Three Ways to Help Protect Your Church or Ministry Against Cyberattacks

By John Murphy We can’t seem to go a single week without hearing about a new cyberattack or ransomware campaign affecting the information of millions. Yet, we rarely hear about churches and other nonprofits being impacted — but that is not the case. Cybersecurity statistics from 2019 indicate 43% of all cyberattacks target ministries, nonprofits and small organizations.  If you combine …

Why Study Church History?

By Andrew Davis I love church history! I delight in immersing myself in the world of brothers and sisters in Christ from different eras of history and in different cultures from mine. I love to see how they acted so boldly and courageously for the glory of Christ. I thrill to read how firmly they stood against persecutors, or how …

B21 Podcast: Interview with Scott Charbonneau

In our most recent interview, B21’s Nate Akin had an opportunity to discuss various health topics pertinent to pastors with Guidestone’s Scott Charbonneau. To assist our listeners in some of the finer points related to this field, Guidestone has graciously provided an informational handout which breaks down navigating health coverage into 5 simple steps. This document and the link to …

Being Baptist in the 21st Century: Two Offices: Pastors & Deacons

Understanding the leadership structure presented in the New Testament is critical for healthy church functioning. To explore this topic, we have links to our two-part podcast on this topic, along with an article listed below. By Matt Diaz It’s popular in our day to take business maxims and apply them to the work of the church. While a whole host …

Four Ways You Can Participate in Mission:Dignity Sunday Help Provide Peace to Retired Ministers and Widows During COVID-19 Uncertainty

By Aaron Meraz “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  2020 has had what feels to be more than its share of trouble. Through Christ, though, we are able to view suffering and affliction as opportunities for increased gospel advancement and grace giving.  Here at GuideStone’s Mission:Dignity® ministry, we have the opportunity …

Why Should We Remain in the SBC?

By Jonathan Woodyard The departure of well-known Christians and churches from the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) tends to make the headlines. Recently a prominent pastor, one from whom I have benefited personally, led his church to leave voluntary cooperation with the SBC.  There are legitimate concerns with the state of our convention. The SBC is declining numerically, and baptisms are down. The reasons for the …

Being Baptist in the 21st Century: Church Discipline

By Dr. Josh Wredberg PODCASTS: ARTICLE:             What comes to your mind when you hear the words church discipline? Maybe you picture a scene from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter of Hester Prynne slinking down the sidewalks with a large, red “A” embroidered on her chest. Or maybe you envision the torture and death that was part of the Inquisition centuries ago. Many of the …

Being Baptist in the 21st Century: Congregationalism Podcast – Part II

“Congregationalism doesn’t mean we have town hall meetings where everyone gets to share their opinion on everything.” Hear what healthy congregationalism actually looks like in part 2 of our B21 Podcast featuring Pastor Dave Russell from Oakhurst Baptist in Charlotte, NC. Stay up-to-date with the latest in Baptist happenings and doctrinal discussions by SUBSCRIBING to the B21 Podcast. Available at iTunes, Spotify, …

Being Baptist in the 21st Century: Congregationalism

By Dave Russell B21 Podcast on Congregationalism with Dave Russell – Part I “Do Baptist churches have any accountability?” This is a question I have been asked on a number of occasions by pastors who serve in other denominations. The Baptist distinctive of congregationalism answers this question. God has provided accountability for every local church through the congregation itself.  While …