Doctor Became an Advocate for Life, Scripture-Engaged Christians, Next Gen of Worship Leaders

Steve Hammond was a 28-year-old OB/GYN resident who started performing abortions to earn some extra money and because, it turned out, he was especially good at it. He believes he performed more than 700 abortions.

In a piece on Baptist Press, Hammond goes on to tell how an experience feeling the kick of a baby around 20 weeks of gestation caused him to change his mind when it came to performing abortions. Hammond says he had a one-year old child at the time and when the unborn baby kicked him from inside his mother’s womb, Hammond’s own child immediately came to mind.

Hammond not only stopped performing abortions but became an advocate for life. You can read the compelling story at Baptist Press.

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Younger Christians who engage with Scripture are more apt to care for prisoners and immigrants as neighbors than are older Christians, the latest release from the 2022 State of the Bible reveals.

While older Scripture-engaged Christians, those age 77 and above, more often say it’s important to be good neighbors, the difference is likely attributable to seniors’ narrower definition of the term neighbor, the American Bible Society (ABS) said in releasing the chapter focusing on being a good neighbor.

Among the Scripture-engaged of all ages, being a good neighbor ranked as highest among what the ABS described as pro-social priorities, followed by advocating for the oppressed, caring for the environment, caring for those in prison, befriending people of other religions, befriending people of other races, and welcoming immigrants.

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Worship pastor Danny James wants to foster the next generation of worship leaders by showing them they have a role – and maybe an instrument – to play.

Gillionville Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, where James serves, has implemented several new ways for people of all ages, from 3-year-olds to senior adults, to be involved in worship.

One example is James’ reimagining of the church’s children’s choir.

The children’s choir is now called Drum, Strum, Hum and children are encouraged to hum along to songs if they aren’t comfortable singing or to play a hand drum or, even, a ukulele for those who are a little more advanced.

James says there’s a lack of worship leaders in local churches in Georgia, and he hopes this will be a way to solve the problem in years to come.