By Ashley Perham Baptist & Reflector LOUISVILLE — After 65 years in music ministry at 13 churches, David Hyers retired in June as the worship leader at Beech Grove Baptist Church, Louisville. Hyers, who attended Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., spoke of the evidences of God’s work in his life on his last Sunday at Beech Grove. Hyers was 15 when he

By Kristen Early C-N news office JEFFERSON CITY — Called to the pulpit more than 60 years ago, pastor William L. “Dub” Swafford, 91, has served in nearly a dozen Baptist churches throughout Middle and East Tennessee. During much of that time, he used art to process the often demanding role of pastoring. “I’ve always drawn, from the time I was just small,” he said. “It interested me. I started

Baptist and Reflector HENDERSONVILLE — Since COVID-19 became a worldwide pandemic in March, many churches have had to either forgo baptisms or “step outside the box” to get them done. Such was the case at First Baptist Church, Hendersonville. “Like many, we have grown weary of all of the cancelations and postponements,” said senior pastor Bruce Chesser. “So, we have told our ministry team, ‘Stop focusing on what we cannot

Churches find new ways to serve families with school children during pandemic By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN — Decisions by local school boards on whether to have in-person school or virtual learning are leaving many families scrambling to find ways to take care of their children and their educational needs. As a result, doors are opening for churches to make an impact in their community. “2020

Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — In the midst of a worldwide pandemic, Tennessee Baptists gave a record amount through the 2019-2020 Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions. As of Aug. 31, a total of $1,948,324 has been given from 1,202 churches (subject to final review of deposits on Aug. 31 and month-end closing). The previous record was set just a year ago when Tennessee Baptists gave $1,920,733 through the 2018-19 GOTM.