Joe Sorah

Sometimes it takes a shark to focus on catching the right fish.

The Tennessee Baptist Mission Board hosts a variety of Off the Grid experiences designed to help pastors and ministry leaders unplug and recharge mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It is part of the effort to strengthen gospel leaders, and healthy ministers lead to healthy churches.

One of our Off the Grid opportunities is a deep-sea fishing expedition. Recently a group of 24 pastors and ministers paid their way to Destin, Fla., for a day upon the Swoop II with an eye toward catching every fish within miles of the boat. [Read more…]

Hardwick

We are now closer to 2050 than we are to 2000. Let that sink in, and consider this: What gospel impact will you and your church have in the next 25 years?

I vividly remember 2000. Perhaps you also remember the excitement and anticipation of the new millennium mixed with the fear of “Y2K.” It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago, yet no one argues that we now live in a very different world.

This milestone isn’t a call to reflect on what’s happened since 2000. We can’t lead for tomorrow looking into a rearview mirror. [Read more…]

Ronald Reagan was the first presidential candidate I voted for. He is the presidential gold standard, in my opinion. I miss his leadership and his whimsical humor.

Chris Turner

One of my favorite Reagan jokes was about a boy selling puppies outside a Democratic fundraiser, encouraging people to buy a “Democrat puppy.” Republicans met at the same venue two weeks later, and a reporter at both events said, “Hey kid, you were out here selling these puppies as Democrats. What are you doing here now trying to sell them as Republicans?”

Then the president, with impeccable comedic timing, delivered the punchline.

“The kid says, ‘Now they’ve got their eyes open.’” [Read more…]

Thank you, Tennessee Baptists.

Randy C. Davis

In some ways, that seems inadequate to express the depth of my gratitude, but please know I mean it with all sincerity. What the Lord has done through Tennessee Baptists — you — over the past 15 years in terms of Golden Offering missions giving is nothing short of phenomenal. Let’s take a look.

Fifteen years ago, Tennessee Baptists gave $1.5 million through the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions (GOTM), and last year, you gave $3.1 million, including Golden Opportunities giving. That’s an incredible increase in giving. You doubled your giving! That is mind-blowing. [Read more…]

Carolyn Tomlin

When the high school’s baseball team finished their annual season, Todd, a junior, walked back to the dugout with the other players. “With baseball over, I’ll miss seeing you guys this summer,” he said with a downcast look across his face.

“Just because baseball’s over, that is no reason to not spend time together,” smiled John as he patted his friend on the shoulder. “Tell you what, our church has a fantastic youth group. We have fun together while learning new skills. I agree, we are a small church, but we have many activities we all enjoy. Such as summer camp, youth conferences where we visit a big city and stay in a hotel, and camping.”

“Sounds great. But my parents couldn’t afford the cost of all those things,” Todd replied. [Read more…]

Randy C. Davis

I love that a Tennessee pastor will be the next pastor of one of Tennessee’s most iconic churches.

Yes, I know Ben Mandrell is originally from Illinois and graduated from college in Indiana, but he served as college pastor, then senior pastor, of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson from 2006 to 2013, earned his Doctor of Ministry from Union University, and was president of Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville since 2019.

He and his family have been members of Forest Hills Baptist Church, one of the Tennessee Baptist Convention’s most generous Cooperative Program-giving churches. That’s good enough in my book to earn him the honorary designation “Tennessean.” [Read more…]

Dr. Bill Maynard

Science has brought undeniable blessings to the world. But its achievements over the past 400 years have enticed many in Western culture to enshrine science as the answer to everything and the only reliable source of truth.

Although this view (sometimes called scientism) is unscientific, it has led to the false perception that science and religion are opposed.

Can science and Christianity coexist, much less harmonize? I firmly believe so. Many of the greatest scientists in history have espoused belief in God.

For my part, as a practitioner of a scientific discipline (medicine), I am privileged to administer many wonderful benefits of the sciences. And as a Christian, I find my faith encouraged, rather than threatened, by science. [Read more…]

Chris Turner

Is it possible to be salt and light in a culture where Evangelical Christians champion individual freedom, autonomy, and liberty while seeking to legislate societal morality through majority rule?

This question reveals a genuine tension for Evangelical Christians. How do we advocate for personal freedoms while using the democratic process to influence and enforce our biblical understanding of moral standards in society?

I formulated this question a month ago while studying the “Scopes Monkey Trial” in preparation for the 100th anniversary reenactment of the “Trial of the Century” held this week in Dayton, Tennessee. [Read more…]

Carolyn Tomlin

AAA reports a record of over 72.2 million Americans will travel domestically during the Fourth of July holiday, an increase of 2.4% over last year. The average trip will be 50 miles from home.

As July 4 falls on a Friday, people will have a long weekend. Airline flights are setting new records.

Whether your family plans to journey to other areas or plans a stay-at-home Tennessee holiday, these educational, fun, and creative activities will make this a time to remember.

Celebrate family, faith, and patriotic community events this Independence Day. [Read more…]