This year’s Summit, being held in Jackson, will focus on evangelism
By Lonnie Wilkey
Editor, Baptist and Reflector
lwilkey@tnbaptist.org
FRANKLIN — “Win TN” will be the theme of the 2018 Summit, set for Nov. 11-14, at West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson.
“I would personally like to invite Tennessee Baptists to the 2018 Summit in Jackson,” said Randy C. Davis, executive director-treasurer of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board.
“For several years now the Arrangements Committee of the Tennessee Baptist Convention has been focusing more attention on worship that encourages, equipping that adds value, and Tennessee Baptist business that is streamlined and demonstrates a unified direction,” Davis continued.
Alabama pastor Mac Brunson of Valleydale Church in Birmingham will deliver one of four messages during the 2018 Summit to be held Nov. 11-14 at West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson. The theme of this year’s annual meeting is “Win TN.”
“And while many cannot attend the pastors conference during the day on Monday or the convention sessions Tuesday and Wednesday, everyone within driving distance in the greater Jackson area can take advantage of the incredible worship services Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings. I look forward every year to our TBC’s largest homecoming,” Davis said.
Convention president David Leavell, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Millington, agreed with Davis.
“I love going to the Summit! The reminder of the good Kingdom work we are doing together, the fellowship with friends and inspirational music and preaching always is a highlight of my year,” Leavell said.
Summit begins on Sunday evening, Nov. 11, with “The Tennessee Reunion” at 6 p.m. at West Jackson Baptist Church. The worship service will feature Tennessee Baptist pastor Micah Fries of Brainerd Baptist Church, Chattanooga.
An All Nations worship service will be held at the same time in the chapel at Union University.
The Tennessee Baptist Pastors Conference begins on Monday afternoon (Nov. 12) after lunch. Speakers include Scott Parkinson, 2019 president-elect and pastor of Stevens Street Baptist Church, Cookeville; Don Whitt, evangelist from Memphis; Robert Smith, professor of Christian preaching at Samford University, Birmingham, Ala.; Ken Whitten, pastor, Idlewild Baptist Church, Lutz, Fla.; Steve Gaines, senior pastor, Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova; and Johnny Hunt Sr., recently named senior vice president of evangelism and leadership with the North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, Ga.
Michael Brown of Grace Baptist Church, Tullahoma, will serve as worship leader.
The conference also will feature Christian recording artist Noah Hinshaw.
The theme of this year’s Pastors Conference is “Until He Comes.”
“The fact is Jesus Christ is coming again and we are to live as though He is,” said 2018 president Tim McGehee, pastor of Grace Baptist in Tullahoma. “How do we do that? Not by worrying, digging bomb shelters or running around like maniacs. No, we are to watch and wait and be faithful and serve, and preach and witness!
“My prayer is that pastors, church staff and laypeople all across the state of Tennessee will be blessed, encouraged, inspired and motivated to work till Jesus comes,” McGehee said.
During the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, which convenes on Nov. 13, Tennessee Baptists will elect a new slate of officers. The only announced candidate for president, as of press time on Sept. 10, is David Green, pastor of First Baptist Church, Greeneville.
In addition to the President’s Address by David Leavell, messages also will be given by Mac Brunson, pastor of Valleydale Church, Birmingham, Ala., and Jordan Easley, pastor, First Baptist Church, Cleveland.
The Tuesday night session will feature the TBMB report presented by Davis and Leavell’s message.
The business sessions will feature reports from the TBMB and any recommendations they have plus reports from TBC committees and entities.
In recent years, equipping leaders from the state’s churches has been a focus during Summit and will continue this year. A series of breakouts will be offered both on Monday morning (Nov. 12) and Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 13) unless otherwise noted. Topics and leaders include:
- What Every Messenger Needs to Know, William Maxwell, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board (TBMB), Monday Only
- Evangelistic Inches, David Evans, TBMB
- Growing a Generous Church, Trent Bullock, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Paris and Randy Davis, TBMB
- Turning Around a Struggling Church, Kevin Minchey and Steve Holt, TBMB
- Protecting your Ministry in the Sexual Misconduct Avalanche Today, Tony Rankin, minister of pastoral care, First Baptist Church, Nashville
- We Love our Christian School, Kylan Mann, pastor, Central Baptist Church, Martin
- How to Give an Evangelistic Invitation, Clay Hallmark, pastor, First Baptist Church, Lexington
- Worship and Evangelism: 14 Points of Intersection, Scott Shepherd, TBMB
Online registration for Summit began Sept. 4. Visit www.tbcsummit.org to register, get information on local hotels, and Summit updates as they become available.
