TENNESCENE: MAY 15

LEADERS

Dean Haun

Dean Haun, pastor of First Baptist Church, Morristown, will lead an Encounter Israel Pastors Solidarity Tour Sept. 16-25. The trip is under the auspices of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem and will include tour host John Vedder. The trip is designed to help pastors and ministry leaders deepen their understanding of Israel’s prophetic restoration in the context of 4,000 years of biblical history. Tour participants will engage with local leaders in Israel and hear about current events in the region. For more information, including costs, visit www.icejusa.org/PT924.

DEATHS

Randall Freeman

Randall Freeman, pastor of Holder’s Grove Baptist Church, Cosby, for 13 years, died April 26. He was 59. Freeman was called into the gospel ministry in 1989. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cynthia Freeman, two children and four grandchildren.

Frances Glynda Garrett Hays, wife of Maurice Hays, retired pastor of Woodland Baptist Church, Jackson, and Tennessee Baptist Mission Board retiree, died March 24. She was 79. She is survived by her husband, a son, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Elbert H. “Nick” Nichols, retired and former pastor of Sunset Village Baptist Church, Bristol, died April 2 at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife, Imogene Nichols; two daughters, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

James Alvin Tallant, former pastor of Springview Baptist Church, Maryville, and Chapman Grove Baptist Church, Kingston, died April 10. He was 77. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Tallant.

CHURCHES

Crievewood Baptist Church, Nashville, will celebrate 70 years of ministry on May 19.

The Tennessee Baptist Mission Board’s NOW evangelism conclave was held at regional sites in late April and early May. The photos above are from the conclave at First Baptist Church, Columbia. In the left photo, a group of Tennessee pastors and leaders stand together. They are, from left, Mike Dawson, pastor emeritus First Baptist Church, Columbia, and transitional interim pastor, First Baptist Church, Spring Hill; Randy Isbell, pastor, Santa Fe Baptist Church; Roc Collins, strategic objectives director, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board; William Burton, new churches team leader and ethnic church planting specialist / ethnic evangelism specialist, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board; Marty Shadoan, pastor First Baptist Church, Columbia; Kelley Harris, pastor, Allensville Baptist Church; Dale Ledbetter, director of missions, Maury Association; Frank Webb, pastor, Rock Springs Baptist Church. (cont'd)
(cont'd) In the photo on the right, the group gathers for a time of prayer. The regional conclaves were held at six sites across the state — April 29 at Ellendale Baptist Church, Bartlett; April 30 at FBC Columbia; May 2 at Judson Baptist Church, Nashville; May 6 at Madison Avenue Baptist Church, Maryville; May 7 at Sullivan Baptist Church, Kingsport; and May 9 at Oakwood Baptist Church, Chattanooga. — Photos contributed by Jolene Dawson
Yellow Creek Baptist Church, Spring City, honored its pastor and wife, Michael Young Sr. and Sandra Young on April 28 for 50 years of ministry. They have been serving at Yellow Creek Baptist Church since January 2020. Young has served in many roles during his ministry, including 20 years as a director of missions. Dave Adams delivered the sermon and his wife, Suzanne Adams, performed special music. A celebratory lunch followed the service including church members, friends and family. From left are Linda Chattin, JoAnne Copeland, Young, his wife Sandra, David Adams and Suzanne Adams.
New trustee officers of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary are, from left, Roc Collins, strategic objectives director for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, vice chairman; Jamie Dew, NOBTS president; Shannon Brown, businesswoman, Louisiana, secretary-treasurer; and Eddie Wren, pastor of First Baptist Church, Zachary, La., chairman.
Jimmy Davis, center, was recently honored for 40 years of ministry. Though not an active pastor, he is involved in the ministry of Southside Baptist Church, Savannah, where he is a member. With him are Russ Wilkins, left, AMS for Shiloh Baptist Association, and Michael Anderson, pastor of Southside Baptist.