Baptist & Reflector

Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835

PASTORS: OFFERINGS SEE BOOST IN 2018

By Aaron Earls

LifeWay Christian Resources

NASHVILLE — The economic recovery has reached the offering plate, according to a study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research.

Today, eight in 10 Protestant pastors (79 percent) say the total offerings at their church this year are at or above last year’s levels, including 42 percent who say this year is ahead of last year. Few pastors (15 percent) say giving is not keeping pace with last year.

Those positive giving numbers have followed the economic upturn, said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research.

“The increases in offerings so many churches are experiencing coincide with what most economists refer to as ‘full employment,’ as well as increased wage growth in 2018,” McConnell said. [Read more…]

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AMERICANS DIFFER ON HISTORIC CHRISTIAN VIEWS

By Carol Pipes
LifeWay Christian Resources

NASHVILLE — Six in 10 Americans say religious belief is a matter of personal opinion. For 7 in 10 Americans, such religious beliefs include one true God existing in three persons — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But an increasing majority of Americans deny Jesus has always existed and many say the Holy Spirit is a force rather than a personal being.

Those are among the findings of a new study of American views on Christian theology from Nashville-based LifeWay Research.

“When the majority of Americans believe religious belief is more personal opinion than objective truth, then we expect to see contradictory beliefs as well as beliefs that change over time,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research.

The survey of 3,000 Americans was sponsored by Orlando-based Ligonier Ministries. Titled the “2018 State of Theology Study,” it is the third in a series of surveys examining Americans’ theological beliefs. Previous surveys were conducted in 2016 and 2014. [Read more…]

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SURVEY REVEALS MORE THAN 50 PERCENT OF SBC MINISTERS DON’T HAVE A WILL

Tennessee Baptist Foundation will assist ministers, laity with estate plans

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org

FRANKLIN — The results of a recent survey about estate planning, contracted by the Nashville-based Southern Baptist Foundation, are disappointing but not surprising, said Bill Gruenewald, president of the Tennessee Baptist Foundation.

The survey, conducted by LifeWay Research, revealed that more than half of Southern Baptist pastors do not have a will, trust, living will, electronic will, legacy story or durable power of attorney with health care directives.

The survey also indicated that pastors age 18-44 are least likely to have a will (31 percent) or a durable power of attorney with health care directives (14 percent). Even among pastors closest to retirement (ages 55-64 and 65-plus), the portion of those who have a will is just barely a majority (54 percent), according to the survey. [Read more…]

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LIFEWAY WORKERS ‘FINE’ AFTER BULLET DESTROYS WINDOW

By Diana Chandler
Baptist Press

No employees were injured when a bullet of unknown origin shattered a large fifth-floor window Sept. 20 at LifeWay Christian Resources new downtown Nashville complex. LifeWay photo

NASHVILLE — “Employees are fine” a day after a bullet destroyed a fifth-floor window at LifeWay Christian Resources’ downtown Nashville complex, company spokesperson Carol Pipes told Baptist Press. [Read more…]

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A USEFUL TOOL

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector

For most Tennessee Baptist churches, the beginning of September means it’s time to plan next year’s budget.

Having served on a church personnel committee in the past I know the challenges of trying to determine salaries and benefits for church staff. It’s not an easy task. Church staff members are under the same pressure to support their families as is someone who works in any other profession. Yet, it is imperative to work within the resources of the church. [Read more…]

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THOM S. RAINER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM LIFEWAY

By Carol Pipes
Baptist Press

LifeWay President and CEO Thom S. Rainer, seen here at a trustee meeting in Ridgecrest, N.C., announced his upcoming resignation.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — LifeWay Christian Resources President and CEO Thom S. Rainer announced today (Aug. 27) his plans to retire in the coming year. [Read more…]

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WORSHIP ATTENDANCE RISES, BAPTISMS DECLINE IN SBC CONGREGATIONS

By Lisa Cannon Green
LifeWay Christian Resources

NASHVILLE — The Southern Baptist Convention expanded by more than 270 churches in 2017. More people showed up for weekly worship services, and congregations gave more generously in a strengthening economy.

However, reported baptisms and membership declined as fewer churches participated in the SBC’s Annual Church Profile (ACP). [Read more…]

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TENNESSEE BAPTIST CHURCHES GEAR UP FOR VBS

By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org 

FRANKLIN — As May comes to a close and schools are out for the summer, Tennessee Baptist churches are gearing up for Vacation Bible School.

Vacation Bible School provides churches an opportunity to fulfill the Great Commission, said Vicki Hulsey, childhood specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.

While VBS provides fun and Bible study for children, “always remember that the reason we do VBS is to reach lost people for Christ,” she added. [Read more…]

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PRAYER AND FOLLOW-THROUGH VITAL FOR VBS

By Shawn Allred
Pastor, First Baptist Church, Kenton

Summer is on its way, and Vacation Bible Schools and Back Yard Bible Clubs will begin across our state soon after the last school bell rings.  VBS is an event that most churches view with great anticipation and excitement. Meticulous planning and preparation leading up to VBS week leave us expecting to see God work in our midst to reach boys and girls and their families for the cause of Christ.

But, how do we ensure that all the time and labor invested in Vacation Bible School does not end when the week of VBS is over? There are two areas of utmost importance that are vital to a productive and lasting VBS experience.  These two essentials are prayer and follow-through.  [Read more…]

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FUGE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF MINISTRY TO STUDENTS

LifeWay News Office

FUGE campers rally around their recreational flags following an afternoon of sports. — Photo by Guy Lyons

NASHVILLE — Randy Parks remembers the music, the games, and the wacky events from the first summer he attended Centrifuge in 1979. But most of all, he remembers the clear message of the gospel and the strong conviction that a life following Christ was exciting and worth living. [Read more…]

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