News

FEAR PREVALENT IN PEWS, ACCORDING TO PROTESTANT PASTORS

BRENTWOOD —“Fear not” is a frequent command in the Bible, but most pastors feel churchgoers aren’t getting the message. A Lifeway Research study finds almost 7 in 10 U.S. Protestant pastors (69 percent) believe there is a growing sense of fear within their congregations about the future of the nation and world. Additionally, more than 3 in 5 (63 percent) say their churches have a similar increasing dread specifically about

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MERRITT SAYS ‘FRIENDLY COOPERATION’ MOTION NOT ABOUT JUDGING MOTIVES, BUT SEEKING CLARITY

NASHVILLE — In an April phone call with James Merritt, Bryant Wright got right to the heart. He was concerned over the current state of the Southern Baptist Convention, particularly the discourse over women’s roles in ministry. Merritt, with similar concerns, had already talked about it with other Southern Baptist leaders. There was a need for clarity and consistency, two words Merritt would use two months later on the floor

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THE RIVER OF LIFE

First  Baptist Church, Gatlinburg, held its annual “Gather at the River” service on July 16 (see photo on the right). The church baptized 16 new believers. “We have other baptisms throughout the year but this river gathering has grown to be one of our most special,” said pastor Nick Moore. Assisting Moore with the baptism of a new believer are Bryon Fortner, left, youth minister, and Colin Campbell, center, pastoral

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VBS PAVES THE WAY FOR CHURCH REVITALIZATION

NASHVILLE — The past several summers have been quiet at Tusculum Hills Baptist Church. This year has been different, as more than 60 kids and youth filled the brightly decorated sanctuary on a Friday morning, June 30, shouting at the top of their lungs to worship songs they learned that week in Vacation Bible School.  Frank Lewis, revitalization pastor at Tusculum Hills Baptist, decided to host VBS as part of

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DOM TO DIRECT CARSON-NEWMAN’S NEW PRISON PROGRAM

KNOXVILLE — Carson- Newman University will soon be offering inmates at the Morgan County Correctional Complex (MCCX) the opportunity to pursue a college degree. “We truly believe in the power of a Christ-centered education,” said David Crutchley, dean of C-N’s School of Biblical and Theological Studies.  “Carson-Newman’s mission is innovative and directed to helping our students reach their full potential,” he said. Slated for an August launch, the bachelor’s program

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STINNETT TO BE NOMINATED FOR TBC PRESIDENCY

Editor’s note: Tennessee Baptists who plan to nominate individuals for the offices of president, vice president and second vice president are encouraged to send their nominations to [email protected] for inclusion in an upcoming issue of the Baptist and Reflector prior to the Summit in November. FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptist pastor Todd Stinnett of Knoxville will be nominated for the presidency of the Tennessee Baptist Convention at its annual meeting to be

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IMB’S GROWING OPTIONS FOR DONOR GIFTS DRAWS QUESTIONS

EDITOR’S NOTE FROM THE BAPTIST PAPER — Stories like the one you are about to read are always diffi­cult to develop, not because the information is hard to explain but because the tone and presentation will be interpreted based on the reader and his or her involvement, prior understanding and sympathies toward the topic and/or group. The details are technically straightforward, but some will read it as a promotion or

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PAVES THE WAY FOR CHURCH REVITALIZATION

NASHVILLE — The past several summers have been quiet at Tusculum Hills Baptist Church. This year has been different, as more than 60 kids and youth filled the brightly decorated sanctuary on a Friday morning, June 30, shouting at the top of their lungs to worship songs they learned that week in Vacation Bible School. Frank Lewis, revitalization pastor at Tusculum Hills Baptist, decided to host VBS as part of

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FOR MCLAURIN, SOUTHERN BAPTIST COOPERATION IS ‘MUCH MORE THAN THE DOLLARS’

NASHVILLE —Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee Interim president and CEO Willie McLaurin doesn’t believe any pastor, ministry leader or church member should have to go it alone. McLaurin, appearing on “Baptist Press This Week” with Brandon Porter, the SBC EC associate vice president for convention news, discussed ways churches can work together and ways local, state and national entities can partner with churches. He has helped support these partnerships in

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TENNESSEE BAPTIST DR RESPONDING TO CRISIS IN GERMANTOWN, OTHER AREAS

GERMANTOWN — As the water crisis continues in Germantown and the surrounding areas, Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief has jumped into action, shipping nearly 1,200 cases of bottled water to residents. “As a result of the support we receive from TBC churches and individuals, we were able to assist the people of Germantown while they are in this crisis situation,” said Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission

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THE RIVER OF LIFE

First  Baptist Church, Gatlinburg, held its annual “Gather at the River” service on July 16 (see photo on the right). The church baptized 16 new

Read More »