Baptist & Reflector

Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835

WOMEN CONSIDER FEMALE ROLE MODELS

By Connie Davis Bushey
News Editor, Baptist and Reflector

Carol Anderson Shores of Acts of Renewal Ministry of Kentucky portrays the biblical character of Sarah during The Good Cup held at Summit.

Carol Anderson Shores of Acts of Renewal Ministry of Kentucky portrays the biblical character of Sarah during The Good Cup held at Summit.

SEVIERVILLE — The about 170 ministers’ wives who attended “The Good Cup” learned from four dramatic presentations, discussions around their tables with peers, and worshiped during Summit: The Gathering of Tennessee Baptists held Nov. 13-17 at the Sevierville Convention Center.

Carol Anderson Shores of Acts of Renewal Ministry based in Kentucky portrayed four characters during the event and then taught using the characters and their experiences.

She portrayed Martha who hosted Jesus for a meal along with her sister Mary recorded in Luke 10:38-42. Shores says at one point as she orders servants in their tasks to prepare the meal, “If this meal ever comes together, it will be a miracle. Benhop, get away from the door. We work here for the teacher. Yes, I’m sure what He has to say is fascinating, but let’s get back to what’s important.” [Read more…]

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GATLINBURG FIRE SUSPECTS ELICIT SYMPATHY

By David Roach
Baptist Press

Banner Baptist Church in Gatlinburg, Tenn., lost its fellowship hall to fire and sustained damage to another small building.

Banner Baptist Church in Gatlinburg, Tenn., lost its fellowship hall to fire and sustained damage to another small building.

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (BP) — The arrests of two teenagers in connection with deadly wildfires in and around Gatlinburg, Tenn., have provoked expressions of sadness from three local Southern Baptist congregations that lost buildings in the blaze.

The three Gatlinburg churches — Roaring Fork Baptist Church, First Baptist Church and Banner Baptist Church — also report God’s continued work in their midst, including at least four first-time professions of faith in Christ over the past two weeks.

Authorities announced the arrests Dec. 7, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported. The teens, whose names and genders have not been released, have been charged with aggravated arson in connection with a fire that started Nov. 23, killing at least 14 people and destroying more than 2,400 homes and businesses. [Read more…]

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CAPTURE THE NEXT GENERATION: ED GAMBLE

By Connie Davis Bushey
News Editor, Baptist and Reflector

Tennessee Baptists visit with leaders of a breakout session of Summit on Christian schools. From left are Walter Grubb, president, Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy, Seymour; Wesley Scott, Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools; Larry Reagan, pastor, Adams Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Dresden, and headmaster, Central Christian Academy, Martin; and Ed Gamble, SBACS.

Tennessee Baptists visit with leaders of a breakout session of Summit on Christian schools. From left are Walter Grubb, president, Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy, Seymour; Wesley Scott, Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools; Larry Reagan, pastor, Adams Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Dresden, and headmaster, Central Christian Academy, Martin; and Ed Gamble, SBACS.

SEVIERVILLE — “Ninety percent of America’s evangelical kids attend a school where it is illegal to teach the full truth, ” said Ed Gamble in a breakout session of Summit which includes the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention.

“Why is it so important that the church take ownership of the weekday?” he asked in the Nov. 14 session, “Christian Schools and Beyond: Capturing the Next Generation.” 

Christians should be “passing our faith from one generation to the next,” however “in America we’re not getting it done.” said Gamble, retired executive director, Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools. [Read more…]

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FATHER/SON PASTOR TEAM LEADS TRANSITION

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

Gene Mims, right, pastor of Judson Baptist Church, Nashville, for the past 11 years is now serving as co-pastor with his son Jeff. The transition officially began in September.

Gene Mims, right, pastor of Judson Baptist Church, Nashville, for the past 11 years is now serving as co-pastor with his son Jeff. The transition officially began in September.

NASHVILLE — For the past 11 years Gene Mims has served as pastor of Judson Baptist Church here.

Mims is still pastor but he’s no longer alone in the task. In September, his son Jeff Mims officially became the church’s co-pastor.

Jeff Mims is no stranger to the Judson family, having served in a variety of roles on the church’s staff since 2007. [Read more…]

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FREEMAN TO CONTINUE EVANGELISM FOCUS

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

New TBC President Steve Freeman was joined by his wife Leigh Ann, right, and daughter Katie following his election. His son Cole was unable to be present due to work and school obligations.

New TBC President Steve Freeman was joined by his wife Leigh Ann, right, and daughter Katie following his election. His son Cole was unable to be present due to work and school obligations.

SPRINGFIELD — Just like his predecessor, new Tennessee Baptist Convention President Steve Freeman has a heart and passion for evangelism.

Freeman, pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Springfield, was elected by acclamation at The Summit in November to succeed Roc Collins as convention president. Collins has since resigned as pastor of Indian Springs Baptist Church to become director of evangelism for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, effective in January. See story. [Read more…]

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STUDY: MOST AMERICANS SAY ASSISTED SUICIDE MORALLY OK

By Bob Smietana
Facts & Trends, LifeWay

Female doctor showing a glass of water and a blue pillNASHVILLE (BP) — The American Medical Association has described physician-assisted suicide as a serious risk to society and “fundamentally incompatible with a physician’s role as healer.” But Millions of Americans disagree, according to a new study released Tuesday (Dec. 6) by LifeWay Research.

Two-thirds say it is morally acceptable for terminally ill patients to ask their doctors for help in ending their lives, according to a new survey from Nashville-based LifeWay Research. A similar number says doctors should be able to help terminally ill patients die.

Americans want more say over how they die, noted Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. That’s especially true if facing a painful, terminal illness, he said. [Read more…]

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TENNESCENE DEC. 7-20

LEADERS

Bill Small, pastor, Rockford Baptist Church, Rockford, and his wife Mickie, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Clark Street Baptist Church, Johnson City, ordained Donald L. Minor to the ministry recently.

Woodlawn Baptist Church, Bristol, called Jonathan W. Casteel as pastor effective Nov. 1.

Chris Pass has been called as pastor, Grandview Baptist Church, Maryville.

First Baptist Church, Alcoa, has called Matt Giles as pastor. [Read more…]

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EVANGELISM NOT A GIFT: IT’S OBEDIENCE

 Editor’s Note: In September, the International Mission Board hosted Baptist state paper editors in London to introduce its new media network and to explore its Global Cities Initiative, a part of IMB President David Platt’s desire to introduce a “limitless” missionary force of Southern Baptists. In December, Southern Baptists are observing a Week of Prayer for International Missions and are collecting the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering which supports missionaries around the world.

According to missionary Ben Armacost, right, there are only two types of people in London — those who are saved and those who are lost. He shares the gospel with James, a man he met recently in the West Norwood section of London.

According to missionary Ben Armacost, right, there are only two types of people in London — those who are saved and those who are lost. He shares the gospel with James, a man he met recently in the West Norwood section of London.

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector  

LONDON — The statistics on London, the self-proclaimed “Capital of the World,” are staggering.

London is home to about 270 nationalities with 300 spoken languages. The city is home to 66 unreached people groups (second highest in the world). In a city with an estimated population of 6.83 million (12 million in the greater London area), only 1 percent of the city is considered to be “reached” with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What’s more, statistics reveal that there is a 97 percent likelihood that a young person in their 20s in the United Kingdom has never met a follower of Jesus Christ. [Read more…]

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‘IT’S GOING TO BE A LONG HAUL HERE’ IN GATLINBURG

By Connie D. Bushey
News Editor, Baptist and Reflector

View from back of Roaring Fork Baptist Church in Gatlinburg. The church and vehicle were destroyed by wildfires which swept through Sevier County on Nov. 18.

View from back of Roaring Fork Baptist Church in Gatlinburg. The church and vehicle were destroyed by wildfires which swept through Sevier County on Nov. 28.

GATLINBURG — On day nine following the horrific wildfires, residents are finally being allowed to visit their homes in damaged areas, reported Wes Jones, Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief specialist. They have to come back out every night.

Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner said that On Thursday, Dec. 8, residents who still have homes can return and the Downtown Parkway will reopen to the general public Friday at 7 a.m.

“As more people get back to their homes and see their needs” Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief (TBDR) will be able to help, said Jones. So most Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers will be needed in the days, weeks, and months to come, he predicted. [Read more…]

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