Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835
April 2, 2020
By Aaron Earls LifeWay Christian Resources NASHVILLE — The coronavirus outbreak has had ripple effects across the country, including in U.S. churches, according to a new study of pastors. Nashville-based LifeWay Research asked Protestant pastors how the pandemic has impacted their congregations and what their plans are for the near future. While nearly all pastors […]
April 2, 2020
By Diana Chandler Baptist Press AUSTIN, Texas — Church worship and ministry are considered essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas under the latest protocols issued by Gov. Greg Abbott, but several pastors said Abbott’s directive likely won’t change their church safety protocols. First Baptist Church of Vidor pastor Terry Wright said he switched […]
April 2, 2020
By Roy Hayhurst Baptist Press DALLAS — With many churches reporting strained budgets due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, GuideStone is offering a one-time opportunity for both Group Plans and Personal Plans to step down to a lower-cost health care plan for the remainder of 2020. Generally the option to change plans is […]
March 31, 2020
By Susan Ervien Marketing strategist and writer, GuideStone Financial Resources DALLAS — At this point, there is no running from it. The coronavirus (COVID-19) is here and having a particularly destructive impact on vulnerable populations. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is more dangerous for those over the […]
March 27, 2020
By GuideStone staff DALLAS — The COVID-19 Pandemic Phase III Stimulus Package signed into law today (March 27) by President Trump will provide potential relief for churches and pastors, thanks to efforts by the Church Alliance, a national coalition of large and historic church benefit boards, including GuideStone, and Southern Baptist partners to ensure churches […]
March 25, 2020
By Julie McGowan AVP of communication, marketing and PR for the IMB International Mission Board senior leaders have directed IMB missionary personnel around the world to postpone hosting any ministry volunteer groups through June 30, leaders announced Wednesday, March 25. Consideration of missionaries hosting volunteer teams beyond June 30 will be reviewed on May 1, […]
March 24, 2020
By Baptist Press EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated since its original publication. NASHVILLE (BP) — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting has been canceled for the first time in 75 years. Citing authority provided by the SBC Constitution “in the case of grave emergency,” the decision was […]
March 23, 2020
By Tess Schoonhoven Baptist Press NASHVILLE — At 92, Kenny Knox’s social circle revolves almost exclusively around activities at church. “Other than attending (church), I don’t have a lot of contact with others,” he said. But like many others, Knox’s church (West End Baptist Church in Columbia, Tenn.) has suspended its meetings to comply with […]
March 23, 2020
Baptist Press ORLANDO — Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear has announced the members of the 2020 Committee on Resolutions for the June 9-10 SBC annual meeting in Orlando. “I believe our 2020 Resolutions Committee reflects the various interests and concerns of Southern Baptists,” Greear, pastor of The Summit Church in the Raleigh-Durham, N.C., area, […]
March 18, 2020
By Tess Schoonhoven Baptist Press OKLAHOMA CITY — Gospel singer Sandi Patty announced through Facebook on March 17 she has tested positive for COVID-19. The Grammy-winning artist told fans she is self-quarantining with her husband at their home in Oklahoma. Patty explained in the video that she had not felt well in the past few weeks […]
March 17, 2020
By Aaron Earls LifeWay Christian Resources NASHVILLE — The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for groups during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak recommended no gatherings of more than 50 people for eight weeks. As churches scramble to make decisions on how to move forward, new research finds many congregations are not prepared […]
March 17, 2020
By Tess Schoonhoven Baptist Press NASHVILLE — The needs of communities around the U.S. have been growing in midst of the COVID-19 global crisis. With many families unable to maintain proper childcare in light of schools shutting down, college students without a place to live and insecure communities without essential household items, churches are stepping […]