News

PASTOR EXPLORES RISE OF BAPTIST AMERICA

By Sarah Goff Union University news office JACKSON — At Union University, Eric and Candace Smith were preparing for their life in ministry. Eric and Candance met as sophomores while Eric was studying theology and Candace was studying nursing. They both graduated in the spring of 2008. Today, Eric is the senior pastor of Sharon Baptist Church in Savannah. The Smiths have served at the church since 2013. Candace is

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CHURCH IN BRENTWOOD SET TO BUILD CENTER FOR SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY

Baptist & Reflector BRENTWOOD — The Embrace Special Needs Ministry of Brentwood Baptist Church exists to create a safe and secure environment to meet the unique needs of individuals and families impacted by disability. Due to the tremendous amount of growth and need in the community, the church will begin building The Rowen Glenn Center as an addition for its Special Needs Ministry to better serve Middle Tennessee. The church

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HENNING CHURCH REACHES THOSE SEEKING HELP

Baptist & Reflector  HENNING — Pastor Wade Wallace of Victory Baptist Church in Henning readily admits that his congregation is not for everyone. “This church is for people who are wanting help, who are seeking help, who realize that they need God but don’t feel like they fit into the average Baptist church,” he said. The West Tennessee church was featured on one of four “Good News Videos” featured during

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AMERICANS MOST THANKFUL FOR AND TO FAMILY THIS THANKSGIVING

By Aaron Earls Writer, LifeWay Christian Resources NASHVILLE — Even though the pandemic may change Thanksgiving celebrations this year, Americans still express thankfulness for their family and friends. According to a survey from Nashville-based LifeWay Research, more than 4 in 5 Americans (84 percent) say they are thankful for their family. Sizable majorities also note being thankful for health (69 percent), friends (63 percent) and memories (63 percent). Around half

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COOKEVILLE RESIDENTS RECALL, REFLECT ON TORNADO

Baptist & Reflector COOKEVILLE — In the early morning hours of March 3, tornadoes swept through Middle Tennessee, leaving behind at least 24 fatalities and a path of destruction. Cookeville and Putnam County especially were hit hard with about 18 fatalities and a number of homes that were flattened. Within a matter of hours, Tennessee Baptists were on the scene ready to assist residents with clearing trees and debris while

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COURT PERMITS TENNESSEE TO ENFORCE DISABILITY ABORTION BAN

By Tom Strode Baptist Press NASHVILLE — Southern Baptist and government pro-life supporters welcomed a federal appeals court ruling that enables the state of Tennessee to enforce its ban of abortions based on disability, ethnicity or sex. The Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati reversed Friday (Nov. 20) a federal judge’s order that had blocked enforcement of the “reasons ban,” as it is known. The measure – which

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DAVIS: TENNESSEE BAPTISTS ARE ‘RISING TO THE OCCASION’

By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] FRANKLIN — As COVID-19 cases begin to rise throughout the state, Tennessee Baptist churches will rise to the occasion, said Randy C. Davis,  president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. In a pre-Thanksgiving video update (view the video HERE), Davis acknowledged the spike in COVID cases. Davis observed he has seen it in a personal way through a conversation with his neighbor who

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AMERICANS MOST THANKFUL FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS THIS THANKSGIVING

By Aaron Earls Writer, LifeWay Research NASHVILLE — Even though the pandemic may change Thanksgiving celebrations this year, Americans still express thankfulness for their family and friends. According to a survey from Nashville-based LifeWay Research, more than 4 in 5 Americans (84 percent) say they are thankful for their family. Sizable majorities also note being thankful for health (69 percent), friends (63 percent) and memories (63 percent). Around half point

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BAPTIST LAYMAN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN HEALTH CARE

Baptist & Reflector FRANKLIN — For several years the Tennessee Baptist Convention has been recognizing “people in the pews” who are getting outside the walls of their church and making a Great Commission impact through the “Eagle Award.” In the past the convention has honored coaches, a businessman and a military veteran, said Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.  This year the convention

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COUPLE KNOWS SON’S DEATH WILL BE USED BY GOD

Baptist & Reflector FRANKLIN — Shannon and Jean-Ann Washam have walked with people facing crises many, many times  throughout their lives while serving in compassion ministries. Shannon is director of Western Heights Baptist Center in Knoxville while Jean-Ann is director of Appalachian Outreach in Jefferson City. They shared their story on video during the Virtual Summit on Nov. 10. See this video and others at TBCSummit.org. But nothing could have

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