Posts published in “SBC”

Despite 46% baptism surge, negative trend continues in SBC

Austin Bahm (left), college pastor at Temple Church, Hattiesburg, performs a baptism during one of the church's outdoor baptism services last year. (Photo credit: Temple Church)

Despite 46% baptism surge, negative trend continues in SBC

January 26, 2024

With far fewer churches gathering in person, Southern Baptist congregations didn’t do much baptizing during the pandemic. Those numbers have increased in recent years, but…

Two national reports expected today in SBC life

More than 200 gathered for the January Board Meeting at National WMU’s office in Birmingham. Sunday morning’s schedule included a time of worship. (Photo credit: Sarah Goff/National WMU)

Two national reports expected today in SBC life

January 8, 2024

‘Clear calls to action’: 350 students make salvation decisions at GA amusement park

(Photo credit: Christian Index)

‘Clear calls to action’: 350 students make salvation decisions at GA amusement park

January 5, 2024

Junior Hill, ‘country preacher’ embraced by the SBC, dies

Junior Hill (Photo credit: Baptist Press)

Junior Hill, ‘country preacher’ embraced by the SBC, dies

January 3, 2024

Baptist partners in Japan ready to respond to earthquake damage

Baptist partners in Japan ready to respond to earthquake damage

January 3, 2024

Final claim dismissed
in Johnny Hunt lawsuit
NASHVILLE (BP) — A U.S. district court has once again sided with the Southern Baptist Convention and other defendants in a suit brought by former SBC President Johnny Hunt. Chief District Judge William L. Campbell Jr., of the Middle District of Tennessee issued today (August 12) a final summary judgment on the only remaining claim in the case. Hunt filed the suit against the SBC, its Executive Committee and Guidepost Solutions in March 2023, claiming defamation after he was named in a 2022 report from Guidepost that was based on an investigation into alleged mishandling of sexual abuse claims by the SBC EC. Campbell had dismissed all other claims in the suit on March 31, 2025. The lone remaining claim regarded a 2022 tweet by then-SBC President Bart Barber that mentioned Hunt, who considered the post defamatory. The court’s determination today hinged on whether Hunt was a public figure and whether the tweet was made with actual malice. Campbell decided Hunt was a public figure “during the relevant time” and that there was no evidence of malice.