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Establishing Healthy Boundaries for Clergy & Churches

A one-day workshop focused on establishing and maintaining the boundaries that keep both congregations and clergy safe, healthy, and productive.

Workshop Cost Monday, May 21, 2018 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. $49 (Includes Lunch) Belmont’s Cool Springs Campus To Register: www.belmont.edu/ccc 310 Billingsly Court, Franklin, TN Dr. Bill Wilson, Presenter

Clergy and congregations are finding that boundary awareness and guidance is a significant challenge and opportunity. Boundary awareness involves sexual harassment and moral behavior, life balance, social media habits, family time, Sabbath-keeping, youth and child-care policies, and a host of other issues. Gaining clarity around these issues and creating a healthy culture around boundaries is essential if we are to accomplish the mission God has for us. We will talk about the importance of healthy boundaries and how to incorporate them into the full life of a faith community. TCBF General Assembly Tabl e o f Table of Contents Business Meeting Agenda | 4 TCBF GA 2017 Minutes | 5

Volunteer State Missions Offering | 6 - 7

2017-2018 Contributing Churches & Individuals | 8

Coordinating Council Nominations | 9 Contents & S ch edule

2018-2019 Proposed Ministry Budget | 10 - 11

Ircel Harrison Scholarships & Betty Galloway Award | 12

Friday, April 27 4:30–6:30 p.m. Registration Open (Fellowship Hall) 5:00–5:45 p.m. Business Session (Chapel) 6:00–6:45 p.m. Dinner (Fellowship Hall) 7:00–8:30 p.m. Worship (Sanctuary) 8:30–9:30 p.m. Dessert Reception (Fellowship Hall)

Saturday, April 28 8:30–9:15 a.m. Registration Open (Fellowship Hall) 8:30–9:00 a.m. Donuts & Coffee (Fellowship Hall) 9:00–9:45 a.m. Empower West Presentation (Chapel) 9:45–10:00 a.m. Break 10:00–10:45 a.m. Panel Discussion (Chapel) Bridging the Gaps in Tennessee 11:00–11:45 a.m. Reflecting Together (Fellowship Hall) Small Group Discussion 11:45 a.m–12:00 p.m. Break (Fellowship Hall) 12:00–12:15 p.m. Worship around tables (Fellowship Hall) 12:15–1:00 p.m. Lunch (Fellowship Hall) Explore Memphis! Business Session First Baptist Church, Memphis

Friday, April 27 | 5:00–5:45 p.m. Chapel

Call to Order

Minutes from Previous General Assembly (Page 5)

Field Coordinator Report

Financial Reports Volunteer State Missions Offering Report (Pages 6-7) TCBF Financial Report (Page 10)

Recommendations from Coordinating Council Coordinating Council & Leadership Nominations (Page 9) State Missions Offering Goal 2018-2019 (Page 7) Budget Recommendation 2018-2019 (Pages 10-11)

New Business

Recognition of Outgoing Coordinating Council Members Brandon Owen, Clergy, Nashville FBC, At-large David Hixson, Laity, FBC Chattanooga, At-large Phillip Moody, Clergy, King’s Cross, Tullahoma, Immediate Past Moderator Scott Claybrook, Clergy, FBC Knoxville, East TN Regional Representative | Bu s ine ss Se ion

Recognition of Outgoing Moderator

Recognition of Scholarships and Award ircel harrison theological scholarship Caroline Kimrey Talbert, Vanderbilt Divinity School, Nashville David Warren, Truett Theological Seminary, Waco, TX Kelly Moreland Jones, Central Baptist Seminary, Nashville Campus

Betty galloway advocacy for women in ministry award First Baptist Church of Jefferson City TCBF GA 2018 GA TCBF Thank-You to Host Church

Adjourn

4 TCBF General Assembly Minutes Woodmont Baptist Church, Nashville

From April 21, 2017 2017 TCBFGA

The portion of the 2017 Tennessee General assembly designated for business purposes was called to order by Moderator Phillip Moody. Minutes of the portion of the 2016 Tennessee General Assembly designated for business were read and unanimously approved. Nathan Edwards, contract financial assistant, offered two financial reports, the first regarding the Elizabeth Richard’s State Missions Offering and the second a general report of TCBF finances

year-to-date. | B U S INE SS MEE T IN G MINU E Phillip Moody, Moderator, offered several recommendations from the Coordinating Council. The first recommendation was the Coordinating Council and leadership nominations. The second recommendation was a financial goal for the Volunteer State Missions Offering (Previously Elizabeth Richards Missions Offering. This note was added at a later time). The final recommendation was a recommended budget for 2017-18. These recommendations were presented as a group and adopted unanimously. Moderator Phillip Moody recognized Coordinating Council members whose terms of service expired with this General Assembly including Jerry Mantooth and Judy Campbell. Moderator Elect Thomas Quisenberry recognized Moderator Phillip Moody for his service as moderator, presenting him with a certificate of recognition for his service. Thomas then assumed role as Moderator. New acting Moderator Thomas Quisenberry thanked those gathered for the opportunity and honor of being elected as moderator and Woodmont Baptist Church for its partnership and hospitality in hosting the 2017 General Assembly. There being no further business, Moderator Thomas Quisenberry adjourned the business portion of the 2017 Tennessee General Assembly.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rick Bennett Field Coordinator (standing in for Recorder Mary Jayne Allen)

5 Volunteer State Missions Offering

The Tennessee Cooperative Baptist Fellowship thanks all of the churches

t ner s and individuals who contributed financially to the 2017–2018 SMO.

a r Churches Individuals Central Baptist Church of Bearden - Knoxville Eileen Campbell-Reed First Baptist Church - Chattanooga Christine Jones Trinity Baptist Church - Cordova Diane Jordan Ekklesia Blount - Maryville Kelly Moreland Jones or s & P Central Baptist Church of Fountain City - Knoxville Charles & Barbara Parker Immanuel Baptist Church - Nashville Randy & Melanie Dover Second Baptist Church - Memphis First Baptist Church - Murfreesboro Providence Baptist Church - Cookeville

Given-to-Date t ri b u g | Con 2017-2018 Volunteer State Missions Offering Goal $27,000 Given-to-date (July 1, 2017–March 31, 2018) $20,865

NOTE: Some churches do not ingather this offering until spring.

Recommended Goal for 2018–2019: $22,000

Ministry Partners Funded Through the Volunteer State Missions Offering

Samaritan Ministry - $10,000 The mission of Samaritan Ministry is to be “a beacon of light and hope, by way of Christ, to anyone who suffers from or has family or friends who suffer from HIV/AIDS.” This ministry of Central Baptist Church of Bearden in Knoxville serves people who are living with hiV/AIDS through direct e M i ss ion s Off erin S tat support and through a significant network of service providers. wayne Smith, a member of TCBF partner congregation Central Baptist Church Bearden in Knoxville, guides this ministry, provides educational and awareness experiences.

6 Ministry Partners Funded Through the Volunteer State Missions Offering (Continued) S tat e M i ss ion s Off erin

Olive Branch Ministries - $5,000 Olive Branch Ministries, led by CBF field personnel Scarlette Jasper, hopes to expand its ministry in McCreary County, KY across the border into neighboring Scott County, the poorest county in Tennessee. Olive Branch ministries impact the homeless population and working poor, families in medical crisis, victims of domestic violence, and families in financial crisis and interfaces with CBF’s Together for Hope Initiative.

Neverfail Community Church - $2,500 Neverfail Community Church started in 1999. This small congregation of Christian believers is committed to being the presence of Jesus through words and actions. neverfail serves the Cumberland plateau where many in this region live below the poverty line; over 40% of the residents are not in the workforce; 33% have no high school diploma or GED; and, many in the community are disabled. we support neverfail’s efforts to minister to the least of these.

Regional Partners | $1,500 each g | P West Tennessee: Memphis Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) The Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) was founded in 1968 to find a solution for poverty and racial division in Memphis. in an unprecedented cooperative effort by church leaders and a r laypersons, the seed was planted for an organization that would thrive when every external force seemed determined to defeat it. Through a broad coalition of partners, MIFA partners share a vi- t ner s & N um b er sion of uniting the Memphis community through service.

Middle Tennessee: The Next Door in Nashville The mission of The Next Door is simple: provide the best care with the greatest respect for women in need. The Next Door offers several different programs ranging from transition and Re-Entry Services for women who have been incarcerated to Aftercare Services aimed at helping women reconnect with their families and live meaningful lives. At the core of these programs is a ministry of the heart — leaders at The Next Door truly care about the women in the programs.

East Tennessee: Appalachian Outreach in Jefferson City The Campus Ministries Department of Carson-Newman University started Appalachian Outreach in 1984 as a home repair ministry for poverty level people. Since then AO has expanded its ministries to include a homeless shelter called Samaritan House, a food distribution ministry, a used clothing and furniture ministry, a computer and GED educational program, a ministry to Hispanic people, a recycling program, Christian nurturing and counseling. AO connects people in need with those who have resources in order to help the less fortunate. Many people are able to give personal time by actually working on the project sites while others can only support the ministry in a monetary way. The amount of support is directly equivalent to the 7amount of work that can be completed. TCBF Ministry Budget Offerings Contributing Churches & Individuals The Tennessee Cooperative Baptist Fellowship thanks all the churches and individuals who contributed financially to our shared ministry in 2017.

Tennessee CBF ministries are funded exclusively through the generosity of Tennessee churches and individuals.

Churches Individuals Ball Camp Baptist Church - Knoxville Ken and Pam Altom Believers Baptist Fellowship - Hendersonville Gary Anderson Brook Hollow Baptist Church - Nashville Rick and Rebecca Bennett Cedar Grove Baptist Church - Maryville Robert and Joyce Byrd

OR S Central Baptist Church of Bearden - Knoxville Stephen and Amy Cook Central Baptist Church of Fountain City - Knoxville Carl and Myra Davenport Ekklesia Blount - Maryville Don and Vicky Dixon Emmanuel Baptist Church - Jefferson City Floyd and Mercedes Douglas First Baptist Church - Chattanooga Randy and Melanie Dover First Baptist Church - Clinton Nathan Edwards First Baptist Church - Fairview George Granger ON T RI B U First Baptist Church - Gatlinburg David and Alishea Hixson First Baptist Church - Jefferson City Barbara Humphreys First Baptist Church - Memphis Glenn James First Baptist Church - Murfreesboro Christine Jones First Baptist Church - Oak Ridge Diane Jordan O OUR C Glendale Baptist Church - Nashville Suzanne Matheny T Immanuel Baptist Church - Nashville Bill and Carolyn McConnell King’s Cross Church - Tullahoma Dennis and Debbie McDuffie Monte Vista Baptist Church - Maryville Phillip and Lori Moody Neverfail Community Church - Crossville Bob Mynhier Providence Baptist Church - Cookeville Lynn Pennington Second Baptist Church - Memphis Tom and Carol Prevost Trinity Baptist Church - Cordova Thomas and Maggie Quisenberry West Hills Baptist Church - Knoxville Amanda Smith T H A N K YOU Woodmont Baptist Church - Nashville Wayne and Laura Smith Brittany Stillwell Ron and Charlotte Tonks David and Ann Wilson 8 TCBF Coordinating Council & Leadership nominations TCBF

The Coordinating Council is the governing body of Tennessee CBF. The Council carries out decisions made during the General Assembly and has the authority to guide the work and

make decisions on behalf of TCBF when the General Assembly is not in session. Coordin at in g Counc il

The Coordinating Council is comprised of four officers, regional council leaders, at-large members, and the field coordinator.

Terms Ending June 30, 2018 Brandon Owen OFFICERS Clergy, Nashville FBC (At-large) David Hixson Moderator: Brittany Stillwell Laity, FBC Chattanooga (At-large) Clergy, FBC Memphis Phillip Moody Moderator-elect: Noel Schoonmaker Clergy, King’s Cross, Tullahoma Clergy, FBC Murfreesboro (Immediate Past Moderator)

Past Moderator: Thomas Quisenberry Scott Claybrook Clergy, FBC Knoxville Clergy, FBC Chattanooga (East TN Regional Representative) & L e a der s hi p Recorder: Caroline Kimrey Talbert Divinity Student, Immanuel, Nashville Term Expiring 2019 Jeff Cockerham Clergy, Central Fountain City, Knoxville Wayne Smith At-Large Members Laity, Central Bearden, Knoxville

Regional Council Leaders Term Expiring 2020 nomin at ion s Stephen Cook Jeanne Hollifield Baucom Laity, FBC Chattanooga West TN Regional Representative Clergy, Second Baptist, Memphis (2019) Christine Brown Jones Laity, FBC Jefferson City Melanie Dover Middle TN Regional Representative Laity, Immanuel, Nashville (2020) Term Expiring 2021 Lee Fox Adam Tarver Clergy, West Hills, Knoxville East TN Regional Representative Clergy, Ball Camp, Knoxville (2021) Ellen Price Laity, Nashville FBC, Nashville

9 TCBF PROPOSED MINISTRY BUDGET 2018 - 2019 2017-2018 2018-2019 CBF GLOBAL PRIORITIES IN TENNESSEE Sustaining the Global Mission CBF Offering for Global Missions $5,000.00 $5,000.00 Disaster Response $1,000.00 $0.00 Extreme Build - KY $2,000.00 $0.00 Flex Mission Dollars $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Refugees and Internationals (MCK) $0.00 $1,000.00 Regional Mission Initiatives $1,000.00 $1,000.00 State Missions Offering Promotion $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Together for Hope: Helena, AR $2,000.00 $2,000.00 B UD G E T Together for Hope: Scott County, TN $0.00 $1,000.00

Healthy Congregations

Lay Leadership Development* $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Peer Learning Groups $500.00 $500.00 Women in Ministry $0.00 $750.00 – Scholastica $1,200.00 $750.00 – TBWIM $0.00 $450.00

Nurturing Young Baptists Central Seminary in Tennessee Scholarship $1,000.00 $1,000.00 March Mission Madness $0.00 $1,500.00 Student.Church Intern Supplement* $6,000.00 $6,000.00 Winter Youth Summit (2020) $2,500.00 $1,250.00

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Coordinating Council Meetings $3,500.00 $3,000.00 General Assembly Clergy Travel Assistance $1,000.00 $500.00 General Assembly - Tennessee $4,000.00 $4,000.00

P O S ED 2018-2019 MINI ST RY P RO General Assembly - TN Gathering at Global $2,000.00 $1,000.00 Pastor’s Summit $0.00 $0.00** Regional Gatherings $1,500.00 $1,000.00 Travel Assistance for CBF Global Leadership $1,000.00 $500.00

10 Italicized text denotes a new line item. (Continued on next page) TCBF PROPOSED MINISTRY BUDGET 2018 - 2019

2017-2018 2018-2019 P RO P O S ED ADMINISTRATIVE Administrative Assistant – Salary/Housing/Benefits $20,000.00 $0.00 – Christmas Bonus $200.00 $0.00 – Travel/Continuing Education $350.00 $0.00 Constant Contact Database and E-newsletter $500.00 $500.00 Field Coordinator 2018-2019 MINI ST RY – Salary/Housing/Benefits $87,000.00 $89,610.00 – Travel $12,000.00 $12,000.00 – Continuing Education $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Financial Assistant $0.00 $9,000.00 Insurance (officers) $2,500.00 $2,500.00 Marketing and Promotion $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Newsletter $8,000.00 $7,500.00 Office Equipment $1,000.00 $500.00 Office Supplies $500.00 $250.00 Payroll Filing Fees $400.00 $400.00 Payroll Taxes $1,500.00 $0.00

Postage $3,000.00 $2,500.00 B UD G E T Project Management Assistance $0.00 $1,000.00 Publications and Offering Envelopes $1,000.00 $1,000.00 Telephone $600.00 $600.00 Website Hosting and Maintenance Fees $500.00 $500.00

ELIMINATED BUDGET ITEMS Mercer Preaching Consultation $2,000.00 $0.00 Chaplains/Pastoral Counselors $250.00 $0.00 Sabbatical Fund $500.00 $0.00 Central Seminary in Tennessee General Fund $1,000.00 $0.00

Totals $183,000.00 $165,060.00 *Both denote a line item name change from last year. The Lay Leadership Development: formerly “Congregational Leadership Development.” Student.Church: formerly “Young Leaders/College Students.” **The activities (and related expenses) will occur, but that those expenses will be offset with previously-given designated funds. 11 Ircel Harrison Scholarship & Betty Galloway Advocacy for Women in Ministry Award

Ircel Harrison Theological Scholarship Rev. Ircel Harrison, Jr. served as the Coordinator of Tennessee CBF from 1998-2008. In honor of his service and tenure and his love of theological education,Tennessee CBF annually awards at least one $1,000 scholarship. Funds are drawn from the ircel harrison Theological Scholarship Endowment. please consider a gift in honor or memory of someone to help sustain this endowment and support and nurture young Baptist leaders. This year, the TCBF Coordinating Council congratulates the following recipients:

Caroline Kimrey Talbert a rd Vanderbilt Divinity School, Nashville

David Warren Truett Theological Seminary, Waco, TX (second-year recipient)

Kelly Moreland Jones Central Baptist Seminary, Nashville Campus

Betty Galloway Advocacy for Women in Ministry Award From 1947 to 1951, Betty Galloway and her husband served as missionaries to China and Thailand. later, both served First Baptist Church in Oak Ridge. Betty was the first Southern Baptist female deacon ordained in Tennessee. Every year Tennessee CBF presents an award in memory of Betty Galloway. Based on nominations received from Tennessee CBF constituents, The Betty Galloway Advocacy for Women in Ministry Award is given to a person, church, or organization promoting

& Aw | S c hol a r s hi ps & and advocating for women in places of ministry.

This year the TCBF Coordinating Council awards The Betty Galloway Advocacy for Women in Ministry Award to TCBF TCBF First Baptist Church, Jefferson City

with gratitude for its legacy of supporting women in ministry and its courage in recently calling Reverend Ellen Di Giosia as its pastor.

12 Tennessee Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

Spring 2018 General Assembly Special Edition

Nurturing 14 Young Baptists Embracing Our Work Ahead everal years ago I volunteered to The teacher be the “mystery reader” in my revealed the mys- Sson’s third grade class. I asked tery reader with my wife - who is an elementary librar- considerable fan- ian - for recommendations. Freedom fare and I had a Summer by Deborah Wiles was one of great time reading her recommendations. As I previewed the first two books, the story my gut began to tense and keeping it light. As quiver. Imagining a possible loss of the laughs waned Partnership composure in front of my son’s class, and I began to make my transition Profiles 15 I decided against the book. Because I toward the door, the kids started ask- well remember third grade, I reached ing about the unread book in my grasp. for a staple, something that would The teacher nodded her approval and this time took a seat with the kids. “Why are you crying?,” I began confidently, slowly, allow- ing the kids to take in the illustrations another innocently asked. of a mixed-race friendship between My response surprised me two young boys—boys the age of the and the teacher, “Because children I was reading to - during the Civil Rights Era. The tender moment Forming Healthy 18 there’s still work to do.” Churches in the story came at the point when the town’s authorities decide to fill in the guarantee laughter, something active municipal pool rather than integrate Save the Date! 19 and easy to hear, something that it as demanded by the new law. The would leave me feeling like a cool dad. town in the story, like many in “real But at the last minute, I grabbed life,” literally paved over the hopes of Freedom Summer. See “Embracing our work” on page 17. 13 Nurturing Young Baptists Puerto Rico Reflection TCBF recently sponsored Katie’s participation in CBF’s PIVOT as part of our commitment to Nurturing Young Baptists For more information on PIVOT, visit cbf.net/pivot. oing to Puerto Rico was a phenomenal We also did some disaster relief while we were experience. I am so thankful to the TN CBF there and helped to clean up the house of a widow. As Gand my church for sending me on such an someone who has no special talents when it comes to eye-opening trip. During my time in Puerto Rico, I was fixing up a house, I was amazed at how God was still able to learn about the people and their culture. By able to use me to make an impact on this woman’s life learning about the people there, I was able to through assisting others who did know what they were learn more about effective short-term missions doing. through asset mapping. During our time in Puerto Overall, this was an amazing trip where God truly Rico, we looked at all the things that the people there worked in and through me in miraculous ways. I was had to offer in order to help themselves after we leave. so uplifted and encouraged by the people there, and While in Puerto Rico, we worked closely with a through my conversations with others. I am grateful couple churches with women pastors. This was to Tennessee CBF for the opportunity to share in this encouraging for me as a woman who someday wants experience. to go into ministry, because I was able to see women in Thank you, Tennessee CBF, for different leadership roles in a culture where women are your commitment to Nurturing Young not as accepted in leadership roles. I am very thankful Baptists in Tennessee! • TCBF • for seeing powerful women in leadership roles in the A native of Murfreesboro, Katie is churches in Puerto Rico. a Senior at UT studying Spanish and Linguistics with a minor in Teaching ESL. She currently attends FBC Knoxville.

Young Baptists to Know Tennessee CBF is proud to announce that Wes Fortner (member of FBC Gatlinburg) and Emmaline Rogers (member of FBC Memphis) have been selected by the CBF Global Ministries Council as two of CBF’s “2018 Young Baptists to Know.” Wes Fortner Emmaline Rogers

14 SPRING 2018 Partnership Profiles

Walk for Justice: FBC Clinton, TN and The Clinton 12 The Events ollowing a lawsuit filed by citizens of Ander- son County TN and on the heels of the FSupreme Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, a federal judge ordered an end to desegregation in the county by the fall term of 1956. Over that summer twelve black students registered at Clinton High School. By the next repeatedly used the words scared and fearful. Joann weekend, segregationists traveled to Clinton to rally Crozier Allen Boyce said, “Maybe they were not going citizens to protest. On Monday, August 26, 1956, the to accept us like I thought they were.” Home guard students—who became the “Clinton Twelve”—walked members recalled their own fear of the situation. down Foley Hill to begin the fall term. The students White high schoolers who were initially nice became became the first to desegregate a state-supported frightened as well. Kasper was arrested but returned high school in TN and the first in the South—before to town in November following his acquittal. the “Little Rock Nine.” As tensions continued to rise leading up to local While the first day of classes proceeded without elections in early December, the Clinton 12 students much incident, the climate quickly turned violent and their parents decided to boycott attending the as crowds led by outsiders John Kasper and, later, high school. Rev. Paul Turner, pastor of First Baptist Asa Carter turned to threats, violence, and intimida- Church in Clinton, deacon Sidney Davis, and com- tion. Crowds gathering in protest at the courthouse munity member Leo Burnett decided to step in. They reached around 1,500—most from outside of the walked with a group of the students to the school local community and state. The Ku Klux Klan began serving as a human buffer against the violence. After to invade black neighborhoods, burn crosses, and set going their separate ways, Rev. Turner was assaulted off dynamite blasts. Over the Labor Day weekend, and badly beaten. The following Sunday, Rev. Turn- violent riots broke out in which cars were overturned, er preached to a packed sanctuary at FBC. He spoke windows and property smashed, and homes bombed. fervently bringing what he hoped was a message of Threatening letters were sent to school administra- hope and reconciliation: “There are no color lines at tors and teachers. The town deputized a “home guard” the cross.”1 in an effort to hold back the mob and protect those Following this event and other threatened vio- threatened. Later, Tennessee’s governor ordered the lence to the students, teachers, and their families, the highway patrol and the National Guard to help keep high school was closed for a week. When interviewed, peace. Turner’s widow said that her husband felt a responsi- The black students, as they described their expe- bility to help as one of the leaders in the community.2 riences in The Clinton 12: A Documentary Film, See “walk for justice” on page 16.

15 SPRING 2018 highlighting churches and organizations partnering with TCBF Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel! Walk for Justice, cont’d. from p. 15 Horace Wells, Editor of the Clinton Courier News, troubled) when reading the letters received by Rev. commented on the changing feelings in the commu- Turner and the church. Some were supportive and nity, “Many of us had stood by, unwilling to stand up called the pastor a wonderful example of Christ. Oth- for integration and yet also unwilling to violate the ers were simply horrifying in their threatening tone. law and when Paul Turner was attacked, the feeling of the community was more or less solidified. No mere words could have done it. It took heroic action… to bring us to the point that we were willing to stand up and say… we believe in law and order.”3

The Role of the Church When asked about the role of the church during the events of 1956-58, Reverend Stan Elliott, current pastor of FBC Clinton men- tioned that it was the quiet help of individual Christians in the community who were salt and light during a troubling and violent time. The church did Conclusion not create a team to address It is our hope that this article will kindle further issues of social justice or racial curiosity regarding the story of the Clinton 12—a sto- reconciliation, but began to ry of individual courage of students and community understand and support the leaders; a story of the violence brought from segrega- Rev. Paul Turner, pastor actions of Reverend Turner, tionists; and the story of a small town that ultimately FBC Clinton, TN Sidney Davis, and Leo Burnett. worked together for good. We encourage you to watch Such actions were praised by local ministers and lat- the documentary which includes interviews with the er some of the Clinton 12. Reverend Alan Jones, cur- students, video footage, and descriptive photographs rent pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church says, or visit the websites below for additional information. “Segregation may have won a victory against integra- Listen for the hundreds of sub-stories of black and tion had Rev. Paul Turner not taken the initiative to white students, teachers whose homes and families walk with the African-American students to Clinton were threatened, community leaders and lawmakers, 4 High School that particular day.” and those injured in the violence. Let us learn from Today, we experience similar issues of racial, the events, as Clinton 12 student Alvah McSwain social, and financial injustice in our communities. says, that “helped me to teach my chil- 5 Churches must engage these issues using biblical dren not to be prejudiced.” • TCBF • truth. Elliott said that first and foremost, church Karen Harwell, a graduate of the McAfee School of Theology, grew up in members can support their ministers in speaking Tullahoma, TN. She currently designs the truth without fear of being driven away. When hands-on prayer experiences, courses, and other spiritual formation programs touring the museum, Elliott was most touched (and for churches and small groups.

16 SPRING 2018 cont’d. from p. 13 Suggestions for Further Embracing Our Work, Discussion and Study two boys, friends from opposite sides of the tracks, to one day share Beloved Community in the clear water Convene a group in your church to watch the Clinton 12 of a community pool. documentary (or the online YouTube video – The Beating As I rushed toward the story’s resolution, one of of Reverend Turner). Discuss the following questions in the children asked me to go back; he hadn’t fully taken small groups: in the illustration, the image of the boys watching the 1. Share one thing that struck you most about the steamroller in dismay, sadness, and confusion. And documentary and the events of 1956. that’s when my composure buckled. Living in the ten- 2. Read Galatians 3:28 and Genesis 1:27. How does the sion of that illustration, watching the faces of twenty acceptance of the fact that we are created in God’s Caucasian children and two African-Americans imag- image impact our relationship with others? ine themselves in the story, tears escaped one eye and

3. Discuss Rev. Turner’s actions and sermon—how do then the other. they encourage you (as an individual) to act in your The children tracked the illustration as I raised community? Your church? the book momentarily to veil the flow. But as my long sleeve absorbed a runaway drop, the African-Amer- Take a field trip to the McAdoo Cultural Center in Clinton, TN, ican boy at the head of the crissed-crossed-apple- to learn more about the civil rights era and the desegregation of sauced class exclaimed, “He’s crying!” with a consid- Clinton High School. erable degree of shock. One of the Caucasian boys Ask participants in watching the documentary or visiting the admonished him (or me), “Men don’t cry.” I lowered cultural center to write personal short stories regarding their the book, wiped my face with my hand and revealed up experiences and reaction to the movie or field trip: close the confluence of sadness and hope. I confessed, 1. For senior adults: write about your memories of the “Boys, these are real man tears.” civil rights era and the events of the time including “Why are you crying?,” another innocently asked. your personal spiritual response and your church’s My response surprised me and the teacher, “Because response. there’s still work to do.” 2. For median adults: write about your spiritual I’ve thought back on that experience a lot while response to the events. preparing for this year’s General Assembly. The insight and transformation this gathering and its tim- 3. For youth and children: utilize the educational resources of the McAdoo Cultural Center website, ing invites requires a degree of vulnerability, transpar- adding questions related to the Bible’s instructions ency, humility, imagination, and vision. A willingness regarding social justice and racial reconciliation. to hear difficult truths about ourselves and our culture. A willingness to hope, to risk. A commitment to Research civil rights in your local town, attempting to learn not embrace God’s dream for our world, to receive - per- only the history of events and current environments of racism haps for the first time - a vision of Beloved Commu- and injustice, but also the responses of the Christian community. nity. • TCBF • Invite a diverse panel from your local community to discuss current injustices with which the church can become involved. Welcome to General Assembly! I’m glad you

1 History of FBC Clinton, www.fbclinton.org/about decided to make the #pilgrimagetomemphis. 2 The Clinton 12: A Documentary Film 3 ibid. For the work ahead, 4 History of FBC Clinton, www.fbclinton.org/about Rick 5 The Clinton 12: A Documentary Film Field Coordinator, Tennessee CBF 17 SPRING 2018 Forming Healthy Churches A Place to Be Me n a recent conversation, I learned of a promising pastor of First Baptist Church, Newport, says, “Our young minister who had resigned her church and intentional group provides a place of acceptance, learn- Iwas “pursuing other options.” She had been experi- ing, fellowship, and encouragement to pastors in the encing significant challenges in her ministry, but a key daily routine of leading churches and providing care to reason for her decision was lack of a healthy support our parish.” group in her area. A new group of Christian educators meets online TCBF Field Coordinator Rick Bennett believes that with Ircel Harrison as convener. Group member Phil “healthy clergy make for healthier congregations and a Potratz, minister of Christian formation at First Baptist regular Peer Learning Group (PLG) relationship makes Church, Murfreesboro, reports, “The group provides for healthier clergy.” This viewpoint has been validated relational ties to folks I have a lot in common with, not only from personal experiences but research con- which enriches both my personal and professional life ducted by several denominations over the past decade. in a variety of ways. I learn of new resources, draw on What is a Peer Learning Group? A PLG is a group the experience of others in addressing situations, and of ministers who voluntarily choose to meet on a reg- see that I am not the only one struggling with certain ular basis to encourage one another, share learning, issues.” • TCBF • and process their experiences. The focus of the group Being part of a PLG is a great way to strengthen your own ministry and encourage others. Would you like to is determined by its constituents. Each group has a volunteer as the convener of a PLG or join a group? convener who works with the group to determine the Information and resources can be found at cbf.net or focus of their meetings and/or retreats. Cooperative contact Rick Bennett for additional information. Baptist Fellowship provides the group with suggested resources related to promoting pastoral excellence and Ircel Harrison lives in Murfreesboro and is a congregational health as well as a small stipend. member of FBC. He served as Coordinator of Tennessee CBF from 1998 to 2008. His ministry One group in Tennessee is made up pastors, retired continues in various teaching and coaching pastors, and some in transition. Convener Rich Lloyd, capacities. Ircel blogs at Barnabas File. A Glance Back at TCBF GA 2017 . . .

18 Save the Dates! Upcoming State & Global Assemblies The 2019 Tennessee General Assembly will be held at West Hills Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN. Plan now to join us!

Friday and Saturday April 26-27, 2019

Identity of Tennessee CBF Tennessee CBF is a network of Christians and churches in Tennessee who share a passion for the Great Commission of Jesus and historic Baptist principles of faith. Mission Priorities Tennessee CBF exists to serve Christians • Sustaining the Global Mission and churches as they discover and fulfill • Resourcing Healthy Congregations their God-given mission. • Nurturing Young Baptists

We live in an era of a Global Church, where mission is from everywhere to everyone. Join us as we celebrate the Church, both around the world and down the street, at the 2018 CBF General Assembly.

Through engaging workshops, nightly June 11-15 worship, partner events and a specially redesigned exhibit hall with live Register NOW podcasts and entertainment, you’ll deepen friendships and partnerships, to attend the locally and globally. 2018 General Assembly in Dallas, Texas! Thursday, June 14 3:00–4:00 p.m. www.cbf.net/assembly 19 Tennessee State & Regional Meeting THANK YOU!

Events like this can’t happen without a lot of hard work. We are so grateful to the TCBF General Assembly Planning Team for the creativity, passion, and grit that made this weekend a reality. Thank you Rick Bennett, Christopher Church, Stephen Cook, Melanie Dover, Daniel Johnson, linda Marks, and Robin Miller for giving of your time and talents so that we might have another excellent General Assembly. We are also grateful to Caroline Talbert for planning our worship together. her creativity and thoughtfulness inspired meaningful liturgy and shaped our worship together. Thank you, Caroline! The Memphis flair in the fellowship hall is a result of the creativity of Holly Hatton and Mary Kaylor. Thank you for bringing a taste of Memphis fun to our gathering. This beautiful book in your hands, along with the other pieces publicizing this event, came from the skillful efforts of Amy Cook. Thank you, Amy, for pulling all the details together in such a beautiful way!

Resource Fair Participants

Olive Branch Ministries Connect. Serve. Transform.

BaptistWay Press

20 The Worship of God Friday, April 27 | 7:00 p.m.

Sanctuary TCBF GA 2018

“Above all . . .

Prelude Dr. Mark Ensley The prelude provides an opportunity to prepare our Pianist hearts and minds to worship God by being still and quiet.

Greeting Rev. Dr. David Breckenridge

Pastor, First Baptist Church, Memphis | Frid

Call to Worship Let Justice Flow Like Streams arr. Dennis Klophaus Worship Ensemble

Invocation Rev. Dr. Rick Bennett TCBF Field Coordinator a y *Hymn of Praise 231 Come, Christians, Join to Sing MADRID E Venin g W

Epistle Reading Colossians 3:14-15 Emmaline Rogers 2018 Young Baptist to Know One: This is God’s word for us today. First Baptist Church, Memphis Many: thanks be to God!

Children’s Moment Rev. Tambi Brown Swiney Immanuel Baptist Church, Nashville . . . clothe yourselves with love . . . or s hi p Prayer of Confession Rev. Ellen Di Giosia First Baptist Church, Jefferson City

One: We have not loved you with our whole hearts, nor have we loved our neighbors as ourselves. Many: lord, have mercy.

One: As we look back on our history, we lament the countless injustices of the past. Many: lord, help us.

One: As we look around today, we lament the ongoing injustices of the present. Many: lord, help us.

One: As we look to the future, we beg your Spirit to bring transformation. Many: lord, help us.

21 One: We confess that we have accepted systemic racial inequities as the status quo. Many: help us to recognize and resist racism, O Lord.

One: We confess our impulses toward personal prejudice. Many: help us to recognize and resist racism, O Lord.

One: We confess that those of us who are white have guarded and exploited our white privilege. Many: help us to recognize and relinquish racial privilege, O Lord.

One: We confess our negligence to confront uneven social structures. Many: help us to be instruments of justice who redesign crooked arrangements.

One: We confess our idle complacency amid the vast injuries of inequality. Many: help us to be agents of reparation in the name of Jesus Christ. or s hi p One: We acknowledge that we are not good enough or strong enough to effect change without your assistance. Many: lord, help us.

One: Give us righteous indignation Many: that engenders vigorous Christian action.

One: Give us holy impatience Many: that will not abide indefinite delays of justice. E Venin g W One: Give us steadfast hope in your final reign y y Many: to fuel our feet on the path of peace. a

All: forgive us, refresh us, and empower us, so that we may do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with you. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon Grace Greater than Our Sin MOODY Grace, grace, God’s grace; grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace; grace that is greater than all our sin.

. . . which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Prayers of the People Rev. Brittany Stillwell First Baptist Church, Memphis

Binding Together As the music plays, you are invited to come to the front and tie a string from the heart to the outline of Tennessee. TCBF GA 2018 | Frid GA TCBF

*Hymn of Prayer 387 Blest Be the Tie That Binds DENNIS

22 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts . . .

Introduction of the Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Stephen Cook Second Baptist Church, Memphis TCBF GA 2018 | Frid Sermon Rev. Dr. Kevin Cosby Colossians 3:14-15

*Hymn of Response They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love ST. BRENDAN’S See following page for music and words.

. . . to which indeed you were called in the one body,

Missions Testimony Linda Marks Inter-Faith & Community Outreach, MIFA First Baptist Church, Memphis

Offertory Prayer

Offertory By Our Love Christy Nockels David Warren, soloist a

2018 Ircel Harrison Theological Scholarship Recipient y E Venin g W and be thankful.”

*Congregational Response 253 OLD 100TH Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. or s hi p *Commissioning Rev. Will Runyon Chaplain, Knoxville

*Postlude Toccata on “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” Michael Burkhardt Aaron Foster, organist

*The congregation will please stand, as you are able. Amplifying devices are available at the Welcome Center desk. Worship was planned and led by Caroline Talbert, a 2018 Ircel Harrison Theological Scholarship Recipient. The Prayer of Confession was written by Noel and Dayna Schoonmaker, First Baptist Church, Murfreesboro. The string art was created by Doug Blankenship and Mary Kaylor.

23 or s hi p E Venin g W y y a | Frid TCBF GA 2018 GA TCBF

24 The Worship of God Saturday, April 28 | 12:00 p.m.

Fellowship Hall TCBF GA 2018

Hymn Jesus at Your Holy Table Beach Spring

CAll to the Table Rev. Kelly Moreland Jones 2018 Ircel Harrison Theological Scholarship Recipient

Commissioning Rev. Dr. Rick Bennett TCBF Field Coordinator | S at urd a y aft ernoon W or s hi p

25 Saturday Events

Empower West Louisville Presentation Hear from Dr. Kevin Cosby as he tells us about the work being done Saturday, April 28 by area pastors and congregations to support and empower residents 9:00–9:45 a.m. in West Louisville. Chapel EmpowerWest is a coalition of louisville area pastors and churches seeking to unleash the educational, economic, and spiritual power of west louisville residents so that they might maximize their God-given potential and capacity. empowerWest’s mission is to lift a prophetic voice that advocates with and amplifies the voices of those in West Louisville in places of power. Based on our shared Christian orientation, EmpowerWest, will stand with those most easily ignored in business dealings because they have neither voice nor place at the bargaining table, and yet their lives are most affected by potential business decisions. We are made up of a coalition of Louisville area pastors and churches, committed to insuring that development and the infusion of capital into west louisville will be primarily for the empowerment and sustainability of west louisville’s current residents and secondarily for the profit-making

Ev en ts & D i sc u ss ion s of investors. Panel Discussion: Bridging the Gaps in Tennessee Hear from TCBF members across the state as they share observations Saturday, April 28 and hopes for Dr. King’s vision of Beloved Community in their own 10:00–10:45 a.m. contexts. Chapel

Kate Jenkins is a native Memphian and senior at The University of Memphis. She will graduate this December with a degree in anthropology and international studies. After graduation, Kate y M ornin g y hopes to attend law school. She is also an active member of Second Baptist Church where she a serves as a deacon, and she has been an active member of several local organizations, such as Bridge Builders, Street Smarts, and Girls Inc. of Memphis.

Noel Schoonmaker serves as Pastor of First Baptist Church, Murfreesboro. He is the husband of Dayna Schoonmaker and the father of Maggie and Nora. urd at Wayne Smith has been leading Samaritan Ministry, a local church-based HIV ministry, since 1996. S Wayne lives in Knoxville with his wife, Laura, where he has lived since 1970. They have grown daughters, JoAnna and Mary Katherine, and four grandchildren, Eli, Chase, Scarlett, and Stella.

Maggie Quisenberry works full-time as a hospice nurse for Hospice of Chattanooga. She is mar- ried to Thomas Quisenberry and has four lovely but wild children. 26 Saturday Events S at urd Reflecting Together: Small Group Discussion Spend time in prayer and dialogue as we reflect together Saturday, April 28 on the events of the weekend. 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall a y

Ev en ts & Pil

Pilgrim Opportunities

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music 926 E. McLemore Ave. 901.261.6338

In 2015, USA Today’s Reader Choice Award named the Stax Museum “one of the world’s 10 best music attractions in the USA” and the best attraction in Memphis."Soulsville USA" traces the history g rim o pp or of soul music from its roots in the blues and gospel and is hosting two temporary exhibits that coincide with the city’s MLK50 commemorations:.

1. “Give A Damn: Stax Records and Social Justice, 1968-75” runs from February-December 2018. It “illustrates the depth of Stax Records’ commitment to social justice through its music, through its activism, and through the involvement of its artists in communities, including and beyond Memphis.” The exhibit is supported, in part, by a grant from the National Park Service.

2. “Taking A Stand: The 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike – Photography by Richard L. Cop- t uni ie s ley” runs from February 15, 2018 - April 30, 2018. As 22-year old freelance photographer, Copley cov- ered iconic moments in the Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike, including Dr. King’s first speech at Mason Temple early in the strike. Copley documented the protests and the counter-protests that culminated in Dr. King’s death and the funeral march in early April 1968. Sixteen of Copley’s indel- ible images are on display.

The museum is open daily, Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Note: The Museum is closed on Mondays). Admission is $13 for adults, $12 for seniors over age 62, active military and students with ID, $10 for children (ages 9-12), and free for children 8 and under. More information is available at the museum’s website: staxmuseum.com.

27 Pilgrim opportunities

Pilgrim Opportunities, cont’d.

The National Civil Rights Museum 450 Mulberry St. | 901.521.9699 t uni ie s In 2013 and 2014, the National Civil Rights Museum underwent a $27.5 million renovation, adding more than 260 artifacts, 40 new films, oral histories and interactive media and external listening posts to the museum's already robust collection of artifacts and exhibits. Guests should allow at least two to three hours for a quality visit and experience. The museum experience is self-guided so that visitors can experience exhibits at their own pace. Guided tours are available for a fee of $70 per 1.5 hours. (Contact the Group Sales Department to make the arrangements). The museum guides visitors through five centuries— from the beginning of the resistance during slavery, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, the rise of Jim Crow, and the late-20th century efforts that inspired people around the world to stand up for equality. g rim o pp or Exhibits include:

Pil A Culture of Resistance: Slavery in America (1619-1861) The Rise of Jim Crow Separate Is Not Equal The Year They Walked: Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956) Standing Up by Sitting Down: Student Sit-Ins (1960) We Are Prepared to Die: Freedom Rides (1961) The Children Shall Lead Them: Birmingham (1963) What Do We Want? Black Power For Jobs and Freedom: March on Washington (1963) Is This America? Mississippi Summer Project (1964) How Long? Not Long: Selma Voting Rights Campaign (1965) I AM A MAN: Memphis Sanitation Strike (1968)

y AF t ernoon y King's Last Hours: Rooms 306 and 307 (April 4, 1968) a Join the Movement—This interactive exhibit uses smart table technology to invite visitors to take a stand and explore the contemporary relevance of nonviolence, women's rights, war, riots, poverty and integration. The museum contains sensitive materials related to the experience of discrimination, racial hatred and violence that may frighten or trouble children and adolescents. The

urd at museum provides a family guide with suggestions on discussing sensitive topics with young visitors.

S The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily except for Tuesdays when the museum is closed. Adult admission is $16; students and seniors are $14 with an ID; minors 5-17 years old are $13; active duty military and children under 5 are free. located in the heart of the South Main District downtown, the museum offers free parking for guests. To enter the visitor lot, turn north on Mulberry Street from G.E. Patterson Avenue. 28 Eat Local Food p ro We thank the following local restaurants and bakery for providing our food this weekend.

Sweet La La’s Sweet laLa’s Bakery is a bakery built with a social mission to “Make life Sweeter for all” and was founded by Lauren and Tommy Young. In 2001, Lauren began crafting custom cookies from their home. in 2014, they created a social enterprise and partnered with a local nonprofit called JIFF (Juvenile Intervention and Faith-based Follow-Up) to give attention to the issues v ided b surrounding juvenile justice. Sweet LaLa’s Bakery is a family owned business but intentionally contracts with JIFF to offer some of the most at risk youth in their community workforce development training and employment opportunities. Just taste the difference that can be made when you make life sweeter for all.

Central BBQ y: I know you are wondering, “Which Memphis BBQ joint is the best?” This is a highly debated ques- tion that would provide a variety of opinions among us this weekend. Because we couldn’t figure M em p hi s out how to feature them all, we have chosen one of the top BBQ places in Memphis. Central BBQ has been ranked in the top 3 BBQ restaurants in Memphis since 2003 and taken top honors ten times. Central BBQ’s meats are all slow smoked. These premium meats are rubbed with a secret combination of dry spices, marinated for 24 hours, then are smoked low and slow in the pit over a combination of hickory and pecan woods. No sauce is ever introduced into the pit. Owners, Craig Blondis and Roger Sapp met on the BBQ circuit in the mid-80s. After competing in Memphis in May’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and many other local and regional BBQ competitions they made the leap from friends to business partners. Central BBQ has consistently been ranked #1 BBQ in Memphis since 2005. Craig, Roger and Central BBQ have appeared on several national TV shows including Pitmasters, The Best Thing I Ever Ate, Crave and BBQ with Bobby Flay. Additionally, Central BBQ has been featured in several national publications such as USA Today, Garden & Gun, Southern Living and Men’s Health.

29 Eat Local continued

Gus’s Chicken Over 60 years ago in the small community of Mason, Tennessee, Napoleon “Na” Vanderbilt created something amazing – fried chicken that could unite a community. In an era of divisive racial attitudes the residents of Mason found that they could all – black and white – agree on how much they loved Na’s fried chicken. Such an amazing feat did not occur overnight. After experimenting for several years in a local tavern, Na and his wife, Ms. Maggie, began selling their chicken, sandwiched between two slices of white bread, out of the back door of the tavern. As demand grew, Na and Maggie were encouraged by local residents to build a freestanding restaurant. Unfortunately, the Vanderbilt’s were of modest means and could not afford such an expansion; however, generous, chicken loving locals offered to supply them with the materials necessary to build their own restaurant. Na, a skilled carpenter, built the restaurant on a piece of land he and Ms. Maggie owned on Highway 70 in Mason. Maggie’s Short Orders opened its doors in 1973. The building still stands today and still serves Na and Maggie’s amazing fried chicken. Maggie and Na continued to serve their community until their deaths, in 1982 and 1983 respectively. The restaurant, however, remained a family affair. Na’s only son, Vernon “Gus” Bonner, inherited Maggie and Na’s priceless recipe and the restaurant they worked so hard to build, literally from the ground up. In 1984, Gus and his wife, Gertrude, reopened under the now well-known name, “Gus’s

y: M em p hi s y: World Famous Hot and Spicy Fried Chicken.” Though the name may have changed, the Bonner family continued to honor Na and Ms. Maggie’s legacy by following and even perfecting their beloved fried chicken. You can’t keep good fried chicken a secret, and before long Gus’s World Famous Hot and Spicy Fried Chicken had a following that stretched far beyond the quiet streets of Mason, Tennessee. Regional publications, including Memphis’ Commercial Appeal, began featuring the restaurant

v ided b in the late 1980s, and national publications, such as Saveur and GQ magazine, soon followed. In fact, in January 2001, GQ named Gus’s Fried Chicken one of the top ten meals in the United States worth flying for. Food p ro Food

30 Guest Worship Leader Guest Proclaimer, Dr. Kevin Cosby Since 1979, The Reverend Doctor Kevin Cosby has served as Senior pastor of St. Stephen Church in louisville, KY. Since that time the congregation has grown from 500 to approximately 14,000 members, and has been recognized by Outreach magazine as one of the 100 largest churches in America (2010) and Emerge magazine as one of six “super churches” of the South. The providence of God is seen most clearly in Dr. Cosby’s ministry in the resurgence of Simmons College of Kentucky (SCKY). In 1997, the Lord led Dr. Cosby to encourage the church to purchase the original four-acre campus of Simmons University (now Simmons College of KY) and convert the property into a lifestyle enrichment campus. In 2005, Dr. Cosby was named the 13th President of Simmons. Two years later, the college returned to its original campus. Under his visionary direction, SCKY was granted accreditation by the Association of Biblical Higher Educa- tion (ABHE) in early 2014. Through President Cosby’s leadership, the college applied for official status as one of the nation’s Historically Black College & Universities (HBCU). In April 2015, Simmons College of Kentucky was officially designated the 107th HBCU. A staunch proponent of education, Dr. Cosby earned a Bachelor’s degree from eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, a Master of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He has been awarded honorary doctorates from Eastern Kentucky University, Bellarmine University and Campbellsville University. He has held administrative and teaching assignments at Kentucky State University, the University of Louisville, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and United Theological Seminary. Dr. Cosby has authored five highly-acclaimed books: Get off Your But!: Messages, Musings & Ministries to Empower the African-American Church; As They Went; Treasure Worth Seeking; Who’s Your Daddy?: Life Lessons from the Prodigal Son and Loyal to the Royal. He has been a contributing writer to a number of books, journals and periodicals. Although Dr. Cosby has achieved many notable accomplishments, he is most known for his intense commitment to serving the Lord through improving the lives of others.