Bob Smietana

• At 71, Christian Author Philip Yancey Still Believes in Amazing Grace, Despite the County's Divisions Friday, June 25, 2021
  In an interview with Religion News Service, Christian author Philip Yancey emphasizes the importance of grace, especially in today's world.
• Can a Tender-Hearted President Solve the Southern Baptists' Trust Problem? Friday, June 25, 2021
  The lack of trust within the denomination was palpable during the Southern Baptist Convention’s recent annual meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, where local church messengers often overruled Baptist...
• Who Is Ed Litton, the New Southern Baptist Convention President? Thursday, June 17, 2021
  The Southern Baptist Convention elected pastor Ed Litton as the denomination's new president. Here are a few facts you should know about Litton.
• Southern Baptist Executive Committee Hires Guidepost Solutions to Review Moore Allegations Monday, June 14, 2021
  On Friday, the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee announced that it has retained a firm to “conduct an independent review of its processes” for handling allegations for sexual...
• Friends Mourn Steve Austin, Former Pastor and Author Who Wrote about Suicide and Mental Health Friday, June 11, 2021
  Steve Austin, a former pastor who wrote candidly about his struggles with mental health, has died. He was 38.
• Pressure Mounts for an Independent Investigation of SBC Executive Committee Handling of Abuse Thursday, June 10, 2021
  Rolland Slade, the chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee, is planning to call for an independent investigation into the committee's handling of sexual abuse claims...
• SBC Sources: Paige Patterson Made 'Black Girl' Comments Cited in Russell Moore Letter Friday, June 4, 2021
  Two Southern Baptist sources have confirmed with RNS that the Southern Baptist Convention leader who made racist and sexist remarks about author and speaker Trillia Newbell was Paige Patterson.
• King James Saves the God Bless the USA Bible Tuesday, June 1, 2021
  Despite the original publishers dropping the God Bless the USA Bible last week, the controversial Bible is still on track to be published.
• Russell Moore, Baptist Ethicist and Trump Critic, to Leave ERLC for Christianity Today Thursday, May 20, 2021
  It was announced this week that Russell Moore will be leaving his position as president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission to work with Christianity Today.
• For Some Pastors, The Past Year Was a Sign from God it Was Time to Quit Tuesday, May 11, 2021
  According to a recent Barna Group survey, 29 percent of Protestant pastors said they had given “real, serious consideration to quitting being in full-time ministry within the last year.”
• Will COVID-19 Bring an End to the Church Collection Plate? Friday, April 23, 2021
  Passing the offering plate, once a staple of worship, has largely halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And given the rise of a cashless society — and the popularity of electronic giving — the days...
• Former Employee Sues Dave Ramsey's Company for Alleged Religious Discrimination, 'Cult-Like' Atmosphere Monday, April 19, 2021
  Dave Ramsey's company, Ramsey Solutions, is being sued for alleged religious discrimination and misrepresentation.
• Dave Ramsey's Company Dropped from 'Best Workplaces' List by Inc. Magazine Monday, April 5, 2021
  Accoridng to Inc. Magazine, Ramsey Solutions, the company owned by Christian financial guru and radio host Dave Ramsey, has been dropped from the magazine's list of the best places to work in...
• Gallup: Fewer than Half of Americans Belong to a Church or Other House of Worship Tuesday, March 30, 2021
  According to a new Gallup poll, for the first time since the late 1930s, fewer than half of Americans say they belong to a church, synagogue or mosque.
• Ravi Zacharias Ministry to Lay Off 60 Percent of Staff, Change Focus to Supporting Evangelism and Abuse Victims Thursday, March 11, 2021
  Ravi Zacharias International Ministry leaders have announced plans to lay off 60 percent of its staff and to reboot the organization to support evangelicalism and victims of abuse.
• Dave Ramsey's New Crusade: Ending COVID-19 Mask Orders Monday, March 8, 2021
  Dave Ramsey, a famed Christian finance guru, has endorsed legislation proposed in Tennessee that would ban mask mandates as discriminatory.
• John Baker, Founder of the Christian Support Group Celebrate Recovery, Has Died Thursday, February 25, 2021
  John Baker, the co-founder of Evangelical support group Celebrate Recovery, has died.
• SBC President J.D. Greear: 'God Did Not Call Southern Baptists to Save America' Wednesday, February 24, 2021
  Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear recently called on fellow Baptists to focus on the gospel instead of things that divide them.