Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835
November 21, 2024
By Lonnie WilkeyEditor, Baptist and ReflectorMURFREESBORO — Tennessee Baptist Convention messengers adopted a $35 million for 2024-25, not a surprise since this will be the sixth consecutive year that the budget has remained the same. What’s new is a change in how CP gifts will be distributed between the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the Southern […]
November 21, 2024
By David DawsonCommunications specialist, TBMBMURFREESBORO — With a near-unanimous showing, messengers at the 2024 Summit approved the Acts 2:17 Initiative Report as the “foundational blueprint for Convention ministry for the foreseeable future.” The report — which included the complete report of the Steering Team and Workgroups, the executive Summary of Steering Team and Workgroups, and […]
November 20, 2024
By Baptist and ReflectorFRANKLIN — Chris Turner, director of communications for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board since 2014, has been named editor of the Baptist and Reflector. Turner, who will continue in his communications role, succeeds Lonnie Wilkey, who will retire Dec. 31 after spending 36 years on the B&R staff, including the last 26 […]
November 19, 2024
By Lonnie WilkeyEditor, Baptist and ReflectorEditor’s note: The following is a synopsis of the major actions at the annual meeting of the Tennessee Baptist Convention in Murfreesboro. See more detailed articles on the budget, the Acts 2:17 Initiative, the 150th anniversary celebration, messages and other elements of Summit at the B&R website and in the […]
November 18, 2024
By Jenny WhiteUnion University news officeJACKSON — Gaining valuable preaching experience, Union University students participated in a special preaching opportunity hosted by the Dyer Baptist Association on Oct. 6 when six churches volunteered to open their pulpits to students from the School of Theology and Missions. Adren Pearce, Union’s coordinator for chapel and church relations, […]
November 18, 2024
By Tim Ellsworth and Jenny WhiteUnion University news officeJACKSON — As a native of Jackson, Tennessee, Union University junior Mackenzie Cooper loves her community. She took advantage of the university’s annual Campus and Community: A Day of Remembrance and Service on Oct. 23 to help pick up trash at the city’s Cypress Grove Nature Park […]
November 18, 2024
By Lonnie WilkeyEditor, Baptist and ReflectorROAN MOUNTAIN — Two weeks after Roan Park Baptist Church, a congregation of about 15 members, reached into their savings account and spent approximately $20,000 to pave its parking lot, flood waters caused by Hurricane Helene washed it away. In addition, the church’s sanctuary, Sunday School building (former sanctuary) and […]
November 17, 2024
By Lonnie WilkeyEditor, Baptist and ReflectorNEWPORT — Riverview Baptist Church, located on the bank of the Pigeon River in Newport, sustained major damage due to flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in late September. The church appears to actually be sitting in the river in an ariel photograph. The church had extensive damage in the basement […]
November 17, 2024
As with any institution that has been around for over 200 years, there have bound to be changes and transformations that shape the landscape of that institution. Union University is no different. One of its most formative changes occurred in the mid-1970s when it moved to its current campus in north Jackson from its landlocked […]
November 16, 2024
Carson-Newman University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 1 for its new West Campus Commons, a twin-building residence life complex which house 524 beds and are coupled by a two-story “Community Connector” featuring a large gathering and gaming space on the first floor, while study space is designated for the second floor. From left are Robert […]
November 15, 2024
By Lonnie WilkeyEditor, Baptist & ReflectorKNOXVILLE — Knoxville native and professional music educator Jill Hobby has a heart to see souls saved along with a deep love for children and music. Twenty-five years ago, while serving as a choral director in Knoxville, she had a desire to see an international citywide choir in the city, […]
November 12, 2024
By Baptist and ReflectorMURFREESBORO — Jay Hardwick, senior pastor of Forest Hills Baptist Church, Nashville, was re-elected without opposition for a second term as president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention during the afternoon session of Summit on Nov. 12. Hardwick was nominated by Cliff Marion, pastor of First Baptist Church, Covington, who described Hardwick as […]