When something happens that people don’t understand, the first thing they ask is, “Why?” I am there with them. By definition, “why” means “a question seeking the cause, reason, or purpose for which something has happened.” I’m not one for arbitrary decisions, so when an action is taken, I want to understand the why. I believe that goes for Tennessee Baptists as well. The Board of Directors of your Tennessee
We are creatures of hope and reach for it wherever we can. When I was in middle school, I tried out for every sport hoping to make the team, but no one wanted me. My hopes were dashed. I remember at one point having my hopes set on a particular job. I made it far in the interview process only to be passed over for another candidate in the end.
The older I get the more I see shadows of my father in the things I do and enjoy. Whether it’s the gait with which I walk, my general suspicion of politics, or my obsession with some details and my apathy for others, you don’t have to be around me very long to recognize that I am my father’s son. Another enduring trait passed down from my dad is my
While recording a podcast interview a couple of weeks ago, the host asked me, “When did this become personal for you? When did you know, ‘We have to do something about this need now?’ ” The question gripped my heart. The focus of the interview was on the incredible need for pastors that has become so prevalent, especially in our Acts 2:17 Vision process. Why did the issue rise to
Nearly every generation has at least one event that occurs that those who live through it will never forget. In my case, I actually have lived through several of those events, with the most recent, of course, being the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. But if I can just pick one that had the greatest impact on me, it would have to be Sept. 11, 2001, more commonly known as just
George Peppard’s character Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith on the television show, The A-Team, exclaimed after each miraculous mission success: “I love it when a plan comes together.” His sentiment encapsulates the story of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Cooperative Program and what lies ahead for us as Tennessee Baptists through the Acts 2:17 Initiative. Nearly 100 years ago, Southern Baptist leaders devised a systematic financial plan built around a shared passion
Baptist college and university work has been a mission of Southern Baptists for over 100 years. Whether you know it as the Baptist Young People’s Union, Baptist Student Union (BSU) or Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) the mission is still important and critical to the future of Baptists and your church. BCM was started for many reasons but really championed our denomination, its work, and the local church. Baptists knew that
Many Americans will enjoy an extra day off next week on Sept. 2. Even before Labor Day became a federal holiday, approximately 27 states passed legislation recognizing it as a holiday. New York was the first state to introduce a bill, but Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on Feb. 21, 1887, according to the Department of Labor. Labor activists continued to push to have
Parochial and public schools have started across the state of Tennessee. From preschools up through college level, students will be finding new challenges and opportunities. A thought that runs through the mind of all parents and families is this: Will my student be in a safe environment? Will the teachers and administration create an environment where all students are respected and learning takes place? As a parent or grandparent volunteer,
In 1902, Mrs. Mildred Golden, Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union corresponding secretary from 1898-1902, cast a vision for Tennessee Baptists to pray for our Tennessee mission field and give to the first state missions offering. A total of $800 was given. For the next 10 years, without the convenience of electric typewriters, word processors or computers, Mrs. Golden, assisted by her husband Dr. W.C. Golden, TBC executive secretary from 1902-1910, wrote
When something happens that people don’t understand, the first thing they ask is, “Why?” I am there with them. By definition, “why” means “a question
We are creatures of hope and reach for it wherever we can. When I was in middle school, I tried out for every sport hoping
The older I get the more I see shadows of my father in the things I do and enjoy. Whether it’s the gait with which
While recording a podcast interview a couple of weeks ago, the host asked me, “When did this become personal for you? When did you know,
Nearly every generation has at least one event that occurs that those who live through it will never forget. In my case, I actually have
George Peppard’s character Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith on the television show, The A-Team, exclaimed after each miraculous mission success: “I love it when a plan
Baptist college and university work has been a mission of Southern Baptists for over 100 years. Whether you know it as the Baptist Young People’s
Many Americans will enjoy an extra day off next week on Sept. 2. Even before Labor Day became a federal holiday, approximately 27 states passed
Parochial and public schools have started across the state of Tennessee. From preschools up through college level, students will be finding new challenges and opportunities.
In 1902, Mrs. Mildred Golden, Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union corresponding secretary from 1898-1902, cast a vision for Tennessee Baptists to pray for our Tennessee mission
