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The end of the year is often marked by a seemingly endless barrage of family gatherings, cookie swaps, white elephant gift exchanges, office parties and more. The holidays cause some to stress out and wonder if they can fit...
Josh Reed -
There are many wonderful insights to glean from the biblical accounts of Christ’s birth. Here are four truths for you and your family to ponder this Christmas season.
Mark Smith -
Check out this month’s roundup which includes a family devotional for Advent and a prayer guide for the month of January. Also included is a brand new Bible study for women and another to help families be on mission....
BSCNC Communications -
Many things come to mind when I think of North Carolina Baptists, but one word that rises to the top is generosity. North Carolina Baptists are generous people, and I don’t take for granted the prayers, the personal involvement...
Milton A. Hollifield, Jr. -
If you grew up in a Southern Baptist church, you probably associate the name Lottie Moon with the Christmas season. Lottie Moon — the namesake of Southern Baptists’ international missions offering — has become a legend. But in her...International Mission Board
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In Deuteronomy 6:7, Moses commands parents to “impress” God’s Word into the lives of their children. Then, he gives instructions on how to actually make that happen within the rhythms of each day. He says, “Talk about them when...Mark Smith
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Why did Jesus need to come to Earth? This is just one of the thought-provoking questions included in this brand new Advent family devotional surrounding the coming of Christ to the world. “Advent” means coming or arrival, and Family...Mark Smith
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Recently, I spent a week in Europe with a missionary family from our church. For over 10 years, we have partnered with and supported this family as they labor in a very difficult mission field. While there, I attended...Ben McRoy
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As a part of my personal devotion times with the Lord, I love to read and meditate on passages from the Book of Psalms. Many of the Scriptures in Psalms are expressions of praise and thanksgiving, and I often...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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GREENSBORO, N.C. — North Carolina Baptists commissioned more than 100 church planters and were called to prioritize personal evangelism during their 189th annual meeting held Nov. 11-12 at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center. The meeting drew 1,387 messengers...
Chad Austin -
More than 1,300 messengers from Baptist churches across North Carolina gathered at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 11-12 for the 189th annual Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s (BSCNC) Annual...BSCNC Communications
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N.C. Baptists approved a $30.5 million Cooperative Program (CP) budget for 2020 that increases the percentage allocation to the missions and ministries of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) for the 14th consecutive year. Despite an overall budget reduction of...Chad Austin
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Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) Executive Director-Treasurer Milton A. Hollifield Jr. exhorted North Carolina Baptists to “get engaged in God’s great work” during his address to messengers on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the 2019 Annual Meeting in...Chad Austin
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More than 1,000 messengers from Baptist churches across North Carolina gathered at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, Nov. 11 for the opening session of the 189th annual Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s...BSCNC Communications
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Members of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s (BSCNC) executive committee praised a plan announced by convention leaders to help pastors and churches across the state in the areas of church health and revitalization. During the executive committee’s...Chad Austin
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Thanksgiving often makes us think of family, a turkey dinner with pumpkin pie, and pilgrims — it’s a day centered around giving thanks. Why not incorporate international students into the holiday greetings this year? Here are several ways your...
Tom Knight -
Oftentimes, the mission of God doesn’t seem to match our conveniently constructed models. In Acts 8:26-40, we catch a glimpse of how God brings about what He has promised is going to happen in Revelation 5:9-10. God orchestrated circumstances...Josh Reed
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Church Planting N.C.’s (CPNC’s) core values focus on deepening relationships with planters and reproducing churches. Previously, we explored our first core value “tribe.” Now let’s explore our second core value which is “reproduce.”
Mike Pittman -
Abiding is more than just a biblical concept. For the believer in Jesus, it’s a way of life. “Today our world and culture tell us to do anything but abide,” said Ashley Allen, senior consultant for Embrace Women’s Evangelism...
Eric Stishan -
In January of 2020, the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina will be offering a new resource to guide specific prayer toward lostness. The guide will provide an opportunity for North Carolina Baptists to unite for 30 days of...
Chris Schofield -
Do families in your congregation see their homes or neighborhoods as a mission field? While communities are growing around our churches, attendance on Sunday mornings is suffering. Why is this happening? Could it be that parents are not equipped...Mark Smith
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Mom and dad never called me their adopted son. I was just their son. I was born into an unfortunate situation, but I was adopted into a blessed family. In 1966, adoption was not as highlighted in the American...Marty Jacumin
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Check out this month’s roundup which includes two resources regarding the church’s response to abuse, including a brand new resource designed for women’s ministry leaders. Also check out a new Advent devotional that you can use during the Christmas...BSCNC Communications
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The Book of James has often been described as “the gospel in shoe leather” because it provides numerous practical examples of how we are called to live out our faith in the world. At the outset of the book,...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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For too long, the current church in the United States has lived off of the “glory days” of the 1970s and 1980s when people came to church because “that’s just what you did.” Back then thriving churches attracted people...Terry Long
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Attendees to this year’s Annual Meeting of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) can now access a number of event-related resources before they arrive on-site to help them make the most of their meeting experience.BSCNC Communications
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Can you point to a moment or series of moments where you persevered through trials with your children and were able to rejoice over what God did? Consider the late night hours of pulling together school projects and endless...Stephanie Jackson
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With so much uncertainty in our world, one thing remains steady and sure: America desperately needs Jesus, and North Carolina Baptists take the responsibility of God’s mission in North Carolina seriously. While the strategy for the Baptist State Convention...Mike Pittman
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For many years, we have lamented the decline in baptisms that we have witnessed across the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). While it’s heartbreaking to see these declines, I don’t believe that the numbers alone paint a complete picture of...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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As a children’s minister, I excelled at checking off my daily to-do list. If someone needed markers, tape or Goldfish, I was the one to call. As I reflect on the years I spent on a church staff, one...
Cheryl Markland -
As Southern Baptists, we are being called to ask ourselves a question: “Who’s Your One?” Who is the one person you can pray for, build a relationship with and have an ongoing gospel conversation with? Who is one person...Cheryl Markland
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Christians have long had differing views on how to approach Halloween. But Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear said in a recent podcast that the holiday doesn't have to be divisive -- in fact, it can be a great...Grace Thornton
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Discipleship for the next generation begins at home with the parents. Because of today’s culture and the influence it can have on our lives, many of us don’t know what it means or looks like to disciple our children....Mark Smith
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Our calling is to serve North Carolina Baptist churches in their health, mission and efforts to impact lostness in their own communities and beyond. Back in 2015, Dr. Chuck Lawless wrote an article entitled 10 Traits of a Healthy...
Will Taylor -
Highlighted by a panel discussion hosted by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), more than a dozen church and ministry leaders will address the sexual abuse crisis in the church during a...Chad Austin
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During the process of reaching the community around us, we must each move from thinking like a missionary to engaging like one. While it can be intimidating to make the transition from theory and strategy to actually entering the...Joe Maye
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N.C. churches are blessed to have great Bible study teachers and care leaders who minister to class members and their families. But oftentimes, we lack salt when it comes to sharing with our neighbors outside the church doors. So...
Terri Howell -
As we pursue revitalization in our churches, it’s important to remember that assessing the health of our marriages is imperative. For the man involved in ministry, his marriage can sometimes be neglected due to the busyness of ministering to...Barry Lawrence
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When was the last time you stopped to listen to those around you? When was the last time you intentionally sought to hear from your friends, neighbors and family members about what’s going on in their lives and their...
Chuck Campbell -
A new resource developed for women’s ministry leaders to help them minister to victims of sexual abuse is now available, thanks to a partnership between the North Carolina and South Carolina Baptist state conventions.BSCNC & SCBC Communications
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Understanding there is risk involved and then fighting for healthy collaborations has to be foundational for God’s people to seek and find biblical unity. Whether you are a church leader, church planter or global missionary, here are seven healthy...Bryan Shippey
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I recently had the privilege of attending the inauguration service for Dr. Ronnie Floyd, the new President and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Executive Committee, on Monday, Sept. 16 at First Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn.Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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In the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil, Haitian hurdler Jeffrey Julmis shot out of the blocks quickly, only to hit the first hurdle and fall to the ground. While certainly embarrassed, Julmis could have easily walked off...Josh Reed
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Check out this month’s roundup of resources which includes Pray for 30 Days devotional, Praying at the Crossroads Bible Study, and How to Have a Quiet Time resource. This month’s resources also include Undivided, a video study series, and...BSCNC Communications
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The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s board of directors unanimously approved a budget proposal totaling $30.5 million for 2020 during its regularly scheduled fall meeting.Chad Austin
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The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s board of directors gave unanimous approval to a pair of proposed changes to the convention’s bylaws that outlines criteria by which certain officials could be removed from leadership positions for instances of...Chad Austin
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Melanie Wallace, a pastor’s wife with a deep love and commitment to God’s Word and missions, was elected president of the Baptist state convention's board of directors, becoming the first woman elected as board president since 1993.Chad Austin
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North Carolina is no stranger to hurricanes, and our state has taken the brunt of several storms in recent years. Thanks to answered prayers and God’s hand of mercy, Hurricane Dorian did not inflict the same degree of widespread...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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God’s command to “make disciples” includes a variety of people. God has strategically placed co-workers, friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances in your life. While all of these groups are your mission field, your family will provide you with an...Mark Smith
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Church prayer lists are typically filled with names of people struggling with any number of issues. But we seldom discuss depression, mental heath issues or suicide within our congregations.
Rick Hughes -
Thinking like a missionary is a reasonable service proposition (Romans 12:1). It isn’t extreme in light of what Christ has done for us. Following Jesus might seem radical or extreme at the outset, but once the initial step has...Brian Norris
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Revival is breaking out in areas such as Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Why? God is faithful and answers our prayers. More than 20 years ago, a group of young army chaplains gathered...Chris Schofield
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The world around us is dark. It is so easy for our joy to seep slowly out of us as we observe the sin that surrounds us. Five minutes scrolling through a news site or reading the local paper...
Kailyn Eskridge -
Since its inception in 1925, The Cooperative Program (CP) has been the primary way Southern Baptists “do” the work of ministry together both here and abroad. Standing on the firm ground of the Great Commission, the CP is an...Will Taylor
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Serving as a pastor of a local church is one of the most rewarding callings in life. It’s also one of the most challenging. I know because I served as a local church pastor for 15 years before becoming...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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“Who’s Your One?” may be the most significant initiative Southern Baptists have ever undertaken. What would it look like if you utilized a strategy that got your groups on and off campus involved in “Who’s Your One?” as a...Rick Hughes
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The biblical narrative puts forth God’s vision to have a people for Himself that functions as priests to neighborhoods and nations to help bring about the reality that “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory...Josh Reed
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Natural disasters can wreak havoc on a community. While churches are not immune from the impact of these events, they play a vital role in ministering to the community before, during and after a calamity.
Richard Brunson -
Do we really need more churches? As one who leads church planting efforts for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC), you would expect my answer to unequivocally be “Yes and amen!” But I also realize that I...Mike Pittman
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Check out this month’s roundup of resources which include emphases on the North Carolina Missions Offering, Pray for 30 Days devotional, Abide journal and an online classroom training video to prepare group teachers to begin a new year.BSCNC Communications
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”Biblical” was the word used by The News and Observer to describe Hurricane Florence on Sept. 14, 2018. “Epic” describes the storm’s aftermath that resulted in 39 deaths, $22 billion in destruction and 700,000 properties damaged in North...
Paul Langston -
The 2019 camp theme was “On This Rock,” based upon Matthew 16:18 in which Jesus declares to Peter, “on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Campers explored five...Chad Austin
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My fifth and sixth grandchildren are due in the next week and three weeks respectively. As an “experienced” granddad of three years, here are ten commandments that Rad Rad (my name to my grandchildren) tries to follow.Thom Rainer
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Love should be a defining characteristic of those who identify themselves as followers of Christ. In John 13:35, Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (NKJV). This...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Reaching college students is hard. When we look in our pews on Sunday and find our churches largely devoid of this age demographic, reality sets in — churches don’t reach college students by accident. Sadly, many churches decide college...
Jonathan Yarboro -
For several years now, I have been greatly burdened by the declining number of baptisms across the Southern Baptist Convention. I believe the baptism numbers serve as one of the best indicators of evangelism in our churches. Jesus came...J.D. Greear
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The month of September marks the primary emphasis for the North Carolina Missions Offering (NCMO). Please join in a special prayer emphasis for NCMO and ministries it supports in the week leading up and into September.BSCNC Communications
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In this Q&A, Ronnie Floyd, president and CEO of the SBC’s executive committee, shares about his new role, his passion for missions, the importance of the Cooperative Program and what he plans to share with N.C. Baptists later this...BSCNC Communications
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The year 2018 will be remembered by many N.C. Baptists as a year of disaster, and many churches are still without a place to meet. This circumstance provides a unique opportunity to reflect upon the difference between going to...Rick Hughes
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“When I get home, I am going to talk to Jesus!” my redheaded preschooler son called out as we pulled out of the church parking lot after another robust Sunday at church. My husband and I glanced at each...Stephanie Jackson
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Today there are more resources and programs focused on teaching God’s inherent truth than ever before. More than any time in history, the church is well-equipped with the resources it needs to make disciples.Mark Smith
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There are many parts of Scripture that may seem confusing to readers, but there is one message, spoken time and time again, that couldn’t be more clear — love one another. The message whispered from Genesis to Revelation is...Caroline Barnhill
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“God’s Great Work” is the theme for the 2019 Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) Annual Meeting and will focus on the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. This year’s event is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Nov....Chad Austin
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Planting a church is not an easy endeavor. It’s not for the faint of heart. Church planters face a variety of challenges and pressures that are often unique to your calling. There’s emotional pressure, financial pressure and not to...Mike Pittman
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It’s hard to believe, but this year’s annual meeting of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) is only three months away. Planning for this year’s meeting has actually been going on for many months as a group...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Hurricane Florence struck North Carolina in September 2018, leaving a sea of destruction in her wake. The storm’s heavy rains caused widespread inland flooding across the state as major rivers spilled over their banks.Caroline Barnhill
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“Allowing His Word to fill our minds, direct our wills, and transform our affections.” Abiding is remaining fixed on Christ and His Word. It means that we rest in His sufficiency and surrender to His will and work in...Betsy Bolick
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Many church-goers assume that a safety bubble exists at their church and is the one place where their children will always be safe. Unfortunately, a quick perusal of the evening news tells a different story of abuse happening in...Cheryl Markland
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Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods are a part of life for people in North Carolina. But for children, times like these can be frightening and overwhelming. Knowing how to talk with children about natural disasters is...Cheryl Markland
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I jumped back to the sidewalk, startled by the car’s horn that warned I was dangerously close to being hit on a busy street in downtown Winston-Salem. I had become deeply engaged in a phone conversation and was oblivious...Rick Hughes
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What is every college student on your campus looking for? What is their deepest desire — the thing that they long for? What is the thing that often drives their decisions? Oftentimes, it’s the desire to belong.
Darrick Smith -
What does it mean to drive prayerfully? Driving prayerfully is intentionally using your driving time to intercede for others wherever you may be. The goal is simply to pray for others based on what you know or observe. Of...Chuck Campbell
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Fruitland Baptist Bible College is launching a bold new Bible teaching program for the Montagnard people who have settled in North Carolina from Vietnam. First classes will begin in mid-August. The new initiative comes in response to a request...Mike Creswell
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Church planters and leaders must depend steadfastly on the Bible as God’s Word, on Jesus Christ and the gospel if they want to give glory to God as they lead. That was the essence of eight sermons delivered to...Mike Creswell
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This month’s resources feature a brand new training curriculum to equip churches to respond well when sexual, physical or emotional abuse is reported, in addition to a resource that assists churches and ministry leaders in protecting children. Also included...BSCNC Communications
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After decades of litigating sexual abuse cases, Gregory Love and Kimberlee Norris founded MinistrySafe to help ministries meet legal standards of care and reduce the risk of sexual abuse by creating preventative measures tailored to fit the needs of...BSCNC Communications
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I grew up in a traditional Southern Baptist church. I “walked the aisle” at the age of eight, prayed a prayer asking Jesus into my heart and was baptized shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, I lived a degenerate rather than regenerate...Josh Reed
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Each year, the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina places an emphasis on the North Carolina Missions Offering (NCMO), a special offering that supports the ministries of N.C. Baptist Men (NCBM), church planting, mission camps, associational projects and mobilization...Will Taylor
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In Acts 17, Paul communicates the gospel in a contextually appropriate way and the response is pretty typical: some mock, some believe and join with other disciples, and some want to hear more (Acts 17:32-34). My experience has been...Josh Reed
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During this year’s Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting in Birmingham, Ala., former SBC President Johnny Hunt shared a statistic that caught my attention. Hunt said that if just 10 percent of SBC church attenders would pray for and...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Nestled deep in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 15 miles from Asheville, is Black Mountain. The town is home to around 7,500 people – many of whom have never had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.Caroline Barnhill
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Every September, churches across the state of North Carolina pause to reflect on, celebrate and give sacrificially to the North Carolina Missions Offering (NCMO). The NCMO is an annual offering that provides support for the ministries of Baptists on...Will Taylor
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I was at a church the other day and while looking at their promotional materials, I saw a tagline that read, “where faith and life collide.” To be clear, I think this is an awesome tagline and this church...Eric Simmons
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This podcast was recorded at the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s 2019 Annual Meeting and focuses on sharing Christ with your LGBT neighbor. Sharing Christ with the neighbors around you is a mandate given to us throughout Scripture,...BSCNC Communications
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The 3 Circles is a versatile tool to communicate the gospel in a variety of cultural contexts. The reason for its inherent flexibility is due to a variety of factors. To begin with, it’s a framework, not a method....Josh Reed
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The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s (BSCNC) executive committee unanimously approved a $30.5 million budget proposal for 2020 that includes an increased allocation to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) through the Cooperative Program (CP).Chad Austin
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The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s (BSCNC) executive committee unanimously approved proposed changes to the convention’s bylaws that would create a formal process by which individuals could be removed from positions of leadership for behavior that would disqualify...Chad Austin
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If asked, “What is the Great Commission?” most Christians would say, “to make disciples.” Many years of Jesus’ life and ministry are spent forming His disciples in Christlikeness and teaching them how to do the same for others. Jesus’...
Michael Boarts -
Revelation 7:9 describes a beautiful picture of heaven in which a multitude of individuals from every nation, tribe, people and language are worshipping around the throne of God. Have you ever stopped to ponder this picture and wonder what...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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A few years ago our family decided to do a family devotional time at dinner. In the daily rhythms of our lives, it was a time where the entire family came together, sat down and talked. I would like...Jamie Burkett
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Satan often tempts us during our weakest moments. He comes to deceive and to lead us away from the truth. He comes to destroy hope. In Matthew 4, Jesus had been fasting in the wilderness for 40 days before...Greg Powell
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Abiding indicates an element of trust and belief. Jesus’ desire for His followers is that we trust Him and we bear fruit that brings Him glory.
Ashley Allen -
North Carolina will be the first stop on a nationwide “Who’s Your One?” tour sponsored by the North American Mission Board designed to equip and encourage churches in their evangelistic efforts.BSCNC Communications
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The Cooperative Program supports missions and ministries across North Carolina, North America and around the world. Here are a couple of easy and straightforward ways to educate your congregation on how they are cooperating with other like-minded Baptists across...Will Taylor
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In recent years, God has been using the growing globalization of the world to generate a higher rate of immigration to North America. People of all ethnic backgrounds are migrating away from their home countries seeking asylum, refuge, education...
Zac Lyons -
“And the Rockets’ red glare, the Bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our Flag was still there...” These words from Francis Scott Key were inspired by what he saw, following the attack on Fort McHenry,...Larry Kirby
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Christ’s disciple-making always had an invitational aspect to it. There’s a story in the gospels where the guys are out fishing and Jesus comes by and says, “Follow me. I’ll make you fishers of men.” Jesus walks up to...
Sandy Marks -
This month’s resources feature a brand new training curriculum to equip churches to respond well when sexual, physical or emotional abuse is reported, in addition to a resource that helps churches and ministry leaders protect children. Also included is...BSCNC Communications
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In a moving moment during this year’s Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting, SBC President J.D. Greear invited victims of sexual abuse to stand as he and others led in a prayer of lament, repentance and sorrow over the...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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I need a sermon occasionally for a special emphasis in the church I serve. Even after 40-plus years of preaching, I enjoy an outline that sparks my interest and provides me with the basis for a special sermon.Robert E. Jordan
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Walter Strickland serves as Assistant Professor of Systematic and Contextual Theology and Associate Vice President for Diversity at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Along with itinerant preaching and speaking engagements, Walter contributes to Canon & Culture as an associate research...Walter Strickland
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It broke my heart. Another church closed. This church had unbelievable potential. Indeed, it had its own “glory days,” but only for a season. But, 10 years ago, few would have predicted this church’s closure. Today, it is but...Thom Rainer
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Do you ever say, “I would really like to attend that training but my life is busy? I just can’t find the time!” Good news! The Sunday School and Small Groups team has designed a convenient, self-guided learning platform...Rick Hughes
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A silo is a structure for storing bulk materials. Oftentimes they’re used in agriculture to store grain, but they can also be used for storage of coal, cement, carbon black, wood chips and sawdust. Silos are separated. They protect...
Evan Blackerby -
Mark Hearn serves as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Duluth, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta that is one of the most diverse communities in the United States. During his tenure as pastor, Hearn has led FBC Duluth...Mark Hearn
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What would summer be without a stack of good books? We polled some of the most avid readers from the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and compiled a list of their picks. With page-turning thrillers,...Staff writers
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Before I came to work at the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, I pastored for 25 years. I learned a lot about who I was as a pastor and about my ineffectiveness. Many times, I worked 60 hours...Sandy Marks
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The commission Jesus gave us was to “go and make disciples.” The music ministries of our churches are not exempt from this directive, writes Mike Harland of LifeWay Worship.Mike Harland
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Most churches have more of an inward focus than an outward one. That’s one reason Thom Rainer and I, many years ago, wrote the book, Eating the Elephant– to help established churches turn outwardly. Here are some signs that...
Chuck Lawless -
Southern Baptists acted in support of sexual abuse survivors, embraced ethnic and gender diversity and rallied around the Great Commission at their annual meeting June 11-12 in Birmingham, Ala. Messengers strengthened their stance against sexual abuse and racism by...Baptist Press
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Part one of this three-article series on serving the nations in our own community explored the question, “How can we serve our community?” This second article focuses on another important question, “How can our community serve us?”James C.
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Throughout the pages of Scripture, God reveals Himself to us in His Word as our heavenly Father. The Bible tells us that as our perfect Father, God loves us unconditionally, provides for our needs, guides us along life’s journey...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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I was listening in our local church’s equivalent of a Sunday School class this past Sunday to people telling their stories. One man made a profound, yet simple comment. He said, “I heard the gospel because I had a...Josh Reed
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Has God ever called you to a total about-face in your life — something that turned your life upside down? We find one of these moments for Saul in Acts 9. Saul was zealous in his hatred toward followers...Mark Smith
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One day, my study time was focused on how parents can help their children learn God’s Word. As I meditated on different passages, the Lord gave me an idea on how to best communicate and illustrate this important concept....Mark Smith
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“It's easy for Christian parents to get lulled into the idea that because you're a Christian parent your kids are going to be Christian kids.” Most guys will admit that they had no idea what fatherhood entailed before becoming...Terri Howell
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Recently, I walked the halls of my seminary alma mater and could not help but stop and smile. On the walls hung several portraits of ladies in my life who had mentored me in various seasons. They taught me...Ashley Allen
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One of my favorite ministry times is the annual Bible presentation event my church offers to rising first graders. This special night marks their transition from preschool ministry to children’s ministry. All first graders sit on the front row...Cheryl Markland
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What if every child on Sunday morning could quickly find the Scripture reference that the sermon was based on? What if children and parents felt that the Bible was more than a book used only at church? What if...
Deborah Robson -
I may not look like a “missionary kid,” but I’ll always be an MK in my heart. Southern Baptist missionary parents raised me in Argentina, blessing me with the opportunity to see God at work there. That experience shaped...
John Davenport -
After prayerwalking with other believers in many locations, I can say that it is not always a glorious experience. Can you sense the lostness in the scenes described above? I can’t paint a picture of all the sights, smells...John Davenport
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What difference can one year make? For Dan and Misty Matthews, one year literally made an eternal difference. Dan and Misty attended our church for the first time on Easter Sunday 2018. One year later, on Easter Sunday of...Kelly Bullard
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This month’s Top 5 Resources contains something for everyone. Check out this brand new resource — First Impressions Church Walk-Thru Resource to help churches assess first impressions their guests will experience. This collection also includes a simple resource for...BSCNC Communications
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With summer upon us, many children and youth across our state are looking forward to a break from school, family vacations and fun with friends. The arrival of summer also means that many middle and high school students are...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Is there a black sheep in the church family? The ideal family consists of a mom, dad and 2.5 children. However, political and social movements have led to cultural shifts that challenge the very definition of family.Terri Howell
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Things don’t always turn out the way we desire. Oftentimes, we find ourselves asking questions about why something happened, or why we didn’t see it coming. We wonder why God allowed it or have difficulty seeing how God’s plan...
Kenneth Tan -
Where Daddy had a sense of humor, God chuckled too. Where Daddy was strict, I saw my heavenly Father frown. The lesson startled and warned me. My relationship with my earthly father had direct impact on the way I...Debbie Wilson
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Members of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s (BSCNC) board of directors recently heard an update on progress being made on a forthcoming measure that would outline steps by which individuals serving in leadership positions with the state...Chad Austin
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Oftentimes, we think of suffering as an event. But what happens when a series of tragic events unfold, like we see in the life of Job? Not only are you dealing with multiple losses, but as each new one...Terri Howell
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She caught me in the hallway between Sunday School and worship, anxiety stretched taut across her face. A week earlier, this 75-year old lady had agreed to join a prayer walk. Now she struggled to tell me, “I don’t...
Cris Alley -
Missionaries live with a deep love and compassion for those who are far from God. They are burdened for those who are lost — those who are like sheep without a shepherd. They live by the words of...Zac Lyons
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Cheering children and visitors waved excitedly as they welcomed more than 100 motorcyclists who thundered triumphantly onto the grounds of Broyhill Home in Clyde on May 11 to deliver a record $77,674.88 for the Baptist Children’s Homes of North...Mike Creswell
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Recently I had the honor and privilege of attending our annual conference for associational mission strategists (AMS) and potential associational mission strategists at Caraway Conference Center. The theme of this year’s event was “Moving into a New Future: Sowing...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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The new normal in churches today is that people are struggling with drug addiction in unprecedented numbers. Opioid abuse in all its forms is epidemic. The reality is that in the confines of any church, someone is suffering in...Kevin O’Brien
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Michael Jordan was the greatest professional basketball player during the late 1980s and 1990s. However, he was never the highest paid player. When asked why he never held out on his contract to his team to pay him more...Mark Smith
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In order to achieve a new set of results, churches must be willing to engage in the challenging but rewarding process of revitalization. This leadership development paradigm is based on three components — the man, the ministry and the...Sandy Marks
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“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” is a true saying. A television commercial from 1967 clearly demonstrates this principle. Back then, television stations were required to run one anti-smoking commercial for every three cigarette commercials. There was...Mark Smith
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Church revitalization is both a popular and critical need in North America. That’s one reason I’m glad to be a part of Church Answers and Revitalize Network. Sometimes, however, pastors and church leaders overcomplicate the process of revitalization. Here...Chuck Lawless
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As more allegations of sexual misconduct come to light across the Southern Baptist Convention, pastors are struck with how to handle unpredictable crises, should they occur. While Pastors have a unique opportunity to lead in their response to this...BSCNC Communications
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What is a bohemian? Bohemians aren’t just a quickly-growing population demographic, but also a fast-spreading cultural mindset. A simple definition of a bohemian would be “a person with an attraction to an unconventional lifestyle.” An unconventional approach to religion...Trent Holbert
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I was a law enforcement officer on patrol on South Main Street when I got the call. The telecommunicator advised me to 10-21 (call) my residence. I heard my wife say between sobs, “I am so afraid of being...Rick Hughes
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Whether or not your child attends a public school, a private school or is a homeschool student, parents are key figures in their child’s education either formally or informally. In everything from eating vegetables to tying shoes to imparting spiritual...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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I remember the first few times I tried to use a rod and reel that was not a “push button.” You know — the one that requires pulling both the line and trigger to open the bearing, swinging your...Caleb Sprinkle
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This month’s resources feature a helpful guide containing 21 practical ways anyone can contribute to your church’s VBS ministry and a training video explaining how the gospel is the foundation for building community in your group, in addition to...BSCNC Communications
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I was sitting in class with C. Peter Wagner during my Doctor of Ministry studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Wagner spoke with delight about the opportunity to reach the diversity of people from more than 250 nations in...
Steve Harris -
If you are a single parent, your family is not “broken” – your heart is. If you are raising children as a result of divorce, you understand why God hates divorce. While He hates the devastation and suffering divorce...C. Q. Cross
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This year’s Annual Meeting is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 11-12, at the Joseph H. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. The Monday evening session will feature a special church planting commissioning service that will focus on pockets of...BSCNC Communications
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It’s been said that everyone worships, and everyone is a worshiper. Some worship pleasures. Some worship popularity. In His encounter with the woman at the well in John 4, Jesus declared that God the Father was seeking a special...Joshua Waggener
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Earth Day originated in the United States in 1970 and is credited with ushering in the modern environmental movement. Should Christians embrace Earth Day, dismiss it or can it be redeemed? Here are some biblical and theological perspectives on...BSCNC Communications
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Have you ever stopped to consider why Good Friday is described as “good” if that’s the day Jesus was crucified? On the surface, “sorrowful” may appear to be a more appropriate description of the day that the sinless God-man...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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We, Baptists, are known as people of the Book. What book is it? It is the Word of God, the Bible. What a wonderful nickname we have! By God’s grace, we have lived, and will continue to live, up...
Sammy Joo -
Richard and Doris Roberson, longtime managers of Truett Camp and Conference Center in Hayesville, N.C., have received the 2019 Heritage Award from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. The award is one of the highest forms of recognition...Mike Creswell
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“Pay Attention!” These are the words that stop us in our tracks — children, athletes, students and employees alike heed these infamous words.In the letter to the Hebrews, the author calls the recipients to “pay much closer attention to...Josh Reed
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How do we stop losing young adults in church? It seems part of the answer lies in our focus during high school, as well as the transition from high school to college. In a survey released by Lifeway...Tom Knight
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With new words entering our vocabulary daily, and over 1,000,000 words in the English language already, it’s no wonder that communication is an issue in our society. It plays into parenting as well. Parents struggle with keeping the lines...Mark Smith
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One of the greatest things we can do as parents, spouses and Christ followers is to pray for our families. Psalms 127:1a says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Below are some specific prayer...Mark Smith
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You probably have heard the fact that more guests attend church on Easter than any other Sunday of the year. There is a related fact that you may not have heard: More churches miss the opportunity to connect intentionally...
Brian Upshaw -
The real reason we moved to our neighborhood was to show our neighbors the love and compassion of Jesus. We moved hoping that God would be glorified and the neighbors might eventually become brothers and sisters in Christ.Evan Blackerby
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Paul and Silas were some of the very first missionaries of the gospel. They traveled to the people of Macedonia in Acts 16. Upon arriving, they made their way outside the city gate toward the river, looking for a...Kailyn Eskridge
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Recently, I’ve wrestled with a rather simple, though critically important, question for believers. What is the primary task of an ordinary disciple of Jesus? We remember where we used to be before Christ, in His mercy, sought us out,...Zac Lyons
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The 2019 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Annual Meeting is quickly approaching, and I hope to see many North Carolina Baptists at the meeting and SBC Pastors’ Conference in Birmingham, Ala., this June.Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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The Southern Baptist Convention has a rich heritage of cooperation. As we move forward in God’s mission, we must be reminded of our biblical foundation. As pastors across the state and nation lead their churches to give sacrificially through...Scott Hildreth
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Summer offers opportunities for intentional evangelism with children and their families. A well-designed summer camp, Vacation Bible School or recreation ministry offers intentional outreach opportunities. Bringing families into the church is one of the impactful evangelistic opportunities the...Cheryl Markland
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There seems to be a different curriculum for every church’s children ministry. Curriculums can vary based on the church’s values, mission and needs, but it’s hard to disagree that in any theologically based church the main theme that ties...Mike Parry
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This month’s resources feature tools on preventing sexual and child abuse in the church, prayer resources for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, and a family Easter devotional.BSCNC Communications
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For many Christian parents, the idea of daily devotional time with their children – from toddlers to teens – seems an impossible task. A 15-day Family Focus resource, developed the Family Evangelism and Discipleship ministry of the Baptist State...Caroline Barnhill
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“Life is so short. I don’t want to be remembered as the guy who got caught up chasing a paycheck working 65 hours a week who lost sight of what matters most. I want to be remembered as someone...Terri Howell
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It seems every week there is a new story about the molestation of children in a church setting. Stories like these often reinforce fear and distrust for millennial parents about church. Millennials grew up with the faces of missing...Cheryl Markland
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The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s Executive Committee took action on two separate measures aimed at helping N.C. Baptist churches prevent sexual abuse and care for abuse survivors during a regularly scheduled meeting held Friday, March 22 at...Chad Austin
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In fulfilling Jesus’ command to love their neighbor, Christians have set a historical precedent of leading many social endeavors around the world. Most evangelical individuals, churches and organizations seek to love in deed and word and to minister to...James C.
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The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) is sponsoring a series of public forums across the state for N.C. Baptists to provide feedback on the state convention’s “impacting lostness through disciple-making” strategy as part of the convention’s formal...BSCNC Communications
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The Christian Life & Public Affairs (CLPA) Special Committee is focusing on the opioid epidemic this year. I was shocked to discover that the greatest rise in death in recent years is with a synthetic opioid analgesic called fentanyl....Robert E. Jordan
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As we approach Easter and turn our thoughts and attention to the celebration of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, let us also remember that we have an incredible opportunity during this time of the year to share the love...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Parker Stephenson grew up in a Christian home with Christian parents who were well-known in the community. He even went to a Christian school. Parker didn’t fit the stereotype we associate with drug addiction. How can the church move...Terri Howell
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If you claim to be an authentic biblical woman you will no doubt be in a constant fight to live counter to our cultural. It’s a good fight, it is an exhausting fight. What’s right is wrong and what’s...
Kathryn Carson -
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands us to “go and make disciples.” So to be obedient to the Great Commission, we need to ask ourselves a question — “During the disciple-making process, what traits should a disciple have?”Mark Smith
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The generation of teenagers and young adults we are trying to reach today is the most rapidly changing generation yet. It’s also the most tech-savvy generation to date. Ministry leaders are finding it hard to keep up with such...Robert Tatum
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I once met with a struggling pastor who, for years, had been trying to encourage parents in his church to be more intentional with disciple-making in their homes. He had modeled disciple-making in his own home, preached on discipleship...Mark Smith
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I’m thankful for the long and rich history that Southern Baptists have enjoyed in working together to fulfill the Great Commission through local, national and global missions and ministry efforts. One of those partnerships that we enjoy is with...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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The Christian Life and Public Affairs Special (CLPA) Committee is focusing on the opioid epidemic. The committee desires to raise awareness of opioid poisoning and addiction among N.C. Baptists. The tragedies associated with opioid poisoning and addiction impact churches...Robert E. Jordan
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The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s Committee on Nominations has extended the deadline to submit recommendations for individuals to serve in various leadership roles with the state convention. Recommendations will now be accepted until Monday, March 25, 2019.Chad Austin
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The task of making and equipping disciples is the central task of the local church, and yet, we often rely on organic processes to make and equip disciples. An “organic process” is one that is undeveloped, lacks definition and...Seth Norris
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Everything about North American culture says more is better and money is power. But everything about Jesus’ ministry suggests the opposite. Jesus went with great intentionality to the poor, who suffer some of the worst that our broken world...
Dan Collison -
As Christians, we often think of what we are saved from. Or what we are saved to. But have you ever considered, what is your salvation for? Speaker and author John Stonestreet posed this question to attendees at the...Chad Austin
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Christians are called to be reconcilers. But that’s not an easy task in a culture that’s becoming increasingly antagonistic toward biblical truth. “The cultural moment that we live in is putting a lot of pressure on Christian conviction,” said...Chad Austin
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This month’s resources feature tools on preventing sexual and child abuse in the church, prayer resources for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, and a family Easter devotional.BSCNC Communications
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If you made it past two weeks in your commitment to read through the Bible in 2019, congratulations, you are in the minority! Dubbed “Quitter’s Day,” new research has shown that most people give up on their New Year’s...Brian Upshaw
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Most of us have at least one person in our lives that we desire to see come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. It could be a family member, a close friend, a neighbor, a...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Choosing not to give priority to children’s ministry may very well be to the eternal detriment of our children. In this Q&A, Bill Emeott, lead ministry specialist for LifeWay Kids, shares some sobering statistics about children’s ministry and why...Bill Emeott
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The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina is excited to welcome Mike Pittman as the new Church Planting team leader. Pittman is passionate for the opportunity to see the transformative work of Christ in multiplying churches — and believers...BSCNC Communications
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“I just don’t fit in. I love the authentic worship and biblical preaching here, but there is nowhere to belong.” These were the words of a millennial who attended my church. Have you ever heard something similar?Rick Hughes
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Sam James, longtime missionary with the International Mission Board (IMB), encouraged Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) staff members to rest in God’s call on their lives and demonstrate the supernatural love of Christ as they serve in...Chad Austin
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An investigative report published by the Houston Chronicle described hundreds of incidents of sexual abuse that have occurred in Southern Baptist churches across the United States during the past two decades. One of the worst things about this entire...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Baptists have opened new Immigrant Hospitality Center in Lincolnton that will provide legal counsel and other help to immigrants. The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina is a major supporter of the new ministry, but has partnered with a...Mike Creswell
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In 2013, the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) adopted a strategy titled “impacting lostness through disciple-making,” which our staff began implementing the following year. Our mission as a state convention is to assist N.C. Baptist churches in their...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Richard Owen Roberts, president and founder of International Awakening Ministries and one of the leading authorities on revival and spiritual awakening, is the keynote speaker for the 2019 “Awaken” statewide prayer gathering. Roberts believes that the Lord wants to...BSCNC Communications
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All across North Carolina are little Mayberry-like towns that aren’t like they were a generation or two ago. While some may wish for a return to Mayberry, we have the opportunity for something even better. There are lost people...
Russ Reaves -
When shepherding young believers from different races and cultures, it is important to ask the question, “How can I lead this person to become more like Christ without causing them to jettison their culture?” Walter Strickland of Southeastern Baptist...Walter Strickland
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In the shadow of our own church steeples are families aching to go to church. There are husbands and wives who have never sat together as a couple in a single service. There are children with special needs who...Susan Kubel
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Cookies and Kool-Aid. Crafts and games. These are four of the biggest components of Vacation Bible School and perhaps are the things we remember about VBS when we participated as children. The methods may have changed, but at its...Evette Orcutt
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Every month, we spotlight five helpful resources for you as you seek to walk closely with the Lord and make disciples. This month’s resources features tools to pray for missionaries and unreached people groups, free online courses, podcasts and...BSCNC Communications
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Leaders of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) celebrated how God moved in 2018 and outlined some ministry initiatives for the year ahead during the state convention’s first board of directors meeting of 2019. The highlights came...Chad Austin
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Despite experiencing a budget shortfall in 2018 that was called “significant,” Baptist State Convention of North Carolina officials are optimistic about the financial outlook for 2019 while cautioning that adjustments will need to be made to the proposed 2020...Chad Austin
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Revitalization is one of those things pastors Google when no one else is looking. As I travel across the state, I meet pastors who minister in a variety of contexts — rural, urban, small, large, plants and even replants....Sandy Marks
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We’re not in Kansas (or Old Town) anymore July 10, 2017 “I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore” is a classic line from the movie The Wizard of Oz. It’s also a common phrase...Mark Harrison
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As followers of Christ, we are to be salt and light in the world around us as we live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Yet being salt and light in a rapidly changing culture can be challenging. Many...Milton A. Hollifield, Jr.
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Do you have a heart for missions but are unable to go beyond your local area? You can be an integral part of reaching the nations by your participation in “52 Sundays.” 52 Sundays provides resources for individuals and...Will Taylor
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Evoking a sense of nostalgia is an integral part of Disney’s filmmaking strategy. We see it in recent films like the Star Wars franchise, Beauty and the Beast and Mary Poppins Returns. This brilliant strategy involves crafting movies that...Josh Reed
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As we celebrate Sanctity of Life Sunday, here are some resources that will equip you to serve God by serving “the least of these.” Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates that He has a particular love for orphans. Psalm 68:5 tells...BSCNC Communications
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John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He is a speaker, writer, cultural commentator and host of Breakpoint Radio, a program and podcast devoted to Christian worldview founded by the late Chuck Colson. Stonestreet...BSCNC Communications
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It’s probably happened to you. You didn’t realize how many cars like yours were on the road until you bought one. This model of car you had never noticed before seemed to be everywhere now. It’s funny how things...Chris Alley
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I want to challenge each of you, especially young pastors and church leaders, to consider serving as a part of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina as we enter a new year. N.C. Baptists fulfill this process through...Micheal Pardue
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“Isn’t it great to be a grandparent? You get to spoil them and give them back to their parents!” This is a common response when people find out I am a grandparent, but it reveals an incorrect and incomplete...Currie Tilley
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Outside of the Bible, what is your favorite book? What if, as you read that book, the author was sitting beside you to answer any questions you may have and help you understand their work.Mark Smith
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Karen Holcomb is a Bible study and curriculum writer with a passion for helping parents navigate the Bible and discover God’s wisdom for young families. In January 2019, Karen will be releasing her new character book series titled, Proverbial...Karen Holcomb
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Every month, we spotlight five helpful resources for you as you seek to walk closely with the Lord and make disciples. Many of these resources are created by the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC)...BSCNC Communications
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There’s a lot of talk out there about this Muslim god named Allah. For many Americans, the name strikes notes of fear and anger. His name is the last word on the lips of terrorists, suicide bombers and killers,...David Garrison
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Did you know there are 45 million foreign-born residents living in the United States and another 7 million living in Canada? All total, approximately 52 million foreign-born residents currently live in North America. That's millions of people representing unreached...
Chuck Register -
People love to talk about what they’re passionate about. Personally, I could tell you about the great book I just read, how my alma mater is doing in sports or the two concerts I recently bought tickets for. What...
Mary Beth Wortham -
Common sense indicates that Christians should read the Bible, but the reality is that few people read any part of the Bible, much less all of it. A recent study conducted by LifeWay Research revealed that more than half...Brian Upshaw
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Developing key leadership is a vital process in the missionary task, whether it is working with the International Mission Board (IMB), as a multihousing missionary in a U.S. city, or as a pastor of a church plant. Our...Eric Boykin
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Christmas came early for more than 5,000 New Yorkers who took home warm winter coats distributed by about 170 Baptist volunteers from North Carolina during the eighth annual Coats for the City missions project held the first weekend of...
Mike Creswell -
North Carolina is changing fast. Currently, at least 154 unreached people groups (UPG) have been identified with sizeable populations here in North Carolina. Today, upwards of 15 percent of North Carolina’s population — that is 1.5 million people —...Will Taylor
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In ministry, we must think and work like a missionary. It doesn't matter where we live or how we serve. Our effectiveness is contingent upon our ability to work with a missionary mindset. That means we are going to...Eric Boykin
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Christmas is right around the corner, and people are excited to start the holiday season, myself included. I really enjoy this special time of the year. I love visiting with family, singing Christmas carols, seeing the decorations, and witnessing...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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For many families, chaos is the norm. With schedules pulling everyone in a different direction, something will eventually give. However, family devotions provide two buoys that help modern families navigate their stormy schedules. Those buoys are connection and direction....Blake McFarland
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Ushering in a new year grants families the opportunity to delight in all God has done and gaze forward at the refining yet to happen. As you look toward a new year, consider using the following framework provided by...Stephanie Jackson
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Being a parent who is a confident disciple-maker is hard work. The time required to regularly pray with your family, intentionally talk about the Lord with your kids, serve with your spouse and see your neighborhoods as a mission...Mark Smith
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Ready or not, Christmastime is here. And it comes, with all its carols and family traditions, commanding us to be merry and full of good cheer. However, if you’re like me and countless others, this time of the year...Yana Conner
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More than 50 new church planters were commissioned by Baptist State Convention of North Carolina staff in a service that highlighted the convention’s commitment to plant new churches and share the gospel across the state, including with the many internationals now living here. The service and...Mike Creswell
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The United States is a melting pot of cultures and worldviews. Migration brings thousands of Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists to cities all around the country every year. This trend continues while agnosticism, atheism and apathy marks the worldview of...Ray Burbank
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LifeWay Research questioned 2000 parents of adult children who did not walk away from their faith after leaving college. The principal determiner of strong spiritual health in the young adults was consistent Bible reading as a child and teenager.Cheryl Markland
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Ministry partnerships between churches and non-profit organizations are essential in diaspora missions. This is especially true when churches have the opportunity to partner with Christian non-profit ministries. Scripture encourages believers to work together as a unified body (1 Corinthians...Trent DeLoach
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Creative ways to focus on Christ this Christmas July 10, 2017 Christmas is a special time of year that affords families the opportunity to use creative ways to point children and others to Christ. We asked...Communications
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For children’s ministry leaders, the days are often long, but never boring. Every day can be an adventure. In the busyness of ministry, there are four foundational ingredients to a successful children’s ministry that cannot be overlooked.Cheryl Markland
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Camp can be a significant life-changing event for children. Camp is a spiritual investment unlike anything most kids experience at home. Attending camp allows students to retreat from the norm of life, limit distractions and focus on truth. I...Mark Moore
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Gender identity. Harassment. Sexual abuse. Race relations. Immigration. Many of the hot-button cultural issues of our day strike fear in the hearts of Christians, and they often respond in one of two ways. They either retreat in an attempt...Chad Austin
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Every month, we spotlight five helpful resources for you as you seek to walk closely with the Lord and make disciples. Many of these resources are created by the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC)...BSCNC Communications
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During our recent Annual Meeting in Greensboro in early November, Jeff Isenhour, pastor of Arran Lake Baptist Church in Fayetteville and chairman of our Budget Committee, shared an update with messengers that highlighted the generosity of North Carolina Baptists...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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About one-third of North Carolina’s population live in multifamily housing communities, such as apartments, townhomes, condominiums and mobile home parks. Nationally, approximately 95 percent of individuals living in multifamily housing communities are unchurched.Zac Lyons
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Lottie Moon invested nearly 40 years of her life as a missionary in China. She focused on making disciples, and set a tremendous example for all Southern Baptists by dedicating herself to the expansion of God’s kingdom. Since 1888, the...BSCNC Communications
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Teaching English as a second language (ESL) to adult immigrants and refugees can be a great way to share the gospel with internationals. However, simply inserting devotions and praying during ESL classes often doesn’t bear fruit because most students don’t...Holly Blann
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Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. There are many reasons why I love this holiday, and those reasons certainly include the wonderful food and fellowship with family and friends around the table together. While we...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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An estimated 5.8 million lost people live in North Carolina and that number is growing. The Strategic Focus Team of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina helps churches take a missionary approach to North Carolina’s pockets of lostness....Cris Alley
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Pursuing unreached peoples with the gospel as a family requires simple obedience that leads to a life of kingdom service. As we commit to “become all things” to unreached peoples living near us, we expose virtually every aspect of...Liz C.
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8 fun activities for your family inspired by Christmas carols July 10, 2017 As your family enters the Christmas season and journeys toward Christmas Day this year, resolve to adore Christ with the focus and...Karen Holcomb
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Encouragement for parents of prodigal children July 10, 2017 Being in ministry for over 25 years, I have experienced many amazing “God moments” and personally witnessed countless spiritual victories in the lives of folks in...Troy Grant
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N.C. Baptists approved a 2019 budget, elected a new slate of officers, and adopted a resolution honoring the late Billy Graham during the 2018 Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s Annual Meeting, which emphasized loving one’s neighbors and reaching...Chad Austin
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More than 1,000 messengers from Baptist churches from across North Carolina gathered at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, Nov. 5 for the opening session of the 188th annual Baptist State Convention of North...Chad Austin
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Representatives from several ministry groups of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina gave updates to messengers during reports throughout the 2018 BSCNC Annual Meeting held Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 5-6 at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in...Chad Austin
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Messengers from N.C. Baptist churches elected a new slate of officers during the 2018 Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s (BSCNC) Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 6 in Greensboro, N.C. Steve Scoggins, pastor of First Baptist Church in Hendersonville,...Chad Austin
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N.C. Baptists approved a Cooperative Program (CP) budget for 2019 totaling $31 million that also increases the percentage allocated to Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) missions and ministries for the 13th consecutive year. Messengers from N.C. Baptist churches voted to...Chad Austin
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Two days before what would have been the late Rev. Billy Graham’s 100th birthday, N.C. Baptists adopted a resolution honoring the life, ministry and legacy of the renowned evangelist during the opening session of the 2018 Baptist State Convention...Chad Austin
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Loving our neighbors means showing compassion and care to those around us who are in need, particularly those whose backgrounds are different than our own. “As Christ followers, we must be willing to love and be a neighbor to...Chad Austin
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More than 1,000 messengers from Baptist churches from across North Carolina gathered at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, N.C., on Monday, Nov. 5 for the opening session of the 188th annual Baptist State Convention of North...Chad Austin
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Although Cooperative Program (CP) totals lag behind the 2018 budget to date, Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) officials saw improvements in CP receipts over the past month.Chad Austin
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We live in a day when global migrations are occurring at a dizzying pace. According to the U.N. Refugee Agency, more than 44,000 people per day are forced to flee their homes due to violent conflict or persecution. Let...Billy Haselton
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More than 250 women gathered at Caraway Conference Center and Camp in late October for a weekend of encouragement and reflection upon the truth of who God created them to be — holy, chosen and beloved daughters of the...Makayla Riggs
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One of the unique ministries in our state that I am proud of is the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH). This is a great example of specific ministries that the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) depends on state...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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You probably noticed that things look a little different around here. Welcome to the newly redesigned Baptist State Convention of North Carolina website, which officially launches today (Nov. 1). The new site features an updated design, improved navigation, and...Chad Austin
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Every month, we spotlight five helpful resources for you as you seek to walk closely with the Lord and make disciples. Many of these resources are created by the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC)...BSCNC Communications
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God has been bringing a significant number of people from across the globe to America. Rubbing shoulders with the nations in the workplace provides a great opportunity for reaching the unreached of the world with the good news of...Walt Tucker
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Oct. 31. For most Americans this date means one thing — Halloween. Costumes, candy and trick-or-treaters spending to the tune of $2.5 billion making this holiday second only to Christmas in marketing revenue. But good Christians don’t celebrate Halloween....George Robinson
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Most families have their own traditions (and foods) that they look forward to each year at Thanksgiving. Have you considered how to you might use Thanksgiving as an opportunity for disciple-making? Consider the following four things about ThanksgivingBen Curfman
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“Spiritual transformation of neighborhoods, municipalities and nations begins and ends with biblical, passionate, kingdom-advancing prayer on behalf of all people.”Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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Perhaps my neighbor is the one who lives near me. Perhaps my neighbors are the ones who are like me. We can always find a definition for the word that we like. We can continue to live in the...Donnie Wiltshire
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God’s mission is fueled by prayer. As we pray our communion with God grows, along with our desire to obey Him. Prayer cultivates a missional and joyful mindset within us as we surrender our lives to Him.Greg Mathias
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When we talk about emotionally unhealthy leaders, someone always comes to mind — a boss, a leader, a family member, a dad, a staff member, a deacon or a pastor. Unfortunately, we are not very good at connecting our...
Eddie Thompson -
Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) President J.D. Greear, pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., called on all Southern Baptists to join him for a day of prayer and fasting on Monday, Oct. 8 for God’s wisdom in filling...BSCNC Communications
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Breakout sessions are an important part of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) Annual Meeting. Each year, a number of pastors, ministry leaders, church practitioners, convention staff and others offer sessions that address a variety of topics.Chad Austin
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Beyond creating a fun and festive time for attendees, church leaders’ often envision these events as outreach to unchurched members of the community. However, the intended purpose of outreach often falls by the wayside in planning and preparation for...Cheryl Markland
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Chances are sometime during this month a child in your home or one you know will return to school. It’s back to the routine of bedtimes, homework and packing lunches. We send them to bed earlier than we do...Cheryl Markland
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Every month, we spotlight five helpful resources for you as you seek to walk closely with the Lord and make disciples. Many of these resources are created by the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC)...BSCNC Communications
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It might be surprising to know that many pastors regularly struggle with feelings of inadequacy. Many assume that pastors only work a half day each week; why would they struggle with inadequacy over that?Ronjour Locke
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Clay Smith, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Matthews, N.C., and Melanie Wallace, a member of Hephzibah Baptist Church in Wendell, N.C., were elected to serve as president and vice president, respectively, of the Baptist State Convention of...Chad Austin
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After much discussion and debate, the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s (BSCNC) Board of Directors approved an amended Cooperative Program (CP) budget proposal for 2019 totaling $31 million during the board’s fall meeting held Monday and Tuesday, Sept....Chad Austin
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The Strategic Focus Team works with churches in eight population centers and other areas across the state of North Carolina. The highest concentrations of lost people are found in and around the eight population centers, which are the Blue...Stephen Harris
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“Spiritual transformation of neighborhoods, municipalities and nations begins and ends with biblical, passionate, kingdom-advancing prayer on behalf of all people.”Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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We live in a world today that desperately needs credible leaders that have the character, capacity and competence to lead. We need leaders who can lead like Jesus in the home, community, church, workplace and institutions. What kind of...Ken Tan
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Union Prayer Meetings were a primary component of the 1857 to 1859 Layman’s Prayer Revival that started in downtown Manhattan at the Dutch Reformed Church in the fall of 1857. Those prayer meetings demonstrated what God can do as...Chris Schofield
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J.D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of the Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, encouraged individuals to pray for those who will be impacted by Hurricane Florence and support Southern Baptist disaster relief efforts in the aftermath...BSCNC Communications
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Hurricane Florence is a powerful storm that is projected to inflict major damage to the Carolinas and surrounding states. Baptists on Mission/N.C. Baptist Men are making plans to respond. Please pray for those in the storm’s path as well...Baptists on Mission
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Natural disasters can wreak havoc on a community. While churches are not immune from the impact of these events, they play a vital role in ministering to the community before, during and after a calamity. Here’s a list of several...Baptists on Mission
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I grew up in the Bible Belt. In those days, almost nobody worked on Sundays. We prayed before class, ball games and meals — even in the name of Jesus — whether we believed it or not. We proudly...Cris Alley
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In the parable of the good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37, Jesus is asked by a lawyer what he must do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus responds by asking what is written in the law, the lawyer responds, “You...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
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“Why are we sending some of our best leaders to plant a church? We don’t have enough leaders as it is.” That was the question presented to me as our 22-month-old church prepared to plant our first new work...Mike Pittman
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Columbus County is the third largest county, in terms of landmass, in the state. More than 59,000 people call it home — and 65 percent of them are unchurched.Caroline Barnhill
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North Carolina Baptists are stepping up their ministry to immigrants. A new Baptist Immigrant Services (BIS) ministry being gradually launched by the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC) will set up a yet unspecified number of immigration ministry...Mike Creswell
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Immigration is one of America’s greatest issues of our time: noisy, divisive and politically charged. But all that buzz fell away this summer when four North Carolinians journeyed from Arizona across the U.S./Mexico border into Nogales, Mexico.Mike Creswell
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Every month, we spotlight five helpful resources for you as you seek to walk closely with the Lord and make disciples. Many of these resources are created by the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina (BSCNC)...BSCNC Communications
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“Who is My Neighbor” is the theme for the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, which is based on Luke 10:29 in the parable of the good Samaritan.Chad Austin
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We may tend to think sexual abuse cannot happen in our church, but it is that very mentality that makes it possible. How do abusers manage to have access to children and teens in our churches? This process often...Cheryl Markland
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Scripture continually reminds us of the grace that God has demonstrated to us. One such verse is Psalm 145:16 which encourages us to offer praise to God for all the ways He takes care of His creation. The verse reads,...Milton A. Hollifield Jr.
