NASHVILLE — A statement has been released by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission called the Evangelical Statement in Support of Israel condemning the attacks on Israel, calling on Christians to pray for Israelis and Palestinians and urging policymakers to use their power to protect innocent life in the Middle East. The statement bears the signatures of dozens of pastors, SBC entity and state convention leaders and leaders of various Christian organizations.

“These repugnant atrocities by Hamas should shake us to our core. Hundreds of innocent Israeli lives have been struck down by a rampaging enemy. There should be no question that the Israeli government has the right to defend its citizens and sovereignty that have been so grossly violated,” said Brent Leatherwood, ERLC president, in a release. [Read more…]

FRANKLIN — “Side by Side” is the theme of the 2023 Summit to be held Nov. 12-15 at the Chattanooga Convention Center in Chattanooga.

“We have been anticipating this year’s Summit and gathering of Tennessee Baptists for some time,” said Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. “The Tennessee Baptist Convention begins our final year of The Five Objectives focus and we will launch the celebration of our 150th anniversary, culminating next year in Murfreesboro, the site of our first convention.”

Davis said messengers will consider for adoption new future priorities from the Acts 2:17 Initiative that will be presented during the annual business meeting. [Read more…]

FRANKLIN — The Tennessee Baptist Convention’s 10-year, Five Objectives emphasis draws to a close next year and Tennessee Baptists are actively seeking God’s will for the future of collaborative ministry.

The Acts 2:17 Initiative was launched at the 2022 Summit held at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova with messengers participating in listening sessions during their annual meeting. 

The name comes from Acts 2:17 which notes that “in the last days God will pour out His spirit on all people and that it would result in signs, wonders, prophesies, dreams and visions for the purpose of accomplishing His work.” [Read more…]

Tim Shelton

Tim Shelton, pastor of groups leadership and family life at Memphis-area Bellevue Baptist Church, passed away on Oct. 8 after participating in an Ironman competition the day before when he suffered cardiac arrest.

Bellevue Baptist posted on their Facebook page, “It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Tim Shelton, Bellevue’s Pastor of Groups Leadership and Family Life. During a triathlon Saturday, October 7, Tim went into cardiac arrest.”

“Known for his kindness toward everyone, Tim touched many lives as he consistently lived out the faith he professed. While we grieve Tim’s absence, we grieve with much hope, and we rejoice that he is now in the presence of the Lord Jesus.” [Read more…]

MOUNT JULIET — Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers are needed for response efforts in New England, Florida and a local project in Pikeville, Tenn., according to Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.

In Florida, chainsaw and tarping teams are needed through the end of October as volunteers continue to help those affected from the recent hurricane, Jones said.

“There are still many trees on houses and then when the tree is removed, the roof will need to be tarped. If you have a team that can respond to this need, contact the DR office with the dates you would like to respond,” he said.

Teams interested in going to Florida should contact Jones at wjones@tnbaptist.org; Garry Maddox at gmaddox@tnbaptist.org and Elizabeth Holmes at eholmes@tnbaptist.org. [Read more…]