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 Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] Over the course of a week, I receive numerous e-mails. And, I check those e-mails faithfully, especially those that I know are from individuals or our associations and churches. I am always on the lookout for story ideas or suggestions that we can develop for the paper. After all, that is what we do. But, the overwhelming majority of press releases and
By Todd E. Brady Vice president for university ministries, Union University, Jackson I came home Saturday morning with my Ebenezer. It now sits displayed on the shelf for all to see and hear the story of what it represents. After the Lord “thundered a mighty sound” against the Philistines and defeated them, “Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for
Editor’s note: See story about Second Mile Church and Kenwood Baptist Church HERE. By Rick Stevens Cal Hampton returned to his hometown with a heart to make a difference in ministry. He genuinely cares about those that have not come to faith in Christ. The church he started has been committed from day one to sharing the gospel with those outside the doors of the church. 2nd Mile Church has
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] We are officially in the final days of the Christmas season. As you read this column in the print issue, Christmas Day is about three weeks away. As we know, however, the unofficial Christmas season began even before Halloween was over as stores began promoting Christmas gift buying and decorating for the season. Now is the time people are “getting ready” for
By Roc Collins Director of strategic objectives, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board What do we really need? Some would offer social reform and that would be the fix-all for society. I would contend that we need spiritual regeneration! What’s the difference? Social reform is making changes to improve something or some situation. Often social reform is touted as the answer to all of society’s problems. Certainly, changes could be made in
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] During Summit, Chris Turner, the TBMB’s director of communications, and I were having a conversation with TBC president Bruce Chesser and vice president Chuck Groover. The issue of statesmen and statesmanship in the Southern Baptist Convention came up. The general consensus was we have few if any. What a shame. When I think of Baptist statesmen in my era, the names Hershel
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
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] Over the course of a week, I receive numerous e-mails. And, I check those e-mails faithfully, especially
By Todd E. Brady Vice president for university ministries, Union University, Jackson I came home Saturday morning with my Ebenezer. It now sits displayed on
Editor’s note: See story about Second Mile Church and Kenwood Baptist Church HERE. By Rick Stevens Cal Hampton returned to his hometown with a heart
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] We are officially in the final days of the Christmas season. As you read this column in
By Roc Collins Director of strategic objectives, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board What do we really need? Some would offer social reform and that would be
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] During Summit, Chris Turner, the TBMB’s director of communications, and I were having a conversation with TBC