Baptist Press Archive

Wednesday, April 01, 2020

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  • Churches deemed 'essential services' in Texas Gov. Abbott protocols
    by Diana Chandler, posted Wednesday, April 01, 2020 (3 years ago)

    Photo from Twitter
    AUSTIN, Texas (BP) -- Church worship and ministry are considered essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas under the latest protocols issued by Gov. Greg Abbott, but several pastors said Abbott's directive likely won't change their church safety protocols.

    First Baptist Church of Vidor pastor Terry Wright said he switched to online-only services March 15 after a few church families were concerned that they might have been exposed to COVID-19 at an off-campus event not sponsored by the church. He consulted the Texas Department of State Health Services in response, and according to Wright, the person in question tested negative. Read More

  • Floyd to host online prayer gathering on Good Friday
    by Staff, posted Wednesday, April 01, 2020 (3 years ago)

    iStock
    NASHVILLE (BP) -- As Southern Baptists navigate the crisis resulting from the COVID-19 global pandemic, Ronnie Floyd, president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee, has called for a special time of prayer. Read More

  • Truck stop ministry continues via radio
    by Sarah Vaughn/Arkansas Baptists, posted Wednesday, April 01, 2020 (3 years ago)

    MALVERN, Ark. (BP) -- There's a truck stop along I-30 just north of Malvern, Ark., known as JJ's. It's been there for years, and some might notice a small, white building on the edge of the property at the end of the parking lot.

    For more than 20 years, that building, known as the Traveler's Chapel, has been a refuge for truckers who work long hours and may be away from their families for extended periods of time. Central Baptist Association sponsors the chapel, which is run by Chaplain Vince Perkins and a group of dedicated volunteers. Read More

  • TRUSTEES: Amid COVID-19, Midwestern holds meeting electronically
    by T. Patrick Hudson, posted Wednesday, April 01, 2020 (3 years ago)

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. (BP) -- For the first time in the history of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS), trustees met virtually Monday (March 30) to address key issues and conduct institutional business during the Spring Trustee Meeting.

    The seminary's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and budgetary issues dominated updates from MBTS president Jason Allen, who underscored the seminary's solid position despite these trying times. Read More

  • GuideStone to offer one-time option to change health coverage during 2020
    by Roy Hayhurst, posted Wednesday, April 01, 2020 (3 years ago)

    DALLAS (BP) -- With many churches reporting strained budgets due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, GuideStone is offering a one-time opportunity for both Group Plans and Personal Plans to step down to a lower-cost health care plan for the remainder of 2020.

    Generally the option to change plans is available only during re-enrollment. Read More

  • NAMB family devotions focus on seeing Jesus through the uncertainty
    by SharDavia Walker, posted Wednesday, April 01, 2020 (3 years ago)

    ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) -- It can be difficult to find a family devotional that's applicable in challenging seasons and addresses a child's emotions with biblical truth.

    "These are hard days. Since people are being told to stay at home, we wanted to provide a resource for families with kids that will help them navigate these uncharted waters of COVID-19," said Catherine Renfro, a NAMB evangelism strategist. Read More

  • FIRST-PERSON: We have faced challenges before
    by O.S. Hawkins, posted Wednesday, April 01, 2020 (3 years ago)

    GuideStone Financial Resources president and CEO O.S. Hawkins shows how the current financial crisis is not unlike ones we have endured before and outlines ways we can get through it. Read More