Theology is for everyone. Michael Dellaperute investigates how average Christians and their pastors can change their attitude and approach to theology.

The best way to report on this past year of serving our fellowship of churches is to break the year down as pre–COVID-19 and post–COVID-19.

Joe is an average Christian. He is the first to admit he’s not pastor or deacon material.

Thirty-three years ago, the Lord privileged me to become the pastor of Wheelersburg Baptist Church, in Appalachian southern Ohio, where I presently serve.

Growing up, I never knew my biological father and was totally clueless about my paternal bloodline.

How was I supposed to reach people all over the world when engagement with people wore me out?

Legendary football coach Paul W. “Bear” Bryant famously preached that “defense wins championships.”

In these times of turmoil and uncertainty, Christians can look to Jesus, learn from Him, and redeem the time.

Never once have I heard my father use a swear word, which I think is significant.

As another election approaches, Christians will be confronted with hard decisions.

What a blessing it is to know that our God remains in sovereign control (Ps. 103:19; Eph. 1:11).

Did you know that practicing gratitude can rewire your brain?

One of the great encouragements of our day is a renewed focus on the mission of the church.

A midlife crisis is usually described as a period between ages 35 and 60 when a person goes through a slump or questions the direction of his or her life.

Too many Americans, including many Christians, believe science is best suited over other disciplines to reveal truth. It is past time to reconsider the limits of science.

Even in Christian circles we use oxymorons, and some can be unhelpful: “dead church,” “boring preaching,” “lifeless singing,” “fruitless Christian,” and—the one I believe severely hurts our testimony as followers of Christ—“joyless Christian.”

Several years ago, while on a lengthy flight to a conference, I found myself sitting next to a young neurobiologist.

In many ways, James is a typical seven-year-old boy. He loves superheroes, Boy Scouts, and pretend sword fights. Unfortunately, his divorced parents agree on very little, including his gender.

Have you ever received a phone call that both surprised you and ended up turning your life upside down? If so, you will relate to my experience.

Previously, we argued that the soundest hermeneutical approach is what we are calling originalism. In this final installment, we will address some objections and questions that commonly arise from critics of originalism.

Gracious. This word covers a lot: kindness, courtesy, good taste, tact, compassion. Today churches need to be gracious in every avenue of communication.

By Mike Hess If you’ve been in any kind of relationship, you probably know what it means to drift apart. The phenomenon of social media …

“This whole thing started because I didn’t get my way,” says Pastor Pat Nemmers, lead pastor of Saylorville Church in Des Moines, Iowa. “And that’s why I love telling this story, because it puts me in my place.”

David Gunn examines an originalist interpretation of Scripture and non-originalist hermeneutical approaches that are in vogue today, offering reasons why originalism is far superior.

A new generation is emerging right before our eyes. The Millennials are now adults, and today’s current youth culture is dominated by members of Generation Z.

In recent American politics, we have been introduced to the concept of quid pro quo, a Latin phrase which refers to an exchange of goods or services that is offered with a contingency or expectation of receiving something in return.

It’s popular these days to say Biblical prophecy doesn’t matter in the larger scheme of Christian living in the 21st century. This issue of the Baptist Bulletin considers why dispensationalists disagree with that opinion.

This past June, with unanimous approval, the Council of Eighteen voted to move forward with a new purpose statement for the GARBC.

Systematic theologies traditionally cover 10 topics of Christian doctrine. Almost without exception, the last one is eschatology, or the doctrine of end-times.

Two times in the last five decades dispensational theology—with its attendant views on the rapture of the church, the restoration of the nation of Israel, and the judgments of the Tribulation—has had a massive cultural impact.

Far too often we like to discuss theology or Christian living without first addressing the more fundamental issue: hermeneutics, the art and science of interpreting the Scriptures.

Every believer experiences the steep learning curve involved with first-time Bible study.

For as long as I can remember, I have always been a little sketchy about crossing bridges—especially ones that span a massive body of water.

While our world is full of devastation, decay, and death, redemption is coming! One day King Jesus will return and make all things new (Rev. 21:5). In the meantime, how are Christians to relate to planet Earth?

A Biblical View of Environmental Responsibility By Christopher Cone The climate changed (pun intended) dramatically in 1966 when medieval historian Lynn White presented a groundbreaking …

By Ken Fields On a muggy May evening in 1982, a dozen 10-, 11-, and 12-year-olds with big league aspirations were fielding ground balls on …

By Larry Vardiman It’s tough as a Christian these days to know what to believe about the controversial issues in the news. So many voices …

By Al Franklin We believe in young earth creation because we believe in the authority of Scripture. Since the Bible is the Word of God …

By David Doran In the 1990s God used a string of biographies to burden my heart for a conference to promote missions among college students. …

This issue of the Baptist Bulletin explores how theologically rooted evangelism can become the natural outflow of believers’ lives.

National Representative Mike Hess is encouraged by what the Lord has done in the past year and is eager to see what He will do as we press forward to “Make Disciples through Healthy Local Churches.”

The gospel is displayed through our lives, but it also must be proclaimed and explained by our words.

We don’t have to choose between the substance of the gospel and the beauty of the gospel. We are called to both.

Now is the time to tell your story. Because you do have a story. And it matters.

Remembering the High Cost of Unholy Living By Jeff Straub Editor’s note: The May/June issue of the Baptist Bulletin explored the phenomenon of ministry collapse …

A critical review of Andy Stanley’s Irresistible: Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World.

Pastors are making news, and not always in a good way. This issue of the Baptist Bulletin considers three measures pastors and churches can use …

Funny thing about secret sins: they tend not to stay secret forever. And when God sovereignly brings to light the things that we would prefer to conceal, the consequences can be devastating. They certainly were for two highest-profile megachurch pastors.

The GARBC’s relationship with the National Association of Regular Baptist Camps plays an important role in “Making Disciples through Healthy Local Churches.”

The public demise of pastors should provoke us pastors to examine our hearts and to subject our own lives to scrutiny.

Pastor, what are you preoccupied with? Rather than preoccupying yourself with the day-to-day stuff that typically characterizes the role of pastor, what would happen if you were preoccupied with following Jesus?

Evangelicalism has been plagued in recent days by several well-known cases of ministerial malfeasance.

Well into adulthood we carry a tendency to always search for the greener grass, which can be particularly harmful within ministry contexts.

Dr. Myron Houghton, longtime theology professor at Denver Baptist Bible College and Seminary and Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary, has retired after almost 50 years of teaching.

The March/April Baptist Bulletin takes a look at the sufficiency of Scripture—even for dealing with today’s unique problems, as well those that have plagued every generation since Adam and Eve.

Many Christians see the Bible as a book about how to be saved and walk with Jesus, but don’t see it offering real insight into the most serious counseling topics.

If our goal is to bring the lost to Jesus and to help believers become more like Christ, are we equipping ourselves to apply Biblical solutions to modern problems like technology?

Drug addiction has a new face and is touching the families sitting in our church pews.

No one wants to become experienced with suffering. Yet for the last three and a half years, our family has walked through many times of suffering, as ordained by our sovereign, wise, and good God.

Witnessing a son or daughter charging hastily into destruction is a burden so heavy even the most resolute parents despair of bearing it.

The response of Christian leaders to abuse often betrays a superficial understanding of Biblical forgiveness.

Has God ever asked you to give up something precious to you? In my own life, God asked for three of my children.

This issue of the Baptist Bulletin looks at gender roles, Biblical womanhood, and discipleship.

How one woman changed her life’s path from planning to be a neurosurgeon to attending seminary with her husband.

Today the average pastor has hundreds of options when it comes to spending his conference budget. Consider the following excellent reasons for attending the GARBC Conference in June.

The #MeToo movement has shaken the ground beneath the feet of modern American culture. We now find ourselves trying to regain our equilibrium as cracks have emerged in the foundation of virtually every institution.

The plot of the The Handmaid’s Tale forces us to ask, How do we as Christian husbands and wives interpret and implement the teachings of the Scriptures in our marriages?

As an unmarried female missionary, I am often asked to share my views on both singleness and women in ministry.

Two announcements tend to suck the life out of a congregation: the pastor’s announcement of resignation and the search committee’s announcement that a qualified candidate has not been found to fill the pastoral vacancy.

In the flurry of interest and activity for discipleship programs, churches may overlook the strongest discipleship ministry they already have—the Sunday School.

What doctrines affect the character of your church services? Should signs and wonders be the norm for believers today? How do we discern the genuine …

By Mike Hess Recently Christina and I became members of the local church we have been attending. During the membership interview process, our pastor, Mark …

By David Gunn Numerous controversies have gripped the fundamentalist and evangelical worlds in the last century. Debates have raged over a whole panoply of issues: …

Does God Speak through Dreams and Visions Today? By Flip Michaels My first book, Five Half-Truths: Addressing the Most Common Misconceptions of Christianity, has moved …

Innocuous Circus or Insidious Campaign? By Brennan Wilson People crave excitement. With no shortage of available streams to drink from, entertainment—and the excitement it promises—finds …

Dealing with Accusations Biblically By David Strope Life was simpler when I was a child in the 1960s. No PlayStations, iPads, or computers. My brothers …

Waiting for Inestimable Glory By Bob Stevenson When I was young, Christmastime held a kind of reverent expectancy. The decorations, music, gifts, food, candlelight service …

Do you know a dying or plateauing church? How can new life be breathed into it? To help answer, Marshall Fant III lays out “A …

By Mike Hess One of the rich comforts of knowing that God is sovereign is the assurance that He rules over transitions and seasons in …

What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “church revitalization”?

Regular Baptist Builders Club believes that local churches can change the world.

Do you remember when your church was started? When the movement began?

“The mission of our church is to make more and better disciples,” one pastor says. “We want to do that . . . everywhere.”

Clare Jewell, director of Regular Baptist Builders Club, discusses church revitalization and how a consultation typically works.

The preaching and teaching legacy of Dr. Ralph G. Turk has the ability can people in service to their Lord.

Change—it has come to the GARBC once again, as John Greening ends his tenure as national representative and Mike Hess begins his.

John Greening wanted to complete several tasks before turning over the role of national representative to his successor. “By God’s help,” Greening says, “mission accomplished!”

John and Daria Greening talk about their life and ministry as they exit their role at the helm of the GARBC.

Fellowshipping with the GARBC means that churches are also fellowshipping with one another. And when congregations work together, God can accomplish much.

As we enter a new era of GARBC history, we would do well to look back at the men whose lengthened shadows still influence us today.

The psalmist, writing long before the beginning of the New Testament era, left us an important reminder: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Lupe Menzoza was preparing to teach the teen Sunday School class when he was informed of suspicious behavior in the church parking lot: “Someone’s in the parking lot, and I think they’re going through cars.”

While parents, like sherpas, have a responsibility to guide their children up the mountain of faith, ultimately it is their own two feet that bring them to the summit, where they must decide for themselves whether to trust Christ.

Mike Hess, GARBC national representative candidate, shares his objectives for the association.

Read the most up-to-date information about the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches.

What is the “right” music for worship? What constitutes “wrong” music for worship? These questions, and the ensuing debates, have driven a polarizing wedge between otherwise like-minded churches.

What are the best practices for choosing church music? How can we find more unity in the Body of Christ and disagree without calling into question each other’s faithfulness to Christ, to orthodoxy, and to orthopraxy?

A pastor makes the case that musical form conveys meaning and that traditional forms are better suited to convey Biblical truth.

The Council of Eighteen recommends Mike Hess as the next national representative of the GARBC.

For some time John Greening had been telling the Council of Eighteen, “I am planning to retire soon, and I would prefer a search process begin sooner rather than later. Don’t wait to seek God’s man.”

Mike Hess shares his journey toward accepting his nomination as the next GARBC national representative.

The Council of Eighteen shares answers to common questions about its recommendation of a national representative.

When it comes to congregational worship, what are we actually doing and why are we doing it? Is there a right way? Is there a better way?

With the conclusion of his tenure just around the corner, the GARBC national representative is completing a few final initiatives, including investigating the possibility of helping churches provide for pastors’ retirement needs.

Read the most up-to-date information about the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches.

By John Greening Since the GARBC’s inception, solid expositional preaching and doctrinal purity have been association hallmarks. During the fellowship’s formative days, its leaders and …

Regular Baptist Press firmly believes God’s Word is living and powerful and more effective than any idea or philosophy man could ever dream up.

Three writers remember Billy Graham, “the man who should receive a lot of credit for my coming to Christ,” one writer says.

Baptists place a priority on the autonomy of each local assembly, and generally, this polity works well.

The 1950 photo of Billy Graham and Bob Jones III hints at a complicated story, full of colorful personalities reduced to a typical mid-century palette: black and white.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul encourages believers to be servants of Jesus Christ even in the midst of trouble.

This issue of the magazine offers insight in ministering to various generations.

Individual verses of Scripture realize their greatest potential when taught in their context that explains their true and full meaning.

One of the great challenges and blessings in a church family’s life is connecting and ministering to the generations.

A better understanding—through loving Jesus and sharing our stories—will help bridge the gap among generations.

In Batavia, New York, Pastor Don Shirk and Deacon Frank Klimjack have formed a tag team to train their local police department.

What would it take for us to embrace the obstacles in student ministry as opportunities for God to do something amazing?

Staying connected in a changing culture.

A recent trip to Asia targeted important objectives for Regular Baptist International.

Camp is hilarious in the most unexpected ways, and it is in those unexpected moments that impressions are made.

This issue is dedicated to church planting in the United States.

The growing trend in our Western culture of people having “non-Christian faith” or “no faith/unaffiliated” comes as no surprise.

Regular Baptist Ministries announces the appointment of David Gunn as director of Regular Baptist Press.

A leader of Converge addresses the importance of church planting.

The most effective way to reach the millions of lost people living around us is to plant new churches. But a mind-set change must precede a church planting movement.

Every local church should be involved in church multiplication in some manner, though not necessarily in the same way.

A healthy church is a reproducing church.

In honor of the 500th anniversary of Reformation Day, this article is the fifth in a series exploring the history and significance of the Protestant Reformation from a Baptist perspective.

At Involve Church, leaders focus on plugging people into a life of ministry through discipleship and service.

An interview with four Baptist missions agencies.

The September/October issue focuses on the relevance today of the five solas—those elegant expressions of Biblical truth that rose out of the Reformation.

Are you willing to walk at Jesus’ speed, or will you rush ahead because Jesus seems to be walking too slowly?

There is much in the spirit of the Reformation that resonates deeply and powerfully with Baptists, and rightly so.

Scriptural authority was the foundational issue for the Protestant Reformers.

Martin Luther wrestled with how a perfect, holy, sinless God could ever accept a sinful, unrighteous person into His righteous presence.

One of the most distinctive teachings of that faith, separating it from all other belief systems, is the resounding truth of grace (sola gratia).

Scripture clearly teaches that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only condition of salvation.

The more we connect God’s grace with His glory, the more we can see how this glory can be a part of our daily lives.

This fourth article in a Reformation Day series explores the history and significance of the Protestant Reformation from a Baptist perspective.

In this issue, Ryan Day reminds readers about “Longing for His Appearing,” while Brian Richard’s “September 23, Revelation 12, and the Rapture” warns about teachers who go overboard on eschatology.

By John Greening Editor’s note: This issue’s “Front Row” is taken from the GARBC’s annual report for 2017. Read the entire report on pages 55–64 …

By Ryan Day “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on …

Teaching eschatology is important, even though some teachers go overboard.

John Greening to retire after two decades of faithful service.

A letter from David E. Strope, chairman of the National Representative Search Committee.

In honor of the 500th anniversary of Reformation Day, this article is the third in a series exploring the history and significance of the Protestant Reformation from a Baptist perspective.

Five more important principles for perpetuating sound practices.

A conversation with Clare Jewell of Regular Baptist Church Planting.

Christians today face enormous challenges living out their faith in the public square. This issue of the Baptist Bulletin focuses on precisely those challenges.

If you see a tired ministry in the mirror, don’t settle for same old, same old. There are new possibilities to consider!

Five important principles for perpetuating sound practices.

It’s a bird; it’s a plane; no, it’s a . . . Flying Spaghetti Monster? Responding to scorn in an age of derision.

When social media and friends collide.

In honor of the 500th anniversary of Reformation Day, this article is the second in a series exploring the history and significance of the Protestant Reformation from a Baptist perspective.

Camping ministries foster spiritual growth and lasting change.

People in the military need your pastor. They need his prayers, and they need him as their chaplain.

On April 10, Neil M. Gorsuch was sworn in as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, bringing the nation’s highest court to full strength for the first time since the late Justice Antonin Scalia passed away last February.

This issue considers three death-related subjects: abortion, mourning, and the believer’s death to sin/self. Kimberly Ross gives an update in “The Battle against Abortion,” while …

While a few Baptist churches are in Hazleton, Pa., only one is focused on starting a multiethnic church.

Two schools have joined our host of advertisers: Cedarville University and Bob Jones University.

The fight to protect and give a voice to the unborn continues.

Biblical guidance for helping the bereaved.

Living a life dead to sin means picking up our cross each day.

Martin Luther: The champion of justification by faith.

An update on Regular Baptist Church Planting.

This issue is dedicated to helping pastors improve their communication.

Today the fields of hermeneutics and homiletics may be reflecting the spirit of our age and may have created a movement that could be titled “Preaching of the Absurd.”

Every preacher is in a constant battle with the clock. The use of metaphors is a valuable means of solving the problem of what can be left out of a sermon without weakening it as a whole.

Biblical languages, history, and doctrine are little more than technical jargon if they are not wed with an often-overlooked dimension of quality preaching—imagination.

When the phone rings at 2:45 a.m., you know it’s something momentous. When you’re chaplain of your local police department, you know it’s bad news.

In education, business, and organizations, best practices—the correct and most effective commercial or professional procedures—set the standard for excellence. Following these guidelines improves efficiency and …

We used to think that obedience to the Great Commission, reaching all nations, meant going across the ocean. All it means now is going to Walmart.

Is homosexuality a choice? Is same-sex attraction sinful? Should we expect same-sex attraction to change into opposite-sex attraction?

This was a first for me—attending back-to-back Sunday services of three separate congregations, each representing a different ethnicity, with all three meeting in the same building.

When you apply Biblical truth, how much of your understanding is colored by the culture? This issue explores matters such as civic responsibility (“Civic Responsibility …

The profound influence of higher-education instructors.

Are we elevating man-driven human rights over God-given natural rights?

Ungodly influences led to segregation in churches; Biblical unity can end it.

Ministering among migrant workers.

Take a fresh look at Sunday School and the purposes it serves today.

The ministry behind the ministry for young people working at summer camps.

The September/October issue provides a loving, Biblical response to the LGBT movement.

The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship Association launches Sunday School curriculum for urban ministries.

A loving, Biblical response to the LGBT movement.

Coming to grips with a growing trend.

Ten lessons from a seasoned Biblical counselor.

Is the story of Jesus copied from pagan beliefs and traditions?

An overview of the 2016 GARBC Conference.

Remembering Aggie Haik, missionary in Northeast Brazil.

Why your church should take a long, hard look at Kids4Truth Clubs.

A look at what’s ahead for the church planting initiative.

Our theology has practical ramifications.

Bold and big—these words describe the work of the Council of Eighteen and the administrative team of Regular Baptist Churches during the past year.

A survey and diagnosis of several major theological errors on the market today.

50-day prayer campaign for Regular Baptist Church Planting.

It is vitally important to keep your church’s belief statement up to date.

A Baptist church gives its foundational and governing documents a complete makeover.

A week of camp is still making a difference in the lives of students.

Choosing a theological system isn’t just a theoretical matter—the practical ramifications are massive.

The good, the bad, and the ugly of online giving.

The ins and outs of teaching systematic theology in a local church setting.

A church’s testimony about Kids4Truth.

Much of this issue is dedicated to remembering Mark Jackson, a leader in several areas of Regular Baptist life.

By Greg Linscott “In days gone by, the independent Baptist movement was like a pie,” observed Steve Pettit, president of Bob Jones University. “Each segment …

“Eternity for every child of God will be a permanent state of blissful service, worship, and glory,” Dr. Mark Jackson wrote. On March 7, Dr. Jackson’s eternity began. He was 87.

Read seven tributes to Dr. Mark Jackson, who went Home to be with his Lord on March 7, 2016.

In 1981, Mark Jackson delivered this sermon at the association’s annual conference. We believe it perfectly captures the Christ-centered heartbeat that characterized his entire ministry.

Summer is coming, and along with summer come thoughts of camp. Camp is fun for sure, but there are more benefits to a week away at a Christian camp.

One of the most precious of all truths to me as a Bible-believing Christian is that the Bible tells me all I need to know about the Lord Jesus Christ.

For the first time in almost 50 years, executive directors of camps in the National Association of Regular Baptist Camps met with leaders and employees of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches.

The United States is now the third largest mission field in the world. The most effective way to bring light into this darkness is by …

Time is a precious commodity. But one thing that would make your to-do list substantially easier is this: invest in the strategic development of your church’s website.

The gospel transforms lives, shapes worldviews, and changes culture. So does it matter if we call the world around us to moral standards?

By John Greening I wonder what Timothy would have said if he had been asked to preach the memorial service for the apostle Paul. Certainly …

While American primary voters are deciding who they think will, among other things, best keep America safe, this issue of the Baptist Bulletin considers Biblical teaching on security.

By John Greening The opportunity to connect with pastors and church leaders through our Regular Baptist Web Community makes for an enjoyable and gratifying experience …

Does the Bible give Christians the right to use lethal force in defending themselves and their families? What is the individual’s right to self-defense?

Should Christians serve in the military? For me and for many other Christians, the answer is yes!

Many stories of God’s goodness can be recounted from the life of Dr. Gary Anderson of Baptist Mid-Missions. These stories may never have unfolded, however, were it not for grace.

If welcoming strangers in churches also potentially invites horror and tragedy, how can any church risk receiving visitors into their midst?

A pastor and his family are teaching basic Bible truths in public schools, even the middle school and alternative high school.

Get to know Rev. Vernon Rosenau, president of Baptist Mid-Missions, as he shares his heart for BMM and his passion for the Great Commission.

Christ-centered preaching has become a dividing wall between Jesus’ followers. If we are going to proclaim Christ from the Old Testament in a responsible way, we need to clear up some common misunderstandings, then chart the way forward.

Positioning itself as a resource for reproducing churches, the GARBC introduces its Regular Baptist church-planting initiative in an article by David Burman Jr. Meanwhile, “The …

I need your help. As 2016 gets under way, our GARBC Resource Center will send a packet of material to churches in the fellowship. The …

The GARBC is developing a dedicated initiative to facilitate the planting of Regular Baptist churches.

The 2016 GARBC Conference will explore Christ in the Old Testament in depth.

A church’s testimony of God’s work in breaking barriers and realizing possibilities.

The Christian church in America, we are often told, finds itself on the brink of collapse. We are happy to report that the rumors of the church’s death throes have been greatly exaggerated!

Among the many ways churches can be planted, intentionally parenting a daughter church is possibly the best approach. In fact, it is often far easier to plant a new church than to revitalize a dying one.

Four suggestions for communicating with unchurched adults.

Boasting a variety of beautiful terrains, the Poconos is Pennsylvania’s premier resort destination–but is woefully under-churched.

With the number of study Bibles available, how do you know which one is best for you? David Gunn compares the ESV, Jeremiah, MacArthur, NIV …

I am excited to see how the Lord will grow our association, using it to impact lives in the work of evangelizing and teaching.

An interview with Pastor Al Franklin, reflecting on the thrust of his ministry and the lessons he would pass on to the next generation of Regular Baptists.

What churches should know about copyright law.

Practical principles for understanding proverbial promises.

Meet the new director of Regular Baptist Press.

A distinguished Regular Baptist minister is promoted to Glory.

A comparison and review of five major study Bibles.

Laboring for the Lord bears fruit—even when it’s not evident right away.