June 5, 2019
Virginia Beach tragedy: Baptist church mourns lossJune 4 2019 by Grace Thornton, Baptist Press | |
![]() | A Virginia Baptist church is mourning the loss of one of its own in the wake of a mass shooting that left 12 dead in a Virginia Beach office building on May 31. READ MORE |
IMB sex abuse prevention underway amid new reportJune 4 2019 by Diana Chandler, Baptist Press | |
![]() ![]() | A new media report on sex abuse allegations, admissions and convictions involving former International Mission Board workers comes as the IMB is implementing extensive sex abuse prevention reforms. READ MORE |
Motions, amendments process receives digital upgradeJune 4 2019 by Baptist Press Staff | |
![]() ![]() | Messengers will be able to “pre-file” the text of their motion or amendment and contact information with the recording secretary prior to the time of introducing new business ... READ MORE |
EC may revise sex abuse prevention proposalMay 31 2019 by Diana Chandler, Baptist Press | |
![]() ![]() | The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee will consider revising its proposed constitutional amendment on sex abuse and racism. READ MORE |






Hollifield: Youth weeks play significant role in students’ lives​
Last Missouri Planned Parenthood to stay open
A guide to understanding the Credentials Committee proposal​
ERLC’s Andrew Walker to join Southern’s faculty
Students learn Bible truths in retrofitted school bus


![]() ![]() Seth Brown Executive Editor | Pray for wisdom & unity Southern Baptists have a sizable portion of heavy news to digest as we approach our annual meeting in Birmingham next week. Thankfully, we serve a Lord who urges us to cast our cares upon Him, and He promises to sustain us (Psalm 55:22). As you can see in this edition of the BRweekly, sex abuse is still a matter of great concern for our churches and entities. The International Mission Board (IMB) is implementing changes in response to an external review of how it handles reports of sex abuse among its workers. That news comes as the Houston Chronicle continues to publish reports in its series on sex abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). The SBC executive committee announced proposals to overhaul messenger credentialing and how the convention reviews reports that a church may be acting in contradiction to Southern Baptist faith and practice regarding issues such as sex abuse or racism. Their proposals involve detailed changes to the SBC Constitution and bylaws. Please read the news reports carefully. Your Biblical Recorder staff works hard to ensure reliable information is available so that messengers can participate in the convention’s business prayerfully and confidently. A tragic shooting in Virginia Beach on May 31 gave us cause to mourn yet again. Still, encouraging reports indicate that Virginia Baptists are ministering in their communities with the Lord’s comfort, even as they grieve. The situation also created an opportunity on Sunday for David Platt, pastor of McLean Bible Church and former IMB president, to pray and share the gospel with U.S. President Donald Trump. In response to the shooting, the president made an unannounced visit to McLean during corporate worship, where he spoke briefly with church leaders backstage and was invited onto the stage while Platt prayed. There is more news to tell but I trust that you will take advantage of the resources in this newsletter and at BRnow.org to stay informed. BR staff will be on site in Birmingham, Ala. next week at the SBC Pastors’ Conference and the annual meeting. Be sure to say hello if you see us, and do not hesitate to contact us with any important news or information. We exist to inform and inspire! Email me: [email protected] Follow me on Twitter Follow the Biblical Recorder on Twitter |