TENNESSEE STATE ASSOCIATION November 12-14, 2018 Mainstay Suites and Conference Center Pigeon Forge, TN

Transcription

1 Published by the Tennessee State Association of Free Will Baptists TENNESSEE STATE ASSOCIATION November 12-14, 2018 Mainstay Suites and Conference Center Pigeon Forge, TN On November 12-14, 2018, Free Will Baptists from across the state of Tennessee will descend upon the quaint little Smoky Mountain village of Pigeon Forge for three days of great fellowship, fervent preaching and kingdom business. Beginning Monday night at 7:00 p.m., we will invoke the Spirit of God to receive our worship, hear our prayers, guide our business, and move in our hearts. Please pray to this end. Clerk Jeff Caudill (Cofer's Chapel FWB Church) will call the meeting to order. Our music this year is planned by a committee from the Executive Board. The Executive Board chose as the theme of our meeting "It's all about Jesus." (Col. 1:18) Our speakers will address various topics using this theme. Rodney Holloman from Hardin Valley Church in West Knoxville will be preaching the keynote message. Rodney, a native of North Carolina, has served various roles in the ministry for the last 26 years including youth pastor, associate pastor, college professor, and now pastor. He will be addressing the subject "Our preaching, should be all about Jesus." On Tuesday morning, Dexter Brummitt will bring the moderators message before conducting our first session of business. Born and raised in Tennessee, Dexter is no stranger to Tennessee Free Will Baptists. His entire ministry has been in the eastern part of the state and he has served a number of churches in the Toe River Association as well as the Union Association. Forty year veteran retired missionary, Steve Lytle, will bring the 11 o'clock message on the topic, "Our worship should be all about Jesus." The service will have a missions emphasis reminding us of our obligation to global evangelism. Steve and wife Judy were appointed to missionary service in The Lytle's served in Panama until the year 2000, raising their three sons in Panama before coming to work in the IM office for eight years before going back to Panama for five more years to lead the Bible Institute program. After retirement in 2015, Steve and Judy now serve part-time at Cofer's Chapel in Nashville with the senior adults ministry. Tuesday afternoon is open for delegates to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Smokies and take advantage of the great dining, shopping and sightseeing in the area. Jesse Hartgrove will speak in the Tuesday evening RODNEY HOLLOMAN DEXTER BRUMMITT STEVE LY TLE JESSE HARTGROVE BILLY ELLIS worship service. Jesse pastors the Surgoinsville First FWB Church, and he and his wife Cynthia have been there 21 years. Jesse currently serves on the Tennessee IM Board and also serves as president of the ministers conference of the Union Association. Jesse will speak on the topic, "Our thinking should be all about Jesus." Billy Ellis will bring the final message of our convention meeting. He will speak Wednesday morning on the topic, "Our future should be all about Jesus." Billy was born into a Free Will Baptist pastor's family in Middle Tennessee but grew up in Tennessee, Alabama, and Michigan. He and his wife Cindy have raised two sons. They have served various ministry position mostly in Arkansas for 35 years before returning to pastor the church where his parents were living when he was born. He has the distinction of pastoring the oldest Free Will Baptist Church in Tennessee, Head's FWB Church, which recently celebrated 178 years. The final business session of the meeting is expected to be over before noon on Wednesday morning. Churches are encouraged to send their pastors and wives as well as delegates. There is no registration fee and you do not need to pre-register for the meeting. You do need to make a reservation for your room. IMPORTANT HOTEL INFORMATION We encourage everyone to stay at the Main Stay Suites. The hotel rooms are very comfortable and the convention center is tailor-made for our venue. Everything is under one roof with plenty of free parking. Most rooms are double queen bed suites with sitting area and kitchenette. Handicap rooms are limited and on a first come, first served basis. A deluxe continental breakfast is provided. The hotel is located at 410 Pine Mountain Road in Pigeon Forge, conveniently located one-fourth mile off the parkway. As you are heading toward Gatlinburg, turn right at light # 6 and the hotel will be on your right. Make your reservations as soon as possible. You may cancel by giving a 24-hour cancellation notice at no charge. Reservations must be made by calling The special convention rate of $85 per night is not available online. FALL 2018 VOL. 58, NO. 4

2 Fifty Miles To Empty by Bo Castle We have all been there--in a rush, ready to leave. We start the car and realize the empty light is on. Or, driving down the road and you hear the beep of the low fuel gauge-- 50 miles to empty! Did you know that spiritually, the same thing can happen to us? Sermons to preach, studying God s word, visiting, working a full time job, etc. None of these alone are hard to manage, but, add them all together and your fuel mileage is no longer what it used to be. I know this because I never heeded the warning low fuel in my life. Working a full time job, raising a family, and pastoring; financial struggles were manageable. But then another passenger was added to my load; my wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The fear, anxiety, depression, and worry, just to name a few, drained my tank before I pulled over to fuel up. We never know what we will endure but we can be prepared for the journey. Continuing to my daily routine of life I was on empty. Like most men, I kept saying, I can make it, just a little further and I will pull over for fuel. What happens though when your car dies along the road? It is now too late for the low fuel light to do anything, it is too late to pull into the gas station. Now you have to make a decision, make a call for help or leave the car unattended and walk away. I unfortunately made the wrong choice and walked away. Never one time realizing I didn t just walk away. I walked away from everyone, those who loved me, cared for me, and who was there for me. Though I didn t leave my family, I left my first love, Jesus. How could that happen? It's easier than we think. We think it will never happen to us. That is exactly what the great deceiver will tell all of God s children. Thankfully, for me I had a great mechanic. God has a way of getting us back where we need to be and watching over our passengers along the way. I regret my choices, I regret not seeing the importance of fueling up when the gauge was on half of a tank, and I regret that I did not stay with my passengers. That was a long eight month journey on foot, down the interstate of life to the filling station. God has refueled me with high octane fuel now. He has restored me, my marriage, and even restored my position as pastor back at my home church. God has a funny way of showing us things in life, but He is God. I write this to warn others. Pastors, parents, grandparents; all of us need to stay fueled up. We don t know where the next filling station may be up the road. If by chance you do run out, don t walk away, make the call for help and stay with the passengers in your life that are depending on you to get them home. Did you know October is "Pastor/Clergy Appreciation Month?" When is the last time your church did something special for your pastor and his family? We encourage churches to show appreciation to their pastor on a special Sunday in October. Be sure to include his family in the appreciation as well. There are many great ways to show appreciation, be creative. Gift cards to a favorite restaurant, give a monetary gift, a new suit, a short vacation, even a short Christian cruise are just a few ideas. Showing appreciation to him and his family goes along way, and the results will be evident in his ministry to the church. If you don t have any money, send cards of appreciation or write a letter expressing your love and appreciation for him and his family. Why not visit your local Christian bookstore or go online and Google pastor appreciation month or have a contest among the children in your church and see who can come up with a good idea. Appreciation is something all of us can use. PASTOR KENNETH KIRBY Celebrates SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY Saved at age 16, Ken Kirby began preaching at age 17. He preached his first sermon at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Sparta, Tennessee on July 9, Ken has pastored churches in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama and organized two churches in McMinnville Tennessee; First Free Will Baptist church in 1965, and Victory Free Will Baptist in 1979 where he is still pastoring. Ken has been married to his sweetheart Sephfronia for 57 years. They have two daughters, four grandchildren, one great grandson, and another on the way. Ken's favorite hobby is driving his 1984 two fronted "Back-2-Back" modified vehicle.

3 2018 STATE YOUTH RETREAT NOVEMBER 9-11 MAINSTAY SUITES PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE It s a dirty world! This fall, clean it up as you learn to be Pure Gold for God. The 2018 Tennessee State Youth Retreat challenges us to honor God with our bodies, renew our minds with things that are good, turn our eyes from worthless things, and to guard our hearts above all else. Featured speaker Neil Gilliland and others will share great advice for standing strong and refusing to give in to the pressures and temptations of the culture. And, for those who have already given in to the pressures of a dirty world, learn how to start new and fresh through God s grace. Join hundreds of students and sponsors from Tennessee and surrounding states November 9-11, Take advantage of all Pigeon Forge has to offer, from hiking in the Smoky Mountains to shopping, to the fastest in Pigeon Forge go-kart track two blocks from the retreat hotel. Don t miss this opportunity to refresh, renew, and be refined into God s Pure Gold. This year s retreat music will be led by Ryan Lewis, worship leader at Cofer s Chapel FWB Church in Nashville, Tennessee. For the third year, the Welch College student body (first 50 to sign up) was invited to the home of missionaries Jerry and Barb Gibbs for our "Global Grille." The Grille is to provide a time of food and fellowship where missionaries and IM staff can rub shoulders with the students and hopefully share their heart for missions and in their case, for France. This year s total attendance was 81. Out of the 81, there were 51 students and 20 of the students were former France ETEAM'ers. According to Jerry Gibbs, the way to any college student s heart is FOOD! With a table graced with barbecue chicken, hot-dogs, potato salad and other mouth watering dishes, the students seemed to enjoy themselves. The students were moved by the testimony of Gaëlle, a young French woman who came to Christ through her contact with several FWB missionaries. During this time Clint and Lynette Morgan lead her to Christ. Her desire is to finish Bible college and work with a Christian humanitarian work. A recent article from a missions magazine said this, Many new missionaries are urgently needed to bring the gospel to the world. Billions of people still have never heard about Jesus. Despite some complaints about young people's unreliability and their lack of stamina - each generation has its strengths. We believe that this young generation is especially suitable for world mission in the third millennium. What an impact our young people can have in reaching the world for Christ! Let s encourage them to seek God s will for their lives. Let s pray that they and we will hear and obey God s call to get the Gospel to those who have never had the opportunity to hear it. He is still calling, are we listening? Register by Friday, October 19, to reserve your rooms! Rooms cost $320 (or $80 per attendee). However, a room can house up to six people, reducing per-student retreat costs if you choose to put more than four to a room. (Please complete the form on the website If you need more than 10 rooms, please complete the form as many times as needed.)

4 JIM MCCOMAS NAMED NEW DIRECTOR OF FAMILY MINISTRIES We are excited to announce that the board has prayerfully and carefully chosen the next Chief Executive Officer of Free Will Baptist Family Ministries- Rev. Jim McComas who is currently the Director of Church Revitalization for North American Ministries. In this role, he has preached and engaged with churches all across the country. As the board reviewed the candidates, Mr. McComas has demonstrated the ability to connect with Free Will Baptist ministry leaders, pastors and donors throughout the state of Tennessee as well as the rest of the nation. These relationships will be a major asset in working with us to continue to grow the charitable contributions to the ministry over the next several years. For this reason and many others, the board has extended an invitation to be the next CEO, and he has accepted with an official start date of November 1, Below is a note that he has used to tell his team at NAM of his departure: Five years ago our family made the difficult decision to leave Ohio and make the move to Tennessee to take the position that I hold today at North American Ministries. A year and a half ago, our lives changed forever when we tragically lost our oldest son, Matthew. Since that time, my life and ministry have been radically changed. This last week on Thursday, September 6th, I met with the Board of Directors for over three hours. Shortly thereafter, they offered me the position of CEO of Family Ministries, and I prayerfully and with much anticipation accepted." Throughout this process, God has made it very clear to Beth and I that this is God s will for us at this time. To be able to minister to the broken and hurting, the most vulnerable among us. Personally, I still have a full slate of speaking and teaching engagements that will run to the end of October and into November, which I intend to fulfill in my current position. However, I will begin meeting with the members of team over the next several weeks. We are excited to begin this new phase of ministry serving with each and every one of you. Sincerely, Jim McComas We are excited about the future of Free Will Baptist Family Ministries and want to sincerely thank you for your prayers and support during this transitional time. We look forward to serving and ministering to families for years to come. Noah Taylor Chairman, Board of Trustees Free Will Baptist Family Ministries celebrated with the dedication and ribbon cutting for the Curtis and Celia Massey Activity Center, held on September 25 near the entrance of the Curtis, Cliff and Opal Young Children s Home, located in Chaffee Crossing, Ft Smith, AR. The Massey Activity Center became a reality in large part due to a major gift from Wallace and Jana Fowler from Jonesboro, given in honor of Mrs. Fowler s parents. Noah Taylor, Chairman of the Family Ministries Board of Directors, also addressed the role of the ministry in meeting the needs of children and families. A reception for honored guests and optional tours of all four of the Young Children s Homes were also available after the reception. After years of praying and diligent fundraising support from donors like you, Honeysuckle Studios, our Maternity Home project, is underway! Crews began work in early July, thanks to some wonderful volunteers. So many individuals stepped up to help with this project, from donating electrical work to a complete new roof. Only Heaven will reveal the impact the ministry of the Hope Center is having on the lives of so many in the community of Greene County. Stay tuned through the Hope Center s Facebook page for future updates on this special project.

5 With The Lord Absent from the body, present with the Lord! Mrs. Wanda Black, 76, of Southside, TN, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 9, She passed at home while surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Black was deeply loved by her husband of 52 years, Rev. James Black. The Blacks walked side by side as they served the congregation of Miller's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Charlotte, TN for 44 years. Their children; Elizabeth (Michael) McIntoch and Russell (Shirley) Black, two grandchildren, and one great granddaughter, also attend the Miller's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. Tennessee Women's Active for Christ by Phyllis Gaw Hello Tennessee Ladies! The weather is getting a little cooler and I am enjoying it! Our State Project is to help the Postlewaite's and Provow's in their Mission work in Bulgaria. Please send all donations to Jessica Edwards, TWAC Treasurer. She will give us a report at our Retreat. The TWAC Retreat is scheduled for September 19-21, 2019 and the hotel will be the Country Cascades in Pigeon Forge. Because of changes in administration and regulations for retreats, we were required to obtain another venue. Country Cascades Hotel is a part of the Smoky Mountain Resorts. You can check out the hotel at If you are in the Pigeon Forge area anytime, feel free to stop in and see the facilities. We believe you will be pleased. The Executive Committee is meeting to set up the schedule and theme for the retreat. Please pray for us as we work on this. We want the Retreat to be a blessing to all. Make your plans to attend the TWAC Retreat in September, Pray and invite others to come with you. Hope to see you there!! Ronald G. Edwards, 80, of Elizabethton, died on September 4, 2018, following a long and courageous battle with bone marrow cancer. He is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Maudell. Reverend Edwards was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was a member of Toe River Free Will Baptist Association. He had been pastor of several churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Larry Montgomery, 73, Checotah, OK, was called home to be with the Lord on July 4, He leaves behind his wife of 53 years Sammie Montgomery; two children, Larry Todd Montgomery and Carmen (Todd) Cook; two grandchildren, Zoey and Zane Montgomery; and a host of extended family. Rev. Montgomery, a native of Oklahoma, was very faithful to his ministry in the Free Will Baptist denominational work and pastored churches in a number of states including the Cofer's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. He had recently retired from his last pastorate at First Free Will Baptist Church in Checotah, OK a few months prior to his death. Paul Robinson, 93, pioneer missionary to Uruguay, died on August 19, 2018, following a fall eventually resulting in a cardiac arrest. Appointed as missionaries to Uruguay in 1960, Paul and his wife Amy departed for language school in Costa Rica in August They teamed with Bill and Glenda Fulcher to plant churches along the border of Brazil. The Robinsons retired from missionary service in 1992, after 32 years of service with IM. They continued ministering to Hispanics after they settled in Smithville, TN. Born and raised in Tennessee, Paul served in the Navy from , participating in five invasions in that short span. Paul leaves behind his wife Amy, son Ken and family, and daughter Rebecca (Parker) and family, as well as numerous children in the faith. Jack Taylor, 81, Cookeville, TN, went to be with the Lord on August 29, He served a number of Free Will Baptist churches in the Cookeville area including Post Oak Shade, Bethel, Gentry, Stone Seminary, and Taylor's Seminary. He was Pastor of the Monterey FWB Church for over 22 years along with hosting the Waves of Faith Radio Program on WHUB. He retired from the pastoral ministry after pastoring Forest Grove FWB Church in Knoxville for over seven years. He was a long-time member and chairman of the Free Will Baptist Family Ministries Board of Trustees, serving as Field Representative for 23 years. He and Rev. Willie B. Rodgers were founders of Cookeville Regional Medical Center Chaplains. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Don Taylor, and brother, James Robert "J. R." Taylor. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Kirby Taylor; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Dee Taylor of Mt. Juliet, TN; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Randy Hill of Cookeville; five grandchildren, and four, great grandchildren.

6 BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE 2018 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS The convention was marked by great music, preaching and fellowship. Nearly 50,000 people watched at least a portion of the services online. Net total attendance was 4,714. Some attendees register for both the national association and the Vertical Three conference. NAFWB attendance was 3,871 and Vertical Three Conference was 3,416. Delegates approved budgets totaling almost $30 million dollars. Dr. Robert E. Picirilli was honored for his multi-decade efforts as curator of the FWB Historical Collection. Philip Morgan is now working as curator on the campus of Welch College where the collection is now housed. Delegates approved the selection of Tampa, Florida for the 2024 convention. Delegates approved the increase in representation fees to $175 in 2020 and to $200 in 2025 to address rising cost of the convention. Delegates approved the formation of a Committee on Denominational Research (funded by a grant from the FWB Foundation) to be formed to guide and undertake denominational research. The executive director introduced Dr. Danny Dwyer, administrator of Rekindle church revitalization. Dr. Dwyer explained the program briefly. However, the committee formed last year to consider the feasibility of forming a separate department at the national association for the revitalization efforts advised against forming a separate department. Churches interested in revitalization should consider working with the revitalization efforts currently underway. Welch College requested permission to make their financial reports based on the college calendar. The announcement was made that beginning in 2020, the FWB Yearbook would only be published in a digital format to save money and stay more current with address changes, etc. All officers were retained to their positions. Keith Burden Announces Retirement At the recent national convention in Little Rock, Arkansas, Executive Secretary Keith Burden announced his retirement effective at the end of Burden has served in this capacity for 16 years. Burden and his wife plan to move back home to Oklahoma where he spent most of his pastoral ministry, not to mention where his family and grandchildren live. In his tenure of service, the Executive Office regained it's financial footing and he is leaving the office in excellent shape. The Executive Committee is charged with the responsibility of presenting a single candidate for the position at the 2019 convention to be held in Cincinnati, Ohio. The executive committee will receive candidate recommendations until October 30, October 20, 2018 MADISON FWB CHURCH 5295 WALL TRIANA HWY MADISON, AL REGISTRATION AT 8:30 A.M. CONFERENCE BEGINS AT 9:00 A.M. Register Now... WNAC PO BOX 5002 ANTIOCH, TN

7 Tennessee State Association June 1, August 31, 2018 INCOME Appalachian Association Appalachian Association...$ Doran Addition FWB Church - Mt. Carmel First FWB Church - Elizabethton First FWB Church - Johnson City...2, Grace FWB Church - Johnson City Harmony FWB Church - Hampton Liberty Fellowship - Johnson City Marbleton FWB - Unicoi...2, Watauga Valley - Elizabethton Cumberland Association 180 FWB Church - Clarksville...$1, Ashland City FWB Church...4, Berean FWB Church - Fairview...1, Bethel FWB Church - Ashland City...9, Bethlehem FWB Church - Ashland City...7, Brandon s Chapel FWB Church - Bumpus Mills...1, Cane Ridge FWB Church - Nashville...3, Cofer s Chapel FWB Church - Nashville...12, Corner Stone FWB Church - Murfreesboro Cross Roads FWB Church - Lawrenceburg Cross Timbers FWB Church - Nashville...14, Covenant FWB Church - Southside Donelson Fellowship - Nashville...32, Dunbar Chapel Church - Indian Mound Faith FWB - Columbia First FWB Church - Dickson...1, First FWB Church - Springfield...1, Five Points Fellowship - Nashville Good Springs FWB Church - Pleasant View...6, Heads FWB Church - Cedar Hill...6, Hendersonville FWB Church...2, Hurricane Chapel FWB Church - Dickson...4, LaVergne FWB Church...2, Loyal Chapel FWB Church - Columbia...1, Miller s Chapel FWB Church - Charlotte...1, New Hope FWB Church - Joelton...33, Oak Grove FWB Church - Charlotte Oakwood FWB Church - Woodlawn...3, Olivet FWB Church - Clarksville...1, Pleasant Hill FWB Church - Dover Rejoice FWB Church - Nashville...1, Richland FWB Church - Nashville...1, Shady Grove FWB Church - Clarksville Stoney Point FWB Church - Vanleer United FWB Church - Dickson...3, Victory FWB Church - Springfield...1, Liberty Association Cookeville FWB Church...$4, Crossville 1st FWB Church...2, Smithville FWB Church...5, Mountain Empire Fellowship Fellowship FWB Church - Kingsport...$5, Smoky Mountains Smoky Mountains Association...$ Hardin Valley FWB Church - Knoxville Loudon FWB Church Valley View FWB Church - Loudon...6, Wooddale FWB Church - Knoxville Toe River Association Friendship FWB Church - Hampton...$50.00 Morgan Chapel FWB Church - Hampton Union Association 1st FWB Church - Church Hill...$ Community Chapel FWB Church - Jefferson City First FWB Church - Surgoinsville...1, Harris Memorial FWB Church - Greeneville...1, Jackson Chapel FWB Church - Mosheim Limestone FWB Church...11, Oak Grove FWB Church - Greeneville...4, Peace FWB Church - Morristown...2, Phipps Bend FWB Church - Rogersville...1, Union Chapel FWB Church - Chuckey Unicoi FWB Church Union Chapel FWB Church - Chuckey Union Temple FWB Church - Chuckey...3, West Greene FWB Church - Greenville West Tennessee Association Faith FWB Church - Oakland...$ Victory FWB Church - Jackson...1, Other Churches First FWB Church - McMinnville...$1, Grace For The World - Dickson...9, Miscellaneous Individuals...$ Brotherhood Mutual...15, Re-imbursement...1, Grace FWB Endowment...18, Miscellaneous...1, Total Income... $281, Total Expenditures... $265, Thank you for your gifts to support the State Association work. All checks should be made payable to Tennessee State Association of Free Will Baptists and sent to D. Ray Lewis, 4132 Highlander Court, Antioch, TN The Unified Ministry Plan of Support June 1, August 31, 2018 INCOME Appalachian Association...$ Berean FWB Church - Fairview...1, Bethlehem FWB Church - Ashland City...1, Brandon s Chapel FWB Church - Bumpus Mills Cane Ridge FWB Church - Nashville...1, Cofer s Chapel FWB Church - Nashville...2, Corner Stone FWB Church - Murfreesboro Covenant FWB Church - Southside Cross Roads FWB Church - Leoma Cross Timbers FWB Church - Nashville Donelson Fellowship - Nashville...4, Faith FWB Church - Columbia Faith FWB Church - Oakland Fellowship FWB Church - Kingsport First FWB Church - Elizabethton First FWB Church - Surgoinsville Five Points Fellowshp - Nashville Friendship FWB Church - Hampton Good Springs FWB Church - Pleasant View...3, Grace FWB Church Endowment...14, Hardin Valley FWB Church - Knoxville Hendersonville FWB Church Hurricane Chapel FWB Church - McEwen...4, Individuals Jackson Chapel FWB Church - Mosheim Liberty Fellowship - Johnson City Limestone FWB Church Loyal Chapel FWB Church - Columbia...1, New Hope FWB Church - Joelton...4, Oak Grove FWB Church - Charlotte Oak Grove FWB Church - Greeneville Phipps Bend FWB Church - Surgoinsville...1, Rejoice FWB Church - Antioch Richland FWB Church - Nashville Union Chapel FWB Church - Chuckey Union Temple FWB Church - Chuckey...1, United FWB Church - Dickson...3, Valley View FWB Church - Loudon Victory FWB Church - Jackson West Greene FWB Church - Greeneville Wooddale FWB Church - Knoxville TOTAL INCOME... $57, DISTRIBUTIONS State Office...$21, Scholarship Fund...2, Minister s Retirement Fund...2, TN Home Missions...4, TN International Missions Family Ministries...6, TN Christian Education...1, TWAC TN Master s Men National Together Way...13, International Fellowship National Convention Fund...1, Appalachian Association Cumberland Association...1, Smoky Mountain Association Union Association West Tennesee Association Church Revitalization Fund TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS... $57, This report includes only gifts sent to the Tennessee state treasurer, Ray Lewis Gifts sent directly to other departments are not reflected in this report. All checks should be made payable to TN State Association of Free Will Baptists and sent to: D. Ray Lewis 4132 Highlander Court Antioch, TN 37013

8 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Nashville, TN Permit No. 380 Tennessee State Association of Free Will Baptists P.O. Box Nashville, TN Know of someone who might enjoy j y readingg Echo Send their name and address to: o: glennposton@comcast.net Dates To Remember Welch Golf Tournament OCTOBER 8 Tennessee State Youth Retreat NOVEMBER 9-11 Tennessee State Association NOVEMBER NAM Offering NOVEMBER 18 Leadership Conference DECEMBER 3-4 TN All-Boards Meeting JANUARY 21-22, 2019 Tennessee Spring Retreat MARCH 11-13, Leadership Conference to Focus on Effective Communication The 2018 Free Will Baptist Leadership Conference will return to Nashville Airport Marriott Hotel December 3-4. Pastors and church leaders across the denomination will explore the theme, Communicating Effectively, from church to print to digital. Speakers include Robert J. Morgan, Eric K. Thomsen, Daniel Edwards, and Neil Gilliland. Communication is changing, many times at a pace impossible to match, notes conference planner Ryan Lewis. As a denomination, our churches, pastors, and laypeople must work together to communicate our message clearly. This year s theme emphasizes key mediums and methods to ensure we are able to communicate our most critical message effectively the message of the gospel. Registration for the conference is $199, and includes all conference materials, four meals, and three refreshment breaks. Hotel reservations can be made at the Nashville Airport Marriott for $145 plus tax. Visit for a schedule and more information.