Years ago, I was fortunate to serve Tennessee Baptists as collegiate specialist at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. I loved the students, faculty and administrators I worked with, and those 10 years were a blessing to me. 

I often attended a gathering of church leaders at First Baptist Church Nashville for the regular associational pastors’ conference. I made friends there – good friends – but I quickly learned the importance of getting titles right. Several men made clear to me their desire to be addressed as “Doctor.” I accommodated them. Their churches were financially supporting our ministry and it cost me nothing to call them whatever made them feel better. 

After returning to my Vanderbilt office after one of those meetings, I found a note in the mail with a Chinese return address. The personal note of greeting was from Dr. Joseph Hamilton, who at that time was chair of Vanderbilt University Department of Physics and Astronomy. He earned a Ph.D. from Indiana University and was an active Baptist layman. Dr. Hamilton was graciously writing to say hello and tell me about his latest visit to China. [Read more…]

The Apostle James reminds us: When we glance at a mirror, we go away and immediately forget what we saw (James 1:24). Only when we gaze deeply into the “perfect law of liberty” do we see ourselves for who we really are and take steps toward repentance and obedience (James 1:21–25). 

Filling out the Annual Church Profile (ACP) gives church leaders an opportunity to take a deep gaze at their church’s ministry effectiveness over the past year … and not walk away untouched by what they see!

Value No. 1 —Annual check up

As its name suggests, the Annual Church Profile provides an annual opportunity to take stock of the year just ended. Using a consistent format, it identifies ministry areas that are faring well and those that need special attention in the year to come.  [Read more…]

Norvell

The BCM is a ministry of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board churches. It is a home away from home for so many students that go away for school.  It is a great way for smaller churches, far away churches or even churches that don’t have a lot of college students to multiply their impact to reach students.  

Baptists have long pooled their resources to have a greater impact for the kingdom than any one church can have on its own. However, there are several of our churches near college and university campuses that have the staff and resources to operate their own activities and outreach to the campus. Here are a few suggestions on how BCMs and campus churches can work together.

BCMs and churches are a blend of one common mission in two different places. We share the common goals of reaching lost students and discipling saved students.  We both want to train students to serve and lead.  [Read more…]

Over the past few weeks, the sight of school buses on the streets is a signal to all of us that a new school year is underway. First day of school pictures adorn Facebook and Instagram and the rumble of a marching bands will soon fill the air under Friday night lights. I always marvel this time of year by pausing long enough to observe how much my children have grown and by speculating how God might use them as their young lives unfold. In every community, children are a gift from the Lord. We should pray for them as they undertake both the challenges and opportunities of education. 

As our young people take another step toward adulthood, though, we should not falsely assume that important life lessons are always handed down from those who are older. Remarkably, while explaining the kingdom of God, Jesus taught that adults should become more like children, not vice-versa. In what may be His most counterintuitive statement, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me (Matthew 18:3-5).” In other words, our children can teach us an important lesson about walking with God. [Read more…]

Since 1835, Tennessee Baptists have had a newspaper. We had a newspaper even before we had a convention. That’s how important some of the early Baptists in Tennessee felt about having a source for news.

My hope and desire is that we still have people 188 years later who see the need for a resource such as the Baptist and Reflector. Sunday, Aug. 20, is Baptist and Reflector Day on the calendar of the Tennessee Baptist Convention.

Many churches across the state have ordered free copies of this issue to distribute and to let their members know about the paper. 

As I enter my 36th year as a staff member and 26th year as editor, I am more convinced than ever that Tennessee Baptists need a publication to keep them informed. Sadly, many state papers have gone by the wayside. [Read more…]