LEADERS
Stan Wafler has been elected as the associational missionary (director of missions) for Beech River Baptist Church, based in Lexington. He and his wife Pam served for 15 years as career missionaries with the International Mission Board. Wafler has served in youth leadership roles in churches in Tennessee and as a pastor in Mississippi. He is a graduate of Union University, Jackson, and New Orleans (La.) Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned three degrees, including a Ph.D. The Waflers have three children. They have been living in the Memphis area and are members of Ellendale Baptist Church, Bartlett.
Palmersville Baptist Church, Palmersville, called Brian Gallimore as pastor on Oct. 1.
Brent Seals was honored as pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church, Elizabethton, during the church’s 175th anniversary celebration on Oct. 8.
Donald Doster is serving as interim pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church #1, Martin.
Mike Exline recently began serving as pastor of Brittsville Baptist Church, Georgetown.
Michigan Avenue Baptist Church, Cleveland, recently called Mike Wallin as pastor.
Kevin Buynak was called Oct. 22 as student pastor by First Baptist Church, Gallatin, effective Oct. 31. He and his wife Denae formerly worked for Campus Crusade for Christ in North Carolina. He is a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, N.C.
First Baptist Church, Manchester, recently ordained three new deacons: Jeremy Anderson, Brandon Bailey, and James Cartwright.
Kirk Baptist Church, Collierville, recently called Chris Shearin as associate pastor.
ASSOCIATIONS
Gibson Baptist Association, based in Trenton, is sponsoring two missions trips in November. One team will serve in Romania Nov. 10-18 while the other team will serve in Brazil Nov. 27-Dec. 5.
Beech River Baptist Association, based in Lexington, held its annual meeting Oct. 16-17. First Baptist Church, Lexington, and Bear Creek Baptist Church, Parsons, served as hosts. Elected as officers were Stan Wafler, associational missionary; Jimmy Burroughs, transition assistant; Mitch Renfroe, moderator; Marty Comer, vice moderator; Amanda Taylor, clerk; and Victoria Alexander, treasurer.
Fayette Baptist Association, Somerville, recently held its annual meeting. Stan Smith, pastor, First Baptist Church, Somerville, was elected moderator while Rudy Doyle was elected vice moderator.
New Salem Baptist Association, based in Carthage, held its annual meeting Oct. 22 at Brush Creek Baptist Church, Brush Creek. Luke Stinnett of New Middleton Baptist Church, Gordonsville, was elected moderator while Josh Mofield, youth minister at Rome Baptist Church, Lebanon, was elected vice moderator.
CHURCHES
Connect Baptist Church, Milan, was constituted as a church on Sept. 17 with 11 charter members. Randy Pate, pastor of First Baptist Church, Milan, the sponsoring church, brought the message. The church will be a member of Gibson Baptist Association.
First Baptist Church, Jamestown, will host Judgement House: “59 Minutes” on Nov. 11 from 2-8 p.m. and Nov. 12 from 2-8 p.m. Reservations are recommended but not required. Call the church office at 931-879-8412.
Zion Baptist Church, Waynesboro, burned the note on its fellowship hall/gym on Sept. 3.
Iglesia Bautista Rios de Agua Viva, Springfield, recently was voted as a member of Robertson County Baptist Association. Magno Roblero serves as pastor of the Hispanic congregation.
DEATHS
Bob Copeland, pastor of Palmersville Baptist Church, Palmersville, died Aug. 11 after a short bout with cancer. He was 82.
Janis Strickler died Sept. 25. She was the wife of Carl Strickler who retired from the pastorate of Lynn Garden Baptist Church, Kingsport, after 29 years in 1999.