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Articles by Chris Doyle
Baptist layman, 91, is oldest through hiker of Appalachian Trail
NASHVILLE (BP) – Dale “Grey Beard” Sanders is a 91-year-old Baptist layman who last month set a record for the oldest through hiker of the Appalachian Trail – a record he had previously set at the age of 82 on a hike in 2017. It was a journey that began with prayer, and – 2,197 miles later – ended with prayer. The Appalachian Trail’s southern terminus is Springer Mountain, Ga., and its northern terminus is on Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park, Maine.
How should Christians think about the end of life?
iStock Metadata: Share this post: Editor’s note: The following is an excerpt from “Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Life: Ethical Answers for Cultural Questions,” by Daniel Darling, released from B&H Publishing (May 2026). One of the hardest scenes in my life is the image of my beloved mother as her body wasted away in the last hours of her life. The once-vibrant woman was now reduced to a shell, her body wracked by the disease that ultimately took her from us.
Iowa Baptist executive Tim Lubins to transition to new role in Iowa
Tim Lubinus addresses Iowa Baptists' annual meeting in 2023. Metadata: Topic(s): SBC NewsFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: ANKENY, Iowa – After more than 12 years of serving the churches of Iowa, Tim Lubinus is preparing to transition from his role as Baptist Convention of Iowa (BCI) Executive Director into a new season of ministry.
IMB’s Barger receives 2026 Excelerate Award for innovation in missions
ORLANDO, Fla. – Don Barger, director of innovation and artificial intelligence for the International Mission Board, received the 2026 Excelerate Award from Missio Nexus during the Mission Leaders Conference Sept. 24 in Orlando. According to Missio Nexus, a network of mission-focused organizations and churches, the Excelerate Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and creativity in advancing missions through innovation.
N.C. pregnancy center marks 25 years, dedicates ultrasound machine
LINCOLNTON, N.C. — The Crisis Pregnancy Center of Lincoln County marked 25 years of ministry Friday (Sept. 25) with the dedication of a new ultrasound machine, made possible through a partnership between N.C. Baptists and the Psalm 139 Project, a pro-life ministry of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC).
For many churches, gathering places are crucial for ministry
NASHVILLE (BP) – A church’s building is the first physical impression someone gets of the people inside it. How those spaces continue to be used or changed says a lot about the church itself. “The first question is, ‘Who has God called you to be in your community?’” asks Tim Cool, president and CEO of Smart Church Solutions. “How do you want to do ministry in 2026? Not 1955, not 1988.
NOBTS Hispanic conference draws record crowd in its fifth year
Metadata: Topic(s): Ethnicity, New Orleans Baptist Theological SeminaryFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: NEW ORLEANS – The “Abre Mis Ojos” conference (Spanish for “open my eyes”) gathered a record crowd of more than 800 at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Sept. 18-19. The fifth annual conference, developed by NOBTS as an intentional way to engage Hispanics, hosted a total of 816 guests from five different states and more than 40 different churches.
IMB’s Go Impact program helps shape next generation of Gospel witnesses
More than 600 participants spent this summer on mission through the International Mission Board’s Go Impact program. They crossed oceans, navigated unfamiliar cultures, endured long days in city parks and public squares and stepped into conversations with strangers. What they discovered was more than a mission opportunity. They found confidence, purpose and a deeper understanding of what it means to live on mission. Rob and Katy Darnell have served with the IMB in the Netherlands for 20 years.
First international MedAdvance sparks vision for healthcare missions in Latin America and beyond
For 19 years, MedAdvance has been an annual International Mission Board event that promotes global healthcare strategies to reach the lost. Earlier this month, the conference opened a new chapter. More than 120 healthcare professionals, pastors, missionaries and ministry leaders from across Latin America and beyond gathered in Paraguay Sept. 3-5 for the first international MedAdvance event. Participants believe this milestone could help mobilize a new generation of global healthcare missionaries.
Rice to give first address to Executive Committee at fall meeting next week
NASHVILLE (BP) – Southern Baptist Convention President Willy Rice is expected to expound on the seven pillars for renewal he first cited last year as well as the recently announced commission to study women in pastoral ministry when Executive Committee members gather for their annual fall gathering. The meeting convenes at the Hilton BNA, located adjacent to Nashville International Airport, Sept. 21-22. Plenary sessions will be streamed live by Baptist Press.
‘I blew it’ on blasphemy, Mohler admits of his hypothetical Christian nationalism
LOUISVILLE, KY. (BP) — “I think I blew it,” Albert Mohler responded today (Sept. 14) to critics of his envisioned blasphemy laws under a hypothetical Christian nationalism supposed in a book chapter he wrote. Mohler’s comments in the 2026 book “Five Views on Christian Nationalism,” which proved contentious, were based on the supposition of drafting a new constitution for a fractured nation in the year 2099.
Faithriders lead bikers to Jesus
STURGIS, S.D. – At the F.A.I.T.H. Rider’s ministry tent during the 86th annual Sturgis motorcycle rally last week, “I met a quiet man with tattoos all over his arms wearing a T-shirt with cutoff sleeves who said he wanted to hear my testimony and enter our bike giveaway,” a F.A.I.T.H. Rider said. “As part of my personal story, I shared how I was convicted about my sin, understood that Jesus’ death paid the cost of my salvation, pledged to turn away from my selfish desires and made Jesus my boss.
MedAdvance 2026 unites health care professionals to IMB missions
LUTZ, Fla. – More than 300 health care professionals, students, church leaders, missionaries and volunteers gathered at Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Aug. 13-15 for MedAdvance 2026, a conference designed to help believers use their medical skills and professional expertise to advance the Gospel around the world.
Nature attacks Front Range with wind-driven fire, floods and mudslides
Disaster Relief volunteers from Colorado and elsewhere stopped whatever else they were doing to place sandbags around an elderly man's home after a placid creek 30 feet away became a raging river. Metadata: Topic(s): Disaster ReliefFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: BEULAH, Colo. – Four floods have ravaged the fire-blackened Beulah Valley since last month’s 102,004-acre Aspen Acres fire, which even now is but 72 percent contained. The worst flooding came Sunday (Aug.
A beach encounter in Guinea becomes a discipleship journey
by Chris Doyle/IMB GUINEA, West Africa (IMB) – 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.
A beach encounter in Guinea becomes a discipleship journey Original
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.
A beach encounter in Guinea becomes a discipleship journey
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.
Book of Esther used in new era of Deaf Bible translation
When Deaf Pathway Global 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, a story was chosen from Scripture filled with courage, tension and triumph. For DPG, Esther was the perfect place to begin a venture in how the Bible reaches Deaf communities worldwide. kAmtDE23=:D965 :? a_a_ 2D 2 ?@?\AC@7:E G6?EFC6 @7 qC6?EH@@5 q2AE:DE s627 r9FC49 :? %6??6DD66 2?5 E96 x?E6C?2E:@?2= |:DD:@?
Book of Esther used in new era of Deaf Bible translation
Submitted photo. DPG President Nick Jungheim, left, meets with Deaf Burkinabe, Gambians and Senegalese during a camp in Senegal. DPG selected team members for the Senegalese Translation Team from this camp. 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, DPG leaders chose a story from Scripture filled with courage, tension and triumph.
Fred Luter preaches closing 2026 Black Church conference sermon ahead of retirement
RIDGECREST, N.C. (BP) – Incorporating his beloved rapid-fire style of repetition and Scripture recitation, Fred Luter captured worshipers on the closing night of the 2026 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference (BCLFC) July 23, encouraging dry bones to reengage. Mark Croston, standing, Lifeway Christian Resources’ director of Black Church Ministries, presents to Fred Luter, seated right, an enlarged cover of the 2026 fall issue of YOU, which sports Luter’s photo.
Las iglesias bautistas de Florida experimentan un renovado compromiso y crecimiento tras el evento Crossover 2026
ORLANDO—Lo que comenzó como una semana de evangelización se ha convertido en una temporada continua de ministerio para las iglesias bautistas hispanas de Florida en todo el centro de Florida. Unos niños juegan al fútbol en la fiesta vecinal de Casa de Bendición el 6 de junio. Foto de Luc Stringer.
La oración constante y el testimonio dan lugar a 22 respuestas al Evangelio en México
El último día del viaje misionero a México estuvo tan centrado en la evangelización como el primer día. Nick Walburn y un pequeño grupo de pastores hicieron una parada en una tienda local de recuerdos y, tal y como habían venido haciendo durante toda la semana, entablaron conversación con la dueña de la tienda y le compartieron el Evangelio. «Ella aceptó a Cristo allí mismo», dijo Walburn. Zoro Baena, un pastor hispano que dirigía el viaje, le preguntó a la dueña de la tienda si tenía una Biblia.
Los grupos provida, descontentos ante el inicio de la recepción de fondos federales por parte de Planned Parenthood
iStock Metadata: Share this post: NASHVILLE (BP) – La expiración de una disposición de un año incluida en el «Big Beautiful Bill», que retiraba la financiación a Planned Parenthood, ha llevado a los grupos y simpatizantes provida a preguntarse si sus voces siguen siendo escuchadas en defensa de los no nacidos.
La Copa Mundial constituye un importante campo de misión
Mientras la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 llega a su fin y España se alza con el trofeo, las iglesias bautistas del sur y los misioneros de todo el mundo oran por un impacto que perdure más allá del trofeo.
Se llegó a un acuerdo en el caso Roe que involucra a Patterson y Southwestern.
Metadata: Share this post: FORT WORTH (BP) – Un tribunal de distrito de Estados Unidos ha desestimado “con carácter definitivo” una demanda presentada originalmente en 2019 que alegaba difamación por parte de Paige Patterson, expresidente del Seminario Teológico Bautista Southwestern (SWBTS).
Cadwell named recipient of WMU’s top leadership award
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Odelle Cadwell of Temple of Faith Baptist Church in Detroit, is the recipient of the 2026 Dellanna West O’Brien Leadership Award, national WMU’s most prestigious leadership honor. Odelle Cadwell builds relationships and inspires others to discover their place in missions through WMU missions discipleship and compassion ministries.
Students cross flooded-out road from camp after local, state, federal help
ROCKSPRINGS, Texas (BP) – Flash flooding that wiped out the only road to a Texas Hill Country adventure camp last week prompted a call for help that led to a ride that 325 middle schoolers will never forget. The student ministry of Houston’s First Baptist Church neared the end of its Camp Rush, held at Camp Eagle, when heavy rains led to flash flooding. The result was the loss of the road connecting campers with the seven charter buses that brought them.
Vietnamese Baptists celebrate America, pray for revival
DALLAS – The Vietnamese Baptist Union of North America celebrated America’s 250th birthday during the Union’s annual meeting, which took place over the July Fourth weekend. Two prayer events organized by the Vietnamese Union preceded the 41st annual meeting of the Southern Baptist fellowship. The evening of July 1, “Prayer for Godly Generations” took place at Redeemer Baptist Church in Plano.
Report challenges assumptions about Christian persecution in Nigeria
A new report cited by International Christian Concern says Islamic Fulani militias are the deadliest persecutors of Christians in Nigeria, responsible for a far greater share of civilian deaths than Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province combined. The report, based on a six-year study by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, challenges the common assumption that Boko Haram and ISWAP are the primary drivers of Christian persecution in Nigeria.
FIRST-PERSON: Narrow faith in a broad world
iStock Metadata: Series: First PersonTopic(s): Theology & DoctrineFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: Nearly every area of life depends upon narrowness and exclusivity. None of us are eager to be a surgeon’s guinea pig on an operating table, preferring instead a physician who understands the single most effective method for heart surgery. After we board a flight, we trust that the pilot understands the right and wrong way to land the plane. Need a prescription filled?
Dreams, dangers and developing a friendship in North Africa
Andrew and Asher are coworkers who have talked about the Christian faith at work, though their talks could lead to persecution. IMB Photo Metadata: Topic(s): International Mission BoardFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: This is a story of two men with different mindsets who crossed paths while venturing on their own faith journeys. Andrew arrived as an immigrant in northern Africa whose faith was ignited by a series of vivid dreams that flickered like a candle in a dark world.
Louisiana youth pastor arrested for child sexual abuse
FOLSOM, La. – David Mercer, youth pastor with First Baptist Church of Folsom, La., has been arrested on charges of sexual abuse of multiple children that allegedly took place in the 1990s. According to a news release from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Mercer, 72, was taken into custody July 10 and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center. Officers with the St. Tammany Special Victim’s Unit assisted with the search of a residence owned by the church in Folsom.
WMU DIGEST: Grants awarded to worthy CWJC programs, graduates
Outstanding CWJC graduate receives Faye Dove Scholarship By Tracey Gholson BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Martresse Ezell felt lost, unfulfilled and uncertain of her worth. As a mother of three and grandmother of four, Ezell had spent her life nurturing and advocating for others but had neglected her own growth. Past mistakes and poor decisions resulted in setbacks that left her feeling hopeless.
Dreams, dangers and developing a friendship in North Africa
This is a story of two men with different mindsets who crossed paths while venturing on their own faith journeys. Andrew arrived as an immigrant in northern Africa whose faith was ignited by a series of vivid dreams that flickered like a candle in a dark world. Asher grew up in a staunchly Muslim family, and his sharp intellect yearns for a tangible sign of something beyond the faith of his upbringing. Both men found themselves living in a region where Islam shapes public life.
GuideStone initiative helps ministers start well, stay well, finish well, Dilbeck says
ORLANDO, Florida –GuideStone Financial Resources emphasized an enhanced commitment to helping ministers start well, stay well and finish well, highlighted by a new financial discipleship initiative. The news was shared as part of GuideStone President Hance Dilbeck’s annual report to messengers at the 2026 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in regular session June 9 at the Orange County Convention Center.
Southern Baptists celebrate 63 new IMB missionaries at SBC annual meetingby Chris Doyle
ORLANDO – Southern Baptists celebrated 63 new International Mission Board missionaries during the June 9 opening session of the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando. As missionaries took the stage and stood on the floor of the Orange County Convention Center, church messengers listened as they described their callings and expressed gratitude for support of their Great Commission work.
Black Collective panel discusses immigration, urges support for Resolution 7
ORLANDO, Fla. (BP) – The primary goal of Christian immigrants in the U.S. is to spread the Gospel amid darkness, a panel of Haitian, Ghanaian and African American Southern Baptist pastors affirmed June 8, encouraging Southern Baptists to advocate for the just treatment of immigrants here.
New IMB emeriti offer guidance to fuel next generation of missionaries
With 1,452 years of combined service across 48 countries, 56 International Mission Board missionaries gathered near Richmond, Virginia, May 3-7, for the annual IMB Celebration of Emeriti. Almost half of these dedicated gospel workers spent more than three decades on the field. All 56 missionaries were recognized during a service of celebration, Wednesday evening, May 6.
Fulani militants killed most Christians in Nigeria in past year, USCIRF says
WASHINGTON (BP) –- Militant Fulani killed more Christians in Nigeria over the past year than any other aggressor, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said May 8 in naming the militants a nonstate violator of religious freedom. But USCIRF fell short of recommending the U.S. State Department designate the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN)as an Entity of Particular Concern (EPC).
From trial to testimony: Amanda Patterson’s journey to K-LOVE Kids
Amanda Pattrson with a group of the K-LOVE Kids. Metadata: Topic(s): MusicFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: NASHVILLE – Christian music has always been woven into Amanda Patterson’s life. Raised in a Kentucky Baptist family filled with music, she grew up surrounded by song as her father served for years as a worship pastor while her mother and four siblings all shared the same passion.
As World Cup arrives in North America, Southern Baptists gear up to share the Gospel
ATLANTA – As the world prepares for one of its largest sporting events, Southern Baptists have created opportunities to leverage the 2026 World Cup to share the Gospel. Sixteen major cities throughout North America will host soccer matches that are expected to draw crowds of 15-25 million people who will come from all over the world to watch the games or be part of the festivities surrounding the events. More than 5 billion are expected to watch broadcasts of the games.
FIRST-PERSON: The platform dilemma – Where does cooperation end and compromise begin?
I got a message from one of my pastor friends recently. His church has partnered with their local public school for years. Lately they have been approached by a church from one of the mainline denominations wanting to come alongside them in ministry there. Questions came fast after that. Are they theologically sound? Should I partner with them? They are going to be there whether we are or not. Might as well figure out how much we can work together.
New IMB emeriti offer guidance to fuel next generation of missionaries
Paul Chitwood welcomes friends, family, IMB staff and new missionaries in training to a celebration honoring the 56 newest IMB missionaries emeriti, who represent a combined 1,452 years of service across 48 countries.
From broken bones to unshakable faith, Pedro’s light shines in Mexican village
In one small Mexican village, life comes with a hard, practical rhythm. Children finish eighth grade and are quickly pulled into the fields or the factories that pay just enough for a family’s basic needs. Most men walk a mile or more just to catch the only truck that will ferry them to work. This is the village where Pedro lives. By the time he was 10, his bones began to break without warning.
From broken bones to unshakable faith, Pedro’s light shines in Mexican village
IMB photo. Pedro lives in a small Mexican village where life has been a struggle for him. Living with brittle bone disease, he works with his family in a storefront in their home, making tortillas. Pedro struggled with depression, but his life changed after he met with Pastor Jacob. In one small Mexican village, life comes with a hard, practical rhythm. Children finish eighth grade and are quickly pulled into the fields or the factories that pay just enough for a family’s basic needs.
The pastoral virtue of avoidance
Adobe Stock Photo. Do not publish. Metadata: Topic(s): Churches & MinistryFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: At least seven times in the pastoral epistles, Paul directly charges Timothy and Titus to “avoid” and to “have nothing to do with” ideas and people who pose a threat to their flock. This is jarring since one of the main purposes for these letters is to encourage Timothy and Titus to engage false teaching and teachers.
From broken bones to unshakable faith, Pedro’s light shines in Mexican village
In one small Mexican village, life comes with a hard, practical rhythm. Children finish eighth grade and are quickly pulled into the fields or the factories that pay just enough for a family’s basic needs. Most men walk a mile or more just to catch the only truck that will ferry them to work. This is the village where Pedro lives. By the time he was 10, his bones began to break without warning.
Greensboro abortion clinic closes after decades, ministries point to next steps
A Woman’s Choice abortion clinic, the only surgical abortion provider in Greensboro, closed its doors on April 30. Photo via Love Life ministry Metadata: Topic(s): AbortionFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: GREENSBORO, N.C. — After more than a decade under its current ownership — and years of prior operation under a different name — the only surgical abortion provider in Greensboro closed its doors on April 30, prompting responses from area pro-life ministries.
Missionaries reflect on two decades of proclaiming gospel in the Philippines
Missionaries reflect on two decades of proclaiming gospel in the Philippines Wade and Sharon Sigrest are International Mission Board missionaries serving among the Cebu Cebuanos in the Philippines, a nation made up of more than 7,600 islands. The Sigrests have served there for more than 25 years and are involved in Send Relief projects, training leaders, conducting Bible studies and leading a house church.
Doctrinal concerns drive Nicene Creed discussion
Metadata: Topic(s): Baptist Faith & Message, Theology & DoctrineFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: NASHVILLE (BP) – A desire to protect Southern Baptist theology is motivating at least one Southern Baptist theologian in Texas and a North Carolina pastor-historian to look to the Nicene Creed to shore up some importance stances, but opinions differ on the best way for Southern Baptists to affirm the ancient creed.
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