MURFREESBORO — Carson-Newman University presented the 2024 Ken Sparks Award to Steve Gaines. The Nov. 12 presentation came during C-N’s Alumni and Friends Dinner held at the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention in Murfreesboro.  Named for long-time Carson-Newman football coach Ken Sparks, the award recognizes pastors or lay people within the church who exemplify the traits of the legendary coach. “Steve Gaines has been an inspiring leader as

FRANKLIN — Urgency was the theme Thursday when the Arise and Build Task Group met via Zoom to discuss the rebuilding phase of the Hurricane Helene recovery effort across East Tennessee. “Winter is upon us,” Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, told the group of about 20 on the call. “We’ve got to not only rush in to build the houses but also

MURFREESBORO — Marking the founding of the Tennessee Baptist Convention in Murfreesboro 150 years ago, preachers at this year’s Tennessee Baptist Pastors Conference at the Embassy Suites hotel addressed the theme “Better Together.” Grant Gaines, pastor of Belle Aire Baptist Church in Murfreesboro and president of this year’s conference, chose Philippians 1:3 and 5 as the theme verses: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you … because

MURFREESBORO — Tennessee Baptist Convention president Jay Hardwick challenged Tennessee Baptists to “advance together” in the closing sermon of Tennessee Baptists’ annual Summit on Nov. 12 at the Murfreesboro Convention Center. Like the sessions before it during the two-day meeting, the closing session focused on celebration and unity as messengers and guests looked back over 150 years of God’s work among Tennessee Baptists and looked forward into a future full

FRANKLIN — Chris Turner, director of communications for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board since 2014, has been named editor of the Baptist and Reflector. Turner, who will continue in his communications role, succeeds Lonnie Wilkey, who will retire Dec. 31 after spending 36 years on the B&R staff, including the last 26 as editor. In a related move, David Dawson was named managing editor, a newly created position. He has

Editor’s note: The following is a synopsis of the major actions at the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention in Murfreesboro. See more detailed articles on the budget, the Acts 2:17 Initiative, the 150th anniversary celebration, messages and other elements of Summit at the B&R website and in the print edition. MURFREESBORO — Tennessee Baptists re-elected Jay Hardwick without opposition for a second term as president of the Tennessee

ROAN MOUNTAIN  — Two weeks after Roan Park Baptist Church, a congregation of about 15 members, reached into their savings account and spent approximately $20,000 to pave its parking lot, flood waters caused by Hurricane Helene washed it away. In addition, the church’s sanctuary, Sunday School building (former sanctuary) and fellowship hall all had at least a foot of standing water inside. “Losing our parking lot was a setback but

KNOXVILLE — Knoxville native and professional music educator Jill Hobby has a heart to see souls saved along with a deep love for children and music. Twenty-five years ago, while serving as a choral director in Knoxville, she had a desire to see an international citywide choir in the city, but she “was hesitant to take the leap.” God rekindled that desire 12 years ago, and she crafted specific plans

MURFREESBORO — Jay Hardwick, senior pastor of Forest Hills Baptist Church, Nashville, was re-elected without opposition for a second term as president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention during the afternoon session of Summit on Nov. 12. Hardwick was nominated by Cliff Marion, pastor of First Baptist Church, Covington, who described Hardwick as a family man, a faithful preacher and a true friend. “He has shown that he is a great,