News

UNION MOURNS LOSS OF FORMER FIRST LADY JOYCE BAREFOOT

January 27, 2021

Union University news office JACKSON — Former Union University First Lady, Joyce Lynn Barefoot, wife of Union’s 14th president Hyran Barefoot, died Jan. 23 at Maplewood Nursing Home in Jackson at age 93. “Joyce Barefoot was a Union treasure,” Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said. “Her graciousness and encouragement were hallmarks of her faithful life. Her service to Union University and, more specifically, the people of Union cannot truly

LIFEWAY BUILDING UNDER CONTRACT, TRANSITIONS TO NEW WORK ENVIRONMENT

January 27, 2021

By Carol Pipes Director of Corporate Communications, Lifeway NASHVILLE — Lifeway Christian Resources has entered into a contract for the sale of their building in downtown Nashville. Contract terms, including the sale price, have not been disclosed. Lifeway President and CEO Ben Mandrell said he is excited about Lifeway’s future workplace and the prospects of settling into a new work environment. “Lifeway is moving forward, building fresh vision, and getting

NO PAUSE FOR THE PANDEMIC

January 27, 2021

FBC McMinnville sees surge in baptisms despite COVID By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] McMINNVILLE — Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a tidal wave of cancelations and postponements over the past 10 months, the virus certainly hasn’t canceled the evangelism efforts at First Baptist Church, McMinnville. It has only reshaped them. When the virus first took hold last spring, the church staff at FBC began examining some of

TENNESCENE: JAN. 27

January 26, 2021

DEATHS Ronnie Arnold, who served as pastor of Cedar Hill Baptist Church, LaFollette, for 31 years until his retirement last year, died Dec. 20 after a battle with cancer. Arnold also served as a pastor in Arkansas. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kathy Arnold; four children and five grandchildren. James Daniel of Bruceton died Dec. 1. He was a graduate of Union University, Jackson, and Midwestern

MINISTERING THROUGH THEIR MISERY

January 25, 2021

Based on recent numbers compiled by the TBMB, more than 800 pastors and staff members have battled COVID-19 since last spring. Some have recovered quickly. Others have endured extended struggles. Some have passed away. Here are just a few of the stories — straight from pastors themselves — about how the virus affected their personal lives and their ministry. Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — In recent weeks, the Baptist and

SHOULDERING THE LOAD

January 25, 2021

Pastors, church leaders dealing with tough decisions, high stress levels during pandemic By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN — Though a large number of Christians may feel their pastors and ministers have easy jobs (after all they only have to work on Sunday and Wednesdays, right?), research findings indicate the opposite is true. In 2015 LifeWay Research revealed some of the stress pastors face: 84 percent say

RANDY ADAMS ANNOUNCED AS NOMINEE FOR SBC PRESIDENT

January 21, 2021

By Scott Barkley Baptist Press VANCOUVER, Wash. – Citing a desire for Southern Baptists’ focus to “be on the mission, with the Bible as our sole and final authority on all matters,” Northwest Baptist Convention Executive Director/Treasurer Randy Adams announced today (Jan. 20) that he would be nominated in June for president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Adams, who has served in his current role since 2013, intended to be

MRM’S ‘RADAR O’REILLY’ RETIRES AFTER 20 YEARS

January 21, 2021

Baptist and Reflector TRENTON — For the past 20 years Mississippi River Ministry and Randy Pool have been synonymous in Tennessee. A former pastor and Southern Baptist missionary for 11 years in Central America, Pool and his wife, Cindy, returned to the United States in 2000 for a leave of absence to deal with family issues. During that time they became caregivers for his wife’s mother. “It became apparent that

COVID-19 RELIEF BILL INCLUDES CHURCHES

January 20, 2021

By Roy Hayhurst Director, Denominational and Public Relations Services, GuideStone DALLAS — Legislation signed late Dec. 27 by President Donald Trump includes provisions that could assist churches and ministry organizations, including additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), as well as direct payments to some taxpayers. An additional $284 billon is made available for forgivable PPP loans, and $20 billion is included for Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses

LITTON TO BE NOMINATED FOR SBC PRESIDENT

January 20, 2021

By Scott Barkley Baptist Press SARALAND, Ala. — Former Southern Baptist Convention President Fred Luter announced today (Jan. 19) his intention to nominate longtime friend and Mobile, Ala.-area pastor Ed Litton for SBC president at the upcoming annual meeting in June. “I have known Ed Litton for over 20 years. Our relationship started when we preached for each other as part of the SBC Racial Reconciliation Sunday during the month

News

UNION MOURNS LOSS OF FORMER FIRST LADY JOYCE BAREFOOT