The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) congratulated Pope Francis for being elected the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church and said it hopes to continue positive dialogue together.

The Rev. Dr. Geoff Tunnicliffe, secretary general of WEA, which represents more than 600 million evangelical Christians, extended his "warmest congratulations" to the newly elected Pope and affirmed his prayers for the new leader, who will head the Catholic Church "at a time filled with great challenges but also a time of great possibilities...," in a statement released Thursday.

"We look forward to building on some of the good work we have done together in the past, such as the collaboration for the document Christian Witness in a Multi-Religious World: Recommendations for Conduct," said Tunnicliffe. more >>

NFL player Tim Tebow and reality television star Willie Robertson were just two of the well-known names to headline the Wildfire Conference for Men, held at Liberty University's Vines Center in Lynchburg, Va., this past weekend.

The conference, which took place March 8 and 9, sold out to a 10,000-male audience and featured the headliners Tim Tebow, who is a quarterback for the New York Jets, Willie Robertson, star of A&E's reality show "Duck Dynasty," as well as former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz.

"Men from all walks of life – grandfathers, fathers, sons, brothers, hunting buddies, and more –came together to worship God and learn more about the life of true adventure that God intends for every man," Michael Queen, director of marketing at the American Association of Christian Counselors, which sponsored the Wildfire conference, told The Christian Post via email. more >>

Evangelist Greg Laurie and his congregation plan to celebrate a milestone observance this coming weekend (March 16,17) in honor of four decades of ministry led by the Harvest church and crusades leader.

"Looking back," says Laurie, whose church is based in Riverside, Calif., "I can see God's hand at work from the very beginning. It has always been a part of God's plan for us to know Him and make Him known."

As the church observes its 40th anniversary with "ReEnvision Weekend," it plans to look ahead at what the future may hold. more >>

To usher in the release of his new book What We Talk About When We Talk About God, Rob Bell spoke at a live streaming event at Brooklyn's PowerHouse Arena in New York City Tuesday evening.

His talk revolved around the theme of his book and his belief that the current culture is resisting conversation about God and seeking to reconnect with a God who is "for us, with us, and ahead of us." Bell stated that the purpose of the book is to introduce new ways to talk about God.

Bell, who formerly led Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan, told those in attendance at Tuesday's talk that he believes Christians are seeking to move forward with their faith and shedding a doctrine-centered God in search of a God who can connect with humans at their most flawed existence. more >>

The first spiritual town hall meeting initiated by Christian apologist Alex McFarland, aimed at reviving a Christian worldview in America, was held Tuesday evening and broadcast over the Internet from First Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C.

"Awaken – America's Spiritual Town Hall" was considered a success by McFarland, who is the director for Christian Worldview and Apologetics at the Christian Worldview Center of North Greenville University in Greenville, S.C.

"The spiritual town halls are off and running. We had attendees come from hours away and questions emailed from across the country," he said. "I believe that God is raising a segment of the population who love God and country with a love similar to the love of freedom held by our founders. God is raising a people who are committed to prayer and to doing everything possible to preserving our freedom." more >>

Pastor and theologian Mark Labberton was named as Fuller Theological Seminary's new president on Tuesday, chosen unanimously by the school's Board of Trustees. Labberton will begin his term on July 1 while replacing current president Richard J. Mouw, who announced his retirement last May.

"I feel an incredible sense of joy and hope to be given this opportunity," said Labberton. "Thanks to Rich Mouw's generous, gracious, and irenic leadership, Fuller is well positioned to influence how the gospel is communicated, understood, and embodied in the world."

Announcing the decision by the trustees of the seminary located in Pasadena, Calif., Board Chair Clifford L. Penner said, "Along with my fellow trustees, I am delighted to welcome Mark Labberton to the presidency of Fuller Seminary. We are excited and inspired by the outstanding qualities and accomplishments he brings to this position. He is a scholar and academic leader, pastor for more than 25 years, accomplished author, and leading voice in many international ministries. Mark brings strong spiritual leadership, a wide range of experiences, and the vision to guide Fuller into a new era of global leadership in seminary education. As a Fuller alumnus (MDiv) and professor, he fully comprehends Fuller's rich and diverse legacy." more >>