Each day, hundred of visitors arrive at a small science museum in Mobile, Ala., to view what many consider the archaeological find of the 20th century. Each day, hundred of visitors arrive at a small science museum in Mobile, Ala., to view what many consider the archaeological find of the 20th century. The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947 and are the oldest biblical fragments ever unearthed. Since the early days of 2005, various fragments of the scrolls have been on display at Gulf Coast Exploreum in Mobile. Each day, hundreds of visitors linger at one clear plastic display case in particular. It is the world’s oldest copy of the Ten Commandments, its tiny black text exquisitely inked onto the crinkled surface of a brown animal skin. Nearby is a 3-foot-wide document whose six columns of precise text contain all or parts of Psalm 135 and three other psalms. And just a few feet away are other scroll fragments – portions of the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Isaiah and Jeremiah. Some of the fragments are barely larger than the palm of a hand – dark brown, inscribed with Hebrew text in words little bigger than a grain of rice. On larger manuscripts like the Psalm … [Read more...]

For the last quarter of a century, Southern Baptists have been told just 30 percent or so of their churches actually were healthy and growing – the rest either were plateaued or dying. That was bad enough. For the last quarter of a century, Southern Baptists have been told just 30 percent or so of their churches actually were healthy and growing – the rest either were plateaued or dying. That was bad enough. However, a new study suggests the real picture of the Southern Baptist Convention is even worse. Indeed, based on new measurement criteria developed by the Leavell Center for Evangelism and Church Health at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, just a little more than one in 10 Southern Baptist churches  – 11 percent actually – can be classified as healthy and growing. In other words, that looming object in the rearview mirror is much, much closer than it appears. And the challenge confronting Southern Baptists is much, much larger than once believed. Indeed, when asked how big that challenge is, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary President Chuck Kelley offers a succinct response. “Huge.” Defining growth For years, Southern Baptist leaders have used the 30 percent mark as a rallying … [Read more...]

Even as Southern Baptists leaders sound a renewed call to reverse a slow-growth trend in many denominational churches, Louisiana Baptists are facing their own homefront challenge. Even as Southern Baptists leaders sound a renewed call to reverse a slow-growth trend in many denominational churches, Louisiana Baptists are facing their own homefront challenge. A review of recently-released state convention statistics shows that Louisiana Baptists posted minimal growth or decreases in key membership areas in 2004. For the most-recent church year, annual statistics show that Louisiana grew no more than 0.7 percent from the previous year in any membership area. Increases were recorded in the area of: • Baptisms, which rose by 81 (0.6 percent). • Resident church membership, which grew by 1,557 persons (0.4 percent). • Total church membership, which grew by 3,221 persons (0.6 percent). • Vacation Bible School enrollment, which grew by 315 persons (0.3 percent). • Discipleship Training enrollment, which grew by 453 persons (0.7 percent. • Music Ministry enrollment, which grew by 116 persons (0.2 percent). • Woman’s Missionary Union enrollment, which grew by 147 persons (0.6 percent). At the same … [Read more...]

Many people are involved in missions in Iowa, but one particular person does it on a regular basis without leaving her home. She also does it while facing the mounting challenge of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Many people are involved in missions in Iowa, but one particular person does it on a regular basis without leaving her home. She also does it while facing the mounting challenge of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Despite her condition, Jenifer Barrentine, 27, helps coordinate mission projects with the help of a computer and a telephone. Her mother, Joan, helps pick up the workload when her daughter’s strength is failing. “I think I have a very unique opportunity to share Christ with some people who would not be open to hearing about Christ if I were not in this wheelchair or in this situation,” Barrentine says.         “Some people are curious about the illness when we talk on the phone or when I am out in the public with my motorized wheelchair. They will open up to me in a way that they probably would not do otherwise. “One day I was in a store, buying a birthday present, and a salesclerk took probably a half-hour visiting with me and opening up. I had a chance to share my testimony of knowing Christ, and it … [Read more...]

For some time now, leaders have warned that Southern Baptists are falling farther and farther behind in the task of evangelism – failing even to win many of their own children to faith in Christ. For some time now, leaders have warned that Southern Baptists are falling farther and farther behind in the task of evangelism – failing even to win many of their own children to faith in Christ. They have speculated that an entire generation – and perhaps even two – may be lost to the gospel. They have bemoaned the fact that many young people are growing up without a firm grasp of moral absolutes – indeed, even growing up with a belief that such absolutes do not exist. And they have shaken their heads in despair at the fact that surveys indicate Christians pattern their lives no differently from non-Christians. Now, a new Barna Research Group poll offers a clue as to why those conditions exist – although it definitely is not an easy one to hear. The poll indicates that the simple truth is – too few parents see spiritual development as an important part of their work. Apparently, that includes too many Christian parents. “The fact that most Christian parents overlook this critical responsibility is one … [Read more...]

As if legalized gambling does not have enough victims, it looks to be grooming another generation of players – today’s children and youth, Guy Clark said. As if legalized gambling does not have enough victims, it looks to be grooming another generation of players – today’s children and youth, Guy Clark said. And in case one thinks that is exaggeration, check out current video game titles, noted Clark, chair of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling. A “Golden Nugget” title features “on-the-go versions” of games like blackjack, craps, roulette, slots and video poker. It even allows players to save their games, so they can return later with accrued balances. The “Slots” game features more than 40 slot machines. “This game is so close to the real thing, you’ll think you’re in Vegas,” its packaging boasts. Meanwhile, “DD Tournament Poker” selection includes a feature for managing live home poker tournaments. There are other selections as well – and all are available at local stores, usually on the children’s aisles. Indeed, without violence or sexual themes, many of the games are rated “E” – suitable for ages six or older. One rated “E” title even notes, “When you’re down on your luck, visit … [Read more...]

It may be a great idea for politicians, but it is a terrible idea for churches. There is a bill in the U.S. Congress that would allow churches and other “houses of worship” to endorse specific political candidates and parties without losing the congregation’s tax-exempt status. It may be a great idea for politicians, but it is a terrible idea for churches. There is a bill in the U.S. Congress that would allow churches and other “houses of worship” to endorse specific political candidates and parties without losing the congregation’s tax-exempt status. The bill has been named the “Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act” by its author, Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C. (See accompanying article below.) Presently, churches can speak however freely they like to on issues and encourage members to vote based on the issues. However, as a not-for-profit religious organization enjoying tax-free status from the federal government, they are not to endorse particular candidates or parties in order to avoid being overtly political. The Internal Revenue Service penalty for churches endorsing particular parties or candidates is the loss of their tax-exempt status. News reports indicate the Southern … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptists are working to rebuild the town of Olla – one house at a time. By Brian Blackwell LBM Newswriter Louisiana Baptists are working to rebuild the town of Olla – one house at a time. As reported in the March 3 issue of the Baptist Message, Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief leaders have issued a call for Louisiana Baptists to “adopt” – rebuild – homes that were damaged or destroyed by the Nov. 23 tornado that affected the central Louisiana community. Disaster relief leaders are working with the town of Olla, LaSalle Baptist Association and First Baptist Church of Olla, as well as the Red Cross and Salvation Army. The deadly tornado in Olla produced winds in excess of 150 m.p.h., resulting in one fatality and damaging or destroying 167 of the 587 homes in the community. After numerous attempts to receive aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States government denied the town’s final appeal for financial assistance last month. That is when Louisiana Baptist Foundation Executive Director Wayne Taylor suggested to state Disaster Relief Director Loy Seal the idea of adopting houses. Seal then submitted the idea during the weekly unmet needs committee … [Read more...]

America’s public schools may be teaching evolution, but more than one-third of the nation’s teenagers are not buying it. America’s public schools may be teaching evolution, but more than one-third of the nation’s teenagers are not buying it. In addition, an overwhelming majority of American youth say they believe God was involved in the creation of humanity in one way or another, a new poll reveals. The Gallup poll of 1,028 teenagers ages 13-17 found that 38 percent do not believe in evolution, believing instead that “God created human beings pretty much in their present form at one time within the last 10,000 years or so.” Another 43 percent said they believe that humans “developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life, but God guided” the process. Only 18 percent of youth said evolution took place without God playing a role. The Gallup poll also asked teenagers their opinion about the evidence behind Darwin’s theory of evolution. Thirty-seven percent said they thought Darwin’s theory was “well supported by evidence.” Thirty percent said it was “just one of many theories” and one that “has not been well supported by evidence.” Thirty-three percent said they did not yet know enough … [Read more...]

Former Korn lead guitarist Brian “Head” Welch wanted to die – until he found something for which to live. Former Korn lead guitarist Brian “Head” Welch wanted to die – until he found something for which to live. “Now, I’m living a fairytale,” says Welch, 34, who was a founding member of the hard-rock band Korn. “I swear this is real.” Welch is quick to recount how desperate he was just a few weeks ago – and how much his life has changed since that time. “I was addicted to methamphetamines and tried everything – ... rehab, stuff on the Internet, but nothing helped me kick it,” Welch relates. “I was trying on my own to quit and couldn’t do it. I wanted to die. No one knew what I was going through. I could not quit. “Church was my last shot.” Welch began to attend services at Valley Bible Fellowship in Bakersfield, Calif., his hometown. He recalls how he would sit in church high on drugs and wonder why people were going to the front of the church after the service. Then, his turn came. “I said (to God), ‘Show me how to quit,’” Welch relates. Ron Vietti serves as pastor of the Valley Bible Fellowship congregation. He says he remembers a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt nodding his head at the … [Read more...]