Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series by TBMB Executive Director Randy C. Davis. Part Two will appear in the March 10 issue of the Baptist and Reflector. By Randy C. Davis TBMB President & Executive Director One of our Tennessee Baptist pastors recently asked what were things that kept me awake at night and what were five things that got me going in the morning. I’m
By Charles A. Fowler President, Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City During these days of COVID-19, it seems that every task leaders perform takes longer, is more complex, and draws more criticism than appreciation. Consequently, many pastors and leaders of Christian ministries are discouraged, frustrated and even depressed. These are difficult days for all of us. None seem to be immune to the multitude of challenges resulting from this season of pandemic.
By Norman Ridenhour Baptist Layman & Retired Journalist Faith does not make things easy, it makes them possible (Luke 1:27). I can’t remember how many times I’ve heard people ask “Why do I need the church?” My answer would be “who do you turn to in times of need? Who do you call when all your efforts to solve a problem or crisis have failed?”
By Mike Farmer, Dir. of Missions, McMinn-Meigs Baptist Assoc., Athens This year is not looking very different from the previous year, however, I think that will not hold true for the entire year. I have been thinking about the new year as I am sure many of you have. What lies ahead? When are things going to get back to “normal”? If you haven’t asked some of these kinds of
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] Messengers from across the Southern Baptist Convention will travel to Music City in June (COVID-permitting) for their annual meeting to be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. The last time the SBC annual meeting was held in Nashville in 2005 , it drew 11,641 messengers. That number likely will go unchallenged in 2021, primarily because a large number of
By Roger S. Oldham Pastor engagement specialist, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board Faith, not fear! These words appear routinely on social media sites. They have been turned into wall art and splashed on T-shirts by Christian retailers during the global pandemic. For some, this is a whisper of faith directed to the Lord, a declaration that their confidence rests in the Lord’s provision and protection in uncertain times. They exercise prudence
By Bruce Chesser President, Tennessee Baptist Convention Senior pastor, First Baptist Church, Hendersonville On Nov. 20, 2020, I was conducting a wedding rehearsal in southern Kentucky. The plans for the wedding had changed significantly. It had gone from a large celebration of several hundred family and friends to a very small gathering of just family. We wanted to be as responsible as possible and follow all of the proper protocols.
By Carolyn Tomlin Contributing Writer, B&R As a teacher of young children, I often observed how my students adapted to change and how they were ready for kindergarten. I recall one family who lived in an expensive house and drove costly automobiles. Mom and dad were so involved in careers that little time was left for the kids. Across town, another family had trouble paying monthly bills and providing the
By Randy C. Davis TBMB President & Executive Director It only takes a spark to start a controversy. It was just one article, but its publishing in 1896 ignited a flashfire reaction across the Southern Baptist Convention. Sides formed. People postured. Proverbial lines were drawn in the sand. Rhetorical flames fueled by passionate conviction rose higher and higher and threatened to gut any good work Southern Baptists had accomplished.
By Chris Turner Director of Communications, TBMB Looking for peace? Yeah, everyone is, right? You know, that inner peace that dispels anxiety and worry. People talk about the journey to get there, but are you sure you’re making the right journey? Can you even know? Actually, you can. The Bible talks about at least two types of peace, but unfortunately people in general, and Christians in particular, too often are
Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series by TBMB Executive Director Randy C. Davis. Part Two will appear in the March 10
By Charles A. Fowler President, Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City During these days of COVID-19, it seems that every task leaders perform takes longer, is more
By Norman Ridenhour Baptist Layman & Retired Journalist Faith does not make things easy, it makes them possible (Luke 1:27). I can’t remember how many
By Mike Farmer, Dir. of Missions, McMinn-Meigs Baptist Assoc., Athens This year is not looking very different from the previous year, however, I think that
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] Messengers from across the Southern Baptist Convention will travel to Music City in June (COVID-permitting) for their
By Roger S. Oldham Pastor engagement specialist, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board Faith, not fear! These words appear routinely on social media sites. They have been
By Bruce Chesser President, Tennessee Baptist Convention Senior pastor, First Baptist Church, Hendersonville On Nov. 20, 2020, I was conducting a wedding rehearsal in southern
By Carolyn Tomlin Contributing Writer, B&R As a teacher of young children, I often observed how my students adapted to change and how they were
By Randy C. Davis TBMB President & Executive Director It only takes a spark to start a controversy. It was just one article, but its
By Chris Turner Director of Communications, TBMB Looking for peace? Yeah, everyone is, right? You know, that inner peace that dispels anxiety and worry. People