PIGEON FORGE — The term “pastor burnout” has become an all-too-common part of the vernacular for those in ministry work. Bivocational pastors are often highly susceptible to this issue, perhaps even more so than their full-time colleagues. In an attempt to help bivocational pastors deal with some of the stress and hardships they face in ministry, the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board annually hosts a three-day retreat for the “bivo” ministers

GOTM donation allows clinic to buy new ultrasound machine FAYETTEVILLE — On Jan. 14, just shy of their five-year anniversary, Crossroads Pregnancy Clinic in Fayetteville celebrated a miracle. Through a generous donation made by a retired doctor through the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions (GOTM), the clinic received a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine — a critical acquisition since their previous machine had stopped working last fall. “The way that God worked

HARTSVILLE — Hartsville is a small town in Middle Tennessee, located east of Gallatin in Trousdale County. “It is a beautiful place, but it can feel a little isolated,” said Drew Byers, lead pastor at Creekside Fellowship. (The nearest Walmart is 30 minutes away, depending on whether or not you meet a tractor, he added). Finding pregnancy care can be a challenge. “And yet, a woman who needs compassion and

McKENZIE — Beating Hearts Pregnancy Center in McKenzie celebrated the dedication of its new ultrasound machine on Jan. 15, a donation that was made possible through the Psalm 139 Project. While ultrasound machines are essential for pregnancy centers, proper training is crucial to maximize their effectiveness. The machine itself was funded through state resources between 2022 and 2023, but the critical training component came through what the center described as

Tennessee’s bivocational ministers gathered in the heart of the Smoky Mountains last month for a weekend of fellowship and renewal. The annual Bivocational Ministers & Wives Retreat in Pigeon Forge brought together church leaders who navigate both Sunday sermons and regular jobs. This year’s theme, “While We Can,” sparked discussions about seizing opportunities in both spiritual and secular worlds. The retreat offered these unique faith leaders a chance to share