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CLAIMING EXEMPTION PROTECTS COLLEGES

Tennessee universities among those that have asserted right to Title IX exemption By Lonnie Wilkey and Chris Turner Baptist & Reflector BRENTWOOD — In a world and culture where sexual orientation and long-held traditions such as marriage are constantly being redefined, Christian colleges are taking steps to protect their institutions. Approximately 30 religiously affiliated colleges and universities nationwide (including Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City and Union University in Jackson) have

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LINDEN VALLEY CITED FOR EXCELLENCE

Baptist and Reflector LINDEN — Linden Valley Baptist Conference Center has been awarded the 2015 Star of Excellence for Outstanding Non-Profit Organization. The award was presented to Tim Bearden, conference centers senior manager for the Tennessee Baptist Convention, on Dec.  3 during an awards banquet sponsored by the Perry County Chamber of Commerce. The conference center was recognized for the “outstanding service and contributions your organization and its volunteers provide

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TBAH ELECTS ANDERSON AS PRESIDENT

By Connie D. Bushey News Editor, Baptist and Reflector BRENTWOOD — Mark Anderson, a long-time staff member of Tennessee Baptist Adult Homes, was unanimously elected president by the TBAH board on Dec. 8. He will begin serving Jan. 1. He follows Kenny Cooper who served TBAH in that role for 20 years. Cooper will retire Dec. 31. Randy C. Davis, executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, observed that Anderson

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CHURCH, PASTOR ARE REVITALIZED

Molino Baptist Church is revitalized after former member is revitalized into its pastor By Connie Davis Bushey News Editor, Baptist and Reflector TAFT — Church revitalization begins one person at a time, believes Joe Self. In this case, it began with him. The story begins in the 1980s when a rural church near Fayetteville was “a focal point and center of worship” for a small community here, recalled Joe Self.

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PRODIGALS CHALLENGE FAITH OF EVEN MINISTERS

Parents who are ministers, ministers’ wives and children relate their prodigal “journey” By Connie Davis Bushey News Editor, Baptist and Reflector Parable of the Lost Son, Luke 15: 11-32. MILLINGTON — A prodigal or child who rebels against the Christian teachings of their parents can bring the strongest Christian to their knees. It is especially difficult for Christians who are ministers or ministers’ wives. Shame, embarrassment, criticism, and resignations from

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MISSIONS, COOPERATION DRIVE SMALL TENN. CHURCH

Baptist Press GREENFIELD, Tenn. (BP) — The men at Bethel Baptist Church reach out to the unchurched men in their community each autumn by showing off their culinary skills at a wild game supper, preparing turkey, deer, raccoon, crappie, catfish, rabbit, duck and other critters. Meanwhile, the congregation’s Women on Mission excel each year at promoting missions, noted David Worley, pastor of Bethel Baptist in Greenfield, Tenn. In 2014, for

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COUPLE DECIDE TO REMAIN WITH IMB

Missionaries Ted, Beverly Holmes plan to return to “our home” in Poland By Connie Davis Bushey News Editor, Baptist and Reflector NASHVILLE — Instead of a “Pauline Damascus Road experience,” it was a quiet voice, the nudge toward, “This is the way. Walk in it,” said Ted Holmes of the couple’s decision to stay with the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board as missionaries to Poland. He referred to Isaiah

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CHURCHES CAN TAKE STEPS TO BECOME MORE SECURE

By Connie Davis Bushey News Editor, Baptist and Reflector MILLINGTON — Andy Willis knows something about security. As director of security for Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova, he is in charge of the largest Baptist church facility in the state of Tennessee — over one million square feet sitting on 300 acres. He also oversees the safety of the about 15,000 people who gather there each Sunday morning. Willis led the

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LEADING TENNESSEANS TO JESUS

New TBC president has passion to see churches reach the lost By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector JEFFERSON CITY — In Roc Collins’ new role as president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention his learning curve will be minimal. Since becoming pastor of Indian Springs Baptist Church, Kingsport, 10 years ago, Collins has been fully involved in Tennessee Baptist life. He has served as president of the Tennessee Baptist Pastors

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LIFEWAY COMPLETES SALE OF DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE CAMPUS

By Art Toalston Baptist Press NASHVILLE (BP) — LifeWay has completed the sale of its 14.5-acre campus in downtown Nashville. “Although this momentous event is cause for thanksgiving, it is also bittersweet,” Thom S. Rainer, president of LifeWay Christian Resources, wrote in an email to the Southern Baptist entity’s trustees and employees Nov. 24 after the sale was announced around 5 p.m. “LifeWay has served the bride of Christ from

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