Tennessee Baptist and Reflector

Telling the Story of Tennessee Baptists Since 1835

BCM SEEKS TO CONNECT FROM A DISTANCE

COVID-19 creates challenges, leads to new campaign to reach students

By David Dawson
[email protected]

FRANKLIN — Connecting with incoming freshmen is always a high priority for Baptist Campus Ministry leaders.

Attempting to make those connections this fall, however, is going to look much different than it has in the past. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the cancelation of many of the traditional functions that are held in the weeks before school starts — including many late summer social gatherings and orientation events — and has created the need for BCM leaders across the nation to find new ways to reach out.

In Tennessee, the BCM leadership team has launched a statewide campaign that involves engaging with churches in hopes of securing names and contact information of students who would potentially be interested in joining the BCM. [Read more…]

UNION UNIVERSITY SPRING COMMENCEMENT SET FOR JUNE 20

Union University news office

JACKSON — Union University’s spring commencement ceremonies, originally scheduled for May 16, will be held June 20 on the university’s Great Lawn. 

To comply with social distancing guidelines, the university will hold three separate ceremonies that day – at 10 a.m. for students receiving graduate degrees, at 2 p.m. for non-traditional undergraduate students and at 6 p.m. for traditional undergraduate students.

Union University President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver said each graduate will likely be limited to six guests, but that decision will come after determining how many students plan to return for the festivities.  [Read more…]

HOW TO MOVE FORWARD WITH YOUTH MINISTRY

By Jay Barbier
Youth Specialist, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board

The Great Commission has given followers of Jesus an adventure to live by. Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples as they go! The question many are facing today is how can we do this now? We need to take a serious look at how we can manage to do the work of the Lord in the coming days as we enter new phases from the quarantine. Let’s look at two different ways we can be the church and make disciples during this process.

First, use any and every opportunity you can through online platforms, social media — and over-communicate to youth and their families. The church can reach a larger nonaffiliated audience than ever before. People are stuck at home and so many are looking for something new to do. Netflix and other viewing platforms are being uploaded like crazy. The time is now to put daily devotionals online, resource your people and equip the church to fall deeper in love with the Word. 

Give students and parents opportunities to lead in this. Let them share testimonies, preach and teach the Bible. Honestly, most people love to hear real life and how does faith intersect with real life. When students take the lead, their peers will listen. Use this to draw the attention of youth and point them to Jesus.  [Read more…]

STATE REOPENING PLANS A CONCERN FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, CHURCHES

By Diana Chandler
Baptist Press

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Southern Baptist pastors in several states are concerned that governmental restrictions on reopening the economy might unduly impact churches.

Illinois Baptist State Association (IBSA) Executive Director Nate Adams said many pastors believe the five-phase “Restore Illinois” plan, released May 5 by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, is too cautious. It limits gatherings to fewer than 50 people until a COVID-19 vaccine or effective treatment is developed.

“The greatest concern seems to be how long it will be and how high the bar is for gatherings of 50 or more,” Adams said. [Read more…]

CALL UPON GOD DURING ‘DAYS OF TROUBLE’

By Charles Fowler
B&R Guest Columnist
President, Carson-Newman University 

Charles Fowler

When my heart is anxious, my circumstances troubling, and the way forward seems uncertain, the Psalms are a wonderful source for encouragement and instruction. While Psalm 50:15 is not talking directly and specifically about COVID-19, I believe that it provides some principles that do help us interpret these difficult days and respond faithfully. 

Psalm 50:15 – “and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (ESV)

This verse allows us to see at least two truths about days of trouble.

(1) They happen — “and call upon me in the day of trouble; …”

Perhaps we can all take a moment and reflect on this truth. My guess is that every person reading this devotion can share personal stories related to days and seasons of trouble that have visited you and your family.  [Read more…]

SBC ENTITIES, STATE CONVENTIONS FACE PANDEMIC-INDUCED CUTS

By Margaret Colson
The Alabama Baptist

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Numerous Southern Baptist entities, including state conventions, seminaries and national entities and auxiliaries, are implementing budget and staff reductions in response to the economic downturn resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

State conventions were among the first entities to take significant budgetary action during the pandemic. While approaches have been varied, the focus of reducing expenses has been the common factor among state conventions, including the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions and other contiguous state conventions. [Read more…]

ONLY GOD PROVIDES TOOLS TO FACE PANDEMIC

By Donna Gaines
Guest Columnist

Donna Gaines

We have all added words to our vocabulary recently. Words like: quarantine, masks, hand sanitizer, social distancing, COVID-19 and “safer at home” mandates. These are all words and concepts that only three months ago, none of us were using. That was before we became part of a worldwide pandemic. 

As ministers’ wives, much of the time we are called upon to minister to people in the midst of crisis. What keeps you going when the going is toughest? Where do you find the wisdom and strength to meet the demands of ministry in the midst of a worldwide pandemic? 

Most of us did not attend seminary. Many of us worked full-time while our husbands went to school and worked part-time. Although our seminaries offer excellent classes to help prepare seminary wives for their upcoming position, a class can never train us in all the varied roles churches anticipate we will fill. Nor can they fully prepare us for the difficult roads we will have to walk with those to whom we minister.  [Read more…]

BE STILL: TRUSTING GOD AMID SELF-QUARANTINE

By Kenneth E. Ware
B&R Guest Columnist
Pastor, New Sholar Avenue Baptist Church, Chattanooga

Kenneth Ware

Amid such difficult and tumultuous times today, if we are not careful, we may tend to complain and grumble about our present circumstances. 

Tornado threats, power outages, loss of employment, damaged houses, demolishment of cherished possessions, loss of loved ones, lack of food, canceled church services until further notice, social distancing and shelter in place ordinances are only a few repercussions of the global impact of the present COVID-19 pandemic. 

It may seem natural to ask yourself the question, “What will happen to me next?” 

The sons of Korah, of the Levitical priesthood, have some choice words of encouragement to share with us today as we face such turbulent days of uncertainty. God is our refuge, refresher and rest.  

(1) God is our refuge   (Psalm 46:1-3)

Faith is worthless until it has been tested by the fires and floods of life. The more our faith is tested, the more our faith grows in God.  [Read more…]

LIFEWAY CREATES CHURCH ASSISTANCE PACKAGE

By Aaron Earls
LifeWay Christian Resources writer

As churches adjust to ministry in a post-COVID-19 world, LifeWay has developed a collection of resources to help congregations.

The new Church Assistance Package from LifeWay is available for any congregation around the world and can be accessed at lifeway.com/churchassistance.

“LifeWay wants to do everything we can to help churches sustain their vital ministries during this time,” said Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. “Because of this, we have been working on solutions for supporting local churches as they seek to grow together as disciples during this season and walk with them as they begin rebounding.” [Read more…]

TENNESSEE GOVERNOR SHARES GUIDELINES FOR REOPENING CHURCHES

Baptist and Reflector

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. — File photo from Facebook video screen capture

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released guidelines May 1 for churches as they consider gathering together for worship.

“Tennessee’s faith leaders have been incredibly innovative in finding alternative ways to worship that incorporate social distancing so they can continue to provide spiritual guidance, fellowship, and service to their neighbors during these challenging times,” Lee said in a written statement.

“Religious liberty is important and must be protected, and that’s why the State has always deemed religious services as essential gatherings throughout this pandemic. As we look to reopen our economy in a safe fashion, the decision on in-person gatherings will be up to each individual faith community.  [Read more…]

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