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FEW PROTESTANT CHURCHES MET IN PERSON FOR WORSHIP SERVICES IN APRIL

May 1, 2020

By Aaron Earls LifeWay Christian Resources writer NASHVILLE — As federal, state and local governments weigh relaxing stay-at-home guidelines, most churches continued to avoid gathering physically throughout April. Nine in 10 Protestant pastors say their congregations did not meet for an in-person worship service last month, according to a new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research. A previous study from LifeWay Research found 99 percent of churches gathered physically at the

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WEBINAR FOCUSES ON ‘VIRTUAL GATHERINGS’

May 1, 2020

Sunday School, small groups are discussed during online event hosted by TBMB By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN — In the weeks that have followed since social distancing guidelines were implemented, many churches are using the internet as their primary means of staying connected to their members. Not only are worship services being streamed online, but essentially all areas of ministry — including small groups, Sunday School, business

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SHOWING COMPASSION IN THE FORM OF A COUCH

April 30, 2020

By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] TAZEWELL — The mission statement of Region Education Center Ministries doesn’t mention anything about furniture. But as it turns out, couches, loveseats and footstools have certainly become an important part of what REC Ministries does. Roger Hansard, a former Tennessee pastor, and his wife, Judy, are the founders of REC Ministries, which provides career job training for individuals by teaching computer skills, GED,

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TBMB OFFERS GUIDANCE AS CHURCHES WAIT FOR STATE CLARIFICATION

April 29, 2020

Editor’s note: This story was updated May 1. By Lonnie Wilkey and Chris Turner Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — The question most often asked by church leaders today is simple: When can we gather again as a congregation? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. A good criterion was suggested recently by Ronnie Floyd, president of the Southern Baptist Executive Committee. His answer to the question is: “As soon as we

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LIFEWAY ANNOUNCES BUDGET CUTS AND STAFF REDUCTIONS AMID COVID-19

April 29, 2020

By Carol Pipes NASHVILLE, Tenn. — LifeWay Christian Resources is implementing a series of budgetary freezes, cutbacks and staff reductions in response to the economic crisis resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. LifeWay CEO Ben Mandrell cited a steep and steady decline of sales since mid-March, as well as uncertainty in the ability to host camps and events this summer as reasons for the actions LifeWay is taking. “LifeWay stands

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BAPTISMS HAVE NEW LOOK DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING

April 29, 2020

By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] TRENTON — Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create sadness and fear, many positive developments are also emerging from this unprecedented period. Randy Pool, coordinator of Mississippi River Ministry for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, was recently involved in a memorable event — one that likely would not have unfolded in the same manner under “normal circumstances.” Pool refers to it as a

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TENNESCENE: APR. 29

April 28, 2020

LEADERS Brad Childres began serving April 1 as pastor of New Zion Baptist Church, Pulaski. He formerly served as senior pastor of Woodlawn Baptist Church in Danville, Va. DEATHS Longtime Tennessee Baptist pastor Claude Ferguson died March 27. He had served as pastor of Reunion Baptist Church, Knoxville, for more than 30 years before retiring in 2013 due to health reasons.

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DAVIS: THERE’S NO DEFINITIVE DATE

April 28, 2020

Over the past several weeks, our Tennessee Baptist Mission Board staff has talked with thousands of pastors and a recurring question we’ve been asked is this: “When can we reopen our church?” As you know, within our Baptist polity that is not a question seeking permission but rather an informed perspective. I wish there were a single response with a definitive date, but that is a call every church must

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‘HOW DID IT HAPPEN?’

April 28, 2020

Pastor shares experience with COVID-19 Baptist and Reflector Editor’s Note: A Nashville pastor recently contracted COVID-19. The B&R normally does not withhold names, but we are making this exception at the request of the pastor. His story needs to be heard so we are sharing it in the following Question and Answer format.   B&R: Many people think things can never happen to them. What was your first thought when

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RIDGECREST NOW FOR SALE FOLLOWING SPECIAL-CALLED MEETING OF LIFEWAY TRUSTEES

April 23, 2020

By Baptist Press staff NASHVILLE – LifeWay Christian Resources trustees have authorized exploring the sale of Ridgecrest Conference Center and Summer Camps despite the conference center and camps operating at a profit in recent years. The trustee board’s executive committee presented the recommendation to the full board during a special-called meeting held virtually and in executive session Thursday (April 23). The board unanimously supported LifeWay scheduling exploratory site visits with

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TENNESCENE: APR. 29

April 28, 2020

LEADERS Brad Childres began serving April 1 as pastor of New Zion Baptist Church, Pulaski. He formerly served as senior pastor of Woodlawn Baptist Church

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‘HOW DID IT HAPPEN?’

April 28, 2020

Pastor shares experience with COVID-19 Baptist and Reflector Editor’s Note: A Nashville pastor recently contracted COVID-19. The B&R normally does not withhold names, but we

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