Since 1843, the state Baptist paper has been an important part of Alabama Baptist life. During its first year of publication, the state convention adopted a resolution describing the paper as “an instrument of great power in promotion of the best interest of the denomination and in advancing the cause of Christ at large.”
That year the messengers “urgently recommended” that “the brethren generally make a strenuous effort to place the paper in every Baptist family in the state.”
Those first issues of The Alabama Baptist offered information about what God was doing in and through Baptists in the state and around the world. Commentary by such Baptist stalwarts as Jewett, Hartwell, DeVotie, Lindsey, Holman, Breaker, Chambliss and others interpreted the information and analyzed developments. Inspiring accounts of God’s movement in the churches was a staple of the early papers.
All of this combined to produce more involvement in Baptist life than had been experienced prior to the founding of the state Baptist paper. Even then, Baptists understood that people only participate in what they care about, and they can care about only those things about which they have information.
Almost 160 years later, Baptists still strive to “place the paper in every Baptist family in the state.” One of the ways churches are encouraged to provide the state Baptist paper for all their active resident families is through “Read The Alabama Baptist Day,” this year scheduled for July 30. On that day, churches will call attention to the contributions The Alabama Baptist makes to their ongoing life.
A major contribution of the paper is to enlarge the missions vision of church members. Studies conducted by both the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board found the primary source of missions information received by church members was from the state Baptist papers. More recently, a communications audit conducted by the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions placed The Alabama Baptist as a primary communications channel.
Without this ongoing stream of missions information, church members may see their responsibility and opportunities more locally than globally. But the missions information provided through the state Baptist paper helps keep one aware of the needs of the world.
The state Baptist paper also assists a church with its educational tasks. What does it mean to be a Baptist? How do Baptists do church? What do Baptists believe about various moral issues? These and other such questions are regularly addressed through stories and articles published in The Alabama Baptist.
The education may not take place in a structured learning environment, but education does take place. Regular reading of the state Baptist paper provides valuable insights and understandings about Baptist life.
The state Baptist paper also aids a church with its promotional tasks. More than half the Sundays of the year are marked on the denominational calendar for a special promotion. No church can do all of them, but the state Baptist paper can and does. The promotional emphasis of the paper means readers will be exposed to the many aspects of Baptist life and work.
The state Baptist paper provides basic promotional information allowing churches to tailor their promotional efforts to their local situation and needs.
Regular reading of The Alabama Baptist helps readers be better church members. In addition to encouraging regular Bible study and prayer, the state Baptist paper keeps readers apprised of the latest resources and the newest ideas for various ministries. Special attention is provided to ongoing problem areas like preparing to build, insurance needs of churches and making facilities accessible for all members.
The state Baptist paper helps readers deal with real life issues from a Christian perspective. Feature stories provide ideas from the experiences of others that might be helpful to readers facing similar situations. In-depth articles and series examine topics ranging from preparing for parenthood to selecting care for aging parents or one’s self.
Across the years, The Alabama Baptist has proven itself an invaluable partner in the ministry of every local Baptist church in the state. It is the only publication that provides information from the local church, the association, the state convention, the nation and the world of religion all in one place. It is convenient. It is effective. It is needed.
The Alabama Baptist should be part of the Christian literature that every church provides for its active resident families. At only 17 cents per week per family, the state Baptist paper is also one of the most affordable Christian resources a church can provide.
On July 30, when your church observes “Read The Alabama Baptist Day,” remember some of the ways the state Baptist paper contributes to you, your fellow members and the ministry of your church. And like our forefathers, Baptist leaders still “urgently recommend” the churches “make a strenuous effort to place the paper in every Baptist family.”
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