Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835
By Bill Sorrell
Contributing writer, B&R
Landon Wilson on the mound for Haywood High School. Contributed photo
BROWNSVILLE — A senior at Haywood High School, Landon Wilson wrote as his senior quote in the yearbook, “Like I have always said, four years at Haywood High School will cost me an arm and a leg.” [Read more…]
By David Dawson
ddawson@tnbaptist.org
FRANKLIN — While many summer camps around the nation have increased their prices, the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board is doing just the opposite. [Read more…]
Baptist and Reflector
MOUNT JULIET — The 2018 Bible Drill season culminated at the Missions Mobilization Center in Mount Juliet on May 5 with the Youth and High School State Bible Drills.
For the 17 State Drillers, their journey to this event began many months before, said Donna Blaydes, childhood specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
The state drillers joined approximately 1,300 other 4th through 12th grade students, who participated in Children, Youth and High School Bible Drill at the church level throughout Tennessee Baptist churches. “These drillers were actively involved in learning God’s Word. As they memorized Scripture verses, the reference of key passages, steps to salvation, and Scripture defending what they believe, their love for the Bible increased and the Word became a part of them,” Blaydes said. [Read more…]
By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org
Worship attendees arrive at Roaring Fork Baptist Church on May 6 for the dedication of the new sanctuary. Roaring Fork lost multiple buildings, including its sanctuary, during the Gatlinburg fires in 2016.
— Photos by Lonnie Wilkey
GATLINBURG — Eighteen months after their church buildings were destroyed by the Gatlinburg fires in November of 2016, Roaring Fork Baptist Church “has risen from the ashes.”
The church dedicated its new sanctuary and youth building/fellowship hall on Sunday, May 6.
“The hand of God has been on this congregation,” affirmed Roaring Fork pastor Kim McCroskey. “When the fires came through, God came through right behind them to pull us up and carry us to victory.”
After the church lost its facilities in the fire, McCroskey said, “The fire was tragic but it did not break our spirit.”
That was evident on May 6 as church members, numerous volunteers from Builders for Christ, and others packed the new auditorium to celebrate. [Read more…]
By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org
FRANKLIN — Comments made nearly two decades ago by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Paige Patterson on domestic violence have resurfaced in recent weeks.
At issue is a 2000 audio clip circulating online in which Patterson said the proper response of a wife to domestic abuse “depends on the level of abuse to some degree.” Patterson issued an apology on May 10, clarifying his view on domestic violence and saying that “I utterly reject any form of abuse.”
In the wake of that news, several Southern Baptist Convention entity presidents have voiced strong stances against domestic violence. Additionally, an open letter from Southern Baptist women objecting that Patterson has been “allowed to continue in leadership” despite his statements on sexuality and domestic abuse garnered more than 1,800 signatures in its first 24 hours online. Other Southern Baptist women defended Patterson’s character without affirming all his specific comments. [Read more…]
By Chris Turner
TBMB Communications Director
Have you ever arrived at a movie about 15 minutes after it started? Frustrating, isn’t it? You miss key moments that establish the storyline. It takes the next two hours to catch up; if you ever do.
Reading the New Testament without the context of the Old Testament is like arriving late to a movie. You need the first part to understand the rest.
North Point Community Church (Alpharetta, Ga.) Pastor Andy Stanley, son of iconic Southern Baptist Pastor Charles Stanley, is once again under fire for provocative statements he made in a recent sermon. It’s not the first time Stanley has said something that churned the theological waters, and given his track record, it likely won’t be the last. [Read more…]
Baptist Press
Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines.
-Photo by Morris Abernathy
CORDOVA — Responding to questions about his committee appointments and controversy involving a Southern Baptist seminary leader, SBC President Steve Gaines released a statement today (May 11) to Baptist Press.
Gaines, pastor of Memphis-area Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., specifically addresses the controversy involving past statements by Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President Paige Patterson on women, divorce and domestic violence. Gaines’ statement also touched on racial diversity and ways Southern Baptists can pray for the SBC leading up to its annual meeting in Dallas, June 12-13. [Read more…]
By Bob Smietana
LifeWay news office
iStock
NASHVILLE — Most churchgoers say the Bible commands them to give. But their tithes don’t always go in the offering plate. [Read more…]
From Carson-Newman
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam addresses Carson-Newman graduates during the University’s Spring Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 4.
JEFFERSON CITY — More than 500 Carson-Newman University graduates are ready to make their mark on the world following Spring Commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 4. [Read more…]
Baptist and Reflector
Pat Stooksbury, a retired Southern Baptist missionary, passed away on April 29.
POWELL — Retired Southern Baptist missionary Patricia “Pat” Stooksbury died April 29 in Knoxville. She was 70. [Read more…]
