By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) faces not only declining membership but also fewer churches to attract potential new members. According to Lifeway Research’s analysis of the 2022 Annual Church Profile (ACP) of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1,253 congregations that were part of the Convention in 2021 were no longer connected in … [Read more...]
‘Criswell: His Life and Times’ traces calling and ministry of influential pastor
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — W.A. Criswell is a name well known in Baptist circles. He served as the president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastored one of the largest churches in America for five decades. His name even adorns a college in Texas. But while many are familiar with the name “Criswell,” few know the man behind the name as well as O.S. Hawkins. … [Read more...]
Baptisms rebound, but negative trend continues in Southern Baptist churches
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — With far fewer churches gathering in person, Southern Baptist congregations didn’t do much baptizing during the pandemic. Those numbers have increased in recent years, but the overall decline within the Convention continues. In 2022, Southern Baptist congregations that reported figures for the Annual Church Profile (ACP) recorded 180,177 … [Read more...]
Growing Southern Baptist churches more likely in Northeast, among newer churches
By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — If you’re looking for a Southern Baptist church, you’re most likely to find one in the South. If you want to find a growing Southern Baptist church, however, you might want to try the Northeast. Analysis of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Annual Church Profile (ACP) by Lifeway Research revealed the convention is made up of mostly … [Read more...]
Black Church Conference celebrates 30 years
By Aaron Earls RIDGECREST, N.C. — Since 1993, Black pastors and church leaders have gathered at Ridgecrest Conference Center for a week of recharging and refreshment. After 30 years, Mark Croston felt it was time for leaders to “reimagine” during the Black Church Leadership and Family Conference (BCLFC) on July 17-21, 2023. “Pastors need to grapple with changes that have … [Read more...]
