By Bruce Chesser President, Tennessee Baptist Convention Coronavirus. It took most of us a little while to learn how to say it and a little bit longer to learn how to spell it, but it has quickly become a part of our vocabulary. I want to encourage you today. This will pass. And God is on the throne and none of this caught Him by surprise. I believe deep in
By Tess Schoonhoven Baptist Press NASHVILLE — College ministry thrives in community. But the COVID-19 pandemic — and the resulting social distancing policies, including bans on large gatherings and campus-wide shutdowns — has in many ways severed traditional connections. In an uncertain time, college ministries are finding ways to not only maintain community despite distance, but also working to foster an increasingly encouraging environment for the future. A Heightened Focus
Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — The Tennessee Baptist Mission Board is offering a “Practical Easter Webinar” for medium to smaller attendance Tennessee Baptist churches on Monday, April 6, at 6:30 central time/7:30 eastern time. “None of us anticipated a day when a worldwide pandemic would prevent our people from gathering on Easter,” observed Bill Choate, director of Baptist Collegiate Ministries for the TBMB. The webinar will give participants an opportunity
Baptist and Reflector NASHVILLE — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued an executive order April 2 requiring all Tennesseans to remain at home unless engaging in an essential activity or service as defined by the order. The executive order addresses what churches can or cannot do under the executive order with religious ceremonies such as weddings and funerals and providing essential ministries such as food delivery. “I am confident that with
By Larry Robertson Pastor, Hilldale Baptist Church, Clarksville I’m going to say something that I know will be controversial to some, but I need to say it. At least I think I need to say it. If your church is viewed by your community as part of the COVID-19 problem and not part of the solution because you continue to gather, shake hands, hug necks, you’re killing your influence in
By Aaron Earls LifeWay Christian Resources NASHVILLE — The coronavirus outbreak has had ripple effects across the country, including in U.S. churches, according to a new study of pastors. Nashville-based LifeWay Research asked Protestant pastors how the pandemic has impacted their congregations and what their plans are for the near future. While nearly all pastors say their church held in-person worship services at the beginning of March, the situation had
By Diana Chandler Baptist Press AUSTIN, Texas — Church worship and ministry are considered essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas under the latest protocols issued by Gov. Greg Abbott, but several pastors said Abbott’s directive likely won’t change their church safety protocols. First Baptist Church of Vidor pastor Terry Wright said he switched to online-only services March 15 after a few church families were concerned that they might
By Kim Cruise Missions discipleship specialist, Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union While COVID-19 spreads sickness and death across many countries, responses vary, but the most common response is fear. Fear of a loved one contracting the virus and suffering alone because no visitors are allowed. Fear of doctors and nurses being spread too thinly to meet the needs. Fear of retirement savings being reduced to a pittance. Fear of not being
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] For decades upon decades, Americans have always raced to the next big task or achievement. In the late 1880s to early 1900s, the United States entered the machine age where invention after invention improved society and our ability to move about. Automobiles and airplanes became primary modes of travel, far surpassing the horse and buggy and even trains.
By Roy Hayhurst Baptist Press DALLAS — With many churches reporting strained budgets due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, GuideStone is offering a one-time opportunity for both Group Plans and Personal Plans to step down to a lower-cost health care plan for the remainder of 2020. Generally the option to change plans is available only during re-enrollment. “We understand that we live in a very different economic reality
By Bruce Chesser President, Tennessee Baptist Convention Coronavirus. It took most of us a little while to learn how to say it and a little
By Tess Schoonhoven Baptist Press NASHVILLE — College ministry thrives in community. But the COVID-19 pandemic — and the resulting social distancing policies, including bans
Baptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — The Tennessee Baptist Mission Board is offering a “Practical Easter Webinar” for medium to smaller attendance Tennessee Baptist churches on
Baptist and Reflector NASHVILLE — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued an executive order April 2 requiring all Tennesseans to remain at home unless engaging in
By Larry Robertson Pastor, Hilldale Baptist Church, Clarksville I’m going to say something that I know will be controversial to some, but I need to
By Aaron Earls LifeWay Christian Resources NASHVILLE — The coronavirus outbreak has had ripple effects across the country, including in U.S. churches, according to a
By Diana Chandler Baptist Press AUSTIN, Texas — Church worship and ministry are considered essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas under the latest
By Kim Cruise Missions discipleship specialist, Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union While COVID-19 spreads sickness and death across many countries, responses vary, but the most common
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] For decades upon decades, Americans have always raced to the next big task or achievement. In the
By Roy Hayhurst Baptist Press DALLAS — With many churches reporting strained budgets due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, GuideStone is offering a
