News

REVITALIZED AND STARTING A NEW CAMPUS

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] CLARKSVILLE — Sometimes it is what happens before a new pastor arrives on the field that determines if a church can be revitalized. Living Hope Baptist Church in Clarksville is proof positive of that, affirmed pastor Derek Smith. When Smith became pastor of Living Hope in December of 2009, a major step in revitalization had already occurred in August. Led by transitional

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UNION TRUSTEES APPROVE NEW DEGREE IN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP, WELCOME NEWCOMER

Union University News Office JACKSON — Union University trustees approved a new bachelor’s degree in Christian leadership, received an annual audit report and welcomed a new trustee during their Dec. 4 meeting on the university campus. The meeting was the first for new trustee Chuck Baker, of Hixson. Baker recently retired as vice president of advancement at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. He previously served as vice president of Unum

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TENNESCENE: DEC. 16

LEADERS Clear Creek Baptist Church, Dyer, called Steve Hemann as pastor, effective Nov. 1. Chris Sumner has been called as youth pastor by White Hall Baptist Church, Trenton. Short Creek Baptist Church, Athens, has called Will Davis as pastor, effective Nov. 8. Garry Duncan began serving as pastor of South Liberty Baptist Church, Athens, on Nov. 15.

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TBC CP GIFTS INCREASE FROM A YEAR AGO

Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptist Convention churches contributed $2,545,172 through the Cooperative Program in November, the first month of the 2020-21 fiscal year. The amount was $99,598 or 4.1 percent more than was given in November of 2019. The year-to-date total, however is $371,495 or 12.74 percent below budget needs after one month.

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CARING AND COMPASSION SHINE THROUGH

By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN — Although he is not normally prone to worry, in this instance, Joe Sorah was concerned. With the COVID-19 pandemic creating havoc on the economy, Sorah couldn’t help but wonder if this year’s Christmas Backpack ministry would experience a significant downturn in donations. At the very least, Sorah, compassion ministries specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, was concerned the ministry would

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ERLC ISSUES APOLOGY, EXPLANATION REGARDING AMICUS BRIEF

NOTE: The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, which recently joined an amicus brief in a lawsuit involving the North American Mission Board, has issued an apology and explanation for an inaccurate description of Baptist polity and church autonomy. By ERLC staff NASHVILLE —  Several weeks ago, the ERLC was presented with an invitation to join a brief written by lawyers at the Thomas More Society, in support of one of

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CLEARVIEW STAYS ‘ON THE GO’ DURING PANDEMIC

By David Dawson [email protected] FRANKLIN — From pumpkin pies to flip-flops to trash bags,  ClearView Baptist Church, Franklin, is using all kinds of items to meet needs in the community. Looking to make a difference in the lives of those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, ClearView has joined forces with a host of local organizations to distribute food, household items, footwear and other things to those who

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PERSONAL EVANGELISM: DON’T LET COVID-19 BECOME AN EXCUSE

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN — Evangelism leaders for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board agree COVID-19 has impacted personal evangelism, but they also strongly affirm that Christians should not use it as an excuse to not witness. “The fact social distancing has been in place for months has certainly impacted our ability to communicate with others,” said Roc Collins, director of strategic objectives for the TBMB. 

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ERLC’S MOORE SAYS LEGALIZING MARIJUANA WOULD BE DISASTROUS

By Tom Strode Baptist Press WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives’ vote Dec. 4 to decriminalize marijuana could prove devastating for some families and communities, Southern Baptist ethicist Russell Moore has warned. The House passed in a nearly party-line vote, 228-164, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act. The bill would end criminal penalties at the federal level for the possession, distribution and manufacture of marijuana. The proposal

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OUTREACH HAS NEW LOOK DURING PANDEMIC

By Aaron Wilson Writer, LifeWay Christian Resources MADISON — Sergio Arce knocks on the door of a home close to the church he pastors. Arce isn’t expected and doesn’t know if anyone is home. This is a cold-call visit. As a man walks to the door, Arce and the two church members with him take a few steps back to ensure social distancing. The trio wear masks because of the

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TENNESCENE: DEC. 16

LEADERS Clear Creek Baptist Church, Dyer, called Steve Hemann as pastor, effective Nov. 1. Chris Sumner has been called as youth pastor by White Hall

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