TENNESCENE: FEB. 8

EDUCATION

Carson-Newman University’s nursing and education online programs both rank No. 2 in Tennessee in their respective categories, according to U.S. News & World Report rankings released Jan. 24. For its 2023 Best Online Programs, U.S. News assessed schools based on a variety of objective factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials and services and technologies. Carson-Newman’s online nursing program ranked No. 98 nationally, while its online education program ranked No. 157 in the country. Both C-N programs rank No. 2 in the state, only behind University of Memphis. The recognition also makes Carson-Newman a top private university in Tennessee in the two categories.

LEADERS

Michael Glenn

Michael L. Glenn, senior pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church, Brentwood, has announced his intention to transition out of his role in 2023. Glenn has served at the church for 32 years. His ministry at Brentwood Baptist Church began in 1991. Under his leadership, the church has grown from an average weekly attendance of 736 to a membership of over 12,000 across nine campuses located throughout Middle Tennessee. In addition to serving his church, Glenn has also served as a chaplain for both the Brentwood Police Department and Brentwood Fire Department. Under his leadership, the church has also launched several successful ministries within and beyond the walls of the church, including ministries to reach the Deaf and a special needs ministry for families. In the coming days, Glenn will remain committed to and involved in the church’s ministry as he transitions into a new role at Brentwood Baptist.

Immanuel Baptist Church, Lawrenceburg, has called Edgar Bozant of Lebanon as pastor of students and families. He began his ministry Jan. 15. Bozant and his wife, Aria, have two children.

Chris McInnis recently began serving as pastor of Happy Valley Baptist Church, Tallassee. He and his wife, Katherine, have four children.

Kathy Wilson recently retired after serving for 30 years as administrative assistant for Watauga Baptist Association, based in Elizabethton.

Steve Hodges has been called as interim pastor at Piney Level Baptist Church, Maryville.

Grace Baptist Church recently ordained five men as deacons — Michael Boatman, Matthew Rice, Tony Frost, Eric Farmer and Stephen Tipps.

Shelby Watkins, a member of Trinity Baptist Church, Manchester, and a student at Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina, will serve as a summer student intern with the International Mission Board in England. Duck River Baptist Association will be providing a substantial portion of the funds for the internship.

Gum Springs Baptist Church, Walling, has called Caleb Lowery as associate pastor of students.

CHURCHES

First Baptist Church, South Fulton, will host Charles Billingsley for a night of worship and praise on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. A love offering will be taken. For information, call 731-479-2331.

DEATHS

Longtime pastor Stephen Lee Witt died Nov. 4 in Chattanooga. He was 71. He became pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in McDonald in 1972. He spent most of this ministry as pastor of Mountain Creek Baptist Church, Chattanooga, but also First Southern Baptist Church, Pikeville, and First Baptist Church, Jasper, in addition to churches in Georgia. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rebecca Witt, a son and two grandsons.

Taylor Phelps, senior pastor of Caney Forks Baptist Church, Harriman, since 2014 died Jan. 11 of  a heart attack at the age of 36. A native of Madisonville, Ky., he also served as pastor of Dryden Baptist Church, Dryden, Va. He was a graduate of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, Ky. He later received his master’s degree from Liberty University and was working on his doctorate at Liberty at the time of his death. He also served on various committees in Big Emory Baptist Association. He is survived by his wife, Andrea, and two children.