By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] LEXINGTON — Tennessee Baptist Convention President Clay Hallmark has announced the appointment of a seven-member Sexual Abuse Task Force. Messengers during the 2021 annual meeting in November at Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood overwhelmingly approved a recommendation from the directors of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board that the new president of the convention appoint the task force.

Baptist and Reflector RIPLEY — Thomas Bester, founding pastor and church planter of Forerunner Baptist Church in Ripley, died Jan. 15 at the age of 68. Bester joined the staff of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board in 2017 as part-time new church catalyst. At the time of his death, he served as African American church relations specialist. “Pastor Thomas Bester was a sweet spirited Christian gentleman who was a friend

By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] MOUNT JULIET — It didn’t take long for Jonathan Jennings to sense that God was up to something big at Mount Juliet High School. Jennings — the students and missions pastor at Victory Baptist Church and the chaplain for the Mount Juliet football team — has had a front row seat during a powerful move of God that has included 13 football players

By Carol Pipes Director of corporate communications NASHVILLE — Lifeway Christian Resources recently announced plans to take up residence at Maryland Farms in Brentwood by the end of 2022. In the wake of strong performance in 2021, Lifeway will relocate to a mixed-use, state-of-the-art facility with a layout that promotes creativity and collaboration. “We look forward to being a part of the Maryland Farms community,” said Lifeway CEO Ben Mandrell.

Baptist and Reflector staff FRANKLIN — The Baptist and Reflector website is a key member of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board team.  Launched in 2015, the website is the digital counterpart to the print edition, and also serves as the home for breaking news pertaining to Tennessee Baptists at all times during the day and night.