Randy C. Davis
It is a joy to be with you on this journey.
That’s how I end every Clarity column, and it truly is a joy to be with Tennessee Baptists on this journey as we cooperate and collaborate in the work God gives us to do. But to gain perspective on where we’re going, we’ve got to occasionally look back to see from where we’ve come.
A little more than two years ago, I articulated six “big rocks” that would be the TBMB’s immediate focus:
• Finishing the 10-year emphasis on the Five Objectives well.
• Seizing the incredible opportunity presented by the arrival of Ford’s BlueOval City.
• Dealing with cultural and denominational distractions without being distracted from the mission of serving churches.
• Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the TBC with excellence and with respect for the past.
• Hearing from the Lord through grassroots Tennessee Baptists regarding our future work together at TBC through a process named Acts 2:17.
It has been an incredibly intense two years, but with the culmination of Summit 2024, we can celebrate and be thankful for what focus has produced.
I’m thankful for the fruit produced by the extended Five Objectives focus, especially in the areas of evangelism, discipleship, and baptism.
I am thankful for the sacrificial Cooperative Program giving of Tennessee Baptist churches that has helped us realize 99.2 percent of our 2023–2024 budget goal.
I am thankful for record giving through the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions. So thankful I’m going to say it again: Tennessee Baptists topped $3 million toward mission work in Tennessee. Thank you! Remember, any way you slice it, Tennessee is a mission field.
I am thankful for the collaborative and cooperative spirit that’s developed around church planting and church health in the BlueOval City area of West Tennessee. I’m thankful the response has given us a model to implement across our state.
I am thankful that we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Tennessee Baptist Convention in a way that honored those who came before us while also pivoting point to good days ahead. I’m thankful this convention, in the location where it all began, was one of the most attended annual meetings ever held in Middle Tennessee.
I am thankful for the messengers who attended, fellowshiped and conducted every piece of business with interest and in a manner pleasing to the Father.
Related, I’m very thankful for the TBMB team that worked long hours for 10 months preparing every aspect of the Summit. Their service in creating a great experience for our messengers is an extension of their daily commitment to serve churches.
I am thankful for the Acts 2:17 process over these past two years that has given us clear and compelling Kingdom focus as a network of churches for years to come. The spirit of collaboration between pastors, ministers, laypeople, TBMB staff, and those helping us with this process has been monumental. I can’t wait to see what God does through us all, together moving forward.
And finally, I am exceedingly thankful for the compassionate and comprehensive response to the flood damage caused by Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee. Over 500 homes suffered damage or destruction, plus 11 TBC churches.
Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers, associations, local churches, like-minded businesspeople, and more have come together to serve so many left destitute.
My heart is full as we wind down one of the most significant years in our convention’s storied 150-year history. Thank you for being a part.
It is truly a joy to be with you on this journey. B&R
