Baptist & Reflector

Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835

WHY IS MISSIONS WORK WORTH DOING?

Editor’s Note: Kennedy Keltner is 12 years old and is a member of Central Baptist Church, Brighton, where her father, Rusty Keltner, is pastor. Kennedy wrote this essay for a writing competition.

By Kennedy Keltner

Kennedy Keltner

Kennedy Keltner

Motivation is a quality that many people lack. They think “Why do more work than I have to?” In the job I hope to do in the future, this language and thinking is unacceptable. Most of the time, important jobs are very hard, yet they’re worth doing. I’m planning on being a missionary, a difficult but worthy job.

Ever since I can remember, I have been longing to explore the world and have been compassionate for others. When I was 5 years old I felt drawn to China, so all I asked for at Christmas that year was money for China. At summer camp, missionaries came and spoke. It was then that I heard a small voice telling me, “This is you, this is who you’re going to be.” Ever since then, my heart has been set on becoming a missionary. Last Christmas, I felt drawn to Africa, so all I asked for were Bibles to be sent there. [Read more…]

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MY FATHER’S HANDS

By Carolyn Tomlin

Carolyn Tomlin

Carolyn Tomlin

The third Sunday in June is the day set aside to honor our fathers. This day pays tribute to our earthly father. For many people, the man who comes to mind is a grandfather, foster parent, adopted dad, a teacher, or Sunday School leader.

On this day, as all other days, it is important to recognize the contribution our dads made to our families, our communities, and our churches. By observing this day, children have an opportunity to show love and respect to their fathers. Honoring our dads strengthens the bond between the child and father which supports the emotional growth of the child. [Read more…]

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MAYBE OL’ EL LOCO WASN’T SO LOCO AFTER ALL

By Chris Turner
Director of Communications, TBC

160616el-locoI sized up the donkey standing about 15 feet in front of me; then I casually walked over. I kept my distance because I’m not an equine kind of guy, but I had something to say. I looked the beast of burden square in the eye and decided to keep my comments brief and to the point.

“I’m glad I’m not you the next five days,” I said with equal parts sarcasm, sympathy, and relief.

Soon enough, after about three hours on the trail, I began to call him, “El Loco,” translated, “The Crazy.” He meandered along at his own pace — drifting off from the other two donkeys and the group I was a part of. He wasn’t obstinate, mostly. Let’s just say he was his own donkey.

But that was all to come. For the moment, he stood there with at least 100 pounds of backpacks strapped to his back just staring at me. There was no reaction to what I said. I wondered, was he oblivious to the difficult descent along the rocky trail into the canyon below then up the other side where he’d have to grunt that weight up more than 2,000 feet of elevation change and over a nearly 11,000 foot summit? Or, was he silently sizing me up, plotting payback for what could rightly be perceived as an insensitive comment. [Read more…]

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A SERVANT’S HEART

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

Lonnie-Wilkey

Lonnie Wilkey

Tennessee Baptists lost one of their best last week when God called Mike Overcash home on June 8 to be with Him (see obituary). I lost a friend.

Sometimes phrases are either overused or misused. When I say that Mike Overcash had a servant’s heart, it is neither misused or overused. Mike spent most of his 80 years on this earth serving people and serving the Lord that he gave his life to many years ago.

Mike was one of those multi-talented guys who recognized where his gifts and talents came from. For years he worked with computer systems at LifeWay Christian Resources and later the Tennessee Baptist Convention where he served for six years before retiring. [Read more…]

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WORK THE FIELDS — REMEMBER THE HARVEST

By Randy C. Davis
TBC Executive Director

Randy C. Davis

Randy C. Davis

I still own my grandfather’s large push plow. And it may sound strange, but I loved pushing it through rows of Pinkeye Purple Hull peas, okra, Silver King corn, Big Boy tomatoes (I’ve got to stop, I’m making myself hungry).

Why would I love pushing that plow through the rich soil of South Alabama under the hot sun of the Gulf Coast? Two reasons: First, I dearly loved my granddaddy and I loved spending as much time with him as possible. He was amazingly wise and masterfully encouraging. Second, I knew from experience our harvest would come if we were good at planting the seeds and faithful at tending the field.

Those sweet memories cultivate a great hope for the future when I read I Corinthians 9:10.  “For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: he that plows should plow in hope … .” [Read more…]

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STATE’S MISSIONS FIELD NEEDS A MISSION BOARD

By Jim Collier
Senior Pastor, Kirby Woods Baptist Church, Memphis

jim Collier

Jim Collier

Over the past several years, Tennessee Baptists have grappled with their direction and purpose. Led by Randy C. Davis, we were asked to examine our efforts and determine the way forward. Emerging from this examination, Tennessee Baptists have applauded and embraced our Five Objectives: more baptisms, more renewed churches, more new churches, more cooperation through the Cooperative Program and more investment in reaching our state through the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions. These objectives have unified our efforts and increased our awareness of the work yet to be done. We reaffirm, Tennessee is a missions field! [Read more…]

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SPIRITUAL LESSONS LEARNED FROM GOUT

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

Lonnie-WilkeyMost dictionaries define gout basically as a form of arthritis “characterized by severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints.”

Whoever wrote the definition apparently never had gout.

Words can’t adequately describe the pain associated with gout. “Severe” is not a strong enough term. And, yes, I admit I am a wimp when it comes to pain. But I speak from experience on this topic. I had gout about two weeks ago for the first, and hopefully last, time in my life.

In a matter of three days, I went from full mobility (relative term based on being overweight and 58 years old) to having to use two canes to drag myself around my house and to the doctor’s office.

Along the way, I reflected on some spiritual insights I learned from experiencing gout. [Read more…]

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INCLUSIVITY V. IMPROPRIETY

By Todd Brady
Vice President for University Ministries, Union University

Todd Brady

Todd Brady

Inclusivity is one thing.  Impropriety is another. And decisions fueled by feelings are often unstable.

After North Carolina passed a law recently stopping transgender people from using bathrooms for the gender they identify with, the Target corporation announced on a blog entitled, “Continuing to Stand for Inclusivity,” that they “welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity.” Target concludes its announcement by saying, “Everyone deserves to feel like they belong.  And you’ll always be accepted, respected, and welcomed at Target.” [Read more…]

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INTERGENERATIONAL? WORSHIP & SERVICE AS ONE

By Johnnie Godwin
Contributing Columnist, B&R

Johnnie Godwin

Johnnie Godwin

Thirty-five years ago, citified Johnnie and Phyllis bought 56 acres of rough ridge we call Godwin’s Mountain. We love that mountain but need help with things I can’t do. And when I need help, I’ve got people. What one of my people told me characterizes what an intergenerational church ought to be like. After literally getting me out of a ditch, Ronnie said, “Mr. Johnnie, I don’t think you’ve got anything out here that needs doing that I can’t do or don’t know someone who can.” He and others help!

What an intergenerational church is. Technically, it’s just when folks from more than one generation worship and minister together. But it’s really a lot more than that. In an intergenerational church, every person from the cradle to the grave is important. The key is consistent valuing of personhood in all the church. Some churches even have classes for those with dementia. Their time focuses more on familiar Scriptures and hymns. For a brief time, some whose minds and eyes are dead and darkened come alive with brightness. [Read more…]

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EVERYONE NEEDED TO REACH OUR GRANDKIDS

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

Lonnie-WilkeyOn Mother’s Day, my wife Joyce and I attended the baby dedication of our youngest grandson, Parker Beasley, at Skypointe Church in Travelers Rest, S.C.

It was a great day and we were blessed to be there for the service. Both of our grandchildren are under the age of 4 and are members of Generation Z. Read the story and take a hard look at the photo on page 1. If that doesn’t get you on your knees, I honestly don’t know what will (assuming you have children or grandchildren in that category).

If statistics hold true, nine in 10 of children born since 9/11 (2001) will not come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. [Read more…]

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