Tennessee

RICKMAN RECOGNIZED FOR LOYALTY

FRANKLIN — When Gary Rickman was recognized for his 50 years of service, he handled the moment in much the same manner that he has handled so many things in his ministry: With a smile on his face.  Rickman — who officially retired from full-time ministry in 2016 but has continued to serve in a variety of roles since then — was presented with a plaque and a heartfelt ovation

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FBC PARIS KIDS GIVE VBS OFFERING TO REACH COMMUNITY

PARIS — First Baptist Church, Paris, is situated within a city block of a town numbering a little more than 10,000 people. Within a one-mile radius of this small town in the heart of the Bible Belt, less than half attend church regularly.  The streets of Paris surrounding the church are economically depressed and spiritually dark, said Garrett Veazey, the church’s student minister.  The congregation of FBC, Paris, hopes to

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TBC CP GIVING DIPS SLIGHTLY

FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptist Convention churches contributed $2,599,493 through the Cooperative Program in July. For the year-to-date, Tennessee Baptists have given $26,029,057 in CP receipts. The amount is down slightly from what was given at the same time last year, $405,512 or 1.5 percent. After nine months of the 2022-23 budget year, gifts are $220,943 or 0.84 percent below budget needs.

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TBC CP GIVING DIPS SLIGHTLY

FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptist Convention churches contributed $2,599,493 through the Cooperative Program in July. For the year-to-date, Tennessee Baptists have given $26,029,057 in CP receipts. The amount is down slightly from what was given at the same time last year, $405,512 or 1.5 percent. After nine months of the 2022-23 budget year, gifts are $220,943 or 0.84 percent below budget needs.

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VBS BLESSES CHILDREN — AND WORKERS

KNOXVILLE — For almost 100 years, Southern Baptist churches have hosted Vacation Bible Schools each summer. Countless children have heard the gospel as a result. 2023 is no exception: VBS was again a significant evangelistic and outreach effort for churches of all sizes.  The benefits of VBS to Tennessee’s children and families are evident. While less obvious, the blessings VBS provides workers — and the insights long-term workers offer —

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VBS IS A MINISTRY, NOT JUST AN EVENT

FRANKLIN — By now, most churches across the state have taken down the decorations and packed up the cardboard and scissors.  Another year of Vacation Bible School is in the books. But what many people don’t realize is that VBS is actually a year-round ministry, not a week-long event. The planning process is perpetually taking place — and more importantly, the impact of VBS, in many cases, lasts a lifetime. 

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CHURCH PROVIDES MINISTRY FOR SOULS AND SOLES

KNOXVILLE — North Knoxville Baptist Church, once a thriving congregation in Knox County, has fallen on hard times in recent years with an average of 40 to 60 people on any given Sunday. But under the leadership of an interim pastor (actually two interims), the church is beginning to bounce back. A key part of the revitalization has been the willingness of the older congregation to reach out to its

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THE RIVER OF LIFE

First  Baptist Church, Gatlinburg, held its annual “Gather at the River” service on July 16 (see photo on the right). The church baptized 16 new believers. “We have other baptisms throughout the year but this river gathering has grown to be one of our most special,” said pastor Nick Moore. Assisting Moore with the baptism of a new believer are Bryon Fortner, left, youth minister, and Colin Campbell, center, pastoral

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VBS PAVES THE WAY FOR CHURCH REVITALIZATION

NASHVILLE — The past several summers have been quiet at Tusculum Hills Baptist Church. This year has been different, as more than 60 kids and youth filled the brightly decorated sanctuary on a Friday morning, June 30, shouting at the top of their lungs to worship songs they learned that week in Vacation Bible School.  Frank Lewis, revitalization pastor at Tusculum Hills Baptist, decided to host VBS as part of

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DOM TO DIRECT CARSON-NEWMAN’S NEW PRISON PROGRAM

KNOXVILLE — Carson- Newman University will soon be offering inmates at the Morgan County Correctional Complex (MCCX) the opportunity to pursue a college degree. “We truly believe in the power of a Christ-centered education,” said David Crutchley, dean of C-N’s School of Biblical and Theological Studies.  “Carson-Newman’s mission is innovative and directed to helping our students reach their full potential,” he said. Slated for an August launch, the bachelor’s program

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TBC CP GIVING DIPS SLIGHTLY

FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptist Convention churches contributed $2,599,493 through the Cooperative Program in July. For the year-to-date, Tennessee Baptists have given $26,029,057 in CP receipts.

Read More »

TBC CP GIVING DIPS SLIGHTLY

FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptist Convention churches contributed $2,599,493 through the Cooperative Program in July. For the year-to-date, Tennessee Baptists have given $26,029,057 in CP receipts.

Read More »

THE RIVER OF LIFE

First  Baptist Church, Gatlinburg, held its annual “Gather at the River” service on July 16 (see photo on the right). The church baptized 16 new

Read More »