Gray urges Christians to rekindle evangelistic zeal, 3 reasons for sexual abuse training.

According to a 2022 Lifeway Study, more than 90 percent of Christians surveyed say they are willing to have a conversation about their faith with a friend. However, the same study indicates that that less than 40 percent of them say they have had that conversation.

What’s the disconnect?

In this week’s episode of Baptist Press This Week, Todd Gray, executive director-treasurer of the Kentucky Baptist Convention, offers some insight on the problem.

He says churches should train people in how to share their faith. In the interview, he discusses how aspects of spiritual warfare can be a hindrance to evangelistic efforts.

He also encourages pastors and church leaders to be a model of other believers.

The full interview is available on the Baptist Press YouTube channel. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill late Thursday night (April 13) banning most abortions in the state after six weeks of pregnancy.

Titled the “Heartbeat Protection Act,” but known officially as Senate Bill 300, the legislation prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy by making it a felony for physicians or anyone else who would participate in carrying out an abortion which would violate the bill. 

The bill also prohibits state funds to be used to assist women in seeking out an abortion from other states, as well as using “telehealth” or mail to receive abortion medication.

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Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs

Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.

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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

In a piece in the Baptist Press Toolbox, Kris Buckman encourages churches to require sexual abuse training.

She says training reinforces a culture of a zero tolerance for abuse.

The more trained eyes you have, the safer kids will be. If every staff member and volunteer are educated in what symptoms of abuse to watch for, signs that tell us something isn’t right, or to notice when someone may be pushing boundaries with a child, it empowers us to take steps to move into action to protect the child. Knowing the pattern of grooming among predatory offenders allows everyone around to be on the lookout for red flags. 

She also believes that when potential predators know the church is trained to recognize the warning signs of sexual abuse a predator is less likely to act out.

Finally, she says it helps ensure written policies for prevention are followed.