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Articles by Mike Ebert
NAMB trustees approve budget, celebrate Boston missionaries during two-day meeting
NAMB photo by Alana Jorgensen. North American Mission Board trustees visit church planter Jacob Giles during a Boston vision tour held in conjunction with their Oct. 5-6 meeting. Giles is completing a church planting residency at Renewal Church Boston and plans to launch a new church soon. BOSTON (BP) — Trustees of the North American Mission Board (NAMB) met Oct. 5-6 to act on business items and celebrate missionaries and new churches in the area.
October 12, 2026 • Pathway
Today, face-to-face conversations about Christ on the Southeast Asian islands are harder to accomplish. For the IMB's Southeast Asia teams, digital engagement — the use of social media platforms to share a message — has become a plausible and effective entry point.
NAMB trustees celebrate progress, elect new officers at Alpharetta meeting
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – North American Mission Board (NAMB) trustees gathered in Alpharetta May 4-5 for two days of meetings marked by reports of significant progress. That progress included news that in 2025 baptisms continued their upward trend. In addition, the “Class of 2025” church plants included the highest number of new plants in nearly a decade. And finally, Southern Baptists passed a milestone of more than 12,000 churches started since 2010.
NAMB trustees celebrate progress, elect new officers at Alpharetta meeting
Photo by NAMB staff. At a May 4 dinner for North American Mission Board (NAMB) trustees, NAMB president Kevin Ezell, left, led a panel conversation about NAMB evangelism resources including the new “Gospel Coach” app that harnesses artificial intelligence to allow people to practice having gospel conversations.
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.
Wyoming witness: Baptism and evangelism numbers increase at record rates
CASPER (BP) – Its distinction as the country’s least populous state can factor into the tendency to overlook Wyoming. Doing so, however, means missing a response to the Gospel that is both indicative of the ministry work there, as well as what is achievable anywhere else. “We’ve seen a 100 percent increase in baptisms from 2023 to 2025, so we’re praising God for that. We also just had a wonderful Youth Evangelism Conference with Shane Pruitt as our speaker,” said Rondie Taylor, state executive.
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NAMB trustees celebrate progress, elect new officers at Alpharetta meeting
ALPHARETTA, Ga. – North American Mission Board (NAMB) trustees gathered in Alpharetta May 4-5 for two days of meetings marked by reports of significant progress. That progress included news that in 2025 baptisms continued their upward trend. In addition, the “Class of 2025” church plants included the highest number of new plants in nearly a decade. And finally, Southern Baptists passed a milestone of more than 12,000 churches started since 2010.
Discipleship culture: 7 silent killers of healthy groups ministry, one shift to change everything
iStock Metadata: Topic(s): DiscipleshipFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: By Scott Sullivan Most groups in local churches don’t fall apart overnight. They slowly drift from life-giving to maintenance-driven. Leaders don’t usually quit because they don’t care anymore – they quit because the structure they are working inside can’t sustain long-term disciple-making. In many churches, the issue is not passion, theology, or even people. It is design.
Tennessee church's cold-weather shelter provides more than warmth
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. – When temperatures drop to 32 degrees or below, exposure becomes life-threatening. Without proper layering and access to warmth for at least 20 minutes every two hours, hypothermia can kill. So, after Shelbyville’s only warming shelter closed three years ago, John Hall felt called to act. “It’s just been laid on my heart that this is something that’s needed,” said Hall, a member of Fair Haven Baptist Church. “They’re God’s creation and made in His image.
NAMB trustees gain frontline view of Navy chaplaincy during San Diego Board gathering | Baptist Press - Crossmap News
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NAMB trustees gain frontline view of Navy chaplaincy during San Diego Board gathering
Senior chaplain, CDR Stephen Chapman, U.S. Navy, welcomes North American Mission Board (NAMB) trustees aboard the USS MAKIN ISLAND. Chapman, a Southern Baptist and former youth and children’s pastor in Alabama, explained the unique ministry environment of a military chaplain, as well as the opportunities chaplains have to lead religious services, provide pastoral care and share the Gospel in military settings. The tour took place as trustees gathered for their winter meeting in San Diego Feb. 2-3.
In Montreal, NAMB trustees see city’s beauty—and its lostness - TEXAN Online
MONTREAL—North American Mission Board trustees, meeting in Montreal Oct. 6-7, toured the city, learned about the ministry challenges associated with reaching Canada, and conducted business in support of NAMB’s ministries. After visiting with three local church planting missionaries Monday, a trip to nearby Mount Royal Park provided a sweeping view of Montreal’s skyline with the St. Lawrence River in the background.
In Montreal, NAMB trustees see city’s beauty and its lostness
MONTREAL — North American Mission Board (NAMB) trustees, meeting in Montreal on Oct. 6-7, toured the city, learned about the ministry challenges associated with reaching Canada and conducted business in support of NAMB’s ministries. After visiting with three local church-planting missionaries Monday, a trip to nearby Mount Royal Park provided a sweeping view of Montreal’s skyline with the St. Lawrence River in the background.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace 1999 1080p BluRay DD+ 5 1 HDR AV1-TiZU
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace 1999 1080p BluRay DD+ 5 1 HDR AV1-TiZU [RR/NF] Size: 4.2GB mkv AV1 / EAC3 HD 1920x804 All releases of "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) Genre: Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi Directed By: Mike Ebert, Dean Sharpe MPAA Rate: T Country: USA Original Language: English Storyline: A Jedi attempts to protect Naboo from the greedy Trade Federation and, as they soon learn, the Sith.
NAMB Trustees endorse new chaplains, elect officers during Alpharetta meeting
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Members of the Board of Trustees for the North American Mission Board (NAMB) gathered at NAMB’s building May 5-6 where they endorsed 31 new Southern Baptist chaplains, reelected officers and expressed appreciation for trustees who are concluding their service to the Board. After committee meetings Monday, Trustees gathered for a celebration dinner at NAMB’s building.
Gateway trustees approve $13.5 million budget, new faculty
Metadata: Topic(s): Gateway SeminaryFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: ONTARIO, Calif. – Trustees approved a $13,560,000 budget for the 2025-2026 academic year during the spring board meeting May 5-6 in Ontario, Calif. The upcoming budget represents an increase of 5.1 percent over the previous academic year and reflects rising inflationary costs as well as expected income from the sale of the seminary’s Fremont, Calif., property and expanding fundraising initiatives for scholarships.
SBC Pastors’ Conference to include corporate prayer time, panel discussion
DALLAS (BP) – A dedicated time of corporate prayer will be just one addition to the Pastors’ Conference preceding the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, Pastors’ Conference President D.J. Horton told Baptist Press on May 7. Horton, senior pastor of Church at The Mill in Spartanburg, S.C., said he will also announce the formation of a group to study future models for the conference as well as a new effort to honor the ministry of the late Jim Shaddix.
NAMB Trustees endorse new chaplains, elect officers during Alpharetta meeting
Metadata: Topic(s): North American Mission BoardFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Members of the Board of Trustees for the North American Mission Board (NAMB) gathered at NAMB’s building May 5-6 where they endorsed 31 new Southern Baptist chaplains, reelected officers and expressed appreciation for trustees who are concluding their service to the Board. After committee meetings Monday, Trustees gathered for a celebration dinner at NAMB’s building.
NAMB Trustees endorse new chaplains, elect officers during Alpharetta meeting | Baptist Press - Crossmap News
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FIRST-PERSON: Keep the waters full
Metadata: Series: First PersonTopic(s): Churches and Ministry, EvangelismFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: When I heard the words “spontaneous baptism” on December 15, 2020, I was caught off guard. For the previous 10 months, my nightly routine had been to sit silently for one to two hours on my porch alone in the presence of God. Before that moment, I hadn’t heard anything from God during my time on the porch. What caught me off guard was the timing.
Report shows medical missions trip yields surprising results
Short-term volunteer mission projects can make a long-term impact. The key, according to International Mission Board missionaries Cade and Ginny Wheeler, is for the local church to be fully invested and use volunteers within an already existing strategy.
Bloody April for Christians in Nigeria with death toll surpassing 240
Metadata: Topic(s): Religious Liberty, World & PoliticsFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: PLATEAU STATE, Nigeria (BP) — More than 240 Christians were massacred in attacks on villages in Plateau and Benue states during Lent and Easter, some as they worshiped, news agencies and religious liberty advocates reported.
Avoiding an emotional affair
What is an emotional affair and why must pastors, elders and ministry leaders fight against succumbing to this temptation? According to one online source, “An emotional affair is a non-sexual relationship involving a similar level of emotional intimacy and bonding as a romantic relationship.” The writer adds that emotional affairs often begin as a friendship and then move to something more involved.
Teen trains with national sled hockey team, keeps focus on bigger goals
COATS, NC, (BP) – Last October in his first international game with Team USA, Kayden Beasley took a feed from sled hockey star and three-time Paralympian Declan Farmer and broke for the goal. He doesn’t remember much else about the one-on-one breakaway, just that he put enough juice on the puck to bounce it off the Italian goalkeeper’s helmet and into the net.
Fill the Tank: Baptism Sunday puts spotlight on new life, obedience
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) — North Shelby Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., celebrated six baptisms last year on Baptism Sunday, the annual Southern Baptist emphasis that urges churches to “fill the tank” and stir the waters, marking new life in Christ. Lexington Baptist Church baptized one, bringing the church’s total to 50 baptisms over the previous three years. Located in the 200-person town of Lexington, Ga., baptism has helped the church see a resurgence in overall attendance.
Veterans Affairs asks employees to report ‘anti-Christian bias’
(RNS) — Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Douglas Collins has instructed the agency’s employees to report any instances of anti-Christian bias, including any policies that are “hostile to Christian views” or punishments for displaying Christian symbols. “The VA Task Force now requests all VA employees to submit any instance of anti-Christian discrimination to ” Collins wrote in an email to employees on Tuesday (April 22).
Fill the Tank: Baptism Sunday puts spotlight on new life, obedience | Baptist Press - Crossmap News
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Fill the Tank: Baptism Sunday puts spotlight on new life, obedience
Metadata: Topic(s): Churches and Ministry, Discipleship, EvangelismFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) — North Shelby Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., celebrated six baptisms last year on Baptism Sunday, the annual Southern Baptist emphasis that urges churches to “fill the tank” and stir the waters, marking new life in Christ. Lexington Baptist Church baptized one, bringing the church’s total to 50 baptisms over the previous three years.
For Austin church with strong ties to seminary, giving to CP is receiving
AUSTIN, Texas — More than three dozen people from Acts Fellowship Church in Austin have gone to seminary, including 20 who have trained at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary—a testament to the vitality of a Cooperative Program partnership.
Ezell encourages “leap forward” as NAMB trustees meet in Los Angeles
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Capping two days of meetings with the North American Mission Board’s (NAMB) Board of Trustees, NAMB President Kevin Ezell expressed the urgent need to push forward with even greater strides and avoid settling for only incremental progress in taking the gospel to North America. The meetings took place Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 3-4. “Is it our goal, is it my goal to just be marginally better?” Ezell asked in his report to trustees Tuesday afternoon.
ERLC wants to hear from Southern Baptists
NASHVILLE (BP) — Southern Baptists wishing to provide direct input on issues addressed by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission may do so over the next six months through a survey released by the entity. “The ERLC exists to serve pastors and churches as a voice in the public square on issues important to Southern Baptists.
Rest, Reflect, Renew: A step-by-step guide to planning a meaningful women’s retreat
Metadata: Format(s): Text Articles Share this post: Springtime is often one of the busiest seasons for women’s ministry, but it also brings a unique opportunity to pause and reconnect. Planning a women’s retreat is a meaningful way to create space for rest, community, and spiritual renewal. Though the process may seem daunting, breaking it into manageable steps can help you craft a retreat that is both well-organized and impactful.
Ezell encourages “leap forward” as NAMB trustees meet in Los Angeles
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Capping two days of meetings with the North American Mission Board’s (NAMB) Board of Trustees, NAMB president Kevin Ezell expressed the urgent need to push forward with even greater strides and avoid settling for only incremental progress in taking the gospel to North America. The meetings took place Monday and Tuesday, February 3-4. “Is it our goal, is it my goal to just be marginally better?” Ezell asked in his report to trustees Tuesday afternoon.
Ezell encourages “leap forward” as NAMB trustees meet in Los Angeles
Metadata: Topic(s): North American Mission Board, Send ReliefFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: LONG BEACH, Calif. — Capping two days of meetings with the North American Mission Board’s (NAMB) Board of Trustees, NAMB president Kevin Ezell expressed the urgent need to push forward with even greater strides and avoid settling for only incremental progress in taking the gospel to North America. The meetings took place Monday and Tuesday, February 3-4.
NAMB trustees approve budget, celebrate work of NYC missionaries
NEW YORK CITY (BP) – North American Mission Board (NAMB) trustees approved the 2024-2025 budget and celebrated missionaries serving as church planters and in compassion ministry throughout the metro New York City area as they gathered for meetings Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 7-8. On Monday, trustees fanned out across the Big Apple, visiting church planting missionaries who are starting churches in key areas throughout the city’s five boroughs.
NAMB trustees approve budget, celebrate work of NYC missionaries
NEW YORK CITY (BP) – North American Mission Board (NAMB) trustees approved the 2024-2025 budget and celebrated missionaries serving as church planters and in compassion ministry throughout the metro New York City area as they gathered for meetings Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 7-8. On Monday, trustees fanned out across the Big Apple, visiting church planting missionaries who are starting churches in key areas throughout the city’s five boroughs.
NOBTS trustees approve new faculty, hear positive reports | Baptist Press
Metadata: Topic(s): New Orleans Baptist Theological SeminaryFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: NEW ORLEANS (BP) – The board of trustees for New Orleans Baptist Theology Seminary and Leavell College approved new faculty positions and heard a variety of positive reports during its fall meeting Oct. 8-9.
La gente necesitaba comida y compañía. Encontraron ambas cosas en la terraza trasera de la casa de un pastor.
Metadata: Share this post: FAIRVIEW, Carolina del Norte (BP) – El arroyo Cane comienza como un riachuelo en las montañas desde la casa de Stacy Harris. Los arroyos Garren y Flat también están ahí. Normalmente, crean las pequeñas charcas cristalinas que tanto gustan a las truchas y las cascadas favoritas de los turistas de las Montañas Humeantes. Su aspecto empezó a cambiar hace casi dos semanas, cuando las fuertes lluvias saturaron la zona. Luego llegó el huracán Helene el viernes 4 de octubre.
FIDUCIARIOS: Donación de $2.1 millones para la Escuela Iorg
Metadata: Share this post: ONTARIO, California (BP) – Los fideicomisarios aprobaron la creación de la Escuela de Liderazgo Cristiano Jeff P. Iorg en el Seminario Gateway durante la reunión de otoño de la junta directiva, el 7 y 8 de octubre de 2024. Nombrada en honor al ex presidente de Gateway y actual presidente y CEO del Comité Ejecutivo de la CBS, Jeff Iorg, la escuela representa tanto el legado como el futuro del Seminario Gateway, dijo el presidente Adam Groza.
Un año después de los mortíferos atentados de Hamás contra Israel, los colaboradores de Send Relief siguen ejerciendo su ministerio en la región
Metadata: Share this post: Desde los ataques del 7 de octubre de Hamás contra Israel hace un año, Send Relief ha estado trabajando con cristianos e iglesias en Israel, Gaza y Cisjordania. La generosidad de los bautistas del sur ha proporcionado comidas calientes y cajas de alimentos básicos, suministros médicos, asesoramiento para traumas e incluso refugios antibombas, lo que ha impactado a más de 22.000 supervivientes de la guerra.
Los directivos de la NAMB aprueban el presupuesto y celebran la labor de los misioneros de Nueva York
Metadata: Share this post: NEW YORK CITY (BP) – Los directivos de la Junta de Misiones Norteamericanas (NAMB), aprobaron el presupuesto 2024-2025 y celebraron a los misioneros que sirven como plantadores de iglesias y en el ministerio de compasión en toda el área metropolitana de la ciudad de Nueva York, mientras se reunían el lunes y martes, 7 y 8 de octubre.
Send Relief y Southern Baptist Disaster Relief preparan su respuesta mientras las autoridades evalúan los daños causados por Milton.
SIESTA KEY, Fla. (BP) – Con más de 3 millones de personas sin electricidad tras el paso del huracán Milton por el centro de Florida, la organización Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) está preparada para distribuir comidas desde el sábado a través de su colaboración con el Ejército de Salvación y la Cruz Roja Americana.
Los bautistas de Texas lanzan una nueva página de ayuda contra los abusos sexuales
Metadata: Share this post: Cuando el grupo de trabajo sobre abuso sexual, formado en mayo de 2023, presentó su informe final en la reunión de la Junta Ejecutiva de la Convención Bautista General de Texas el 24 de septiembre, el presidente del grupo de trabajo señaló que los recursos deben ser accesibles en un sitio web fácil de usar.
Revitalization comes about through many helping hands
Metadata: Topic(s): Churches and Ministry, Cooperative Program, North American Mission BoardFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: Editor’s note: October is Cooperative Program Emphasis Month in the Southern Baptist Convention. BIG SPRING, Texas (BP) — Brad Borggren arrived at his new pastorate in December 2019 with observations shared by many of his peers. Salem Baptist Church wanted to grow. Many great pastors had stood behind its pulpit in the church’s 115-year history.
13 states and D.C. sue TikTok claiming harm to children’s mental health
Metadata: Topic(s): Mental Health, National News, Social mediaFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: NEW YORK (BP) – After a 15-year-old Manhattan boy died attempting to “surf” atop a moving subway car in February 2023, his mother found videos promoting subway surfing in a TikTok challenge on his phone, a lawsuit filed against TikTok alleges.
NAMB trustees approve budget, celebrate work of NYC missionaries
Metadata: Topic(s): Church Planting, Evangelism, North American Mission BoardFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: NEW YORK CITY (BP) – North American Mission Board (NAMB) trustees approved the 2024-2025 budget and celebrated missionaries serving as church planters and in compassion ministry throughout the metro New York City area as they gathered for meetings Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 7-8.
First Phase of Retail at PV Nearly 100% Leased
The first phase of retail is nearing 100% leased at PV, the highly anticipated redevelopment of the former Paradise Valley Mall by RED Development, ahead of its grand opening this fall with the recent addition of seven new tenants, including first-to-market restaurants, upscale salons and a medical spa. This significant milestone is building momentum for the rest of the project.
NAMB trustees celebrate increased baptisms, meet Atlanta-based church planters
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Meeting at the offices of the North American Mission Board in metro Atlanta on Monday and Tuesday, May 6-7, members of NAMB’s Board of Trustees gained a greater understanding for the diversity of the city and the challenges that come with reaching it with the gospel. During their opening dinner, trustees learned of the partnerships that boost church planting efforts in the city. W.
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