Beech Tree News Network

After a difficult economic stretch for many churches and pastors, Southern Baptist pastors may feel more comfortable compared to two years ago. Compensation for full-time Southern Baptist senior pastors, full-time staff ministers and full-time office personnel outpaced inflation over the past two years, according to a study conducted by Lifeway Research along with GuideStone Financial Resources and Baptist state conventions. * * * On the heels of the best year for baptisms on record at Hillvue Heights Church, with a staggering 745 recorded, pastors Steve Ayers and Jamie Ward tempered expectations for Godstock, the annual weekend of praise, worship and baptisms at Lake Barkley State Resort Park. The lesson? Never underestimate what the Lord can do. It was yet another big weekend at Godstock with 110 baptized and many more coming to know Jesus in an atmosphere of joy and praise.