By Connie Davis Bushey News Editor, Baptist and Reflector HERMITAGE — “This is a story of coming from dying to being healthy again,” said Bill Blair at the Church Revitalization Conference: Giving Hope for Change of his journey. Blair was referring to his experience with revitalization as pastor of Mill Creek Baptist Church, Nashville. The conference was held last week at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church by the Tennessee Baptist Convention

BRENTWOOD — While Montana Baptists maintain they have been blessed by the partnership between the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the Montana Southern Baptist Convention, it has not been a one-way street. Tennessee Baptists agree that they, too, have been blessed by the relationships they have made in Montana since the partnership began in 2006. It will officially end Dec. 31, but many churches plan to continue the relationships they have

C-N news office JEFFERSON CITY – Carson-Newman University announced Sept. 8 that it has recorded its second consecutive record-breaking enrollment for the fall. The university has a total enrollment of 2,528 students. It posted a record 2,362 students last year.

By Lonnie Wilkey and Connie Bushey Baptist and Reflector HERMITAGE — Church revitalization requires change. Though it was said in different ways, that was the general theme echoed several times last week during the Church Revitalization Conference: Giving Hope for Change, held at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church. The conference, which included messages and breakout sessions on different aspects of CR was sponsored by the Tennessee Baptist Convention in partnership with

BOZEMAN, Mont. — A 10-year partnership between the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the Montana Southern Baptist Convention has mutually benefited both parties, leaders agree. The partnership has been “a shot in the arm” for Montana Baptists, observed Steve Fowler, a church planting missionary who was state missions director for the Montana convention when the partnership began.

BRENTWOOD — Preparations are underway for The Summit, to be held Nov. 9-11 at First Baptist Church, Millington. The Summit includes the Tennessee Baptist Pastors Conference, related luncheons and meetings, and the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. The theme for this year’s meeting is “Reach Now … Whatever It Takes,” based on I Corinthians 9:19.

By Connie Davis Bushey News Editor, Baptist and Reflector MORRISTOWN — “Cowboy Church is not your traditional church,” said Kent Hightower, church planter/pastor of the Circle C Cowboy Church here, on a video produced by the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Folks connect with the church “because Cowboy Church is simple church. We use a simple message. “We proclaim Christ and we make it easy for folks to understand,” the pastor added.

By Connie Davis Bushey News Editor, Baptist and Reflector HUNTINGDON — His goal every week is to make one outreach contact. This is true though Jim Humphreys is 92 years old. Age is not the main factor for the retired director of missions and pastor in meeting his goal. He explained that for years he let other things keep him from being the witness that he should.

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector CLEVELAND — Pastor Jay McCluskey of North Cleveland Baptist Church here has always had a great appreciation for the former Baptist Hospital of East Tennessee in Knoxville. He was born at the hospital and even worked there for a brief period between his college and seminary years. Now, he has seen his church benefit from the hospital’s legacy.

By Jeff Brumley Associated Baptist Press JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Congregational coaches are warning churches against becoming so fixated on Millennials and other young people that they ignore the surging population of Baby Boomers already in their midst. But those experts say most congregations simply aren’t ready to listen to that advice, especially when reaching out to potential members in their 50s, 60s, and 70s doesn’t seem as exciting as ministering