Baptist & Reflector

Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835

SPIRITUAL FRUIT BLOOMING IN BLUEOVAL

By David Dawson
Communications specialist, TBMB

STANTON — For Mike Young, the excitement surrounding BlueOval City can be divided into three parts: Past, present and future.

Young, senior pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Brownsville, has already seen some incredible evangelistic stories emerge during his involvement with BlueOval City — the massive Ford auto plant in Stanton — and said he can’t wait to see what God has in store for the days ahead. 

“God has been at work here at ground zero of the BlueOval region since the groundbreaking,” said Young. “The churches of the Haywood Baptist Association have coalesced and worked together to seize this unique opportunity of reaching this great influx of workers that have descended on Haywood County,” he said. 

The BlueOval City plant, which is expected to employ an estimated 10,000 workers when it is fully operational, is a point of evangelistic emphasis for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board as part of the Acts 2:17 Initiative.  [Read more…]

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IORG MAKES ABOUT FACE ON RETIREMENT PLANS, PREPARES TO ‘LEAD ON’ IN NEW ROLE

By Jane Rodgers
The Baptist Paper


SBC Executive Committee trustee Todd Stiles (right) of Iowa chats with Ann and Jeff Iorg prior to the special-called meeting March 21 in Dallas.
Photo by Jane Rodgers/The Baptist Paper

Jeff Iorg has been discussing leadership, calling and ministry in his weekly “Lead On” podcast for nearly seven years. What he didn’t anticipate was that he would indeed continue to “lead on” in a major capacity after his time as a seminary president.

“It wasn’t very many weeks ago that we were tracking toward retirement plans,” Iorg, who is 65, said of his upcoming retirement from Gateway Seminary after 20 years as president.

Ready for the next season

Sharing during a March 21 press conference following his election as the next president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, Iorg said he finds the turn of events surprising but that he and his wife, Ann, are committed to the move.

Ann told the Baptist Standard she feels good about the change in course and that she and Jeff are excited because they both believe this next season is what God has for them. “God gives you what you need for what He has for you,” she said.

Iorg explained at the press conference that he should be considered EC president-elect as he plans to finish the semester as president of Gateway, which ends with graduation May 11. He will assume the EC presidency May 13.

‘To God be the glory’

Ann and Jeff Iorg Photo by Jane Rodgers The Baptist Paper

The EC has been without a full-time president since Ronnie Floyd’s resignation in October 2021.

EC board of trustees chair Philip Robertson of Louisiana referenced the nearly two-and-a-half years of “praying and seeking and searching” for God’s choice to head the EC. “We all know that God’s directed steps are always better than man’s plans. … We say, ‘To God be the glory,’ for where we have come today.”

He even opened the special meeting in Dallas called solely for the nomination and vote on Iorg with Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

‘Celebrate moving forward’

EC board secretary Pam Reed of North Carolina confirmed the attendance of a quorum. Sixty of the 83 trustees were present. The EC technically has 86 members but three seats are currently empty.

While only 31 votes were needed, Iorg received unanimous support — 60 affirmative ballot votes plus a variety of supportive comments flowing in from trustees who could not attend the meeting.

EC board member Dani Bryson of Tennessee shared with the Baptist and Reflector that “Dr. Iorg has humbly and competently served the Lord and Southern Baptists for many years and comes forward now as a continuing act of service.

“I look forward to continuing to serve Southern Baptists under Dr. Iorg’s leadership and celebrate moving forward together,” she said.

As the Iorgs entered the meeting hall following the EC board’s nearly hour and a half executive session, they were met with applause and a standing ovation.

Iorg’s faith journey

Addressing the EC trustees, Iorg shared about the significant role Southern Baptists had played in his life for more than 50 years, from the time he met Jesus through an outreach effort by a Southern Baptist church at a West Texas fair.

As a result of that gospel encounter with an SBC associate pastor, Iorg said he became a member of a Southern Baptist church where, for the next 10 years, he was “mentored in the Christian faith and in all aspects of life.” At the same time, his future wife had also come to faith in Jesus at a Southern Baptist church.

The couple met at a Southern Baptist college, marrying shortly after graduation. Iorg emphasized his long career in the SBC: from education at Southern Baptist seminaries funded by the Cooperative Program to pastorates in Southern Baptist churches to the leadership of a state convention to the presidency of Gateway.

‘A force for good’

Jeff Iorg (left) visits with EC board member Michael Farmer of West Virginia during the special-called EC meeting March 21 in Dallas. Photo by Jane Rodgers/The Baptist Paper

“Southern Baptists are a force for good,” he said. “My story is just one of millions of stories of boys and girls who have been impacted by the gospel, nurtured in Southern Baptist churches, educated in Southern Baptist colleges and seminaries, and sent across the world … to make a difference.”

The EC is often tasked with dealing with the “difficulties of Southern Baptist life,” Iorg said, noting that “we face those honestly, with greater transparency than almost any other organization imaginable.”

The SBC story is not “all problems,” Iorg continued. “I am thankful to God for the privilege of leading in this new capacity and for paying back in some way for what Southern Baptists have been to me for now more than 50 years,” he said, thanking trustees for the honor.

‘Leader among leaders’

SBC President Bart Barber pointed out how Iorg, even before the election took place, had “already brought unity” to the EC and SBC. It was showcased through the widespread support for Iorg’s nomination and the “unanimous vote,” he said.

“Jeff Iorg has said … the SBC is a force for good. I believe that God will use Jeff Iorg as a force for good, and I will cheer him on and pray toward that end.”

Robertson added during the press conference, “Leadership matters, and we know that Dr. Iorg is a leader among leaders.”

EC board member Neal Hughes of Alabama, who served as chair of the presidential search committee, said he was reminded of the words of the psalmist: “’The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.’ Today is one of those days when we can say this with every bit of our hearts.”

Praising Iorg’s leadership, Hughes said his own “boat rises up a little bit” each time he sits down with Iorg to talk.

Issues to address

Jon Wilke (right) prepares (l to r) Neal Hughes, Jeff Iorg and Philip Robertson for the March 21 press conference following Iorg’s election as the next SBC EC president.
Photo by Jane Rodgers/The Baptist Paper

Iorg didn’t shy away from referencing issues he knows will be waiting on him to address — sexual abuse prevention and response, messengers’ motions referred to the EC from the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting, the conversation about amending the SBC constitution related to women on church staffs, the EC’s ongoing legal and financial matters, and the possible sale of the EC’s building in Nashville.

Asked about what he anticipates to be the most challenging aspect of his new role, Iorg said, “Keeping the focus of Southern Baptists on God’s eternal mission of getting the gospel to the nations.”

He added that the other concerns mentioned will be addressed but said they must be kept in perspective against the overarching mission of the gospel.

‘Trust is earned’

When asked how he intended to restore trust in the EC, given the controversies of the last several years, Iorg said, “Organizational trust is earned by … sacrificial service and demonstrated competence. You don’t gain trust by asking people to trust you. You gain trust by doing the right thing.” He promised sacrificial leadership with “competence and credibility.”

Concerning the Cooperative Program, Iorg said his “real challenge is lifting up the mission of God and calling Southern Baptists to that. The Cooperative Program is a means to fulfilling that. I don’t see myself as trying to convince people to give more money. My role is to try to convince people that the vision is worthy of more resources.”

He also reaffirmed his gratitude for the Cooperative Program in his life and ministry.

On a personal note, Iorg said he and Ann will reside in Nashville but also maintain a home in Portland, Oregon, to stay close to relatives requiring assistance. He added that their three adult children are fully supportive of his move to the EC.

[Read more…]

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EC MEMBERS UNANIMOUSLY ELECT JEFF IORG

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist & Reflector

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with additional information and quotes.

Members of the SBC Executive Committee pray for Jeff Iorg following his election March 21 as the new president and chief executive officer of the EC. -Photo by Jane Rodgers/The Baptist Paper

DALLAS — Sixty members of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention voted unanimously in executive session to elect Jeff Iorg as its new president/chief executive officer during a called meeting March 21 in Dallas.

The election of Iorg comes after a lengthy search and a failed attempt to elect a successor for an EC president and CEO following the October 2021 resignation of Ronnie Floyd.

Iorg transitions to the new role after 20 years at Gateway. He enters the position at a crucial moment in SBC life, as the EC copes with financial and legal challenges amid the denomination’s reckoning with sexual abuse and declining baptisms, among other concerns. [Read more…]

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TBC PASTOR OFFERS INSIGHT ON IORG NOMINATION

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist & Reflector

Gateway Seminary president Jeff Iorg could be become the new president/chief executive officer of the Southern Baptist Executive Committee. — Baptist Press photo

SEYMOUR — It took more than two years, a change in committees and a lot of ups and downs, but the search for a new president/chief executive officer of the Southern Baptist Executive Committee appears to be over.

The Executive Committee will meet in a special called meeting March 21 to approve the nomination of Jeff Iorg.

When the vote is tallied and should Iorg be approved, Tennessee pastor Corey Cain and the other members of the EC search committee can breathe a sigh of relief.

Cain, pastor of First Baptist Church, Seymour, shared some insights on how Iorg, who is retiring as president of Gateway Seminary in Ontario, Calif., came to be the nominee. [Read more…]

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TENNESCENE: MAR. 20

CHURCHES

Bethany Baptist Church, Mountain City, will hold revival services April 21-27 with guest evangelist Ted Richardson. The Sunday revival will begin at 11 a.m. with services each night at 7 p.m. Gayle Hartley is pastor.

Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church, Bluff City, will hold revival services April 1-2 at 7 p.m. with guest evangelist Kenny Baldwin. Jamie Ferguson is pastor.

DEATHS

Billy Junior Haney of Cookeville died Feb. 26 at the age of 75. He served as pastor of Cummins Mill Baptist Church, Cookeville, for 40 years. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Brenda, two children and two grandchildren.

ASSOCIATIONS

Watauga Baptist Association recently held its 46th annual Music School at Grace Baptist Church in Elizabethton with an average of about 140 for the event which is held to assist churches in preparing for their Easter musicals. The singers and musicians learned the musical, “The Hope of the Cross.” The Music School was coordinated by Larry Adams, associational music director. The conductor was Debbie Gouge, choral director for Elizabethton High School. Laura Seagroves, music ministry coordinator for Grace Baptist, served as host.

  • Four members of Duck River Baptist Association recently took a vision trip to Mexico to explore a possible partnership. The team was led by Matt Ledbetter, director of missions who has been on approximately a dozen mission trips to Mexico. The Duck River team worked with Miguel Reyes and his family in the extreme southwestern end of Mexico near the Pacific Ocean. They preached in churches, in villages around Tonala, conducted a large family conference in Tonala Central Park and held a training event for pastors and church leaders. The team saw several decisions for Christ. From left are Ledbetter, Steven Winton, a member of Encounter Life Church, Manchester; Tim McGehee, pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Tullahoma; and Genaro Orellana, pastor of Iglesia Gracia, Tullahoma.
  • A team of six mission volunteers serving on the Cross Partners Ministry team recently returned from two weeks in the Republic of the Philippines, where they served with more than 20 churches in two different Baptist associations. The team participated in more than 80 evangelistic crusades with Filipino Baptists on Luzon Island and saw 4,968 professions of faith and more than 100 other decisions for Christ. The team was led by Charles Pratt, interim pastor of Mount Moriah Baptist Church and retired director of missions of Fayette Baptist Association based in Somerville. Pratt is the president and founder of Cross Partners Ministry, Inc., and has led volunteer mission teams on short-term mission trips on five continents for more than 34 years. Team members included, from left, Loren Stephens, Johnny Johnson, Charles Pratt, Randy Boals, Mike Hopper and Shannon Hopper.
  • Mike Lineberry was ordained to the ministry by Glynn Orr, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, Paris. Lineberry was presented with his ordination certificate from Roy Paschall, deacon at New Hope. The ordination was held on Feb. 25 at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Puryear where Lineberry has been called as pastor. Orr gave the charge to the candidate and Jim Twilbeck, associational missions strategist for Western District Baptist Association, gave an explanation of ordination.
  • James Parham, director of missions for Alpha Baptist Association, retired Jan 31. He began his ministry with the association on April 6, 2017. During his tenure he traveled the roads of Hickman, Lewis and Perry counties regularly visiting and preaching in all 24 churches. He plans on spending his time with his wife Diane on their farm and will also stay active on the pulpit supply list for the association. A special retirement dinner was held Feb. 5 to honor the Parhams for their ministry to Alpha.
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TBC PASTORS TO SPEAK AT SBC CONFERENCE

By Compiled by B&R staff

Gaines

FRANKLIN — Three Tennessee Baptist pastors are among the 11 speakers announced to address the 2024 Pastors’ Conference in Indianapolis June 9-10 preceding the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.

Stephen Rummage, senior pastor of Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City and conference president, announced last August that the theme would be “Faithful: Pursuing Your Mission” and based on Revelation 17:14. Erik D. Cummings, lead pastor of New Life Church in Carol City, Fla., is serving as vice president while Ray Anderson, minister of missions and evangelism at Quail Springs, is the treasurer. [Read more…]

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APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR BHET GRANTS

By Baptist and Reflector

KNOXVILLE — Applications are now being received for grants from the Baptist Hospital of East Tennessee Medical Missions Fund.

The Baptist Healthcare System of East Tennessee was begun by Tennessee Baptists soon after the end of World War II. More than $2 million was contributed by 800 churches in 32 counties of East Tennessee. The hospital began service on Nov. 30, 1949.

In 2007, BHSET negotiated a merger with St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville, in which both entities would be under the control of Catholic Health Partners, Inc.   [Read more…]

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2024 SBC ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

By Diana Chandler
Baptist Press

INDIANAPOLIS — A preliminary schedule for the Southern Baptist Convention 2024 Annual Meeting June 11-12 in Indianapolis was released March 18 by the Committee on Order of Business.

Worship and prayer June 11 at 8 a.m. precede the official 8:15 a.m. call to order, launching two days of business and updates concluding June 12 at 4:45 p.m. The agenda includes a Tuesday night session for the first time since 2018.

“We didn’t want just any agenda for our time together, rather an agenda that seeks first the Kingdom and greater unity,” said Committee on Order of Business Chairman Heiden Ratner, senior pastor of Walk Church in Las Vegas. “I hope messengers and guests come optimistically eager to celebrate God’s activity through our convention, while at the same time remembering we are better together.” [Read more…]

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TBMB LEADERS: EASTER SUNDAY SHOULD BE ‘MAIN EVENT’ OF THE CALENDAR YEAR

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist & Reflector

FRANKLIN — Churches should consider “putting all their eggs into one basket” and making Easter Sunday morning worship “the main event of the year,” according to Wayne Causey.

“Since we believe Easter Sunday morning is the pinnacle event of the church year, our churches should make the day as special as possible,” said Causey, retired associate pastor of music and worship at Forest Hills Baptist Church in Nashville and contract music and worship specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. 

Roc Collins, director of strategic objectives for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, agreed that Easter Sunday is a prime time for sharing the gospel with unchurched people.  [Read more…]

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SEVERAL FAITH-BASED SCHOOLS PART OF ‘MARCH MADNESS’

By Tracy Riggs Frontz
The Baptist Paper

Samford University’s men’s basketball team members celebrate their selection to the NCAA tournament with a local block party in Homewood, Alabama, during a CBS selection show. — Photo by Travis Frontz / The Baptist Paper

Twelve Protestant and Catholic schools — three of which have historic Baptist ties — are among the 68 represented in the 2024 NCAA Basketball Tournament (see list below).

Ready for “March Madness” — the frenzy of championship postseason games taking place all over the country starting this week and leading into the championship game on April 8 — fans anxiously tuned into the selection announcement show last night on March 17 to learn the seeding and schedule of their teams. (Full bracket HERE).

Prayer surfaces in SEC tourney

And a few hours before the Selection Sunday announcements, it was two state schools that demonstrated the power of prayer.

During the SEC championship game yesterday afternoon, between the Florida Gators and the Auburn Tigers, Gators’ Center Micah Handlogten severely injured his lower left leg during play.

While medics assessed his injury, placed an air cast on his leg and put him on a stretcher, the crowd was silent as each teams’ head coaches huddled up their athletes in prayer circles.

Handlogten, who chose the number three for his Florida jersey to represent the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, received a standing ovation as he left to go to Vanderbilt hospital. Teammates and fans were posting on social media how they were praying for him, demonstrating how the sophomore’s beliefs have impacted others.

Handlogten is reportedly doing well following surgery.

Protestant and Catholic schools selected to go to the Big Dance are:

EAST REGION BRACKET

No. 11 seed Duquesne Dukes (Catholic/Spiritans)

Duquesne hasn’t made it since 1977 but previously made the tournament in 1971, 1969, 1952 and 1940 where they made the Final Four. With a long basketball history starting in 1914, they did make a concession and shut down the program from 1944 to 1946 to help with the war effort.

SOUTH REGION BRACKET

No. 2 seed Marquette (Catholic/Jesuit)

Though Marquette is seeded No. 2 and has 35 appearances under its belt, including three Final Fours, one runner-up and one national championship, they also have a player who prioritizes more than sports. Forward Oso Ighodaro was named Big East Men’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The university is in the top 20 percent nationally overall but this is the first year to have a winner in that program.

No. 4 seed Duke Blue Devils (United Methodist)

Out of all the faith-based teams included in this year’s roster, Duke has by far the most wins, with five national championships, 11 championship games and 17 Final Fours. They lost their conference championship in the quarterfinals but are still considered one of the country’s best squads.

WEST REGION BRACKET

No. 3 seed Baylor Bears (historically connected to the Baptist General Convention of Texas)

Baylor has played in three Final Fours, with a long stretch in between the last two — 1946, 1950 and 2021. But no matter the outcome of March Madness, this year was one to remember. On Jan. 2, 2024, after four years of delays, their new 7,500 capacity Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion hosted its first game, which also happened to be a win for the Bears.

No. 5 seed St Mary’s Gaels (Catholic/Marianist)

St. Mary’s has made it past the first round four times — in 2010, 2017, 2022 and 2023. Though the wins are recent, the school was founded more than 150 years ago. Their unusual nickname originated when in 1926 sportswriter Pat Frayne called the football team “The Gaels” (which means “Irishman”) due to the number of Irish athletes. The Irish Warrior quickly became the college’s mascot.

No. 7 seed Dayton Flyers (Catholic/Marianist)

Dayton made the 11th of 18 total appearances in 2000 and will be playing for the 19th time in 2024. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary, the school may be rooted in faith and history but is known for the more than 150 patents that have been assigned to the university, including one for the Domino’s Pizza’s hot bags, used to keep delivery pizzas hot.

No. 12 seed Grand Canyon Lopes (Interdenominational)

While now an interdenominational school, Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 by the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention as Grand Canyon College. The Lopes have only been invited in 2021 and 2023 and both times they were defeated in the first round. However, they have seen one of the best comebacks of a player in the NCAA. After being resuscitated during a game due to a heart issue, GCU guard Tyon Grant-Foster made it back — after three surgeries, having an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implanted and being told for two years he would never play again. He gives God the praise, saying, “God gives His strongest battles to His toughest soldiers, so it was something I felt I would overcome.” The guard is now a national top-20 scorer.

MIDWEST REGION BRACKET

No. 3 seed Creighton Blue Jays (Catholic/Jesuit)

With 23 NCAA Tournament appearances in their history, Creighton has never made it past the Elite Eight, and that was in 1941. Experts at CBS call Ryan Kalkbrenner, Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander and Steven Ashworth a dynamic group that make a “nightmare matchup for any opponent.” Their odds are good for taking it all.

No. 5 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs (Catholic/Jesuit)

Though having 24 consecutive tournament bids going into the 2024 Selection Sunday, earlier in the month Gonzaga looked like it might be left out for the first time since 1998. After losing to St. Mary’s in the conference championship, they were concerned about a loss in rank but ended up making their predicted fifth seed.

No. 9 seed TCU Horned Frogs (Disciples of Christ)

TCU (Texas Christian University) was founded in 1873 and was one of the first co-ed institutions west of the Mississippi. Only participating 10 times in March Madness, the team has one player who might not be the highest ranked but knows what’s most important. Sophomore Darius Ford started a nonprofit in high school called Change for Kids, currently runs a Bible study group called Army and hosted a clothing drive at a recent game.

No. 13 Samford Bulldogs (historically connected to Alabama Baptists)

Beginning in 2021, the Bulldogs have had three straight 20-win seasons under their head coach Bucky McMillan’s lead and just earned their first-ever Southern Conference (SoCon) tournament title. During Selection Sunday, the hosts predicted a win by the Bulldogs against 4th seeded Kansas, though they said the “altitude could be an issue.” This is the first year since 2000 the Bulldogs have gone dancing.

No. 15 seed St Peter’s Peacocks (Catholic/Jesuit)

In 2022, No. 15 seed St. Peter’s produced one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history, beating No. 2-seeded Kentucky. That year they also made it to the Elite Eight, so they know what winning feels like against all odds.

Tournament Schedule:

First round — March 21 and 22

Round of 32 — March 23 and 24

“Sweet 16” — March 28 and 29

“Elite Eight” — March 30 and 31

“Final Four” — April 6

Championship — April 8

All games will be broadcast on CBS, TBS, TNT or truTV. Consult local TV schedules for tip-off times.

For ongoing wins, bracket and schedule information, go to https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2024-ncaa-tournament-schedule-march-madness-bracket-game-dates-locations-tip-times-tv-channels/

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