One of the most exciting and inspiring services of the General Assembly is the World Missions night. Anticipation is the norm, as missionaries and nationals march into the auditorium, raising flags, and influencing a rousing applause.

Tulsa, OK – The Oral Roberts University Board of Trustees announced a historic agreement that retains Dr. William M. Wilson as President of ORU for the next ten years. This long-term agreement gains the commitment of strong and able leadership for the future of the University as the Board and the University Planning Council work in conjunction with the President to address the challenges and opportunities of higher education both now and in the year 2030.

Starbucks closed 8,000 of its stores this week so its baristas could undergo four hours of racial sensitivity training. The company took the drastic action to counteract negative publicity it got last month when two black men were handcuffed and arrested simply because they sat in a Starbucks store in Philadelphia without ordering any coffee.

As in the past, prayer will be a primary focus of the upcoming Church of God International General Assembly (GA18) slated for July 30 – August 3, 2018 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

The “Christian Internet” is being built to help Christians and pastors “share the Gospel without censorship.” It is “one of the greatest works of God being done today and opens doors for teaching the Word of God and evangelism,” said Steven Andrew. He is the Christian Silicon Valley technology leader in charge of the effort.

Liberty Counsel filed an objection to a staggering subpoena from Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund (Lambda Legal), which represents the Human Rights Campaign and other plaintiffs in the case of Karnoski v. Trump. The objection to the subpoena was filed by Liberty Counsel on behalf of Dr. Ronnie Floyd, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Springdale and The Church at Pinnacle Hills, and Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. Floyd and Perkins have been targeted by these activists for simply participating in President Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board, which the president established to understand the concerns of Christians and receive counseling on a wide range of issues.

Cleveland, TN–At their recent meeting, the Pentecostal Theological Seminary Board of Trustees reaffirmed by unanimous election Dr. Michael L. Baker as president for the period of 2018-2022. The Church of God Executive Committee approved the Board’s decision.

The U.S. Supreme Court issued an order today that allows a 2015 Arkansas law requiring individuals who prescribe abortion drugs to have a partnership with a local doctor who agrees to treat emergency situations and has medical admitting privileges at a local hospital.

What is “optional” for Christians? Church attendance, going to Bible studies, tithing, giving to charity? As it turns out, many Christians say it’s becoming increasingly “optional” to share their faith in Christ with others.