Tennessee

BAPTISMS HAVE NEW LOOK DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING

By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] TRENTON — Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create sadness and fear, many positive developments are also emerging from this unprecedented period. Randy Pool, coordinator of Mississippi River Ministry for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, was recently involved in a memorable event — one that likely would not have unfolded in the same manner under “normal circumstances.” Pool refers to it as a

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DAVIS: THERE’S NO DEFINITIVE DATE

Over the past several weeks, our Tennessee Baptist Mission Board staff has talked with thousands of pastors and a recurring question we’ve been asked is this: “When can we reopen our church?” As you know, within our Baptist polity that is not a question seeking permission but rather an informed perspective. I wish there were a single response with a definitive date, but that is a call every church must

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‘HOW DID IT HAPPEN?’

Pastor shares experience with COVID-19 Baptist and Reflector Editor’s Note: A Nashville pastor recently contracted COVID-19. The B&R normally does not withhold names, but we are making this exception at the request of the pastor. His story needs to be heard so we are sharing it in the following Question and Answer format.   B&R: Many people think things can never happen to them. What was your first thought when

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TBMB PROVIDES RESOURCE TO HELP CHURCHES REOPEN

Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — The Tennessee Baptist Mission Board has provided a document entitled “Gathering Together Again” to assist churches as they consider holding worship services again in their facilities. The document can be accessed at www.tnbaptist.org/reopen. Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the TBMB, noted church leaders have been asking for weeks, “When can we reopen our church?” “As you know, within our Baptist polity, that

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TBMB DIRECTORS HOLD FIRST VIRTUAL MEETING

By Lonnie Wilkey [email protected] FRANKLIN — The board of directors of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board made history April 21 — and they didn’t even have to leave home. Thanks to technology, COVID-19 did not wipe out the scheduled April meeting of the TBMB as an overwhelming majority of the board member joined a Zoom broadcast. “This is a historical moment,” acknowledged Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of

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CHURCH STARTS NEW MINISTRY BY OFFERING ONLINE ASSISTANCE

By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector [email protected] MURFREESBORO — In keeping with social-distancing guidelines, many churches have elected to use online streaming in place of their normal worship services and other gatherings. The transition hasn’t been easy for all churches, especially those who had never before used live streaming. And that’s where New Vision Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, comes in. New Vision has developed a ministry in which the church is

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PANDEMIC HAVING DRASTIC IMPACT ON FUNERALS

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN — A side effect of the worldwide COVID-19 has been the way funerals are now conducted. No longer can large crowds congregate to say goodbye to loved ones or console family members. ‘The pandemic has created an unprecedented time in our society,” said Roc Collins, strategic objectives director for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.

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CHESSER: PASTORS FINDING NEW WAYS TO MINISTER

‘Shepherding the flock’ looks, feels different with social distancing Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted churches, not just in terms of altering worship services, but well beyond that. Funerals, weddings, small group gatherings, hospital visitation — all of these things, and more, have had to be changed in accordance with social distance restrictions and other guidelines.

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NO CONTACT, NO PROBLEM

Churches, associations meet needs through compassion ministries By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] FRANKLIN — Compassion ministries almost always involve a personal touch, whether it’s a hug, handshake or simply sharing the gospel up close and personal. With the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements, the personal touch may be gone but churches and associations across the state are still showing God’s love through compassion ministries.

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C-N’S APPALACHIAN OUTREACH EXPERIENCING LARGE DEMAND

Carson-Newman news office JEFFERSON CITY — Carson-Newman University’s Appalachian Outreach Ministry continues to see a surge from those in need brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have seen an increase in numbers,” said Jean-Ann Washam, executive director of AO. “We are seeing people who have never received services before who have not been able to go back to work.” Washam cited that some are employees in the retail and

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‘HOW DID IT HAPPEN?’

Pastor shares experience with COVID-19 Baptist and Reflector Editor’s Note: A Nashville pastor recently contracted COVID-19. The B&R normally does not withhold names, but we

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