EDITOR’S NOTE (B&R): See the Feb. 16 issue of the Baptist and Reflector for an in-depth feature on Willie McLaurin and his Tennessee ties as a pastor and staff member of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. The Baptist Paper NASHVILLE — William McLaurin became the first African American to lead a Southern Baptist Convention entity when he was named SBC Executive Committee interim president/CEO effective Feb. 1. The news, which

By Aaron Earls Lifeway Christian Resources    NASHVILLE — As trustees gathered via Zoom, Lifeway Christian Resources President and CEO Ben Mandrell shared significant ways in which God has continued to bless the organization and highlighted decisions guiding the future. In their semiannual meeting January 25, Lifeway’s trustees also heard details of strong first-quarter ministry results and elected new board officers.   Mandrell began his presidential report by recognizing the gains

By Aaron Earls Baptist Press NASHVILLE — Most people in America may hang Christmas decorations and exchange gifts on Dec. 25, but few say they could give all the details about the biblical Christmas story. A Lifeway Research study finds nine in 10 U.S. adults say they celebrate Christmas, including many non-Christians. Overall, 91 percent of Americans celebrate the Christmas holiday, unchanged from 2010. “Americans may celebrate the Christmas holiday

By Tom Strode Baptist Press JACKSON — For Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, partnering with the Psalm 139 Project in the placement of ultrasound machines at pregnancy resource centers in the state is one manifestation of what he describes as a long-standing desire. Speaking on Nov. 12 in Jackson, Lee told an audience gathered at the Birth Choice center for the dedication of an ultrasound machine, “[O]ne of the most important