ANNOUNCEMENTS

Clay Hallmark, past president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and past chair of the TBMB recently released his second book, “The Leader is the Lesson: The Virtues of Spiritual Leadership.” The book deals with how who a leader is and what a leader does are more important than what a leader says. “True leadership is not about building a platform or a brand — it is about becoming the person God uses to shape others,” said Hallmark. This book is available at Amazon and at www.clayhallmark.com.

EDUATION

Union University is set to unveil the newly renovated home of its EDGE program.

The Union EDGE program provides a holistic, post-secondary education for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, encouraging increased independent skills that lead to a better quality of life and aligning with Union’s mission of providing Christ-centered education.

Located in the Penick Academic Complex in the area formerly occupied by the engineering department before its move to The Ethos Forum, the new multi-functional space was designed specifically to serve the needs of EDGE students. [Read more…]

The TBDR team pauses for a quick photo after completing work on the bridge.

WASHINGTON COUNTY — On Jan. 2, with God’s blessing, the impossible became a reality.

A team of Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers completed a 100-foot bridge replacement over Roan Creek, reconnecting a homeowner to her property more than a year after Hurricane Helene destroyed the original structure.

The bridge, located between Butler and Mountain City, was swept away in September 2024 when more than 36 inches of rain fell in the Upper East Tennessee mountains during the hurricane.

Tennessee Baptist disaster relief volunteers work to complete a bridge in Washington County.

“This one is above our pay grade,” Don Owen, Nolachucky Baptist Association Disaster Relief director, said Tennessee Baptist leadership initially concluded. [Read more…]

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Valley Grove calls Holbrook as pastor

Baptist and Reflector

KNOXVILLE — Valley Grove Baptist Church in South Knoxville announced the calling of Evan Holbrook as its 30th senior pastor. Holbrook will preach his first sermon Jan. 11, 2026, bringing fresh vision and energy to a congregation with deep roots.

Holbrook grew up in Livingston, Texas, before entering full-time ministry. Over the past 18 years, he has served in churches in Houston and Tennessee. Most recently, as lead student pastor at First Baptist, Cleveland, he oversaw a ministry building a culture where teenagers engaged with church and mission work.

“My family and I are humbled, thankful and blessed to be called to Valley Grove Baptist Church,” Holbrook said. “God is in the details, and I believe he has brought us here at such a time as this to share Jesus Christ in every home from Seymour to the ends of the earth.”

Holbrook holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and Christianity from Houston Baptist University and a Master of Divinity from Liberty University. He and his wife, Kristen, also a Liberty University graduate, have four children: Carden, Lincoln, Klaiborne and Carroway. The family is relocating to the Seymour/South Knoxville community.

Jordan Easley, Holbrook’s current senior pastor, praised his abilities. “Evan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and has grown tremendously as a preacher and communicator,” Easley said. “His ability to connect with students and congregants alike has fostered a vibrant and growing community within our church.” B&R

EVENTS

The Beech River Baptist Association will launch its “30 by 2030” evangelism initiative Jan. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Parsons. The five-year plan aims to increase Bible study participation by 30% from 2026-2030 to evangelize the lost, equip believers and expand God’s kingdom. Ken Braddy will provide instruction on characteristics of a healthy Sunday school. Attendees are asked to bring a dessert. Registration is by church only at beechriver.com/30×2030.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Gary Jared & Brian Smith

Stuart Heights Baptist announces pastoral transition

HIXSON  — Stuart Heights Baptist Church announced in November that Senior Pastor Gary Jared will retire in January after 35 years of service, transitioning to pastor emeritus.

Under Jared’s leadership, the church grew to three campuses serving the Chattanooga area with more than 1,000 active members.

“We are deeply grateful for pastor Gary’s years of devoted service,” said Wally Reece, Chair of the Personnel Committee. “This transition allows us to honor his legacy while ensuring strong leadership continuity for our church family.”

The congregation voted to install Brian K. Smith as senior pastor effective Jan. 1. Smith has served as senior associate pastor at Stuart Heights since 2010, contributing to pulpit ministry, member assimilation, staff development and pastoral care.

Smith brings more than 30 years of ministry experience, including roles as lead pastor and church planter of Connection Church in Cleveland, Tennessee, and pastor of Valley View Baptist Church. He holds a doctorate from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Jared will preach his final sermon as senior pastor Dec. 28.

Stuart Heights Baptist Church is a Southern Baptist congregation affiliated with the Hamilton County Baptist Association, Tennessee Baptist Convention and Southern Baptist Convention. B&R

C-N wins Moot Court championship 

JEFFERSON CITY — Carson-Newman University’s Moot Court Team won the Appellate Moot Court Collegiate Challenge in Nashville Nov. 20-23, defeating Vanderbilt University, Sewanee: The University of the South, Belmont University and Milligan University.

The competition allows Tennessee undergraduates to argue appellate cases before legal panels. Students prepare briefs and argue as petitioner and respondent on legal problems.

Pictured are C-N team members, front row, left to right: Keylon Plemons and Molly Bohanan. Second Row: Parker Miller, Douglas Ford, Coleman Byers, Dr. Kara Stooksbury, Sydney Courtney and Anne Marie Richards. (Not pictured is team member Annie Smith.). B&R

EVENTS

Laura Story

Carson-Newman University will hold its annual Christmas concert and Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 6. This year’s event features worship leader and Christian recording artist Laura Story along with C-N music ensembles. The event is free and open to the public. The 7 p.m. event will be held in the University’s Gentry Auditorium located in C-N’s Henderson Humanities Building. Seating is limited.

Brush Creek Baptist Church will be hosting the “Life of Christ” Christmas Drive-Thru from Dec. 6-7. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique, drive-thru experience of the story of Christ’s birth, life, and sacrifice, with displays, live actors, and animals bringing key moments of the gospel to life. All donations from the event will benefit Hats of Love Ministry. In case of inclement weather, please call 615-683-8249 for recorded message.

JACKSON — More than 90 pastors, church leaders, and associational leaders extended their Summit experience to attend the Return Together: A Post-Summit Gathering with Richard Blackaby hosted by the Strengthening Healthy Churches Team.

“We’re very good at doing what we can do, but God invites us to join what only He can do,” said Blackaby, challenging attendees as he preached from John 3. [Read more…]

EVENTS

Rev. Dennis Johnson, Associate Pastor of Worship and Music of Meridian Baptist Church, Knoxville, for the past 25 years plans to retire at the end of the year. Friends are invited to attend a reception for him on Nov. 16, in the Meridian Baptist Church Fellowship Hall immediately following Worship Service (noon to 2 p.m. ET).

BOOKS

Tennessee author Carol B. Ghattas has published “When You Don’t Feel Like Celebrating: A 31-Day Advent Devotional,” designed for those struggling with grief or hardship during Christmas. The devotional guides readers through Isaiah’s prophecies to offer hope and encouragement during difficult times, including loss, displacement or other challenges. The book is available at ambassador-international.com and other distributors.