News
News from around the convention.
Headlines from across the Southern Baptist Convention — Baptist Press, the state conventions, the mission boards, and Baptist voices — gathered here and refreshed with each update. Every headline links to its original source; each outlet speaks for itself. Use the filters to focus on a source or topic.
Showing 48 of 48 articles
Commentary: When school choice meets religious liberty
A recent federal appeals court decision has placed a new spotlight on the relationship between religious schools, government education programs, and religious liberty protections.
Shelby County Baptists partner with historic Alaska church, celebrate milestones
<div><img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="480" src="https://thealabamabaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_1532.jpeg" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" width="640" /></div>Shelby Baptist Association, led by mission strategist Ric Camp, ministered to the people of Alaska this summer in an ongoing partnership with Greater Friendship Baptist Church, Anchorage.
Lass Words: Good news you need to hear
<div><img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="432" src="https://thealabamabaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Lass_Ken-WEB-e1701284094718-768x432-1.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" width="768" /></div>There’s something you need to hear today. There are things you need to know. Things you can be sure of, and can count on.
Commentary: Lessons from a lost tooth
Humorist Mark Twain, giving his homey advice on childrearing, said, "Things run along pretty smoothly until your kid reaches 13. That's the time you need to stick 'em in a barrel, hammer down the lid nice and snug, and feed 'em through the knothole. And then, about the time he turns 16, plug up the hole!"
New bill would create protest-free zones near houses of worship
A bipartisan bill proposes protest-free zones around houses of worship, sparking both support and free-speech concerns.
SBC named in lawsuit tied to Pawleys Island church investigation
<div><img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="540" src="https://thealabamabaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/20260807-120751-e92-PICC-e1786137336542.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" width="959" /></div>“The Southern Baptist Convention does not comment on ongoing litigation,” said Dr. Jeff Iorg, president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee, in a statement. “We will review it and respond appropriately.”
Southern Baptist Convention named in lawsuit tied to Pawleys Island church investigation
<p>PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. — The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) and its Executive Committee (EC) have been named as defendants in a proposed federal class-action lawsuit against a South Carolina church and academy where authorities say a convicted sex offender was allowed to volunteer near children. In addition to the SBC and SBC EC, the Aug. [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://www.brnow.org/news/southern-baptist-convention-named-in-lawsuit-tied-to-pawleys-island-church-investigation/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.brnow.org/news/southern-baptist-convention-named-in-lawsuit-tied-to-pawleys-island-church-investigation/">Southern Baptist Convention named in lawsuit tied to Pawleys Island church investigation</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brnow.org">Biblical Recorder</a>.</p>
A beach encounter in Guinea becomes a discipleship journey
<p>Over a meal, Tristan Liam, an International Mission Board (IMB) missionary, asked his friend Vennico, “What helps you persevere in your Christian walk despite all the persecution and mockery you face?” Vennico is from one of the largest unreached people groups in the West African country of Guinea, and he is the only believer in [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://www.brnow.org/news/a-beach-encounter-in-guinea-becomes-a-discipleship-journey/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.brnow.org/news/a-beach-encounter-in-guinea-becomes-a-discipleship-journey/">A beach encounter in Guinea becomes a discipleship journey</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brnow.org">Biblical Recorder</a>.</p>
Houston’s First, Champion Forest raise $27,000 for Send Relief to Venezuela recovery
<p>HOUSTON (BP) — A July 31 benefit held through two Houston churches has raised approximately $27,000 toward ongoing recovery and gospel work in Venezuela as the country continues rebuilding after two powerful earthquakes on June 24, which caused extensive damage and loss of life in the capital of Caracas. Noche de Clamor por Venezuela (Night [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://www.brnow.org/news/houstons-first-champion-forest-raise-27000-for-send-relief-to-venezuela-recovery/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.brnow.org/news/houstons-first-champion-forest-raise-27000-for-send-relief-to-venezuela-recovery/">Houston’s First, Champion Forest raise $27,000 for Send Relief to Venezuela recovery</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brnow.org">Biblical Recorder</a>.</p>
Kurdish pastor released from Syrian prison, safe in Beirut
<p>BEIRUT (BP) — A Kurdish evangelical pastor has returned safely home to Beirut after being unjustly jailed in his Syrian homeland because of his faith, Wissam Nasrallah, president of Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS), told Baptist Press. Nihad Hassan, pastor of The Kurdish Church in Lebanon and an ABTS alumnus and ministry partner, arrived home [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://www.brnow.org/news/kurdish-pastor-released-from-syrian-prison-safe-in-beirut/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.brnow.org/news/kurdish-pastor-released-from-syrian-prison-safe-in-beirut/">Kurdish pastor released from Syrian prison, safe in Beirut</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brnow.org">Biblical Recorder</a>.</p>
Southern Baptist Convention named in lawsuit tied to Pawleys Island church investigation
PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. -- The Southern Baptist Convention and its Executive Committee have been named as defendants in a proposed federal class-action lawsuit against a South Carolina church and academy where authorities say a convicted sex offender was allowed to volunteer near children.
Latest news: Kurdish Baptist pastor released; GuideStone warns of new ‘Phatom Hacker’ scam; Texas Hill Country relief efforts needing more resources
<div><img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="577" src="https://thealabamabaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/imb-photos-2010250mnj549-1-scaled-e1786116721315-1024x577.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" width="1024" /></div>Check out these recent headlines, reported by The Baptist Paper.
First person: God uses even the tiniest investment in others for their good, His glory
<div><img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="577" src="https://thealabamabaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/20220717_182030-scaled-e1786047941225-1024x577.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" width="1024" /></div>The teen seemed hesitant at first but then snatched up the Bible and held it carefully in her lap. A few seconds earlier, I rescued the faux leather-bound hard copy collection of God’s Word as she hopped in my car and almost sat on it.
Holmes Baptist Association Churches Unite for Project 3:16 Summer Outreach
<p>BONIFAY - “Every day we are surrounded by neighbors who need the love of Christ, families who need encouragement, and communities that can be impacted through simple acts of service and intentional gospel conversations,” said Randy Torrance, associational missions strategist for Holmes Baptist Association.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://flbaptist.org/holmes-baptist-association-churches-unite-for-project-316-summer-outreach/">Holmes Baptist Association Churches Unite for Project 3:16 Summer Outreach</a> appeared first on <a href="https://flbaptist.org">Florida Baptist Convention</a>.</p>
Friday, August 7, 2026
<p>The post <a href="https://albertmohler.com/2026/08/07/briefing-8-7-26/">Friday, August 7, 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://albertmohler.com">AlbertMohler.com</a>.</p>
August 7, 2026
<img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="791" src="https://www.baptistpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/8-7-26-1024x791.jpg" width="1024" />
First person: 10 lessons small groups can learn from ‘old-fashioned’ Sunday School
<div><img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="575" src="https://thealabamabaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/fred-kloet-IrQZkyhdOow-unsplash-scaled-e1786048374824-1024x575.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" width="1024" /></div>When I started ministry many years ago, on-campus Sunday school was the predominant form of small groups.
This discipleship journey actually began at beach in Guinea
<div><img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="577" src="https://thealabamabaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_1603web-1536x1152-1-e1786047040962-1024x577.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" width="1024" /></div>Over a meal, Tristan Liam, an International Mission Board missionary, asked his friend Vennico, “What helps you persevere in your Christian walk despite all the persecution and mockery you face?”
Letting God guide
<img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="684" src="https://www.baptistpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_345139330-1024x684.jpeg" width="1024" />I don’t know about you, but when I look back over certain moments in my life and ministry, there are times I wish I had a bit more wisdom. The beautiful thing about wisdom is that God’s Word tells us it is both available to us and abundantly given.
Northwest wildfires continue generating need, response
<p>SPOKANE, Wash. (BP) — Churches and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams are continuing to respond amid historic wildfires in the Northwest. A complete response strategy won’t come until the fires are out, and that won’t be for a while. Meanwhile, churches are joining others to help replace needed items. Valleypoint Church in Spokane is providing [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://www.brnow.org/news/northwest-wildfires-continue-generating-need-response/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.brnow.org/news/northwest-wildfires-continue-generating-need-response/">Northwest wildfires continue generating need, response</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brnow.org">Biblical Recorder</a>.</p>
Bible Study: Humility helps churches thrive
<img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="576" src="https://www.baptistpress.com/wp-content/uploads/images/fbf8732e-8ae9-47b2-a005-7b7fe6169199-New-Bible-Study-with-Bible-Studies-for-Life.jpg" width="1024" />When you’re proud of your work, you want the whole world to know it. That’s how one employee felt at a famous art museum in Munich, Germany. He took the liberty of hanging his own work among the 20,000 priceless works by such greats as Pablo Picasso, René Magritte and Salvador Dalí.
GuideStone warns members about growing ‘Phantom Hacker’ scam
<p>DALLAS — GuideStone Financial Resources is encouraging individuals to be alert to a rapidly growing fraud scheme known as the “Phantom Hacker” scam, which the FBI says has resulted in billions of dollars in losses nationwide, particularly among older Americans. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), more than 47,000 tech support scam [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://www.brnow.org/news/guidestone-warns-members-about-growing-phantom-hacker-scam/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.brnow.org/news/guidestone-warns-members-about-growing-phantom-hacker-scam/">GuideStone warns members about growing ‘Phantom Hacker’ scam</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brnow.org">Biblical Recorder</a>.</p>
Northwest wildfires continue generating need, response
<img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="616" src="https://www.baptistpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Oregon-Wildfires-1024x616.jpg" width="1024" />SPOKANE, Wash. (BP) – Churches and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams are continuing to respond amid historic wildfires in the Northwest.
Jewish foundation fighting to launch first religious charter school in nation
<p>OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (BP) — A Jewish foundation is suing to open the nation’s first religious charter school in Oklahoma, following the failed attempt of a Catholic diocese to do the same in 2023. The National Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation appealed Aug. 5 in federal court for the right to open a religious [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://www.brnow.org/news/jewish-foundation-fighting-to-launch-first-religious-charter-school-in-nation/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.brnow.org/news/jewish-foundation-fighting-to-launch-first-religious-charter-school-in-nation/">Jewish foundation fighting to launch first religious charter school in nation</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brnow.org">Biblical Recorder</a>.</p>
Barna Research suggests more Christians are adopting AI
<p>Recent Barna research on faith and artificial intelligence suggests Christians “are outpacing the majority of other population segments on Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption, including pastors.” According to the study, 44% of practicing Christians say they use AI “very often” or “often” in their personal lives, compared to 31% of U.S. adults overall and 29% of [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link" href="https://www.brnow.org/news/barna-research-suggests-more-christians-are-adopting-ai/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.brnow.org/news/barna-research-suggests-more-christians-are-adopting-ai/">Barna Research suggests more Christians are adopting AI</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.brnow.org">Biblical Recorder</a>.</p>
GuideStone warns members about growing ‘Phantom Hacker’ scam
<img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="819" src="https://www.baptistpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hacker-istock-1024x819.jpg" width="1024" />DALLAS – GuideStone Financial Resources is encouraging individuals to be alert to a rapidly growing fraud scheme known as the "Phantom Hacker" scam, which the FBI says has resulted in billions of dollars in losses nationwide, particularly among older Americans.
Jewish foundation fighting to launch first religious charter school in nation
<img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="683" src="https://www.baptistpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/school-room-desk-istock-1024x683.jpg" width="1024" />OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (BP) – A Jewish foundation is suing to open the nation’s first religious charter school in Oklahoma, following the failed attempt of a Catholic diocese to do the same in 2023.
Barna Research suggests more Christians are adopting AI
<img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="683" src="https://www.baptistpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AI-keyboard-istock-1024x683.jpg" width="1024" />Recent Barna research on faith and artificial intelligence suggests Christians “are outpacing the majority of other population segments on AI adoption, including pastors.”
Celebrating Churches: Seven baptized at FBC Hondo
First Baptist Church in Hondo is celebrating renewed excitement around baptisms with a three-week testimony focus, leading to seven baptisms.
Baptist pastor in Syria released after two weeks detention
Baptist pastor Nihad Hassan was released after two weeks of detention in Syria, prompting renewed concerns about religious freedom.
Baptist Nursing Fellowship plans Huntsville summit in October
<div><img alt="" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" height="768" src="https://thealabamabaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_5654-1024x768.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 15px;" width="1024" /></div>Combining missions and medical care continues to be a guiding force of Baptist Nursing Fellowship. BNF brings together nurses, healthcare providers, missionaries, Bible teachers, worship leaders and community partners each October.
‘When We Work Together, the World Sees Christ’
<p>OCALA— Neither distance nor thunderstorms kept more than 400 Hispanic Florida Baptists from gathering at College Road Church Español in Ocala on Saturday, Aug. 1, for the Unidos en Cristo […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://flbaptist.org/when-we-work-together-the-world-sees-christ/">‘When We Work Together, the World Sees Christ’</a> appeared first on <a href="https://flbaptist.org">Florida Baptist Convention</a>.</p>
Beach encounter in Guinea becomes discipleship journey
<p>Over a meal, Tristan Liam, an International Mission Board missionary, asked his friend Vennico, “What helps you persevere in your Christian walk despite all the persecution and mockery you face?” Vennico is from one of the largest unreached people groups in the West African country of Guinea, and he is the only believer in his whole family. Liam asked this question because they discussed Vennico’s visit to his home village where certain family members turned their faces away and refused to greet him, referring to him as a “fool” and “lost.” It is a big deal in African culture to...</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.imb.org/2026/08/06/beach-encounter-in-guinea-becomes-discipleship-journey/">Beach encounter in Guinea becomes discipleship journey</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.imb.org">IMB</a>.</p>
Book of Esther used in new era of Deaf Bible translation
When Deaf Pathway Global (DPG) set out to test a groundbreaking new approach to Bible translation, the organization didn't begin with a complex theological text or a long gospel narrative. Instead, they chose a story from Scripture filled with courage, tension, and triumph.
Small group participation linked to higher discipleship scores, Lifeway Research finds
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. -- Regular small group participants are likely to be among the most mature disciples in a church, but they still need encouragement in some areas.
Jimmy Carter begins new season at his home church in Dunwoody
DUNWOODY, Ga. -- Five months ago, Dr. Jimmy Carter returned to Atlanta from Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, to be considered as pastor of the church he called home, Dunwoody Baptist Church. It was in this church, located in DeKalb County just north of I-285 near Ashford-Dunwoody and Mount Vernon roads, that Carter trusted Christ as his Savior and was nurtured in his faith.
Europe heat wave puts all major Italian cities on red alert as Austria sets heat record
ROME (AP) -- Italy placed all of its major cities under the highest heat alert Thursday as a blistering&nbsp;heat wave&nbsp;gripped Europe, setting a national temperature record in Austria, fueling wildfires in France and disrupting energy and transport systems across the continent.
Congo Ebola health workers protest unpaid wages, disrupting response as deaths top 1,800
BUNIA, Congo (AP) -- Dozens of Congolese health workers at the epicenter of&nbsp;the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak&nbsp;on record staged protests Thursday to demand payment for their wages, abandoning several health facilities even as aid workers warn that&nbsp;the disease&nbsp;is still spreading at an alarming rate.
August 6, 2026
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Thursday, August 6, 2026
<p>The post <a href="https://albertmohler.com/2026/08/06/briefing-8-6-26/">Thursday, August 6, 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://albertmohler.com">AlbertMohler.com</a>.</p>
Connecting Young Adults to Mentors in Your Church
<p>Young adults need mentors when the job disappoints, a relationship strains or ends, the prayer seems unanswered, or obedience becomes costly. <br /><a class="more-link is-small m-t-md" href="https://research.lifeway.com/2026/08/06/connecting-young-adults-to-mentors-in-your-church/" rel="bookmark">Read More</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://research.lifeway.com/2026/08/06/connecting-young-adults-to-mentors-in-your-church/">Connecting Young Adults to Mentors in Your Church</a> appeared first on <a href="https://research.lifeway.com">Lifeway Research</a>.</p>
Editorial: Corpus Christi isn’t the only water shortage
Corpus Christi needs water. And they’re not alone. While Corpus Christi needs literal water, all of us need water of a different kind.
Voices: Texas Baptists are beautifully diverse
Texas Baptists (BGCT) Executive Director Julio Guarneri continues his series on Texas Baptists’ descriptors, looking at their diversity.
Kerr County in need of resources for flood recovery
As Texas Hill Country recovers from another devastating flood, nonprofits are filling gaps left by limited federal aid and fewer volunteers.
Barna Research suggests more Christians are adopting AI
A recent Barna study indicated Christians are among the highest users of artificial intelligence, with many even relying on AI for spiritual growth.
Global religious freedom movement faces challenges
The Everett Center’s first report examines challenges facing international religious freedom efforts and outlines a path forward for advocates.
The Battle for Western Civilization — A Conversation with Professor Allen Guelzo
<p>The post <a href="https://albertmohler.com/2026/08/05/allen-guelzo-3/">The Battle for Western Civilization — A Conversation with Professor Allen Guelzo</a> appeared first on <a href="https://albertmohler.com">AlbertMohler.com</a>.</p>
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
<p>The post <a href="https://albertmohler.com/2026/08/05/briefing-8-5-26/">Wednesday, August 5, 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://albertmohler.com">AlbertMohler.com</a>.</p>