By Clay Hallmark President, Tennessee Baptist Convention A friend of mine in Alabama once taught me a great principle that I have found to be true both in life and in ministry. The principle is this: “Start small … grow strong!” There is nothing wrong with a small or humble start. Wilbur and Orville Wright’s first airplane flight only lasted 12 seconds. The first automobiles are reported to have only
By Parker Smith Pastor, Prospect Baptist Church, Fayetteville Pastoring is hard work. We live in a day in which faithful shepherds experience a high rate of burnout, depression or leave the ministry altogether. Pastors need encouragers. Individuals who are the wind within their sails, much like Onesiphorus for the Apostle Paul (II Timothy 1:16). Here are five practical ways in which you can encourage your pastor. 1. Pray for him.
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] In 1997, Richard Carlson wrote a book entitled Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff … and It’s All Small Stuff. The book proved to be quite popular, spending 100 weeks on The New York Times best-sellers list. I believe the book was so popular because it’s human nature for people to “sweat the small stuff.” I think many of us condition ourselves for
By Randy C. Davis President and executive director, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board My granddad had a garden. I’m not talking about a small, backyard garden with a few tomato plants scattered about. I’m talking about nearly an acre in the field across the road garden. I loved helping him with his garden when I got old enough. My granddad only had a third-grade education, but he was a self-taught master carpenter
By Ryan Keaton Emerging Generations Specialist, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board Is my church effectively reaching young adults? Churches across our state are asking this same question. With this new year upon us, churches can seek to focus their efforts on being intentional in reaching, engaging, discipling, and sending young adults. The “magic bullet” for reaching young adults does not exist. There is not a quick-fix solution to turning the trajectory
By Chris Turner Director of Communications, TBMB [email protected] Sam pointed across the road to the spot about 50 yards away where he first heard the distinctive “pop” of tear gas canisters fired at the long line of marchers descending from the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The group of 600 stretched from downtown Selma and over the Alabama River. It was the beginning of the 51-mile journey to the state capital in
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] As children, we often were afraid, whether it was because of the bully down the street, the darkness, strange sounds, scary movies or television shows, you name it. I was no different. For years, I would never watch “The Twilight Zone.” Now, it is one of my favorite old shows. The imagination of the writers was incredible. I understand that now. I
By Jeff Iorg For Baptist Press ONTARIO, Calif. – My mother-in-law is an 88-year old loyal Southern Baptist who lives on a fixed income in a modest retirement center. She loves the Lord, her church and Southern Baptists. She has been a lifelong advocate of the Cooperative Program and understands, as a contributing member of a Southern Baptist church, she is a primary funder of Gateway Seminary. She reflects that
By Troy Rust Associational mission strategist, Holston Baptist Association, Johnson City Like every Baptist association, most of our churches stood in need of revitalization when I arrived a year ago. As I began to think through the requirements of revitalization, I was reminded that revitalization is the product of revival. When God’s people return to the love they had at first for Jesus, churches will focus once again on the
By Randy C. Davis President and executive director, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board Just yesterday, a friend showed me the gift he’d gotten his mother for Christmas. It’s unique, encouraging and it will surprise her socks off. Few people have seen the gift he’s giving and I’m so excited about it because I know she’ll love it. I wish I could share what it is, but I can’t. It’s a secret.
By Clay Hallmark President, Tennessee Baptist Convention A friend of mine in Alabama once taught me a great principle that I have found to be
By Parker Smith Pastor, Prospect Baptist Church, Fayetteville Pastoring is hard work. We live in a day in which faithful shepherds experience a high rate
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] In 1997, Richard Carlson wrote a book entitled Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff … and It’s All
By Randy C. Davis President and executive director, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board My granddad had a garden. I’m not talking about a small, backyard garden
By Ryan Keaton Emerging Generations Specialist, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board Is my church effectively reaching young adults? Churches across our state are asking this same
By Chris Turner Director of Communications, TBMB [email protected] Sam pointed across the road to the spot about 50 yards away where he first heard the
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] As children, we often were afraid, whether it was because of the bully down the street, the
By Jeff Iorg For Baptist Press ONTARIO, Calif. – My mother-in-law is an 88-year old loyal Southern Baptist who lives on a fixed income in
By Troy Rust Associational mission strategist, Holston Baptist Association, Johnson City Like every Baptist association, most of our churches stood in need of revitalization when
By Randy C. Davis President and executive director, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board Just yesterday, a friend showed me the gift he’d gotten his mother for
