ROAN MOUNTAIN — When Nathan and Emily Purcell moved to Roan Mountain from upstate New York 11 years ago, they were seeking warmer weather and Southern culture. They found both, settling into life with their three children — Jesse, Finley, and Elias — while attending Calvary Baptist Church. But God had bigger plans for their family. “I was quite comfortable with three kids. I said, three’s good,” Nathan said with
Bi-Vocational pastors receive dream trip to Israel DALLAS — Fifteen bi-vocational pastors received an unexpected gift at the 2025 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting: an all-expense-paid trip to Israel, courtesy of Signature Tours, a company specializing in Christian destination travel. One Tennessee pastor who was among the recipients called it “the kind of blessing you pray for but never expect.” D.J. Horton, President of the Pastors’ Conference, expressed his gratitude
DALLAS — Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, was asked on Tuesday what led him to be publicly supportive of, and actively involved with, the ongoing Supreme Court case “U.S. v. Skrmetti.” Davis said, in this instance, there wasn’t a complex process behind his decision. “Some cases, such as this one, are just common sense,” he said.
DALLAS — With smiles on their faces and sweets on their plates, Tennessee Baptists gathered for a dessert fellowship on Monday night in Dallas. The event, hosted by the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, serves as a “family reunion” (in the words of TBMB president and executive director Randy C. Davis) for Tennessee Baptists who are attending the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting. This year’s gathering was once again well attended,
SEVIERVILLE – First Baptist Church of Sevierville carries on the vision of Pastor Dan Spencer’s great-great uncle, M.E. Dodd. In addition to a long list of international and national missions partnerships, and a long list of local ministries under its “Ministry Village” umbrella, First Sevierville continues its strong commitment to missions giving through the Cooperative Program, the way Southern Baptists work together in obedience to Jesus’ Matthew 28:19-20 command known
Racetrack chaplain ‘powerful’ tool on and off the track GREENBRIER — It’s a Saturday night at the Veteran’s Motorplex at The Rim in Greenbrier, Tenn., and racetrack chaplain Brian Baker is making the rounds with the crowd. As he walks near the stands, a couple of regulars appear, excited to find their chaplain. One man quickly begins sharing his latest health scare — adding some four-letter words for good measure.
HARRIMAN — The familiar notes of “Standing on the Promises” fill the empty sanctuary of Trenton Street Baptist Church as Mildred Cole’s fingers flow across the organ keys. At 90 years old, she makes the practice look effortless — a testament to nearly eight decades of musical dedication. “I was determined to play,” she recalls with her characteristic directness. Growing up, Cole watched her father and grandfather play the violin,
LENOIR CITY — Ron Tilley admits the only instrument he plays is the radio. But that hasn’t stopped him from leading a music ministry career that spans seven decades. Tilley, who’s 86, has served as Minister of Music at nine different Baptist churches, including at his current role at Calvary Baptist in Lenoir City. He is now retiring after 72 years. “I was obsessed with it, I guess you might
FRANKLIN — Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, has issued a callout for Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief chain saw teams. Jones said the TBDR teams are needed “to support Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief (MODR) in the aftermath of the May 16 tornadoes that impacted both sides of their state — St. Louis and the Warsaw area (what they are calling the Truman Lake Tornadoes),” he
DALLAS — Southern Baptists will be gathering soon in Dallas for this year’s Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (June 10–11), which is expected to draw well over 10,000 people. North Carolina pastor Clint Pressley appears to be running unchallenged — at least for now — for a second term as SBC president. Other officer positions also only had one nominee announced at press time. Still, plenty of questions and opportunities
ROAN MOUNTAIN — When Nathan and Emily Purcell moved to Roan Mountain from upstate New York 11 years ago, they were seeking warmer weather and
Bi-Vocational pastors receive dream trip to Israel DALLAS — Fifteen bi-vocational pastors received an unexpected gift at the 2025 Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting: an
DALLAS — Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, was asked on Tuesday what led him to be publicly supportive
DALLAS — With smiles on their faces and sweets on their plates, Tennessee Baptists gathered for a dessert fellowship on Monday night in Dallas. The
SEVIERVILLE – First Baptist Church of Sevierville carries on the vision of Pastor Dan Spencer’s great-great uncle, M.E. Dodd. In addition to a long list
Racetrack chaplain ‘powerful’ tool on and off the track GREENBRIER — It’s a Saturday night at the Veteran’s Motorplex at The Rim in Greenbrier, Tenn.,
HARRIMAN — The familiar notes of “Standing on the Promises” fill the empty sanctuary of Trenton Street Baptist Church as Mildred Cole’s fingers flow across
LENOIR CITY — Ron Tilley admits the only instrument he plays is the radio. But that hasn’t stopped him from leading a music ministry career
FRANKLIN — Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, has issued a callout for Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief chain saw teams.
DALLAS — Southern Baptists will be gathering soon in Dallas for this year’s Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (June 10–11), which is expected to draw