By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector First Baptist Church, Madisonville, honors Lon Shoopman on 40th anniversary MADISONVILLE — When Lon Shoopman became pastor of First Baptist Church here on the second Sunday of January in 1975 he had no expectations of how long he would remain. But he knew how he would approach his second pastorate as he transitioned from First Baptist Church, in Sebree, Ky., where he served
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector ELIZABETHTON — Members of Oak Street Baptist Church here are excited to see their pastor and his wife leave — sort of. Members are sad they are leaving but excited about why they are heading west to Colorado.
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector GOODLETTSVILLE — During the budgeting process for the new year, members of Union Hill Baptist Church here faced a dilemma. Because of a slight decline in membership and giving in recent months, the budget and finance committee had to reduce the church’s budget by 8.5 percent.
By Baptist and Reflector BRENTWOOD — More messengers attended The Summit Nov. 10-12 at Brentwood Baptist Church here than previously thought. Following Summit, the Baptist and Reflector reported 958 registered messengers.
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector MILLINGTON — As a new year is set to begin, thousands upon thousands of people make that traditional New Year’s resolution to lose those extra pounds gained during the past year. For most, it is easier said than done, says Willie McLaurin, special assistant to the executive director/treasurer of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. McLaurin led a breakout during the November Summit at First
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector BRENTWOOD — The year 2014 proved to be historic for the Tennessee Baptist Convention. For the first time in its 140-year history, messengers to The Summit in November elected an African-American as president. Michael Ellis, pastor of Impact Baptist Church in Memphis, was elected president without any opposition.
By Baptist and Reflector BRENTWOOD, Tenn.— The Tennessee Baptist Convention has named a former employee and veteran of numerous disaster relief efforts to lead the state’s disaster relief initiative on an interim basis. Mike Overcash began his duties as the TBC’s interim disaster relief director Jan. 5, succeeding David Acres who retired from the position last fall. Overcash was a computer systems specialist with the TBC from 1995-2001. However, he
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector BRENTWOOD — Vern Blanchard Powers, a longtime leader in the Tennessee Baptist Convention, died Dec. 19 at the age of 94 at his home in Old Hickory. Though born in Evansville, Ind., Powers spent most of his life in Tennessee. His dad, Blanchard Powers, also was a longtime pastor.
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector CLARKSVILLE — Over the years Pastor Jimmy Terry of Tabernacle Baptist Church here has witnessed what he perceives as a de-emphasis on Christmas by Christians. Christians have abandoned Christmas (and Easter), Terry observed. “We have given it over to the secular world.” For the past four years or so Terry has purchased several hundred yard signs which proclaim, “Christmas is all about JESUS.”
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector Editor’s Note: Tennessee Baptist churches are collecting money this month for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. Mike and Heather McAfee are missionaries with strong Tennessee ties. They were featured missionaries in the recent Week of Prayer for International Missions. They also participated in the Missions Extravaganza held at The Summit in Brentwood in November. They currently are residing in Cookeville
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector First Baptist Church, Madisonville, honors Lon Shoopman on 40th anniversary MADISONVILLE — When Lon Shoopman became pastor of
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector ELIZABETHTON — Members of Oak Street Baptist Church here are excited to see their pastor and his wife
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector GOODLETTSVILLE — During the budgeting process for the new year, members of Union Hill Baptist Church here faced
By Baptist and Reflector BRENTWOOD — More messengers attended The Summit Nov. 10-12 at Brentwood Baptist Church here than previously thought. Following Summit, the Baptist
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector MILLINGTON — As a new year is set to begin, thousands upon thousands of people make that traditional
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector BRENTWOOD — The year 2014 proved to be historic for the Tennessee Baptist Convention. For the first time
By Baptist and Reflector BRENTWOOD, Tenn.— The Tennessee Baptist Convention has named a former employee and veteran of numerous disaster relief efforts to lead the
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector BRENTWOOD — Vern Blanchard Powers, a longtime leader in the Tennessee Baptist Convention, died Dec. 19 at the
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector CLARKSVILLE — Over the years Pastor Jimmy Terry of Tabernacle Baptist Church here has witnessed what he perceives
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector Editor’s Note: Tennessee Baptist churches are collecting money this month for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International