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PASTORS’ BIGGEST CHALLENGE? STRESS

By Marissa Parsons Writer, Lifeway Christian Resources NASHVILLE — In the current fast-paced, high-pressure American culture, pastors are stressed, and they know that needs to change. According to a recent release in Lifeway Research’s 2022 Greatest Needs of Pastors study, of all the mental challenges U.S. Protestant pastors face, stress stands out above the rest. Distractions and discouragement are also significant factors for pastors when it comes to mental challenges

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ROLE OF PREGNANCY CARE CENTER IS ‘MAGNIFIED’ AFTER ROE’S REVERSAL

By Madison Burnette Baptist Press NASHVILLE — Pregnancy care centers across the United States are working to combat the spread of misinformation so staff can continue to serve well those experiencing unplanned pregnancies. The overturn of Roe v. Wade caused a surge of anger and violence directed toward pregnancy care centers, so staff and volunteers must work harder to reach women in unique ways. Even though laws may change, the

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RETIRED TBC LEADER JAMES PORCH DIES AT AGE 81

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] NASHVILLE — James Porch, who served as executive director of the Executive Board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention (now Tennessee Baptist Mission Board) for 18 years (1992-2010) died Aug. 3 at the age of 81. A native of Pelahatchie, Miss., Porch was elected to succeed D.L. Lowrie as executive director in September of 1992. He came to the position from the pastorate

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HEUSER RESIGNS AS PRESIDENT OF TENNESSEE WMU

By Chris Turner [email protected] FRANKLIN — Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union president Yolanda Heuser announced her resignation effectively immediately, citing a recently developed chronic health issue as her reason for stepping away from continuing in the role.  “It is with a heavy heart that I have made a decision to tender my resignation effective immediately, based on my current health issues,” Heuser said. “I love the women who make up the

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PASTOR REJUVENATED AFTER ‘SABBATICAL’

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] CHATTANOOGA — In April, Wayne Loveless had made up his mind that he was going to announce on the following Sunday that he was resigning as pastor after 18 years of ministry at Standifer Gap Baptist Church in Chattanooga. He had already informed his elders/deacons. But first he made a phone call to his friend and director of missions for Hamilton County

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KENTUCKY PASTORS IN FLOODED AREAS CLEANING UP, REACHING OUT, AWAITING HELP

By Mark Maynard Kentucky Today HAZARD, Ky. — Tim Reynolds, the pastor of First Baptist Church in Hazard, said the flood waters barely lapped up onto his parking lot. “It didn’t get in here,” he said. “I can’t explain that our town didn’t get hit like Whitesburg and some of the other areas. We have some slides and slips in the road but in Hazard it is nothing like Hindman

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BAPTISTS URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN WEEKEND OF PRAYER FOR STUDENTS

Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptists and churches are encouraged to participate in the annual weekend of prayer for students across Tennessee. The first weekend in August was proclaimed as the annual weekend of prayer for students and was signed into law by then Governor Bill Haslam on April 24, 2015, according the pray4studentstn.com website. “Our students need our prayers more than ever,” said Jay Barbier, youth specialist for

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STATE OF THE BIBLE: YOUNGER ADULTS LOVE PRISONERS, IMMIGRANTS AS NEIGHBORS

By Diana Chandler Baptist Press PHILADELPHIA — Younger Christians who engage with Scripture are more apt to care for prisoners and immigrants as neighbors than are older Christians, the latest release from the 2022 State of the Bible reveals. While older Scripture-engaged Christians, those age 77 and above, more often say it’s important to be good neighbors, the difference is likely attributable to seniors’ narrower definition of the term neighbor,

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‘A PRODUCT OF EVERYTHING BAPTIST’

July 13 likely will be a day that Bill Highsmith will never forget. Nearly 200 people gathered in the fellowship hall of Tusculum Hills Baptist Church in Nashville to help him celebrate his 80th birthday, along with his retirement (see story on page 8 of the print edition). While many people may not know who Bill Highsmith is, his legacy will live on for years to come, at least in

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CHURCH HONORS RETIRING MINISTER

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] NASHVILLE — Nearly 200 people gathered July 13 to honor retiring minister Bill Highsmith on not only his last day of work, but his 80th birthday as well. When Highsmith came to Tusculum Hills in 1991, he served as minister of recreation/activities and senior adults. Missions and education were added to his responsibilities later in his tenure. “Bill has been a faithful

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