Tennessee

SUMMIT 2024: MESSENGERS ENDORSE ACTS 2:17 INITIATIVE

MURFREESBORO — With a near-unanimous showing, messengers at the 2024 Summit approved the Acts 2:17 Initiative Report as the “foundational blueprint for Convention ministry for the foreseeable future.”  The report — which included the complete report of the Steering Team and Workgroups, the executive Summary of Steering Team and Workgroups, and the plan of implementation — was overwhelmingly approved, with just two dissenting votes, during the Tuesday afternoon session of

Read More...

TURNER NAMED NEXT B&R EDITOR

FRANKLIN — Chris Turner, director of communications for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board since 2014, has been named editor of the Baptist and Reflector. Turner, who will continue in his communications role, succeeds Lonnie Wilkey, who will retire Dec. 31 after spending 36 years on the B&R staff, including the last 26 as editor. In a related move, David Dawson was named managing editor, a newly created position. He has

Read More...

SUMMIT 2024 RECAP: HARDWICK RE-ELECTED, CP BUDGET AMENDED

Editor’s note: The following is a synopsis of the major actions at the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention in Murfreesboro. See more detailed articles on the budget, the Acts 2:17 Initiative, the 150th anniversary celebration, messages and other elements of Summit at the B&R website and in the print edition. MURFREESBORO — Tennessee Baptists re-elected Jay Hardwick without opposition for a second term as president of the Tennessee

Read More...

UNION STUDENTS SHARPEN PREACHING SKILLS IN AREA CHURCHES

JACKSON — Gaining valuable preaching experience, Union University students participated in a special preaching opportunity hosted by the Dyer Baptist Association on Oct. 6 when six churches volunteered to open their pulpits to students from the School of Theology and Missions. Adren Pearce, Union’s coordinator for chapel and church relations, said this opportunity is fruitful for both students and local churches.  “It benefits the students because they learn the practice

Read More...

UNION GIVES BACK DURING CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY DAY

JACKSON — As a native of Jackson, Tennessee, Union University junior Mackenzie Cooper loves her community. She took advantage of the university’s annual Campus and Community: A Day of Remembrance and Service on Oct. 23 to help pick up trash at the city’s Cypress Grove Nature Park as a way of showing her appreciation. “Jackson gives a lot to Union University, and it’s very important to give back,” Cooper said.

Read More...

UNION GIVES BACK DURING CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY DAY

JACKSON — As a native of Jackson, Tennessee, Union University junior Mackenzie Cooper loves her community. She took advantage of the university’s annual Campus and Community: A Day of Remembrance and Service on Oct. 23 to help pick up trash at the city’s Cypress Grove Nature Park as a way of showing her appreciation. “Jackson gives a lot to Union University, and it’s very important to give back,” Cooper said.

Read More...

PARKING LOT IS GONE, BUT HOPE REMAINS IN PLACE

ROAN MOUNTAIN  — Two weeks after Roan Park Baptist Church, a congregation of about 15 members, reached into their savings account and spent approximately $20,000 to pave its parking lot, flood waters caused by Hurricane Helene washed it away. In addition, the church’s sanctuary, Sunday School building (former sanctuary) and fellowship hall all had at least a foot of standing water inside. “Losing our parking lot was a setback but

Read More...

DR WORK AIDS NEWPORT CHURCH BUDGET PLANS

NEWPORT — Riverview Baptist Church, located on the bank of the Pigeon River in Newport, sustained major damage due to flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in late September.  The church appears to actually be sitting in the river in an ariel photograph. The church had extensive damage in the basement as well as in the sanctuary which also sustained water damage but not to the extent of the basement, said

Read More...

PROMINENT TENNESSEE BAPTISTS: ROBERT CRAIG

As with any institution that has been around for over 200 years, there have bound to be changes and transformations that shape the landscape of that institution. Union University is no different.  One of its most formative changes occurred in the mid-1970s when it moved to its current campus in north Jackson from its landlocked campus in downtown Jackson. Robert Craig, president at the time, knew the decision was risky

Read More...

RIBBON CUTTING AT CARSON-NEWMAN

Carson-Newman University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 1 for its new West Campus Commons, a twin-building residence life complex which house 524 beds and are coupled by a two-story “Community Connector” featuring a large gathering and gaming space on the first floor, while study space is designated for the second floor. From left are Robert Key, C-N; Tim McGaha, McGaha Electric Co.; Andy Carey, SmartBank; Olivia Manfull, C-N student; Angelicia

Read More...

TURNER NAMED NEXT B&R EDITOR

FRANKLIN — Chris Turner, director of communications for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board since 2014, has been named editor of the Baptist and Reflector. Turner,

Read More »