- Journal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention since 1877 July 17, 2025

Lifeway trustees begin search for new president, name interim CEO

Joe Walker will serve as interim president of Lifeway Christian Resources, trustees decided in a special-called meeting July 15. (Photo credit: Lifeway)

Lifeway trustees begin search for new president, name interim CEO

July 17, 2025

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Lifeway Christian Resources trustees named an interim CEO and began the initial steps to search for a successor to President and CEO…

IN THE MARGINS: ‘I’ve Got Your Back’

IN THE MARGINS: ‘I’ve Got Your Back’

July 16, 2025

Ben Mandrell called as Bellevue senior pastor

Ben Mandrell preaches at Bellevue Baptist Church on July 13. The church called Mandrell to be their eighth senior pastor. (Photo credit: Bellevue Baptist Church)

Ben Mandrell called as Bellevue senior pastor

July 15, 2025

Explore the Bible: July 20

Explore the Bible: July 20

July 15, 2025

Bible Studies for Life: July 20

Bible Studies for Life: July 20

July 15, 2025

Clergy Act advances from House
Ways and Means Committee
DALLAS – On Dec. 10 the House Ways and Means Committee advanced the Clergy Act, H.R. 227, in a bipartisan, unanimous vote. The Clergy Act would provide ministers who opted out of Social Security a one-time window to opt back in. The bipartisan legislation was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by California Congressmen Vince Fong and Mike Thompson, and has gained the support of several co-sponsors. The legislation is supported by GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention and other leaders from a wide variety of large and historic denominational benefit boards. In a news release issued by Rep. Fong’s office, GuideStone President Hance Dilbeck expressed gratitude to Fong for his leadership. The Clergy Act would create a two-year window beginning in 2029 that would allow eligible ministers who have opted out of Social Security to revoke their exemption and begin contributing. Ministers must still meet the standard 10-year contribution requirement to earn full retired-worker benefits, receiving benefits proportional to their contributions.