News

TBMB PROVIDES RESOURCE TO HELP CHURCHES REOPEN

April 22, 2020

Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — The Tennessee Baptist Mission Board has provided a document entitled “Gathering Together Again” to assist churches as they consider holding worship services again in their facilities. The document can be accessed at www.tnbaptist.org/reopen. Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the TBMB, noted church leaders have been asking for weeks, “When can we reopen our church?” “As you know, within our Baptist polity, that

TBMB DIRECTORS HOLD FIRST VIRTUAL MEETING

April 22, 2020

By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] FRANKLIN — The board of directors of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board made history April 21 — and they didn’t even have to leave home. Thanks to technology, COVID-19 did not wipe out the scheduled April meeting of the TBMB as an overwhelming majority of the board member joined a Zoom broadcast. “This is a historical moment,” acknowledged Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of

CHURCH STARTS NEW MINISTRY BY OFFERING ONLINE ASSISTANCE

April 22, 2020

By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] MURFREESBORO — In keeping with social-distancing guidelines, many churches have elected to use online streaming in place of their normal worship services and other gatherings. The transition hasn’t been easy for all churches, especially those who had never before used live streaming. And that’s where New Vision Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, comes in. New Vision has developed a ministry in which the church is

PANDEMIC HAVING DRASTIC IMPACT ON FUNERALS

April 21, 2020

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN — A side effect of the worldwide COVID-19 has been the way funerals are now conducted. No longer can large crowds congregate to say goodbye to loved ones or console family members. ‘The pandemic has created an unprecedented time in our society,” said Roc Collins, strategic objectives director for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.

CHESSER: PASTORS FINDING NEW WAYS TO MINISTER

April 21, 2020

‘Shepherding the flock’ looks, feels different with social distancing Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted churches, not just in terms of altering worship services, but well beyond that. Funerals, weddings, small group gatherings, hospital visitation — all of these things, and more, have had to be changed in accordance with social distance restrictions and other guidelines.

NO CONTACT, NO PROBLEM

April 20, 2020

Churches, associations meet needs through compassion ministries By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN — Compassion ministries almost always involve a personal touch, whether it’s a hug, handshake or simply sharing the gospel up close and personal. With the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements, the personal touch may be gone but churches and associations across the state are still showing God’s love through compassion ministries.

C-N’S APPALACHIAN OUTREACH EXPERIENCING LARGE DEMAND

April 20, 2020

Carson-Newman news office JEFFERSON CITY — Carson-Newman University’s Appalachian Outreach Ministry continues to see a surge from those in need brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have seen an increase in numbers,” said Jean-Ann Washam, executive director of AO. “We are seeing people who have never received services before who have not been able to go back to work.” Washam cited that some are employees in the retail and

COVID-19 CAUSES CHALLENGES, CREATES ANXIETY FOR MANY

April 17, 2020

By Tony Rankin Special to the Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — These strange days of COVID-19 and the impact of tornados cause us to feel like we are juggling chainsaws on a tightrope. Frequently an overwhelming sense of gloominess or depression coincides with difficulties of addressing the ordinary stresses of illness or disaster.

FINDING BALANCE IN THE PANDEMIC

April 17, 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted all of us. While some are dealing with the illness, or possibly even the death, of a loved one, others are struggling to adjust to what is being called “the new normal” in regard to social distancing and quarantine guidelines that have been implemented nationwide. So, what is the best way to handle the tidal wave of emotions? Although there certainly is not one clear-cut

21 DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING

April 16, 2020

By Matt Tullos TBMB Special Assistant to the Executive Director How will this chapter in the history of the Church be remembered? Certainly, we will remember 2020 as a year when everything changed. We will remember the lost lives, the cost to our way of life, and the emotional toll we have all felt. But, could it be possible that this might be a time when the church rose up

News

TBMB PROVIDES RESOURCE TO HELP CHURCHES REOPEN

TBMB DIRECTORS HOLD FIRST VIRTUAL MEETING

CHURCH STARTS NEW MINISTRY BY OFFERING ONLINE ASSISTANCE

PANDEMIC HAVING DRASTIC IMPACT ON FUNERALS