JACKSON — On a typical Tuesday at Union University students can be seen studying, attending classes and participating in on-campus jobs or extracurricular activities. But on this particular Tuesday, Union students were instead doing yard work across town, helping with administrative tasks at local nonprofits and painting elementary school classrooms.  Union University on Oct. 31 participated in its 21st annual Campus and Community Day, a day to commemorate God’s provision

CHATTANOOGA — Messengers to the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention elected Jay Hardwick as president of the TBC on Wednesday at the Chattanooga Convention Center.  Hardwick, pastor of Forest Hills Baptist Church, was opposed by Todd Stinnett, pastor of Black Oak Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville. It was the first time in more than 15 years that the election included more than one candidate. With ballots cast through

COVINGTON — Pastor Kirby Ownby of Mount Olive (South) Baptist Church in Knoxville recently went on an exploratory trip to West Tennessee to explore opportunities related to Blue Oval City. Ownby said Mount Olive would “love to partner with a new church plant” in the Blue Oval City area in the future. Meanwhile, after meeting with Mike Melton, pastor of Charleston Baptist Church, Stanton, and Clay Gilbreath, director of missions

CHATTANOOGA — The opening night of the 2023 Summit focused on two of Tennessee Baptists’ favorite “ships” — worship and fellowship. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the annual meeting began with two separate worship services, held simultaneously, at two different venues. One service, the Tennessee Reunion, was held at Chattanooga Convention Center (the host site of this year’s Summit), while the annual All Nations Worship Celebration was held at nearby Red

FRANKLIN — Despite his relentless efforts to always remain behind the scenes, Andy Gunn has gained rock-star status at the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. He has been with the organization for more than four decades, performing a list of duties that range from dangerous (driving forklifts) to delicate (watering flowers) and all in between. His tenure spans from his teenage years, when he worked in the kitchen at Linden Valley

FRANKLIN — Messengers to the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention will consider amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws on a variety of topics. Among them: • Convention preacher-elect — Suggested by the Convention Committee on Arrangements — “Convention Preacher-Elect” instead of “Alternate Preacher” would elevate the role of the speaker by ensuring an actual opportunity for him to speak while securing names and dates well in advance for

KNOXVILLE — When Jay McCluskey celebrated his 37th anniversary as pastor of North Cleveland Baptist Church, Cleveland, in September, it was a major achievement for him personally. Though he acknowledged that crossing the “37th year milestone does not merit the notoriety of other major anniversaries” it did have special meaning for him. Jay McCluskey finally caught up with his dad — longtime pastor and former Tennessee Baptist Convention president Jim

ANDERSONVILLE — First Baptist Church, Andersonville, has a simple goal for every Southern Baptist or Tennessee Baptist offering. “We ask our members to give as God gave,” said Steve Lakin, who has served as pastor of the Clinton Baptist Association-affiliated congregation for 18 years. “We remind people that God gave His best — His Son. Our people respond every time,” Lakin said. “Our people have a heart to give and

MOUNT JULIET — Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief is continuing to collect donations to aid the relief efforts in war-torn Israel following last month’s attack by the terrorist group Hamas. Tennessee Baptist DR is working with Harvest of Israel, a ministry of First Baptist Church, Morristown, and God’s Warehouse, a ministry of Nolachucky Baptist Association, on this project.