News

TENNESCENE: JULY 30

EDUCATION Union University named Fred Johnson as dean for the College of Arts and Sciences. Johnson comes to Union from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, where he had served as an English professor since 2008. He previously served as an instructor and graduate assistant at Ball State University and as an instructor at Ivy Tech State College. During his time at Whitworth, Johnson served as faculty president, chairman of the

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HISTORIC MOMENT: GOTM HITS NEW HIGH MARK

FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptists have broken their record for the fourth consecutive year, with gifts to the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions surpassing $2.4 million with two months remaining in the fiscal year. As of Friday, donations reached $2,461,971, exceeding last year’s record of $2,451,737 by more than $10,000. “This is the fourth consecutive year that Tennessee Baptists have set a record for Golden Offering giving, demonstrating a continued commitment

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MEMORIES OF CLOSED THEME PARK OPEN ‘FLOODGATES’ FOR MUSIC MINISTER

CLEVELAND, S.C. — When Joseph Hudson was called as minister of music at First Baptist Church Cleveland, S.C., in 2010, he wanted to get to know the members of his new congregation. “Some of my mentors in ministry had advised me that to be successful in ministry, you need to love your people,” he recalled. Before you love them, you have to know them, Hudson added. Little did he know

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CELEBRATING TEAMWORK AND GOD’S GOODNESS

HARTFORD — An ill-timed shower caused some last-minute rearranging to the festivities, but the rain did not wash away the spirit of celebration among those in attendance at Thursday’s outdoor gathering in Hartford. The event, hosted by the Appalachia Service project, recognized — and rejoiced over — the tireless work efforts that have taken place in the Hartford area (and the surrounding communities) in the past 10 months since Hurricane

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TENNESCENE: JULY 16

EDUCATION Union reduces tuition for adult degree programs Union University news office JACKSON — Union University has lowered tuition for its adult undergraduate programs in the School of Adult and Professional Studies and the Memphis College of Urban and Theological Studies, beginning in the fall 2025 semester. Tuition for Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Bachelor of Science in Christian Leadership degrees in SOAPS and bachelor’s degrees in MCUTS

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CRITICAL AID HELPING TEXANS FIND ‘SOME SENSE OF NORMALCY’

KERRVILLE — While Baptist Disaster Relief teams are meeting immediate needs in central Texas, some clean-up efforts in areas like Kerrville may be on hold another two to four weeks before they are accessible, says a DR leader. For now, DR teams continue providing critical aid where they can in the wake of the deadly floods that killed at least 120 people statewide during Fourth of July weekend — and

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LIFEWAY CEO BEN MANDRELL VOTED 8TH PASTOR OF BELLEVUE BAPTIST

CORDOVA – The congregation of Bellevue Baptist Church officially voted to extend the call for Ben Mandrell, CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources, to be the church’s eighth senior pastor. Mandrell, 48, will fill the role left by Steve Gaines. “I cannot tell you how thankful we are for this moment,” Mandrell said. “This big hurricane of Bellevue love has just swallowed us up.”

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BELLEVUE ANNOUNCES MANDRELL AS PASTOR CANDIDATE

CORDOVA – The pastor search committee at Bellevue Baptist Church has unanimously recommended that Ben Mandrell, CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources become the church’s next senior pastor. Mandrell will preach in view of a call on July 13. The congregation will vote on the committee’s choice after a 10 a.m. service. Pastor Search Committee Chairman Chad Hall said, “The pastor search committee’s only goal during the past eight months was

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TEXAS FLOOD CLAIMS 27 LIVES AT CHRISTIAN CAMP

KERRVILLE, Texas — Amid horrific flash flooding that swept through central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, Camp Mystic — an all-girls Christian summer camp — confirmed Monday (July 7) the loss of 27 campers and counselors. Statewide, the death toll from related flooding has reportedly reached at least 81 people, with dozens still missing. Meanwhile, Southern Baptists of Texas Disaster Relief teams are on the scene ministering in

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MURPHREE SUCCEEDS CHOATE IN BCM ROLE

FRANKLIN — For the first time in nearly 27 years, the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board has hired a director of campus ministries. Stacy Murphree, currently the Baptist collegiate minister at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, was announced Monday as the successor to Bill Choate to lead ministers at 23 Baptist Collegiate Ministries on campuses across Tennessee. Choate has served in the role since 1998 and announced his retirement earlier

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TENNESCENE: JULY 30

EDUCATION Union University named Fred Johnson as dean for the College of Arts and Sciences. Johnson comes to Union from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington,

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TENNESCENE: JULY 16

EDUCATION Union reduces tuition for adult degree programs Union University news office JACKSON — Union University has lowered tuition for its adult undergraduate programs in

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