Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835
March 6, 2026
Baptist and ReflectorTBMB staffer recognized for outstanding volunteer ministry FRANKLIN — Tennessee Baptist Mission Board staff member Elizabeth Holmes is the recipient of the 2025 Robert E. Dixon Award, presented annually for outstanding volunteer ministry through Southern Baptist Disaster Relief. The award is named for Dixon, a pioneer whose ministry with Texas Baptist Men, helped […]
March 6, 2026
Baptist and ReflectorFRANKLIN — The Baptist and Reflector, the news journal for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, will increase its subscription rates effective April 1, 2026, to offset sharply rising postal costs. The cost for an individual subscription will move from $20 to $24.95, and the rate for bulk subscriptions, available to churches purchasing two […]
March 5, 2026
By Sue SprenkleInternational Mission Board news roomKINGSTON—Eight women from Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Kingston, felt God stirring their hearts to make hundreds of fried pies to support IMB missionaries. They already gave faithfully to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®, but after connecting with missionaries Jon and Betty Loving, this team of women knew […]
March 5, 2026
By Zoë WatkinsCommunications specialistFRANKLIN — Prayer and collaboration are the two rails of the Tennessee Baptist Convention’s vision. But for many pastors and congregants, they are still lacking in their prayer life. Listening sessions conducted by Tennessee Baptist Mission Board prayer catalyst Nancy Duggin across Tennessee last summer revealed just how deep that gap runs. […]
March 4, 2026
By Sam StockardTennessee LookoutBill potentially would have treated abortion as criminal homicide Note: This article has been updated. NASHVILLE — Tennessee Sen. Mark Pody said Tuesday he is not bringing a bill that would criminalize women for seeking abortion procedures, potentially allowing them to be charged with murder. Instead, he is waiting to see what […]
March 4, 2026
By Zoë WatkinsCommunications specialistPastor turns wooden crosses into a traveling roadside ministry WINCHESTER — When Leo Lytle pulls off the side of the road, he does not knock on doors, deliver a sermon, or brandish a Bible. He simply waits. Attached to his van is a 16-foot trailer filled with 2,000 hand-made wooden crosses, each […]
March 2, 2026
By Zoë WatkinsCommunications specialistFRANKLIN — More than $85,900 was reported stolen from Immanuel Southern Baptist Church in Wagoner, Okla., last month, according to news reports. Cyberthieves drained money from the congregation’s building fund, savings account, youth, children’s, and missions accounts. Previously, in May 2023, the Florida Baptist Convention found itself at the center of a […]
February 26, 2026
By Union University news officeJACKSON — Rosaria Butterfield told Union University students Feb. 25 that her former identity as a lesbian activist was not the root of her sin, but rather the “evil fruit” of a deeper unbelief in God.
February 25, 2026
By Carolyn TomlinContributing writer, Baptist and ReflectorFRANKLIN — Growing up, many of today’s younger women were active in their church’s mission programs. They climbed the ladder of steps leading to accomplishments and reached the highest level in the Girl’s Auxiliary (GA) of Queen Regent. Many will say, “I learned and memorized more scripture during those […]
February 24, 2026
By David DawsonManaging editor, Baptist and ReflectorBivo pastors, wives enjoy slower pace at three-day retreat PIGEON FORGE — Despite the snow and ice created by Winter Storm Fern, more than 300 attendees enjoyed a time of warm fellowship at the annual Bivocational Ministers and Wives Retreat in Pigeon Forge on Jan. 29-31. The retreat featured […]
February 23, 2026
By Zoë WatkinsCommunications specialistTBMB-sponsored ministry takes root for inmates in Anderson Co. CLINTON — A team of 30 volunteers are bringing hope and transformation to inmates at the Anderson County Detention Facility. The jail ministry started 12 years ago with just two people. Fred Owenby, who leads the volunteer group, oversees a Sunday and Monday […]
February 20, 2026
By Amy De GrootUnion University news roomJACKSON — Jesus should be Christians’ one great love, Tommy Vinson urged pastors and their wives at the West Tennessee Pastors Conference Valentine’s Banquet Feb. 10 at Union University. “I’m convinced that some people are in love with the organization of the church,” said Vinson, president of Tommy Vinson […]