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GROWTH AND MOMENTUM HIGHLIGHT LIFEWAY TRUSTEE MEETING

February 1, 2023

By Aaron Earls
Writer, Lifeway Christian Resources

At the recent Lifeway trustee meeting, Connia Nelson, chief human resources officer, answers a question about the organization’s strategy to hire and retain employees who “want to work for God and His kingdom.” — Photos by Lifeway

ORLANDO, Fla. — In their first meeting of 2023, the Lifeway Christian Resources Board of Trustees heard how the organization plans to leverage recent growth momentum and better serve the church in coming years.

During the January 30-31 meeting, key leaders at Lifeway shared encouraging financial news and updates on new and upcoming ministry initiatives.

Southern Baptist Convention president Bart Barber participated in the biannual meeting and expressed gratitude to the organization for its commitment to serving congregations. “Every Southern Baptist church and leader knows Lifeway because we interact with them in our local church ministry,” he said, “but it’s an extra blessing to see the people, the vision, and the processes behind all these products we depend on.”

Strategic focus

In his address to trustees, Lifeway President and CEO Ben Mandrell unpacked areas of strategic focus the organization will concentrate on for the remainder of 2023, including continued growth in ongoing curriculum, implementation of a management system to deepen customer relations, and improvements to Lifeway.com.

After noting ongoing curriculum was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mandrell reported ongoing Bible study curriculum shows strong growth over last year, and last year’s sales showed growth over the prior year. He said sales have “rebounded significantly, and the trend lines are encouraging, but we want to pour as much gas as possible on growing our ongoing Bible study business.

“Continued growth in ongoing is critical for Lifeway’s financial health, so we’re very grateful to see this trend continue,” said Mandrell. He shared that Lifeway is “fiercely committed” to growing its three main curriculum lines: Explore the Bible, Bible Studies for Life and The Gospel Project. In addition, Lifeway recently unveiled a new, next-gen curriculum line called Hyfi, which is scheduled to be released this summer. Sharing quotes from church leaders who tested Hyfi, Mandrell expressed excitement at a new opportunity to equip congregations that are passionate about building relationships with previously unreached kids and students.

Lifeway Christian Resources president and CEO Ben Mandrell shares the strategic focuses for the organization during the Lifeway Board of Trustees meeting held in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 30-31.

He told trustees that Lifeway is in the beginning stages of implementing a customer relationship management system that will “allow leaders across the organization to collaborate and personalize the marketing messages that are sent to the customer. As a customer interacts with Lifeway, we can keep track of what they are interested in and reach out with relevant material.” The goal, Mandrell said, is to provide customers with only the type of information and resources that are of interest to them.

Additionally, Mandrell spoke of continuing improvements to Lifeway.com. While the site was recently once again named to Newsweek’s “Best Online Shops” list, he said Lifeway leaders are continuing to find ways to upgrade the site. Mandrell highlighted multiple new features and enhancements coming to the site, including additional functionality and search optimization to make shopping at Lifeway.com a better experience.

During the plenary session, Mandrell also gave trustees a financial update. He reported that through the first quarter, Lifeway is tracking right at its revenue budget, but well ahead of the bottom-line budget as a result of good expense management. He also noted several recent ministry highlights including the tenth anniversary of The Gospel Project, strong sales of the “Telugu Study Bible” in India and the “CSB Explorer Bible for Kids” charting on the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s bestseller list.

“We have so much to be thankful for,” Mandrell said, “and we look forward to seeing how God continues to bless these great resources designed for local churches.”

Mandrell also noted the priority the organization is placing on hiring and retaining the best employees. “I want Lifeway to grow in prominence as one of the premier places to work for God’s kingdom,” he said. In 2022, Lifeway had close to 15,000 new candidates exploring career opportunities with the organization, up 40 percent over 2021. Additionally, while the annualized turnover rate for resignations across all industries last year was more than 30 percent, Lifeway’s rate was less than 13 percent.

Other business and activities

On Monday morning, worship leader Doug Pierce led trustees in a time of worship, and Mandrell shared a message on leading with strength through weakness. Exploring 2 Corinthians 12, Mandrell discussed how a thorn in the flesh can counterintuitively serve as a blessing and presented three reasons why God grants suffering:

·      To grow our witness    
·      To shrink pride and make us fit for ministry 
·      To create a deeper connection with God and others

Trustees also heard from several Lifeway leaders during their two-day meeting. 

Lifeway Christian Resources trustees listen as leaders from the organization share ministry highlights from 2022 during the biannual board meeting.

Devin Maddox, director of the books ministry area, discussed how “with every Christian testimony, there’s a bibliography attached.” A sea of raised hands covered the room when Maddox asked who had personally experienced a book play a key role in their journey to become a Christian.

“Books are a ministry multiplier that can accomplish something authors cannot do,” Maddox said. “Books can go places where others cannot. As a publisher, we can deploy books into homes all over the world.”

Chuck Peters, director of Lifeway Kids, introduced trustees to Hyfi—Lifeway’s new, next-gen Bible study curriculum. Peters called Hyfi a needed resource that will help “flip the script” for churches seeking to reach kids and students in an increasingly secularized society.

“The curriculum teaches 12 biblical truths that help kids know who they are because of who God is and who He says they are,” Peters said. Hyfi is grounded in Scripture and driven by relational activities that connect newcomers to church and pave the way for the gospel message.

Brad Barnett, senior manager of student ministry operations, shared a recap of Lifeway’s 2022 summer camps. “We had an incredible summer serving 106,000 campers from 4,000 churches and saw over 1,800 kids and students give their lives to Christ,” Barnett said. 

He relayed ministry stories from camp, illustrating how God works through student leaders and unique activities—like a silent disco—to reach kids and bring them into relationship with Him and others.

During the meeting, trustees approved the establishment of a sales division within Lifeway to

be managed by a new senior vice president at the Executive Leadership Team level. With the new position approved, Mandrell said the team would begin looking for a candidate to fill that role.

The board also recognized five trustees who are ending their board service in June: Marie Clark, Overland Park, Kansas; Tony McAlexander, Las Vegas, Nevada; Amy Mielock, Cary, North Carolina; Katherine Pope, Martinsburg, West Virginia; and Terenda Wyant, Belleville, Illinois. 

The next Lifeway trustee meeting is scheduled for August 28-29, 2023. B&R

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THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE CHURCHES OF WEST TENNESSEE

February 1, 2023

By Ray Van Neste
Dean and professor of Biblical studies, Union University, Jackson

Van Nestie

According to the latest reports, more than 12 percent of Tennessee Baptist churches are without a pastor. That is about 400 churches. Among the pastors we do have, the average age is increasing dramatically because fewer and fewer young men are entering the ministry, and men who are ready to retire must be pressed back into service. 

Our rural churches are particularly hard hit. Many of the people of God are shepherdless at a time when there are four million lost people in Tennessee. 

I am most accustomed to thinking of international missions when I read Matthew 9:35-38, but it is also true of Tennessee. “And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.  [Read more…]

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WIDOWS IN WARTBURG FORM BONDS WITH YOUNG ADULTS

January 31, 2023

By David Dawson
Communications specialist, TBMB

WARTBURG — At first, it might sound like a strange melding of demographics: widows and young adults.

But at First Baptist Church, Wartburg, these two groups are forming friendships and kinships. 

“There’s a fantastic synergy between the two groups within our church,” said FBC senior pastor Matt Ward. 

The connections have emerged in prominent ways in recent weeks after a young adults Sunday School class at FBC started a ministry called “Wisdom from Widows.” The concept for the ministry came from FBC young adult leaders Marvin and Tammy Howard, who helped put the wheels in motion.  

“I did not shoehorn this ministry — nor was it my idea,” said Ward. “That’s what makes this ministry so encouraging to me. When discipleship is taking place, the natural outflow of that is people, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, looking for ways for the love of Christ to come out. This ministry, in my opinion, is the natural outworking of discipleship.” [Read more…]

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PLANNING LEADS TO SMOOTH TRANSITION FOR DOM

January 30, 2023

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

Rusty Sumrall, right, and Michael Kelley have worked together for a smooth transition of leadership at Nashville Baptist Association.

NASHVILLE — Approximately five years ago, Rusty Sumrall knew his tenure as executive director of Nashville Baptist Association was nearing an end.

He had recently turned 65 years old so he went to his board and asked if they wanted him to retire. Sumrall noted they told him he could remain as long as he wanted.

“I asked them if we could put some money aside in our upcoming budget to do a strategy plan leading to my retirement when I turned 70,” he recalled.

The association’s leadership agreed and they formed a 2020 Vision Team which hired a consultant to work with the association, leading to the creation of a five-year plan which culminated with a new director of missions in September.

Michael Kelley, a former employee with Lifeway Christian Resources, was chosen to succeed Sumrall. He joined the staff as executive director-elect on May 1 of last year and served alongside Sumrall until their annual meeting in September when he took over the reins of the association. [Read more…]

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STATE EVANGELISM CONFERENCE UNDER WAY IN MURFREESBORO

January 29, 2023

By Baptist and Reflector

The Daniel Doss Band leads worship music Sunday night during the opening session of the 2023 State Evangelism Conference at New Vision Church in Murfreesboro. — Photo by David Dawson

MURFREESBORO — The opening session of the 2023 State Evangelism Conference featured worship, encouragement and urgency on Sunday night at New Vision Baptist Church in Murfreesboro. 

Operating with “Testify” as the theme, this year’s two-day conference opened with JJ Washington and Jamie Dew serving as the featured speakers during Sunday night’s session. Worship music included the Daniel Doss Band and the Old Path Quartet.  [Read more…]

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TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI DR SERVES FIRST RESPONDERS IN MEMPHIS

January 28, 2023

By Tim Ellsworth
Baptist and Reflector

Wes Jones, left, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, talks to volunteers Butch Porch, center, Woodland Baptist Church, Brownsville, and Richard Kuenzinger of Germantown Baptist Church, Germantown. — Photo by Garry Maddox

MEMPHIS — Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers responded to an unusual request from the state this week to provide support for first responders preparing for possible rioting in Memphis in the aftermath of the beating and death of Tyre Nichols. 

While Disaster Relief teams are no strangers to helping people affected by natural disasters, this was the first time for Tennessee volunteers to activate for potential civil unrest, according to Wes Jones, Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief specialist.

“It’s new for us, but it’s been done by other teams in different states,” Jones said. “This is actually pre-planning for a possible disaster. Hopefully nothing bad breaks out when the tapes come out, but they have to be pre-staged and ready to go. You can’t come in two days later. They want to be in the right place at the right time, so we want to be there to help them and support them as we can.”

Nichols, a 29-year-old Memphis resident, was savagely beaten by five Memphis police officers on Jan. 7 and died from his injuries a few days later. The officers have been charged with second-degree murder. Video footage of their encounter with Nichols was released the evening of Jan. 27, and local officials called in extra first responders to be prepared for protests. [Read more…]

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PROVIDING HELP FOR HIS HOMELAND

January 27, 2023

By Charles Key and Lonnie Wilkey
Baptist and Reflector

Ukrainian native coordinates efforts to help war-torn country

By Charles Key and Lonnie Wilkey

Baptist and Reflector

John Pinkston, left, director of missions for Jefferson County Baptist Association, and Ukrainian native Vova Gorbenko display items that will be sent to his home country which is under attack by Russia. — Photo by Charles Key

JEFFERSON CITY — A Carson-Newman University staffer has secured the assistance of local Baptist associations and churches in East Tennessee to aid his native country in war-torn Ukraine.

The needs in Ukraine are many, said Vova Gorbenko, who fled to the United States and eventually ended up in Jefferson City where he is now the university’s assistant director of campus ministries. He also is a guest professor, teaching New Testament in the School of Biblical and Theological Studies.

“What’s happening there right now is that the Russians have attacked the infrastructure. They are destroying electric plants, electric equipment and heating plants — along with other buildings. That is their goal. Since they cannot win the war militarily, they want to stir up social unrest. 

“People are without electricity or heat in their apartments. Right now in Zaporizhzhia, the electricity is turned off twice a day for six hours. Right now, it’s cold. Last week was minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit). It will still be cold through March and at the beginning of April,” he said. [Read more…]

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BCM MAINTAINS FOCUS, MISSION

January 26, 2023

By David Dawson
Communications specialist, TBMB

East Tennessee State University BCM student Zack Barnett, left, speaks with a group of students during Beach Reach in Panama City Beach, Fla. — Photo by David Dawson

FRANKLIN — Even in the face of big challenges and big changes, Baptist Collegiate Ministries continues to be effective in reaching students for Christ and helping them grow in their faith. The BCM also continues to be successful in supporting the spread of the gospel through events, service projects and giving.  

Over the past six years, from 2016-2022, the BCMs in Tennessee  have helped more than 5,000 students get involved in leadership development, raised over a million dollars for missions and seen over 1,500 professions of faith.  

The BCM has also helped more than 800 students prepare for the ministry and seen more than 6,000 students become involved in evangelism training. 

These encouraging numbers have emerged despite difficult circumstances — ranging from the increase of everyday distractions (such as social media) to a worldwide pandemic — that have developed in recent years. [Read more…]

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BCM, DR TEAM UP FOR REBUILD EFFORT IN KENTUCKY

January 25, 2023

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

BCM volunteers Jessica Lang, left, of New Hope Baptist Church, Maryville, and Katie Randolph of Bethel Hill Baptist Church, Centertown, carry off trash from one of the homes where their team worked Jan. 9-12 in Carrie, Ky. — Photos by Lonnie Wilkey

CARRIE, Ky. — Generations joined together from Jan. 8-12 to bring help, hope and healing to people who have been displaced since the massive flooding that hit southeastern Kentucky last summer.

A team of 37 volunteers from Knox County Baptist Association and the Baptist Collegiate Ministry of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville spent the week repairing damaged homes and working on six “tiny homes” that had been donated to residents.

For the Knox County volunteers, the week was a labor of love. Since 2016, the group has worked with BCM students on a project at least once a year, said Stanley Roach, DR director for Knox County Baptists.

The group arrived on Jan. 8 so the BCM students could be trained in disaster relief, Roach said. Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief pays for the training for the BCM students, he added. [Read more…]

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TECHNOLOGY IS GREAT — UNTIL IT’S NOT

January 24, 2023

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

Lonnie Wilkey

Two weeks ago I traveled to southeastern Kentucky to provide news coverage of rebuilding efforts from flooding which hit that region last summer. See articles and photos in this issue.

I was in Newport, so I plugged in the address in my phone’s GPS and off I went.

For this particular destination, my GPS took me up through Tazewell, into Harrogate and across the state line into Kentucky. 

Normally, when I am on the road I am supposed to be, I check the mileage to the next turn off and the name of the road. Unfortunately, I neglected to follow my usual routine. [Read more…]

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