor. Even if he was, he’d still disappoint you. Why, then, do we expect pastors to be superheroes?
First Baptist Church in Amarillo saw positive results from a new Bible study focused on bridging worship and work.
“How do we engage in the brawl without becoming brawlers? ... How do we vote from a biblical, Christ-centered worldview?”
If we are what we celebrate, then we need to know what we’re celebrating, why we’re celebrating it and that we’re celebrating the right things.
It’s easy to think not much happens in small towns and small churches. Sometimes, that’s true. But big things are happening through revitalization at First Baptist Church in Rosebud.
Parenting is difficult, sometimes very difficult and requiring outside help. Joe and Ruth Cook share some of what helped them.
Pastoral ministry comes with unique pressures and demands. To endure them well, pastors need intentional communities of comprehensive care.
A pastor shares his candid reflections on spirituality, marriage and the body in the aftermath of his wife’s breast cancer diagnosis.
Alexander Lang listed real stressors and pressures leading some pastors to leave ministry. A key element of endurance wasn't mentioned.
Ron Cook responds to Alexander Lang's blog post "Departure: Why I Left the Church" with encouragement for both pastors and churches.
Lanny Hall remembers his older sister teaching him a hymn giving him lifelong encouragement and a lighthearted phrase when he needed it.
Katie Frugé and John Litzler offer counsel to Texas school boards weighing whether to employ or accept volunteer chaplains.
Editor Eric Black calls his readers to see how they are connected to Jerrald Gallion and then to act on their shared humanity.
Pastor Damon Pearce knows the importance of praying for pastors and encourages church members to pray for their pastor.
Ron Danley explains how to lead more productively those who seem to do things their own way in their own time.
A Baptist Standard reader responds to Editor Eric Black's editorial about how Christians should regard those who cross borders.
God has a path of life for believers in Jesus. Are you on that path of following Jesus or heading down a different one?
We may think of borders as necessary for protecting what is ours, but does this view obscure a deeper issue of relationship?
Josepha Mbouma suggests three ways to use digital technology to facilitate discipleship rather than being a distraction from it.
Hunter Brown offers a view of pastoral care from his experience as a youth minister. Spoiler alert: it's all about presence.
Jesus blessed the peacemakers. Does that mean we're supposed to be peacemakers, and how are we to make peace when peace seems impossible?
The bipartisan Dignity Act is largely consistent with a 2023 SBC resolution and with past statements from evangelical leaders on immigration.
Historic denominations are realigning in three groups and forming new cooperative efforts within these new alignments.
There is growing fear among Protestant churches in the United States. How many churches are afraid, of what, why and what do we do?
Much of modern worship music falls short of Scripture’s vision. A biblical vision of it will strengthen it and bring glory to God.
Pastor and seminary professor Mike Morris cites his support for the Afghan Adjustment Act and calls for its passage.
Travis Collins, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Huntsville, Ala., shares five characteristics that ought to typify centrism.
Quality education requires more than money, though we need to spend more. Quality education requires supporting the whole enterprise.
Seth Pitman, member of the committee to nominate BGCT Executive Board members, offers another perspective on the women in ministry motion.
Texas Baptist Women in Ministry suggest 10 practical ways to demonstrate support for women in pastoral and other ministry roles.
Todd Still, dean of Truett Theological Seminary, describes how people with differing theological convictions can share common ground.
Baptist Standard readers respond to two Voices articles by and about women in ministry and published after the 2023 BGCT annual meeting.
Leadership of Calvary Baptist Church in Waco responds to the women in ministry motion adopted during the 2023 BGCT annual meeting.
Let’s talk about pastoral mental health. Perhaps this topic seems out of left field. After all, it’s not May—Mental Health Awareness Month—and the Baptist conversation seems to be about other...
Todd Still, dean of Truett Theological Seminary, describes how people with differing theological convictions can share common ground.
A Vision Quest mission trip to Honduras led by Texas Baptist Men deeply impacted my life and helped me discover God’s unique vision for my future.
Women who experience a distinct call to the pastorate should be called "pastor" just as called men are, Hannah Brown contends.
Texas Baptists are driven by one mission given to them by one Lord. Women are integral to the success of that mission.
Patti Greene reminds readers of Amos's story, a so-called minor prophet called from agriculture to become God's messenger to Israel.
Travis Collins, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Huntsville, Ala., explains how to respond with grace to criticism and rejection.
Jordan Villanueva seeks to clarify language used in recent weeks that communicates Texas Baptists always have had a historic stance on women in ministry.
We expect certain things to happen during the BGCT annual meeting. We should also expect certain things to come from the meeting.
Meredith Stone, executive director of Baptist Women in Ministry, advocates for a motion for active affirmation of women in ministry.
A Baptist Standard reader responds to Editor Eric Black's editorial reflecting on mission work originating from locations around the world.
In response to recent gun violence and political and religious division in Fort Worth, Pastor Erik Vance calls for prayer and repentance.
Randy Bradley demonstrates the value he has found in using artificial intelligence as a research tool, giving examples from Google Bard.
Travis Collins, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Huntsville, Ala., shares the challenge and necessity of centrists finding friends.
Ruth Cook encourages ministry leaders by sharing ways she has learned to deal with disappointment and failure in church ministry.
U.S. Baptists have prided ourselves on our mission work. It's time for us to celebrate what Baptists are doing around the world.
This is less an opinion about the issues we face than an echo of that pervasive cry: "We thirst." Do we know what it is we thirst for?
ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence pose challenges to pastors and churches that require prior commitments and training to overcome.
Todd Still, dean of Truett Theological Seminary, describes the posture and value of Christian centrism within and for a polarized society.
To all women in ministry: I made an unwise decision that affects you, and I am sorry. I did not stand beside you when I should have.
Conflict in the church doesn't have to be a bad thing. If navigated well, it can lead to positive outcomes.
Baptist Standard readers respond to articles about the BGCT's position on women in ministry and BJC's position on Christian nationalism.
Dennis Wiles, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, explains the significance of centrism in the early church and today.
Editor Eric Black calls messengers to the 2023 BGCT annual meeting to make official the BGCT's historic stance on women in ministry.
Ruth Cook, a public school educator, explains why Christian educators should stay in the public school system, despite the many challenges.
Baptist Standard readers respond to revelations about Southwestern Seminary finances and the SBC's position on women pastors.
Travis Collins, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Huntsville, Ala., describes centrist convictions and how one defines their own.
Cooperation is tested by local autonomy, especially when strong differences are involved. There could be a way past this regular collision.
A Baptist Standard reader responds to Dennis Wiles' op-ed on centrism, taking issue with the term "centrist."
To address evangelical's current leadership problems, Wade Berry calls for selecting Christian leaders whose character matches 1 Timothy 3.
This article is 1 of 9 in the Leading from the Center series by three writers. From 1981 to 1992, I was a graduate student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary....
Amid increasing dire warnings about artificial intelligence, what it takes to discern truth is as necessary and available as it's ever been.
Baptist Standard readers respond to Editor Eric Black's editorial on the factors involved in and the arguments around gun violence.
BGCT Associate Executive Director Craig Christina reminds Texas Baptists they are stronger together and calls them to maintain their unity in diversity on women in ministry.
To address evangelical's current leadership problems, Wade Berry calls for selecting Christian leaders whose character matches 1 Timothy 3.
A Baptist Standard reader condemns H-E-B's sponsorship of Pride events in Austin and Belton.
Gun violence is not the result of any one thing but comes out of a toxic brew of contributing factors, all of which we must and can address.
Believers have an edge in better understanding what is going on in this world and in understanding and interpreting the Bible.
Joshua Sharp contends, since all Christians have a functional creed, a clearly stated creed is better than vague or assumed language.
With SBC leaders focused on whether to exclude churches with women pastors and by what criteria, an important question seems to be neglected.
Instead of just trying to make women feel better, women's ministry can go deeper and be more honest, Abby Manes contends.
We may think the horrific news of the last week doesn’t really involve us, but it does, and we need to get more involved.
Kayelee Arensman reminds us the Sabbath is made for us. What's more, God commands us to remember it. We have more than permission to rest.
Baptist Standard readers respond to Texas Senate Bill 1515, which would require the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools.
The church can learn a lot from high school robotics programs and competitions about being the kind of people Jesus calls us to be.
From her own experience, Cintia Aguilar describes three things churches should do to demonstrate their support for women in ministry.
Texas Baptists' Associate Executive Director Craig Christina explains why Texas Baptists oppose gambling and advocate against it.
We need to communicate to legislators our positions on their proposed legislation. How we communicate our positions matters immensely.
A collective of Christian and non-Christian groups are working together to oppose Christian Nationalism for the preservation of democracy.
Texas Baptist pastors Tedrick Woods and Chad Chaddick explain why they visit the Texas Capitol to advocate for their legislative positions.
Joshua Sharp argues even if you are not a pastor or don't have a seminary or Bible college degree some level of familiarity with Greek and Hebrew is incredibly valuable.
The Bible is central to literacy, and literacy is central to missions. The Bible and learning to read are gifts we can and should give away.
Rev. Regina Claas, a leader in the Baptist World Alliance, describes how some navigate differing views of women in ministry throughout BWA.
International student ministry is energizing and has the potential to revive us. And it's within your reach.
A Baptist Standard reader responds to Nathan Patzke's op-ed expressing his perspective on a list of SBC churches with woman pastors.
Ante la constante disminución porcentual del cristianismo en nuestro país, debemos reaccionar con prontitud prestando atención y obedeciendo a la voz de Dios.
Oremos por un avivamiento que comience con nosotros, de adentro hacia afuera, que caigan los altares del orgullo...
Patti Greene shares her experience of God calling her to write books and suggests four ways others can hear and discern God's call for them.
Revolution is risky. It cost Jesus, and it will cost us. But there’s no avoiding revolution—the world against God or Christ against sin.
A Baptist Standard reader responds to Nathan Patzke's op-ed stating his reason for opposing a list of SBC churches with women pastors.
Jay Givens looks deeper into the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem at the message Jesus' original audience would have understood.
Nathan Patzke adds his voice to those who oppose a list of churches with women pastors purportedly connected to the SBC.
Jesus came into this world, not distancing himself from our sin and brokenness, but getting very near it to reconcile us to God.
A Baptist Standard reader responds to the mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville and efforts to promote assault rifles.
Don Newbury, retired president of Howard Payne University, reflects on some changes Texas universities have made over the years.
A Baptist Standard reader responds to Editor Eric Black's question about how churches measure their success.
We've been asking why people are leaving the church and how we're going to save our churches. These are the wrong questions.
Everett Berry, professor of theology at Criswell College, explains why certain leadership functions in the church should be limited to men.
Jeff Warren, senior pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, explains why he advocates for women leading in ministry.
As prosperous as our country is, it does not protect us from financial uncertainty. That kind of assurance must come from somewhere else. I started learning this lesson about 20 years ago.
Lillian Hinds, retired pastor of Meadow Oaks Baptist Church in Temple, shares how God called her to preach and reaffirmed that call.
More than a dozen women answer the question: "What communicates to you that you are valued as a woman?" Their answers are instructive.
Karen Swallow Prior considers the death penalty in light of Andre Thomas—a Texas man with severe mental illness and convicted of murder.
A Baptist Standard reader responds to Editor Eric Black's editorial on so-called "education freedom" with more reason for caution.
Hand gestures can say so much. Consider baseball, gangs, secret handshakes or sign language. An ancient gesture conveys deep theology.
We need to see the problems “education freedom” poses and respond to them. Its conflict with religious freedom is one Baptists should oppose.
Al compartir el Evangelio, ¿nos percibe la gente como vendedores? ¿Hay alguna manera de compartir el Evangelio que sea conversacional?
Baptist Standard readers respond to the Asbury Revival and Beth Moore's comments about racism in white churches.
Yamileth Guzman, an immigrant herself, reflects on what she learned about immigration during the recent T.B. Maston Foundation retreat.
A Baptist Standard reader responds to the Asbury Revival in light of what is common in American churches on Sunday mornings.
As she watches the Asbury Revival, Ruth Cook remembers the wonder of spiritual revival at Glorieta Baptist Conference Center in the 1970s.
Baptists historically have done more good and more ministry together than apart. We are stronger together, in more ways than one.
Bethlehem Baptist Church is older than Mansfield, the city where it is located, and continues to grow with its community.
If your church had a marketing budget—and it does—how should it be spent? We can learn from the He Gets Us Super Bowl ads.
The Bible is not irrelevant to immigrants and immigration. It was penned by, for and about immigrants. Jesus himself was an immigrant.
Minnehulla Baptist Church in Goliad has a long history and heritage as a "resource to the region" and mission sending congregation.
Bobby Contreras, chair of the BGCT Executive Board, challenges Texas Baptists to be kind, compassionate and forgiving reconcilers.
Beth Ann McCormick suggest four ways the church can acknowledge trauma in ways that honor both God and the people he loves.
David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Austin is a vibrant and growing congregation worshipping in a landmark sanctuary.
The basic facts of Tyre Nichols' death are a sufficient call to Christ-followers to embody the character of Christ in this world in this time.
Baptist Standard readers express opinions about public education in Dallas-Fort Worth and the science on abortion.
Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in Richardson is a historic Black Texas Baptist church with an ongoing impact on its community.
Abby Manes shares her story of becoming a foster parent and describes what that calling looks like, including the challenges and joys.
We tell ourselves and those visiting our churches that we welcome people in our buildings. Too often, our words and actions say otherwise.
Churches want to be sensitive to special needs but don't always know how. Ashley Myers offers some suggestions from her own experience.
As some in the SBC seek to exclude women pastors—of any kind—some Texas Baptists wonder anew where the BGCT stands on women in ministry.
"Rather than desensitizing ourselves to the harms of this world, do we engage in practices that re-sensitize us to the pain others feel?"
In response to Editor Eric Black's editorial on defining racism, Reg Munro offers a view on the question from his experience with apartheid.
Baptist Standard readers respond to Editor Eric Black's editorial on working toward a clear definition of racism.
Young adult ministry requires taking account of context. Grace offers a focal point for leaders to listen to where young adults are.
If we oppose racism in all its forms, we should be able to define all its forms. Otherwise, we are doing little more than virtue signaling.
There are countless conference options, but conference culture has become a problem and needs to be challenged.
Ruth Cook plans to read through the Bible this year with a group of friends. She's finding more in Genesis than she expected.
What I watched Monday night and Tuesday afternoon is a snapshot, not just of where we are as a culture, but who we are as a people.
After reading through the Bible for the first time, Smith Getterman shares how he did it and what he learned about reading the Bible.
Antwuan Malone, pastor to young adults, offers encouraging counsel to those seeking to reach and disciple young adults.
Editor Eric Black shares a few lessons learned from five women who taught on the five women in Jesus' genealogy.
A former student of Craig Bird, who died Dec. 12, reflects on his professor's ministry and investment in students.
Cristian Cervantes describes the origin of Hanukkah and how he and his family celebrate it as Jewish Christians.
Ruth Cook reflects on the darkness of cancer, cancer treatment and recovery, and how Christ is a light who dispels the darkness.
Do those who believe in and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ have hope to offer in the here and now? We do.
Especially in uncertain and hurting times, we search for something to cling to and bring us into a place of safety and security.
Matt Renata, pastor and Māori Indigenous leader, examines the history and influence of Māori nonviolent resistance on other world leaders.
Baptist political scientist Ryan Burge reports on his study of the degree to which Christians—Republican and Democrat—embrace the Social Gospel.
Trump said some things. That's not new. Editor Eric Black's reaction to Trump's Sept. 30 post is new, at least for him.
It may surprise many who think of the Middle East as an island of Israeli Jews surrounded by Muslims that in many Arab states, evangelical Christians are growing in numbers and power.
A Baptist Standard reader responds to a previous letter to the editor taking issue with Editor Eric Black's Sept. 21 editorial on immigration.
El Concilio de Liderazgo Hispano Bautista está en el proceso de revitalización, e incorporación legal, y ha cambiado su nombre a “La Red Nacional Bautista Hispana.”
The National Hispanic Baptist Network exists to connect churches to the mission, to contribute and share resources; and to celebrate what God is doing among Hispanic Baptists.
Joshua Sharp asks, "Where do we draw lines" between the letter and the spirit of God's Law based on what Scripture contains?
The dance floor is chaotic and threatening indeed. We are anxious about personal, social and institutional survival in multiple directions and levels—and for good reason. But not everything is chaotic and threatening.
Baptist Standard readers respond to a letter sent by Baylor President Linda Livingstone and an editorial by Editor Eric Black.
Baptist Standard board member Teresa Martinez reflects on her board service and the role the Standard plays among a diverse readership.
After migrants were flown to Martha's Vineyard to make a political point, Editor Eric Black responds with what Christians should do instead.
Las parábolas de Jesús contienen narrativas verdaderamente conmovedoras; no hay historia creada por la mente humana que llegue tan profundamente al corazón como estas.
A Baptist Standard reader responds to continuing reports of sexual abuse in Baptist churches and calls Baptists to action.
BGCT First Vice President Dr. Julio Guarneri calls Texas Baptists to take certain steps to prepare for a future almost here.