Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Ben Mandrell
4 Markers of the Early Church: Reclaiming the Vision for Biblical Community
Pastors and church leaders have the responsibility of bringing a compelling vision for biblical community to their congregations. By Ben Mandrell If the first church had a website, the tagline “Together” would have been on brand. The community of faith in its earliest days serves as the standard for every local church going forward. However, pastors today are seeing a deepening apathy toward the value and vitality of biblical community.
How to Develop the Next Generation of Leaders
I have been serving in student ministry for close to 20 years, and I have recently become burdened with the responsibility of raising up the next generation of leaders in the church. When I look out into the crowd of students that I have the honor of leading, I see nothing but world-changing potential. I wholeheartedly believe that as student ministry leaders, we have the responsibility to identify, equip, train and send out the next generation of leaders.
ERLC resource highlights importance of the Cooperative Program
NASHVILLE (BP) – To coincide with the 75th anniversary of being an entity supported by the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) released a booklet resource chronicling the history of its advocacy work titled “The ERLC and the Cooperative Program.” The booklet details the various advocacy endeavors the entity has taken up since beginning to receive CP funding as the Social Service Commission in 1947, then as the Christian Life...
FIRST-PERSON: 3 ministry mistakes I wish I could take back
Failure is a refusal to learn from mistakes. All of us mess up, and no leader is fully free from regrets. To turn back the clock to key moments in life and get a mulligan – what a dream that would be! But that’s not how life in this fallen world works. What are some of the biggest blunders you’ve made as a leader? Recently, I took time to reflect on a few of my “what-was-I-thinking” moments?
A Simple Tool to Raise Missional Awareness in Your Church
For a church revitalizer or replanter, the heartbeat of their ministry is the desire to be obedient to the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) and to lead others to obey it as well. What if I told you that a tiny tweak to your worship service could raise the missional awareness of your congregation? I have experienced this in our church, and I believe it will work elsewhere.
Protect moral objections to mandate, ERLC tells federal agencies
WASHINGTON (BP) – A newly proposed rule would crush the freedom of conscience of Americans with a moral objection to the provision of “life-threatening contraceptives,” a Southern Baptist entity has told the Biden administration. The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) filed public comments Monday (April 3) in opposition to the administration’s proposal to repeal the exemption for employers’ moral objections to coverage of contraceptive services under the 2010 Affordable Care Act.
FIRST-PERSON: 3 ministry mistakes I wish I could take back
Failure is a refusal to learn from mistakes. All of us mess up, and no leader is fully free from regrets. To turn back the clock to key moments in life and get a mulligan – what a dream that would be! But that’s not how life in this fallen world works. What are some of the biggest blunders you’ve made as a leader? Recently, I took time to reflect on a few of my “what-was-I-thinking” moments?
We need each other
NASHVILLE (BP)—A few years ago, our family vacationed in California – the land of the great redwood forest. The author John Steinbeck wrote of them: “The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always.” There’s something worshipful that happens when you stand in front of a giant tree. I was reading about the mighty California redwoods recently, and came across this note online: Redwood tree roots are very shallow, often only five or six feet deep.
ERLC head: State conventions can be ‘pivotal’ in pro-life policies
NASHVILLE (BP)—The work of Southern Baptist state conventions can be vital in the adoption of pro-life laws after the reversal of Roe v. Wade, the acting head of the SBC’s ethics entity said Wednesday (July 13) in a BP Live webcast. The online event, hosted by Baptist Press, focused on decisions regarding abortion and religious freedom issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in its recently completed term. Much of the conversation addressed Dobbs v.
Sri Lanka in crisis: President flees and ire turns to PM
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka’s president fled the country Wednesday, plunging a nation already reeling from economic chaos into more political turmoil. Protesters demanding a change in leadership then trained their ire on the prime minister and stormed his office. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his wife left aboard an air force plane bound for the Maldives, and he made his prime minister the acting president in his absence.
Texas pastors relief fund depleted in one day amid record living costs
DALLAS (BP) – A $100,000 inflation relief fund for Baptist General Convention of Texas pastors was depleted within 24 hours of its availability, the BGCT announced July 13 as inflation reached its highest point in decades at 9.1 percent.
First known depictions of biblical heroines Jael and Deborah uncovered in Israel
(RNS) — The earliest known depiction of biblical heroines Jael and Deborah was discovered at an ancient synagogue in Israel, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill announced last week. A rendering of one figure driving a stake through the head of a military general was the initial clue that led the team to identify the figures, according to project director Jodi Magness.
South Asian churches take ownership of church multiplication
Churches in South Asia have deep roots in fertile soil. Seeds of the Gospel have spread across the area, and new churches are being planted. Churches plant churches that plant churches, and each church’s birth and subsequent growth requires local leadership. South Asian leaders are putting into practice what they’ve learned and are training others to do the same. Aadya is one of many South Asians spreading the seeds of the Gospel.
New looks into deep space bring new assurances of God’s presence, astronomers say
NASHVILLE (BP) – Within images released by the James Webb telescope, Christians can not only get previously unseen views of the cosmos, but resounding confirmation of God’s creative design and man’s perspective in it.
FIRST-PERSON: We need each other
NASHVILLE (BP) – A few years ago, our family vacationed in California – the land of the great redwood forest. The author John Steinbeck wrote of them: “The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always.” There’s something worshipful that happens when you stand in front of a giant tree. I was reading about the mighty California redwoods recently, and came across this note online: Redwood tree roots are very shallow, often only five or six feet deep.
SBC DIGEST: Litton addresses Midwest leaders; ERLC explains Boston flag case
Litton salutes Midwest leaders at biennial summit By Eric Reed/Illinois Baptist SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (BP) – As nearly 1,000 church leaders from the Midwest convened in Illinois, Southern Baptist Convention President Ed Litton saluted organizers and those in attendance for the unique regional event, before speaking briefly about pressures facing the convention. “You’re a testimony to the nation,” Litton said.
‘Living inside the cage’: Afghanistan tops Christian persecution list
SANTA ANNA, Calif. (BP) – The Christian refugee hopped on one of the last flights out of Afghanistan to save his life and family. Since the Taliban regained rule there, Christians are hunted down and killed. “It’s really hard when you want to have freedom of faith and freely read our Bibles, freely share our faith,” he said at today’s (Jan. 19) press conference revealing Opens Doors’ 2022 Watch List of the top countries for Christian persecution.
FIRST-PERSON: Three ‘unspokens’ of ministry families
NASHVILLE (BP) — About a year ago, I was walking with my wife, Lynley, through our neighborhood. After we caught up on events of the day, the topic of pastoral families came up. We talked through the number of pastors and wives that we knew were struggling to endure in their calling. Lynley said, “I think they are just tired of living in the ‘glass house.’” I knew exactly what she meant. She and I had lived in that house for 17 years as we led two churches.
3 reasons pastors avoid counseling when they need it
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – “Too fast!” my wife Lynley screamed as I drove down a steep hill caked in snow. The vehicle picked up speed like a roller coaster on first fall. “I grew up driving in this!” I snapped, more than slightly annoyed that she doubted my driving. Moments later all six Mandrells were sledding sideways, out of control and bracing for impact. By the grace of God, the SUV stopped just short of a concrete embankment. We were safe, but we were stuck.
Largest CP contributor in Arizona does ministry 'outside the walls'
LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – Calvary Baptist Church in Lake Havasu City and its campus in nearby Parker, Ariz., baptized 236 people in 2020, more than any other church in the state. It does so by making the Gospel relatable and relevant, Pastor Chad Garrison said. Since 1981, Calvary has allocated 10 percent of its budget to missions through the Cooperative Program, the way Southern Baptists work together to support state, national and international ministries and missions.
February giving report reflects continued challenges of COVID-19, weather
NASHVILLE (BP) – Church closures related to COVID-19 and winter weather in the Deep South slowed giving through the Cooperative Program in early 2021, but Southern Baptists remained faithful in their commitment to fueling global missions and ministry. Through the first five months of the budget year, giving is still above the national CP budget by more than 3 percent.
SBC DIGEST: Child safety standards offered for review; Windermere's future uncertain
‘Ground-Breaking’ child safety standards offered for public review by Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BP) – The Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention (ECAP) has released “ground-breaking” standards for child safety and opened them for public review Monday (March 1). The standards are offered to assist ministries of all kinds as they work to protect children in their care.
Despite ethical questions, Moore says taking latest vaccine 'morally right'
NASHVILLE (BP) – Christians will not act unethically if they receive a COVID-19 vaccine produced from a cell line originally derived from an abortion, Southern Baptist ethicist Russell Moore said Wednesday (March 3). The president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) addressed the morality of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in a column after the single-dose medication gained approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Feb. 27.
Henslee to be nominated for president of 2022 Pastors’ Conference
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (BP) – Josh Reavis, associate pastor of North Jacksonville Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla., has announced his intention to nominate Matt Henslee, pastor of Mayhill Baptist Church in Mayhill, N.M., for president of the 2022 Southern Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference. The 2022 Pastors’ Conference will be held in Anaheim, Calif., in conjunction with the SBC Annual Meeting.
J&J's 1-dose shot cleared, giving U.S. 3rd COVID-19 vaccine
WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. is getting a third vaccine to prevent COVID-19, as the Food and Drug Administration on Saturday (Feb. 27) cleared a Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose instead of two. Health experts are anxiously awaiting a one-and-done option to help speed vaccinations, as they race against a virus that already has killed more than 510,000 people in the U.S. and is mutating in increasingly worrisome ways.
OPINION: How to lead during difficult times
By BEN MANDRELL, LifeWay Resources The world changed for me that night in March when NBA players were called off the court and the notifications on my phone started lighting up like a Christmas tree. Global pandemic, social distancing, mask-wearing, zoom-calling, toilet-paper ordering—what is this new reality I am facing, I wondered. As I entered into this Twilight Zone of leadership, managing seismic changes and making hundreds of new decisions, I felt the weight of it all on my shoulders.
OPINION: How to lead during difficult times
By BEN MANDRELL, LifeWay Resources The world changed for me that night in March when NBA players were called off the court and the notifications on my phone started lighting up like a Christmas tree. Global pandemic, social distancing, mask-wearing, zoom-calling, toilet-paper ordering—what is this new reality I am facing, I wondered. As I entered into this Twilight Zone of leadership, managing seismic changes and making hundreds of new decisions, I felt the weight of it all on my shoulders.
6 Traits of a Biblically Faithful Preacher
ShareTweetPinPocketFlipboard You probably have noticed that preachers come in all shapes and sizes. There are big, gregarious, sweaty foreheaded preachers. There are short, slim, soft-spoken preachers. There are creative preachers who always have a slick gadget or a clever object of illustration. There are King James preachers who love Thees and the Thous of Thy Holy Word. So, what makes for a faithful preacher?
6 Traits of a Biblically Faithful Preacher
You probably have noticed that preachers come in all shapes and sizes. There are big, gregarious, sweaty foreheaded preachers. There are short, slim, soft-spoken preachers. There are creative preachers who always have a slick gadget or a clever object of illustration. There are King James preachers who love Thees and the Thous of Thy Holy Word. So, what makes for a faithful preacher?
The quarantine is an opportunity for churches to emerge stronger
Will churches return to the Sunday morning status quo when COVID-19 passes or can the liturgy of quarantine persist to breath new life into our church communities? It's been a defining month for the future of the Church in the United States. Forced to cancel services after CDC guidance to restrict gatherings of more than 50 for at least eight weeks, churches across the country restructured and revamped on the fly.
5 necessities for engaging skeptics with the gospel
By BEN MANDRELL, Lifeway Christian Resources Is gospel ministry harder in certain places than in others throughout the U.S.? Anyone in church leadership could make a legitimate case that their context is a difficult one to reach. My first pastorate was at an established church in Jackson, Tenn. Before moving back to Tennessee to lead LifeWay, I was a church planter in the Denver, Colo. area. The ministry challenges in skeptical, post-Christian places like Denver are scary.
5 necessities for engaging skeptics with the gospel
By BEN MANDRELL, LifeWay Christian Resources Is gospel ministry harder in certain places than in others throughout the U.S.? Anyone in church leadership could make a legitimate case that their context is a difficult one to reach. My first pastorate was at an established church in Jackson, Tenn. Before moving back to Tennessee to lead LifeWay, I was a church planter in the Denver, Colo. area. The ministry challenges in skeptical, post-Christian places like Denver are scary.
5 Necessities for engaging skeptics with the gospel
By BEN MANDRELL, LifeWay Christian Resources Is gospel ministry harder in certain places than in others throughout the U.S.? Anyone in church leadership could make a legitimate case that their context is a difficult one to reach. My first pastorate was at an established church in Jackson, Tenn. Before moving back to Tennessee to lead LifeWay, I was a church planter in the Denver, Colo. area. The ministry challenges in skeptical, post-Christian places like Denver are scary.
Why Kanye West is America’s “pervasive Christian traditionalist” : Embracing a newfound focus on family and fatherhood
One of the most noticeable effects of Kanye West’s highly publicized conversion to Christianity has been his newfound dedication to his family. This has been observable in a number of ways: In his new Jesus Is King album, songs are liberally accented with a pro-family message. He told late-night interviewer James Corden that at night, after putting his kids to bed, he reads his Bible. He’s retreated from the hustle of Los Angeles to Wyoming, believing it to be an easier place to raise a family.
Women's academic society forms at Southeastern
WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP) — Women at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and The College at Southeastern have a new opportunity for encouragement and collaboration in their academic work through the Society for Women in Scholarship. Created by SEBTS students, the society’s goal is to provide a gathering place for ideas, networking, learning and leadership development among women at Southeastern who desire to be part of theological scholarship.
Motherhood: 'Oh, the ebb and flow of joy and sorrow'
[SLIDESHOW=42519,42520]WAKE FOREST, N.C. — Celebrating Mother’s Day was always a peaceful and joy-filled experience as I grew up in a loving, Christian, two-parent home. I remember working diligently on the obligatory homemade gift projects we were given as schoolchildren in order to present something to my mom that would conjure a smile, thanks and a hug.
TRUSTEES: IMB opens new pathways for service
[SLIDESHOW=40224,40225,40226]EDITOR’S NOTE: This story contains information related to an IMB policy. The text of the policy follows the end of the story. LOUISVILLE, Ky.(BP) — Citing urgency for reaching a lost world and unity with the Baptist Faith & Message, International Mission Board trustees streamlined guidelines for appointing new personnel to fulfill their missionary calling.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Ben
Contact Ben, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack