Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835
March 1, 2019
By Lonnie Wilkey lwilkey@tnbaptist.org KNOXVILLE — After nearly two years of nonstop response to needs caused by hurricanes across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Dominica, Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers are needed in their own state. Record amounts of rainfall in February caused severe flooding in many areas of the state last week. Among […]
February 25, 2019
By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector ddawson@tnbaptist.org CHAPEL HILL — When Tony Cansler was called to be pastor at Caney Spring Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, he walked into a situation with contrasting themes. The church’s attendance was alarming. The church’s attitude was encouraging. And as it turns out, the latter part of that equation […]
February 25, 2019
Caney Spring Baptist reaches community through ‘Witness Wardrobe’ By David Dawson ddawson@tnbaptist.org CHAPEL HILL — The clothing ministry at Caney Spring Baptist Church is an example of how a small church with a big dream can make an enormous impact for Christ. The clothing ministry, known as Witness Wardrobe, was launched in 2014, and has […]
February 20, 2019
By Lonnie Wilkey lwilkey@tnbaptist.org FRANKLIN — Baptist state conventions across the country have unanimously embraced a Statement of Principles on Abuse (see complete statement following article). The state conventions are partnering with the Sexual Abuse Presidential Study Group, appointed by North Carolina pastor and Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear in response to a series […]
February 20, 2019
Institute the Two-Adult Rule: There must always be at least two adults in the room, in the car, in the van, or anywhere that minors are gathered. These two can NOT be husband and wife. Institute the Six-Month Rule: An individual must be a member of the church for at least six months before being […]
February 19, 2019
Editor’s Note: New IMB President Paul Chitwood spoke to Baptist editors during their meeting last week in Charleston, S.C. Following his presentation, the Tennessee native sat down for an interview with the Baptist and Reflector. By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector lwilkey@tnbaptist.org CHARLESTON, S.C. — It’s been quite awhile since Paul Chitwood left Tennessee, […]
February 14, 2019
Dr. B. Gray Allison established global institution through conservative ‘Bible, missions and evangelism’ leadership From Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary communications department MEMPHIS — Dr. B. Gray Allison, the founder of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, died on Feb. 12. He was 94. Known as “Dr. Gray” by friends and associates, he served as Mid-America’s president from […]
February 8, 2019
Baptist And Reflector NASHVILLE — As accounts of sexual abuse in churches increase, congregations are more aware than ever that background checks for volunteers and staff are now a necessity and not an option to consider. A 2018 survey, conducted by LifeWay Research in Nashville, revealed that 12 percent of Protestant pastors say someone on […]
February 7, 2019
By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector lwilkey@tnbaptist.org CUNNINGHAM — David Mackens is well aware there are not many openings for former Pentecostal pastors in Southern Baptist life. But nearly 12 years ago, there was an opening at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Cumberland Furnace and Mackens was asked to preach one Sunday. Though he […]
February 6, 2019
Four Mile Baptist, a congregation of 28, had five baptisms in 2018 By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector lwilkey@tnbaptist.org PIGEON FORGE — At an age when most pastors are stepping away from the ministry or moving into interim or supply work, David Oliver did just the opposite. At the age of 68, Oliver became […]
February 6, 2019
By David Dawson Baptist and Reflector ddawson@tnbaptist.org PIGEON FORGE — When he was invited to the Bivocational Ministers and Wives Retreat for the first time, Jim Haggard wasn’t even sure if he wanted to go. Ten years later, he now considers it to be one of the best decisions he’s ever made. Haggard, the pastor […]
February 6, 2019
By Roger Britton Pastor, Whites Creek Baptist Church, Rockwood On Jan. 12, 1997, my wife Kathy, daughter Kacie and son Cody and I began our ministry when I became the pastor of Whites Creek Baptist Church in Rockwood. Kathy and I were married in 1979 and had been in ministry from day one of our […]