GOTM continues to make tremendous kingdom impact
FRANKLIN — The Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions has raised $2.4 million toward its $2.7 million statewide goal as of June 4, supporting Baptist church plants, adoptions and evangelism efforts across Tennessee and beyond.
The annual fundraising campaign, which carries a $3 million challenge goal as part of the state’s “All Things Tennessee” mission emphasis, funds the work of Tennessee Baptists throughout the state and nation.
Named after W.C. and Mildred Golden, who proposed a week of prayer for state missions and corresponding offering in 1902, the initiative has grown from its first $800 collection to become a multimillion-dollar effort to support missions near and far.
Here are a few snapshots of the missions that GOTM has supported throughout the year.
Dale Lusk with Grounded for Good ministries leads some of the boys at Mountain View Youth Development Center in a Bible study. — Photo: GOTM video screengrab
Restorative Justice: Dale Lusk
Boys entering Mountain View Youth Development Center in Dandridge arrive having committed multiple crimes and are often broken, angry, and scared.
The Christ-centered ministry Grounded for Good, supported by the GOTM, works to transform these young inmates aged 13 to 18 through discipleship.
Nine dedicated volunteers from across Tennessee mentor these young men, teaching them to read and study Scripture, pray effectively, walk as men of God, and build their faith. According to ministry leader Dale Lusk, when boys accept Christ, the “wall of evil” melts away as they recognize the kind of men God intends them to be.
During its 12-year history, the ministry has discipled and baptized 243 boys and witnessed 12 prison guards come to Christ. GOTM provides essential Bibles and resources that volunteers distribute to the inmates, fueling their spiritual growth and transformation. This partnership continues to change lives within the youth detention center’s walls, offering hope where it’s needed most.
Adoption: The Amy Hood Endowment
With 9,000 Tennessee children needing homes, the Amy Hood Adoption Endowment provides hope through the GOTM. TBMB’s president and executive director, Randy C. Davis, highlights that Tennessee’s 3,200 Baptist churches can make a difference in several meaningful ways, and encourages Tennessee Baptists to pray intentionally for each child awaiting adoption.
He also suggests supporting those willing to pursue foster adoption, which is often the most affordable adoption pathway. Additionally, Tennessee Baptists can contribute financially through the GOTM.
The endowment honors Amy Hood, wife of Pastor Pat Hood of LifePoint in Smyrna. Before her passing, Amy and Pat adopted three children themselves. Through this endowment that bears her name, Amy’s legacy continues, helping more families experience the blessing of adoption by creating forever homes for children who desperately need them.
Volunteers with Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief help reconstruct a home as part of the Arise and Build Initiative in the days after Hurricane Helene. — Photo: GOTM video screengrab
Disaster Relief: Arise & Build
Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief (TBDR) brings hope, healing, and Christ’s love to disaster survivors through volunteer service and spiritual support. In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene’s devastating floods affected more than 1,500 families in East Tennessee, completely destroying over 500 homes.
Tennessee Baptists have committed to rebuilding at least 40 homes and repairing as many others as possible — a mission expected to take two years. TBDR is still actively seeking volunteers and resources to meet this significant challenge.
Many homeowners who have lost everything are asking profound questions about life and faith. TBDR’s approach is comprehensive: arrive promptly after disaster strikes, remain until restoration is complete, and connect personally with each homeowner by presenting them with a Bible and sharing the gospel message.
The GOTM provides the crucial funding that makes this vital recovery and ministry work possible.
Developing Leaders: WMU Scholarships
Gen Z has been widely described as the “anxious generation” and as isolated youth desperately needing community and mentorship. Woman’s Missionary Union Scholarships, funded through the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions, are addressing this need by equipping the next generation of ministry leaders to share Jesus across Tennessee and around the world.
Kim Cruse, TBMB’s Missions Discipleship Specialist, emphasizes the need to train students to fulfill the Great Commission’s command to “go.”
When Tennessee Baptists contribute to the Golden Offering, a portion supports scholarships for students attending Tennessee colleges or Southern Baptist seminaries who have been involved or will be involved in missions.
Cruse notes that many scholarship recipients have gone on to serve in church or ministry leadership roles. These scholarships affirm students’ ministry callings and reinforce the understanding that younger generations aren’t merely the church of tomorrow. Instead, they are the church of today, already making significant impacts through their service and dedication.
Congregants worship at the Manor Community Church’s opening service weekend on Easter. The church was planted to reach the growth happening near Ford’s BlueOval City. — Photo: GOTM video screengrab
Investing to Plant: Manor Community Church
The Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions plays a key role in church planting initiatives across the state, with Tennessee Baptist associations strategically supporting new congregations to reach expanding communities and further God’s kingdom throughout the region.
Manor Community Church in Fayette County is an example of this church planting strategy. Pastor Jay Stephenson shared how their congregation was directly inspired by the development of Ford’s BlueOval City manufacturing facility. This major industrial project has drawn workers from around the world to settle in the area, creating a diverse community where each individual and family seeks connection and belonging.
Recognizing this opportunity, Director of Missions Gregg Hauss of the Fayette Baptist Association said they made the decision a year ago to direct GOTM funds specifically toward supporting new church plants in their region.
The investment has already yielded results. Manor Community Church has transformed from a vision into a thriving congregation that actively serves its diverse community.
Church leaders are enthusiastic about the potential impact of additional church plants currently being supported through this same strategic funding approach. B&R — To view the full showcase for the GOTM videos, type qrcodes.pro/gotm25 in your web browser
