There are many issues facing pastors like myself these days. I have talked to several friends in ministry who are struggling with fulfilling their calling in a rapidly changing environment. The coronavirus has laid bare many spiritual realities in our congregations and has reshaped the way in which we “do church,” perhaps permanently. The pandemic has also deepened some of the divisions that have come between us as a family
Baptist and Reflector JACKSON — Union University, a Christian educational institution affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, is receiving both criticism and support for holding true to its Christian convictions and values. The Jackson Sun and other media outlets reported July 23 that Union had rescinded an admissions offer to a graduate-level nursing student after learning of the student’s sexual orientation. Alex Duron told the Jackson paper he was to begin
By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] FRANKLIN — “Flexible” has always been the watchword for mission volunteers no matter whether they were preparing for an international trip, a trip to another state or a mission project just down the road. In a world turned upside down by the COVID-19 virus, the ability to be flexible and to adopt new approaches is more important than ever before, according to a group of mission
By Leslie Peacock Caldwell IMB News Office RICHMOND — International Mission Board senior leaders are urging Southern Baptists to use extreme caution if they are considering overseas missions travel for the remainder of 2020. As many countries continue to require quarantines or have not yet opened their borders, travelers could face unexpected circumstances, including quarantines upon re-entering the U.S. The future threat and spread of COVID-19 also remains an unknown
Baptist Press CORDOVA — Parents of a teenage girl who was sexually abused by a former part-time employee of Bellevue Baptist Church are suing the church. The suit alleges negligence in allowing James Hook “complete discretion and freedom to have personal and private encounters with volunteers and minors.” Hook, who was employed on Sunday mornings as the church’s preschool wing coordinator from January 2017-March 2019, pleaded guilty in January to
Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptist Mission Board leaders are continuing to plan for The Summit to be held Nov. 8-11 at Brentwood Baptist Church, Brentwood. The Summit is the annual gathering of Tennessee Baptists and includes the Pastors Conference, the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and everything in between. “We’re excited about plans for Summit 2020 and at this point we are forging ahead with plans
Baptist Press FRESNO, Calif. — Many California Southern Baptist pastors will likely find ways to continue to worship while obeying Gov. Gavin Newsom’s July 13 order forbidding indoor worship once again. “I think our churches are committed to doing what needs to be done to keep in contact with their members,” said Terry Barone, communications team leader for the California Southern Baptist Convention. “We would have to say that we’re
LEADERS Central Baptist Church, Oak Ridge, called James R. Raffety of Owasso, Okla., as senior pastor, effective July 1. He was called to full-time ministry in 1995 and has 16 years of Christian service as a youth minister, singles minister, houseparent and as a senior pastor. Daniel McKenzie was called June 14 to serve as discipleship pastor at First Baptist Church, Manchester. He will begin on Aug. 2. Also, at
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] COLLIERVILLE — As the world stands divided over where facemasks should be worn to help prevent the coronavirus, it’s not an issue for Mark LaGrone. It’s not even up to debate for the 60-year-old LaGrone, who serves as the discipleship/assimilation pastor at First Baptist Church, Collierville. LaGrone’s resolve for the need to wear a face covering while the world is still dealing
By Will Hall Baptist Message executive editor NEW ORLEANS — On July 16, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals gave Will McRaney, former executive director of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, a procedural victory in his lawsuit against the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention “for intentional interference with business relationships, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.” The BCMD is an independent state organization of
There are many issues facing pastors like myself these days. I have talked to several friends in ministry who are struggling with fulfilling their calling
Baptist and Reflector JACKSON — Union University, a Christian educational institution affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, is receiving both criticism and support for holding true
By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] FRANKLIN — “Flexible” has always been the watchword for mission volunteers no matter whether they were preparing for an international trip,
By Leslie Peacock Caldwell IMB News Office RICHMOND — International Mission Board senior leaders are urging Southern Baptists to use extreme caution if they are
Baptist Press CORDOVA — Parents of a teenage girl who was sexually abused by a former part-time employee of Bellevue Baptist Church are suing the
Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptist Mission Board leaders are continuing to plan for The Summit to be held Nov. 8-11 at Brentwood Baptist
Baptist Press FRESNO, Calif. — Many California Southern Baptist pastors will likely find ways to continue to worship while obeying Gov. Gavin Newsom’s July 13
LEADERS Central Baptist Church, Oak Ridge, called James R. Raffety of Owasso, Okla., as senior pastor, effective July 1. He was called to full-time ministry
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] COLLIERVILLE — As the world stands divided over where facemasks should be worn to help prevent the
By Will Hall Baptist Message executive editor NEW ORLEANS — On July 16, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals gave Will McRaney, former executive