By Mike Farmer Director of missions for McMinn-Meigs Baptist Association, Athens We talk a lot about prayer as Christians, but do we pray? I have to believe that we talk about it more than we do it. I am guilty of that at times. Why do I believe this to be true? Because I do not see the results of prayer. Prayer is not an exercise in itself. It is
By Richard Hipps Retired pastor, Trinity Baptist Church, Cordova A few years ago, a church member’s mother from North Carolina visited our church in Tennessee. When I introduced myself, she asked, “Pastor, do you remember a woman named Lois Pendley?” I replied, “Yes, I do. She was a member of my first pastorate.” “Well,” the lady continued, “she is now in a nursing home severely challenged with dementia. However, she
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] This issue of the paper is dated Nov. 4, 2020. It went to press on Monday, Nov. 2. We all know that on Nov. 3, Americans went to the poll and elected a president. Of course, I have no idea as I write this who won, who lost or even if a winner has been declared yet. This may be one of
By Bruce Chesser President, Tennessee Baptist Convention The 2020 Summit will be unlike any annual gathering of Tennessee Baptists in our history. First of all, it will be virtual. We made a decision back in the summer that it would probably not be wise to meet in a large group in November. That decision has proven to be wise. Second, the meeting will be much shorter than our usual
By Ronnie Floyd President and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention executive committee Jesus died for every person in every town, city, state and nation. His call to us is to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in the world and to make disciples of all the nations. None of us can do this alone, and no church can do this alone. Jesus’ call to each of
By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] Pope Francis’ endorsement of same-sex marriages is a blow not only for many Catholics but also for other religions and denominations that continue to fight for the biblical view of marriage. Though Pope Francis had expressed support for civil unions for gay couples in the past, his endorsement — which was shown during the premier of the documentary “Francesco” on Oct. 21, at the Rome Film
By Ray Van Neste Dean and professor of Biblical studies for the School of Theology and Missions at Union University, Jackson. One key way to be involved in the advance of the Kingdom of God is to pray for pastors. This is always the case, but it is even more significant at this time. As the last six months or so have disrupted life for all of us, they have
By Bob Holeman Retired journalist, Winnfield, La. In August, Hurricane Laura dealt havoc to Winn Parish, leaving a tangle of downed trees, damaged homes and a spaghetti mix of wires, broken power poles and transformers that left us without power and in a communication blackout. Our home got power back after 10 days but it was two weeks before our internet and TV service was restored. We then tuned in
Editor’s Note: October is generally recognized as Pastor Appreciation Month, but it can be observed at any time. Let your pastors and church staff know they are appreciated. By Chuck Lawless Dean and vice president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, N.C. This year has been a tough year for pastors and church leaders. The pandemic has changed almost everything we do, but pastors have pivoted quickly and worked hard
By James Rogers When we first arrived the air hung limp between us without a wind to stir the humidity from the earlier rain. We stood at the Lincoln Memorial with the day neither beautiful nor comfortable. As the strains of the hymn “This is My Story” sung acapella drifted through those gathered, the morning took on a beauty only His presence could give. That was just the beginning step
By Mike Farmer Director of missions for McMinn-Meigs Baptist Association, Athens We talk a lot about prayer as Christians, but do we pray? I have
By Richard Hipps Retired pastor, Trinity Baptist Church, Cordova A few years ago, a church member’s mother from North Carolina visited our church in Tennessee.
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] This issue of the paper is dated Nov. 4, 2020. It went to press on Monday, Nov.
By Bruce Chesser President, Tennessee Baptist Convention The 2020 Summit will be unlike any annual gathering of Tennessee Baptists in our history. First of
By Ronnie Floyd President and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention executive committee Jesus died for every person in every town, city, state and nation.
By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] Pope Francis’ endorsement of same-sex marriages is a blow not only for many Catholics but also for other religions and denominations
By Ray Van Neste Dean and professor of Biblical studies for the School of Theology and Missions at Union University, Jackson. One key way to
By Bob Holeman Retired journalist, Winnfield, La. In August, Hurricane Laura dealt havoc to Winn Parish, leaving a tangle of downed trees, damaged homes and
Editor’s Note: October is generally recognized as Pastor Appreciation Month, but it can be observed at any time. Let your pastors and church staff know
By James Rogers When we first arrived the air hung limp between us without a wind to stir the humidity from the earlier rain. We