Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835
August 25, 2025
Baptist and ReflectorFRANKLIN — Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, issued a callout on Aug. 21 for flood recovery teams who can respond to needs in the Chattanooga area. “There are 15 open jobs that need to be filled by local or nearby teams,” Jones said in an email. Historic […]
August 21, 2025
By Zoë WatkinsCommunications specialistDICKSON — Maple Grove Missionary Baptist Church has stood the test of time through nearly 150 years of American history. Founded in 1875 in the Sylvia area outside Charlotte (Tenn.), the church took root during Ulysses S. Grant’s presidency, the same year the Civil Rights Act was signed and Alexander Graham Bell […]
August 20, 2025
By Zoë WatkinsCommunications specialistMURFREESBORO — The words of “How Great Thou Art” rose to the rafters of Powell’s Chapel Baptist Church on a hot Sunday morning as about 200 congregants celebrated a milestone 150 years in the making on July 27. Women fanned themselves, children squirmed in wooden pews, and men shook hands as the […]
August 19, 2025
By Carolyn TomlinContributing writer, Baptist and ReflectorJACKSON — Jeff Palmer, director of community outreach for Madison-Chester & Crockett (MCC) Baptist Association understands the need to be the hands and feet of Jesus. One of his responsibilities is to work with churches to minister to the community, “It’s a way to tell others about Jesus, to […]
August 18, 2025
Baptist and ReflectorFRANKLIN — In a sense, the issue of the Baptist and Reflector that you are currently reading has been 190 years in the making. Established in 1835, the newspaper ranks among the longest-running publications in the nation. Here’s a look at the B&R’s historic milestones:
August 15, 2025
Baptist and ReflectorJACKSON — Union University’s School of Theology and Missions and the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board will host the fourth annual EQUIP Youth Apologetics Conference Sept. 6 in Union’s Carl Grant Events Center. With key speakers trained in theology, philosophy, apologetics and youth ministry, the EQUIP Youth Apologetics Conference is intended to help students […]
August 14, 2025
Carson-Newman news officeJEFFERSON CITY – For the fifth consecutive year, Carson-Newman is recognized for its approach to aiding students wishing to transfer to the University. Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society named Carson-Newman to its 2025 Transfer Honor Roll. The honor is in recognition of Carson-Newman’s “excellence in developing and supporting dynamic, innovative pathways for community […]
August 14, 2025
By Zoë WatkinsCommunications specialistPastor’s 314-mile walk raises nearly $25K for TBCH UNION CITY — The July sun was scorching in Manchester, radiating up from the open road. But Brad Boucher was 200 miles into a race he was determined to finish. After climbing up Monteagle near Sewanee, he felt the hardest part of the race […]
August 13, 2025
By Zoë WatkinsCommunications specialistCOOKEVILLE — Three years ago, during a regular meeting at Stevens Street Baptist Church in Cookeville, pastor Scott Parkinson tapped Jesse Haywood on the shoulder and asked, “Hey, do you want to plant a church?” It was a joke — with a twinge of sincerity. “But I just could not shake that […]
August 13, 2025
Baptist and ReflectorFRANKLIN — Every church faces the challenge of creating a compensation package for their pastor. This process can feel overwhelming. Most churches get it right. Some don’t, and it can leave the pastor and the church financially exposed—and sometimes inadvertently at risk of violating Internal Revenue Service laws. It is important that churches […]
August 5, 2025
By Zoë WatkinsCommunications specialistMissions event for teen girls, grades 6-12, set for September MURFREESBORO — For Kim Cruse, the path to becoming a missionary began in high school at an event she now organizes. “That’s where God called me to be a missionary,” recalls Cruse, missions discipleship specialist for Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union. “I learned […]
August 4, 2025
By David DawsonManaging editor, Baptist and ReflectorCAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — With massive amounts of excitement and enthusiasm, especially for 8 o’clock in the morning, Emily Martin takes her place on stage. After adjusting the microphone stand to fit her small stature, she helps the campers usher in another eventful day at CentriKid children’s camp. “Good morning, […]