BSC's budget running ahead of last year
As of May 12, the BSC's 2000 Cooperative Program (CP) budget was 4.27 percent ahead of last year, BSC Executive Director-treasurer Jim Royston told BSC General Board members at their meeting May 23. About $12.95 million has been received by the BSC, which is about 530,000 more than the same time period last year, he said. ... (Read the story)

Former SBC missions leader criticizes conservative 'takeover'
"This whole takeover was based on deceit, on lying, on cheating," said Keith Parks, former president of the SBC agency now known as the International Mission Board. ... (Read the story)

Pastor ventures to 'Millionaire' show, misses 'hot seat,' shares his faith
SCRANTON, Ark. - As a recent contestant on the popular "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" game show, Arkansas Baptist pastor Les Frazer did not emerge an instant millionaire. Frazer, who program officials said was the first-ever senior pastor to appear on the prime-time ABC television program, did not move beyond being one of 10 semifinalists on the top-rated program - which aired nationwide April 12. But Frazer did have the chance to award many others the riches found in Christ. ... (Read the story)

Will Hall to join Executive Committee as vice president for convention news
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Wilburn "Will" Keith Hall II, 40, will be recommended as vice president for convention news of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee effective June 15, Morris H. Chapman, president and chief executive officer, announced May 23. ... (Read the story)