
Former Gardendale pastor Steve Gaines dies following battle with cancer
Steve Gaines, former pastor of Bellevue Baptist in Cordova, Tennessee, and Gardendale First Baptist Church, died March 20. During his time at Gardendale FBC, Gaines led the congregation from a membership of 4,000 to 8,500.

Latest news: SEBTS announces presidential candidate; Olympic women’s sports news; Iran war and Easter; Christian filmmaker urges men not to settle into passivity
Check out these recent headlines, reported by The Baptist Paper.

Pastor Connections: Leaders, stop saying this; what leaders should do if they commit ‘serious sin’; churchgoers asked if they are sharing their faith
A few tips and more for pastors from pastors and church leaders.

First person: As we celebrate Easter, let’s ask the hard questions
The Bible is full of paradox. Jesus teaches us that the first shall be last (Matt. 20:16). We are told that whoever saves his life will lose it (Matt. 16:25). We read that the least among us is the greatest (Luke 9:48)…

Agriculture leaders hopeful about new Farm Bill
Alabama farming leaders are praising the new Farm Bill, which the U.S. House Agriculture Committee will begin considering this week.

Lass Words: View from the front
Leadership has its challenges, but choosing to serve the Lord is worth it.

National WMU leaders address healthy transitions in ministry
“Passing the torch is something that should constantly be on our hearts and minds. In a relay, the torch does not belong to one runner forever. Its power is not diminished when it is passed … [it] is extended.” —Sandy Wisdom-Martin

First person: Next steps for disgraced ministry leaders?
When a pastor or ministry leader commits serious sin, the usual response is predictable: announce a “restoration process,” keep him