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WEBINAR FOCUSES ON ‘VIRTUAL GATHERINGS’

May 1, 2020

Sunday School, small groups are discussed during online event hosted by TBMB By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN — In the weeks that have followed since social distancing guidelines were implemented, many churches are using the internet as their primary means of staying connected to their members. Not only are worship services being streamed online, but essentially all areas of ministry — including small groups, Sunday School, business

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SHOWING COMPASSION IN THE FORM OF A COUCH

April 30, 2020

By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] TAZEWELL — The mission statement of Region Education Center Ministries doesn’t mention anything about furniture. But as it turns out, couches, loveseats and footstools have certainly become an important part of what REC Ministries does. Roger Hansard, a former Tennessee pastor, and his wife, Judy, are the founders of REC Ministries, which provides career job training for individuals by teaching computer skills, GED,

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TBMB OFFERS GUIDANCE AS CHURCHES WAIT FOR STATE CLARIFICATION

April 29, 2020

Editor’s note: This story was updated May 1. By Lonnie Wilkey and Chris Turner Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — The question most often asked by church leaders today is simple: When can we gather again as a congregation? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. A good criterion was suggested recently by Ronnie Floyd, president of the Southern Baptist Executive Committee. His answer to the question is: “As soon as we

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LIFEWAY ANNOUNCES BUDGET CUTS AND STAFF REDUCTIONS AMID COVID-19

April 29, 2020

By Carol Pipes NASHVILLE, Tenn. — LifeWay Christian Resources is implementing a series of budgetary freezes, cutbacks and staff reductions in response to the economic crisis resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. LifeWay CEO Ben Mandrell cited a steep and steady decline of sales since mid-March, as well as uncertainty in the ability to host camps and events this summer as reasons for the actions LifeWay is taking. “LifeWay stands

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BAPTISMS HAVE NEW LOOK DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING

April 29, 2020

By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] TRENTON — Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create sadness and fear, many positive developments are also emerging from this unprecedented period. Randy Pool, coordinator of Mississippi River Ministry for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, was recently involved in a memorable event — one that likely would not have unfolded in the same manner under “normal circumstances.” Pool refers to it as a

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‘HOW DID IT HAPPEN?’

April 28, 2020

Pastor shares experience with COVID-19 Baptist and Reflector Editor’s Note: A Nashville pastor recently contracted COVID-19. The B&R normally does not withhold names, but we are making this exception at the request of the pastor. His story needs to be heard so we are sharing it in the following Question and Answer format.   B&R: Many people think things can never happen to them. What was your first thought when

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TBMB DIRECTORS HOLD FIRST VIRTUAL MEETING

April 22, 2020

By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] FRANKLIN — The board of directors of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board made history April 21 — and they didn’t even have to leave home. Thanks to technology, COVID-19 did not wipe out the scheduled April meeting of the TBMB as an overwhelming majority of the board member joined a Zoom broadcast. “This is a historical moment,” acknowledged Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of

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CHURCH STARTS NEW MINISTRY BY OFFERING ONLINE ASSISTANCE

April 22, 2020

By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] MURFREESBORO — In keeping with social-distancing guidelines, many churches have elected to use online streaming in place of their normal worship services and other gatherings. The transition hasn’t been easy for all churches, especially those who had never before used live streaming. And that’s where New Vision Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, comes in. New Vision has developed a ministry in which the church is

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CHESSER: PASTORS FINDING NEW WAYS TO MINISTER

April 21, 2020

‘Shepherding the flock’ looks, feels different with social distancing Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted churches, not just in terms of altering worship services, but well beyond that. Funerals, weddings, small group gatherings, hospital visitation — all of these things, and more, have had to be changed in accordance with social distance restrictions and other guidelines.

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NO CONTACT, NO PROBLEM

April 20, 2020

Churches, associations meet needs through compassion ministries By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN — Compassion ministries almost always involve a personal touch, whether it’s a hug, handshake or simply sharing the gospel up close and personal. With the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements, the personal touch may be gone but churches and associations across the state are still showing God’s love through compassion ministries.

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‘HOW DID IT HAPPEN?’

April 28, 2020

Pastor shares experience with COVID-19 Baptist and Reflector Editor’s Note: A Nashville pastor recently contracted COVID-19. The B&R normally does not withhold names, but we

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