youth Archives - Baptist & Reflector

STORMY DAYS, STRONG FAITH

June 23, 2020

God at work in Hamilton County amid tough times

By David Dawson
Baptist and Reflector
ddawson@tnbaptist.org

Disaster relief volunteers and others survey the damage at a house that was damaged by a tornado in Hamilton County on April 12.

CHATTANOOGA — The residents of Hamilton County have experienced a trilogy of turmoil in the past few months.

It began when the COVID-19 pandemic first took hold, throwing daily routines into a state of flux. Then came a deadly tornado that created another wave of emotional and physical challenges. And in recent days, Hamilton County, like the rest of the country, has been dealing with racial unrest that was ignited by the death of George Floyd.

The three events might lead some to wonder, “where has God been in all this tragedy?”

Dennis Culbreth, the director of missions for Hamilton County Baptist, said the answer is clear — the Lord has been present and active through it all. [Read more…]

WHAT ABOUT THE GRADUATES?

May 27, 2020

Seeing the whole picture from a family’s perspective

Editor’s Note: The pandemic has wreaked havoc on almost every imaginable event including high school graduations. Keep in mind, not only the graduate missed graduation, but so did his or her family who spent untold hours of helping the graduate reach the milestone. Jay Barbier, youth specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, his wife, Natalee, and son, Jay, provide their perspectives.

The Barbier family, from left, Caleb, Mary-Clare, Natalee and Jay.

Jay Barbier — A dad’s perspective

Let’s take a look into our current situation from one family’s perspective. Going through the experience of a pandemic has been overwhelming. The Lord has impressed on my heart to share thoughts from a student about to graduate, a mother wanting her son to enjoy the last moments of high school, and what is going through my mind as a father and the TBMB youth specialist. [Read more…]

DEALING WITH THE DISAPPOINTMENTS

April 7, 2020

Youth leaders providing encouragement for youth amid cancelations of prom, graduation

By David Dawson
Baptist and Reflector
ddawson@tnbaptist.org

FRANKLIN — While the practice of social distancing continues to move to the forefront in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, teenagers are feeling the sting of disappointment in a very real way.

High school seniors, in particular, are dealing with the heartache of knowing that some of their most highly-anticipated events — prom, graduation and senior trips — are potentially going to be canceled. [Read more…]

NEW TITLE, SAME PASSION

March 6, 2020

Barbier reflects on impact, importance of youth ministry

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

TBMB youth ministry specialist Jay Barbier worships with the crowd on the opening night of the 2019 YEC event.
— Photo by Royce DeGrie

FRANKLIN — Jay Barbier has a new title with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board and it’s a perfect fit with his love and passion for youth ministry.

Barbier recently was named youth ministry specialist for the TBMB following the retirement of Bruce Edwards in January. He has served with the TBMB for the past two years as evangelism event specialist, coming to that role from First Baptist Church, Millington, where he served as minister of youth for seven-and-a-half years.

The past two years have actually helped prepare Barbier for his new role as he met with and began building relationships with youth ministers and leaders across Tennessee. He shared his vision for youth ministry in Tennessee during a recent podcast of Radio B&R. (The full podcast, Episode 38, is available at RadioBandR.org).

“As youth ministry specialist, my role is to serve churches. … I want to help churches where they are as well as help them move the ball forward when it comes to evangelism, discipleship or anything else that we can do to serve them,” Barbier said.

He observed that discipleship is a key to effective youth ministry. People learn best by example, Barbier said, noting that as a new Christian he wanted to lead others to Jesus. “I had pastors, deacons, and individuals who helped me. They showed me. They took me to visitation. They included me in salvation conversations with other people.” [Read more…]

BIG BOOST FOR BIG EMORY

October 23, 2019

Location change has led to new ministry opportunities

Editor’s Note: Baptist associations are the emphasis on the Southern Baptist Convention calendar Oct. 20-26. Tennessee Baptists have 65 associations across the state. Here is a look at Big Emory Baptist Association based in Harriman.

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

Director of missions Randy Roper stands in Big Emory Baptist Association’s Great Commission Center which has enhanced the association’s ministry to churches.

HARRIMAN — Three years ago, Big Emory Baptist Association moved from the site it had occupied since 1969 to a new location on South Roane Street, not far from Interstate 40.

It has proven to be a huge boost for the association’s ministries and the association is still growing into its space, said Randy Roper, director of missions for Big Emory Baptist Association since 2015.

The association bought three former storefront buildings adjacent to each other and divided their project into three phases. Phase one consisted of the office facilities. The building now in use was completely gutted and remodeled, Roper said. The association moved into the new offices in 2016. [Read more…]

THE ABCs OF GEN Z

October 10, 2019

TBMB leads seminars on how to reach this easily-distracted demographic

By David Dawson
Baptist and Reflector
ddawson@tnbaptist.org

SHELBYVILLE — “Does anyone know what a slo-fie is?” asked Donna Blaydes as she glanced around the classroom filled with adults.

After a few moments of mostly blank stares and silence, Blaydes explained that the term, which is only about three weeks old, refers to slow-motion “selfies” that can be recorded with the latest version of iPhones.

The response to Blaydes’ question perfectly illustrated the point that she was making: Technology is moving so rapidly that it can be challenging for parents and grandparents to keep up. [Read more…]

‘REIGN’ ADDRESSES YOUNG ADULT ISSUES, DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF JESUS

May 30, 2019

By Erin Roach
Baptist Press Writer

NASHVILLE — Many teens in the church today tend to view their faith as “a little Jesus in my pocket,” ready to solve their problems, youth ministry expert Richard Ross said.

In response, Ross, a former Tennessee Baptist youth minister, has developed a new study, “Reign: Awakening a Young Generation to King Jesus.”

“Church teenagers do believe Jesus exists and that they belong to Him,” Ross, professor of student ministry at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, said in written comments to Baptist Press. “And I would say they love Him in a sentimental sort of way.” [Read more…]

‘GAMING’ LEADS TO GOSPEL

May 16, 2019

Pastor uses online video games for evangelism

By David Dawson
Baptist and Reflector
ddawson@tnbaptist.org

SPRING HILL — Relationship experts often say that the ability to “speak someone’s language” is a crucial component in making a connection.

Jason Davis, pastor at Grace Park Baptist Church, Spring Hill, is using that philosophy in a unique way. He is forming relations and building bonds — and even evangelizing — through his knowledge of, and interest in, video games. [Read more…]

WHY SHOULD WE SEND OUR STUDENTS TO CAMP?

May 3, 2019

By Jay Barbier,
Evangelism Event Specialist, TBMB

Have you ever thought about this question: Should a church or even a parent send their student to camp? The answer is yes! The bigger question is why? Why should a person go to camp?

The answer: Camp changes everything. I wholeheartedly believe in the benefit of camp! Camp experiences change lives. I’m talking about camps that focus on Jesus; this changes the what and the why. Jesus-focused camps help develop students for the rest of their lives.

Let’s break this down into three main issues: foundation of faith, fellowship and community, and accountability. These, I believe, are the key factors that set camp apart. [Read more…]

CONNECTION CHALLENGES GIRLS TO PURSUE CHRIST

April 16, 2019

By Juliana Wilson
TN WMU Communications/Childhood Missions Specialist

Attendees participate in an activity during last week’s event.

GATLINBURG — Connection 2019, a missions event for girls in grades 7 through 12, took place April 5-7 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in conjunction with Get-Together.

The group of 294 girls and leaders focused on the event theme “Unshakable Pursuit” which was based on the key Scripture from 1 Corinthians 15:58.

Through worship, breakout sessions, missionary testimonies and hands-on experiences, the young women were challenged to pursue the God who pursues them and seek Christ in their life even when things do not go according to plan. [Read more…]

God at work in Hamilton County amid tough times

Seeing the whole picture from a family’s perspective

Youth leaders providing encouragement for youth amid cancelations of prom, graduation

Barbier reflects on impact, importance of youth ministry

Location change has led to new ministry opportunities

TBMB leads seminars on how to reach this easily-distracted demographic

Pastor uses online video games for evangelism

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