Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835
March 24, 2026
By Carolyn TomlinContributing writer, Baptist and ReflectorEditor’s note: The last names of the teens in this story were not published for safety reasons. FRANKLIN — In 2021, Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union (TN WMU) launched the TN Youth Venture Team, an initiative for 10th-12th-grade students who are actively involved in missions. From those who applied, TN […]
March 23, 2026
By Scott Barkley and Brandon PorterBaptist PressNASHVILLE (BP) – Friends, family, and numerous others impacted by the ministry of Steve Gaines poured out their thoughts and remembrances after learning of his death. Gaines, 68, died on March 20 after a battle with cancer. Bellevue Baptist Church, where Gaines served as senior pastor from 2005-24, announced his […]
March 23, 2026
By David DawsonManaging editor, Baptist and ReflectorSalem Baptist, Hope Church celebrate ‘capstone moment’ KNOXVILLE — It can be said that Hope Church is a plant that no longer needs to be watered. After three years of hard work, steadfast praying and unwavering commitment, Hope Church has transitioned from being an extension of Salem Baptist Church […]
March 20, 2026
Baptist and ReflectorThe Rev. Steve Gaines, longtime pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis and a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, died March 20, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. He was 68. Gaines served as pastor of Bellevue for more than two decades and was known as an evangelist, revival advocate, […]
March 20, 2026
By Chris TurnerEditor, Baptist and ReflectorRetired policeman in Chattanooga shares love of Jesus through ‘FCPO’ CHATTANOOGA — The death of Paul Lee’s mother changed everything. That was it. That was the thing that drove Lee over an emotional and spiritual cliff. The big, tough, cynical Chattanooga police officer couldn’t take any more. He thought […]
March 20, 2026
Baptist and ReflectorMission fields are everywhere, and your community has an important one. Your local law enforcement community is often overlooked, but your church can make an impact. Here are eight ways your church can support officers. 1. Pray intentionally and publicly Set aside times to pray for officers, their families, and leadership. It shows […]
March 19, 2026
Baptist and ReflectorThe recently penned House Bill 570, which calls for women seeking abortion procedures to potentially be charged with murder, has sparked much debate, even among Christ-followers. Although the bill failed to come to a vote due to lack of support in the Population Health Subcommittee on March 10, advocacy groups say the bill […]
March 18, 2026
Baptist and ReflectorBaptist and Reflector FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptist Convention churches contributed $2,478,697 through the Cooperative Program in February. For the year-to-date, Tennessee Baptists have given $11,515,424. The amount is $275,046 or 2.33 percent below what was given during the same time frame last year. The amount is $613,219 or 5.06 percent behind budget needs […]
March 18, 2026
By Zoë WatkinsCommunications specialistNASHVILLE — Nearly six weeks after Winter Storm Fern brought historic ice and snowfall to Tennessee, Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief teams are still working to restore normalcy to communities across the state. “Once the disaster’s off the front page, people forget about it,” said Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee […]
March 17, 2026
By Marshall KingProfessor • Carson-NewmanNote: Professor Marshall King was leading a group of students on an archaeological dig in Israel when the U.S. and Israel carried out strikes on Iran. There is a moment in archaeological fieldwork that experienced diggers learn to anticipate and novices never forget. You have been moving through unremarkable soil for […]
March 12, 2026
By Sam StockardTennessee LookoutNASHVILLE — A Tennessee House committee rejected an anti-abortion bill Tuesday that would have criminalized women for seeking abortion procedures, potentially allowing them to be charged with murder. The bill failed for lack of support and didn’t come to a vote in the Population Health Subcommittee, leading supporters to sing hymns and […]
March 10, 2026
By Zoë WatkinsCommunications specialistChurch invests millions in student center to reach next gen CORRYTON — Corryton Baptist Church in Knox County completed a $4.5 million student center on its campus, and the facility was designed with a clear evangelistic purpose: get young people through the doors. “You’ve got to somehow try to get them to […]