By David Dawson [email protected] FRANKLIN — As strange as it sounds, the concept of keeping things simple can sometimes become complicated.  This can be true for leaders and organizers of “simple church”— a form of ministry that gives attendees an opprotunity to “do church” in a low-key, low-cost setting outside of a traditional church building.   The Tennessee Baptist Mission Board recently hosted a webinar for simple church leaders. The

By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] FRANKLIN — As in past years, the proposed 2020-21 Tennessee Baptist Convention Cooperative Program Allocation budget is being released 30 days in advance prior of the TBC annual meeting held each year in conjunction with Summit.  This year, however, the annual Summit has been postponed until 2021. The staff of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board is preparing a Virtual Summit to be aired at 9 a.m.

By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] LAFAYETTE — Not every church gets the opportunity to help a church member celebrate a 100th birthday and concerns and restrictions caused by COVID-19 make it even harder, but First Baptist Church, Lafayette, found a way. On Sunday, Sept. 6, about 20 church members gathered in their cars and drove to the home of Annette Cothron, a lifelong resident of Macon County and a member of

Worship leaders exchange ideas, discuss challenges  at online roundtables By David Dawson [email protected] FRANKLIN — Scott Shepherd has a simple message for worship leaders and music ministers: “You are not alone.”  Shepherd, worship and music specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, has tried to convey that message during a recent series of “online roundtables” hosted by the TBMB.  Shepherd said many worship leaders have felt overwhelmed, discouraged and lonely

One Faith Christian Center connects with inner city communities, sees many baptisms By David Dawson [email protected] MEMPHIS — It’s incredible what God can do with a small church that has a big vision. Barron Martin can attest to that. He is the lead pastor at One Faith Christian Center church, Memphis, and he has been blown away with the way the small church plant has been able to impact the community