By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN — After suspending most gatherings for the past several weeks in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many churches in Tennessee are now beginning to explore the option of reopening their doors for worship. But first, one colossal question must be answered: How should churches go about it?
Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — During a month that most churches did not meet in person, Tennessee Baptist Convention churches still gave $2,694,179 through the Cooperative Program.
Holston Baptist pastors lead revival online By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] JOHNSON CITY — What began as a conversation to discuss reopening churches in northeast Tennessee has turned into perhaps a month-long revival. “The revival vision was birthed out of a Zoom meeting of Holston Baptist Association pastors to discuss everyone’s thoughts and plans about ‘going back to church,’ ” said Craig Ponder, pastor of New Salem
By Ann Lovell IMB editorial design manager On average, eight Christians died every day for their faith in 2019. That equals more than 2,920 people killed for the cause of Christ last year, according to the 2020 annual report from Open Doors’ World Watch List. In addition, 9,488 churches or Christian buildings were attacked, and 3,711 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned. Overall, 260 million Christians experienced
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] PULASKI — For years, the observance of the Lord’s Supper has been part of Easter celebrations at First Baptist Church, Pulaski, and Richland Baptist Church in nearby Lynnville. With the COVID-19 crisis forcing churches to find alternative ways to worship, the two Giles County congregations decided to find an alternative way to observe the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
By Margaret Colson The Alabama Baptist BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Numerous Southern Baptist entities, including state conventions, seminaries and national entities and auxiliaries, are implementing budget and staff reductions in response to the economic downturn resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. State conventions were among the first entities to take significant budgetary action during the pandemic. While approaches have been varied, the focus of reducing expenses has been the common factor
By Aaron Earls LifeWay Christian Resources writer As churches adjust to ministry in a post-COVID-19 world, LifeWay has developed a collection of resources to help congregations. The new Church Assistance Package from LifeWay is available for any congregation around the world and can be accessed at lifeway.com/churchassistance. “LifeWay wants to do everything we can to help churches sustain their vital ministries during this time,” said Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] GLEASON — When people could not come to Sandhill Baptist Church in Gleason, the church went to the people. Well, sort of. Pastor Bruce McCartney and his wife, Vicki, and other church members have been going to each member’s home in recent weeks to deliver packets of materials which the families can read together. Sandhill is a small rural church with about
Baptist and Reflector NASHVILLE — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released guidelines May 1 for churches as they consider gathering together for worship. “Tennessee’s faith leaders have been incredibly innovative in finding alternative ways to worship that incorporate social distancing so they can continue to provide spiritual guidance, fellowship, and service to their neighbors during these challenging times,” Lee said in a written statement. “Religious liberty is important and must be
By Ashley Perham Baptist & Reflector OAK RIDGE — Pastor Tim Kimsey, Woodland Park Baptist Church, Oak Ridge, was a successful tournament fisherman until the Lord convicted him to go all in with a ministry as a fisher of men. In 1997, Kimsey walked away from tournament fishing to take a youth pastor position in Maryville, but he returned to the tournament circuit to pray for his fellow fishermen. He
By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN — After suspending most gatherings for the past several weeks in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many
Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — During a month that most churches did not meet in person, Tennessee Baptist Convention churches still gave $2,694,179 through the
Holston Baptist pastors lead revival online By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] JOHNSON CITY — What began as a conversation to discuss reopening
By Ann Lovell IMB editorial design manager On average, eight Christians died every day for their faith in 2019. That equals more than 2,920 people
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] PULASKI — For years, the observance of the Lord’s Supper has been part of Easter celebrations at
By Margaret Colson The Alabama Baptist BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Numerous Southern Baptist entities, including state conventions, seminaries and national entities and auxiliaries, are implementing budget
By Aaron Earls LifeWay Christian Resources writer As churches adjust to ministry in a post-COVID-19 world, LifeWay has developed a collection of resources to help
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] GLEASON — When people could not come to Sandhill Baptist Church in Gleason, the church went to
Baptist and Reflector NASHVILLE — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released guidelines May 1 for churches as they consider gathering together for worship. “Tennessee’s faith leaders
By Ashley Perham Baptist & Reflector OAK RIDGE — Pastor Tim Kimsey, Woodland Park Baptist Church, Oak Ridge, was a successful tournament fisherman until the