Baptist and Reflector

06/06/2025

"SERVING AT THE RIM"; For the past nine years, Brian Baker has been a fixture at the short track during the racing season that stretches from early spring to Halloween. Read about his ministry there via this link: https://bit.ly/4kmxbuA

By Shawn HendricksThe Baptist PaperRacetrack chaplain ‘powerful’ tool on and off the track GREENBRIER — It’s a Saturday night at the Veteran’s Motorplex at The Rim in Greenbrier, Tenn., and racetrack chaplain Brian Baker is making the rounds with the crowd. As he walks near the stands, a c...

06/05/2025

"THE MELODY OF LIFE: COLE’S MUSICAL JOURNEY ON THE ORGAN"; "'To me, piano and organ require different touches...on the organ, I sort of glide across the keys. But on the piano, you’ve got the clump, clump, clump.'" Read about Mildred music ministry here: https://bit.ly/4jC7NQm

By Zoë WatkinsCommunication specialist HARRIMAN — The familiar notes of “Standing on the Promises” fill the empty sanctuary of Trenton Street Baptist Church as Mildred Cole’s fingers flow across the organ keys. At 90 years old, she makes the practice look effortless — a testament to nearl...

06/05/2025

There is a lot of conversation regarding the Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission heading into next week’s annual SBC meeting. Many have asked for clarification regarding what exactly it is that the ERLC is tasked with as an SBC entity supported by the Cooperative Program. Brent Leatherwood, ERLC’s president, offers some insight that might be helpful in offering clarification.

06/04/2025

"SBC EXPANDS ABUSE PREVENTION TRAINING" - The SBC Executive Committee is relaunching its abuse prevention & response website with expanded resources to equip churches to create safe spaces for children & adults to worship God. Read the article here: https://bit.ly/4n4rjbp

By Diana ChandlerBaptist PressUpdated curriculum adds safety coordinators and response plans for churches NASHVILLE (BP) – The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee is relaunching its abuse prevention and response website with expanded resources to equip churches to create safe spaces fo...

06/04/2025

"GOODBYE COLLEGE, HELLO LIFE" - "You’re literally closing a door on that life. Don’t miss the moment.” Read from B&R Editor, Chris Turner, about the moment his daughter graduated a few weeks ago, and five realities he's learned over the past four years! https://bit.ly/3SLZmqV

By Chris TurnerEditor, Baptist and Reflector The apartment was emptied and cleaned — an extraordinary accomplishment, given how much three college students crammed into such a small space over the past 18 months. Keys were returned to campus housing, and it was time to part ways. “Is everyone su...

06/03/2025

"A LABOR OF LOVE: RON TILLEY RETIRES AFTER 72 YEARS OF MINISTRY"; Ron Tilley admits the only instrument he plays is the radio. But that hasn’t stopped him from leading a music ministry career that spans seven decades. Read about Ron's amazing story here: https://bit.ly/4kl2Jkt

By Zoë WatkinsCommunication specialist LENIOR CITY — Ron Tilley admits the only instrument he plays is the radio. But that hasn’t stopped him from leading a music ministry career that spans seven decades. Tilley, who’s 86, has served as Minister of Music at nine different Baptist churches, in...

06/02/2025

BREAKING NEWS: TBDR ISSUES CHAIN SAW CALLOUT https://bit.ly/3ZeXoml

By Baptist and ReflectorFRANKLIN — Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, has issued a callout for Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief chain saw teams. Jones said the TBDR teams are needed “to support Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief (MODR) in the aftermath ...

06/02/2025

"ALL EYES ON DALLAS — WHAT WILL BE THE BIG ISSUES THIS YEAR?"; Southern Baptists will be gathering soon in Dallas for this year’s SBC Annual Meeting, which is expected to draw well over 10,000 people. Still, plenty of questions and opportunities for debate concerning the Convention’s future are anticipated at the annual meeting. Read the full article on what you might expect here: https://bit.ly/3FsQ0gB

The Baptist PaperDALLAS — Southern Baptists will be gathering soon in Dallas for this year’s Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting (June 10–11), which is expected to draw well over 10,000 people. North Carolina pastor Clint Pressley appears to be running unchallenged — at least for now ...

05/31/2025

"ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP"; An era comes to an end on May 30 when Susan Mason retires after nearly three decades on the staff of Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center. Read the full article about our beloved friend here: https://bit.ly/45zbT8u

By Lonnie WilkeyContributing writer, B&R‘Miss Susan’ says she ‘loved coming to work every day’ NEWPORT — An era comes to an end on May 30 when Susan Mason retires after nearly three decades on the staff of Carson Springs Baptist Conference Center. Mason joined the staff in March of 1997 wh...

05/30/2025

New from the Baptist & Reflector: C-N GRADUATE CELEBRATES MEMORABLE SILVER LINING https://bit.ly/4mEMZuh

By Carson-Newman news officeJEFFERSON CITY — It was a drive not many would attempt given the circumstances. But this was no ordinary road trip. Shante Agnew had just earned her Master of Education degree from Carson-Newman University, and all the pieces were in place for her to reap her reward at ...

05/29/2025

New from the Baptist & Reflector: "BRIDGING THE GAP"; “Helping others is its own reward,” said Moles. “It’s humbling to lift up others who are hurting. I feel blessed to be able to make a difference in their lives,” Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3FtFXrA

By Katie Linsky ShawContributing writer, Baptist and Reflector TBDR builds a way home for families after Helene MOUNTAIN CITY — Last September, Hurricane Helene’s historic flooding ravaged East Tennessee’s mountains, destroying not just homes and roads but thousands of private bridges, leaving...

05/27/2025

New from the Baptist & Reflector: FATHER-DAUGHTER DUO GRADUATE TOGETHER https://bit.ly/3FvNqWX

By Tim EllsworthUnion University news roomCecily Berry got a unique gift from her father Michael when she graduated from Union University on Saturday with her Master of Business Administration degree. Michael had secretly been working on his own MBA degree and made the May 3 ceremony extra special b...