Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835
April 17, 2020
By Mike Pennington The flight attendant has a definite life-saving purpose when she tells you to put your oxygen mask on first if you’re flying with a small child. In those critical moments of life or death, your life must be safe before you secure the life of others. How secure is your mask today?
April 16, 2020
By Kristi Pennington Three years ago, I found myself running on empty, long before the current pandemic crisis we find ourselves in today. I was a busy minister’s wife. I was involved in things I loved! Bible Study Fellowship came to my town and I got on board. I joined a small church to help […]
April 15, 2020
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector lwilkey@tnbaptist.org COVID-19 has turned lives upside down all over the world. Thousands of people have died and thousands have gotten the disease. Thankfully, many have survived and have recovered from the virus. Millions of people, however, have not gotten the disease but their lives also have changed. Whoever […]
April 14, 2020
By Randy C. Davis TBMB President & Executive Director There are two things about which we can be certain in these uncertain days: God is on His throne sovereignly ruling over the universe, and change seems to be a regular occurrence and comes quickly. About a year ago I wrote about a change that few […]
April 10, 2020
By Charles Jones Baptist historian Canceling services due to illness is not new to Baptist life. Pandemics, epidemics and weather have all been part of our collective experience. In musty old church minutes, it’s not uncommon to see statements like “services canceled due to cholera” — or typhus or smallpox. John Newton (1732-1790), an early […]
April 7, 2020
By DeAnna Gibson Contributing columnist As COVID-19 makes its way around our globe, our everyday patterns are in upheaval. The assurances of a few weeks ago have given way to questions of preparedness. Painful dilemmas we now face include school closings and paychecks. Social media is in full flourish with complainers, fear mongers, conspiracy theorists […]
April 6, 2020
By Bruce Chesser President, Tennessee Baptist Convention Coronavirus. It took most of us a little while to learn how to say it and a little bit longer to learn how to spell it, but it has quickly become a part of our vocabulary. I want to encourage you today. This will pass. And God is […]
April 3, 2020
By Larry Robertson Pastor, Hilldale Baptist Church, Clarksville I’m going to say something that I know will be controversial to some, but I need to say it. At least I think I need to say it. If your church is viewed by your community as part of the COVID-19 problem and not part of the […]
April 2, 2020
By Kim Cruise Missions discipleship specialist, Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union While COVID-19 spreads sickness and death across many countries, responses vary, but the most common response is fear. Fear of a loved one contracting the virus and suffering alone because no visitors are allowed. Fear of doctors and nurses being spread too thinly to meet […]
April 2, 2020
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector lwilkey@tnbaptist.org For decades upon decades, Americans have always raced to the next big task or achievement. In the late 1880s to early 1900s, the United States entered the machine age where invention after invention improved society and our ability to move about. Automobiles and airplanes became primary modes […]
March 31, 2020
By Willie McLaurin EDITOR’S NOTE: Willie McLaurin is vice president for Great Commission Relations and Mobilization with the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee. NASHVILLE — COVID-19 will forever change the way we do life and ministry. Change is around us in every area of life. God often uses crisis to bring about changes that were […]
March 31, 2020
By Randy C. Davis TBMB President & Executive Director I loved being a pastor. It was my joy and honor to spend 34 years as a pastor in a local church, so obviously I have a special place in my heart for the men who faithfully labor behind the pulpit serving God and His people. […]