Florida
It’s a long way from serving 13 years in prison to serving as a Florida Baptist pastor, but a Bible that Kory Gordon found under his bed in prison began the journey, the Florida Baptist Witness reported. For the past two years, Gordon has served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Eastpoint, Florida. He and his wife “are living the transformed life as they minister to the community of Eastpoint,” said Florida Baptist leader Lewis Miller.
Georgia
Starting Dec. 14, Georgia Baptists will be participating in a 12-event bus tour to encourage Christians to vote their biblical values in the state’s Jan. 5 Senate run-off. The effort is being organized by two nonprofit Christian organizations along with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, The Christian Index reported. “There will be no campaigning for any candidates or political parties. It is a time for prayer, encouragement and action,” explained Mike Griffin, public affairs representative for the GBMB.
Louisiana
Louisiana College President Rick Brewer has a heart for students, as well as joy in playing the piano. This Christmas, he combined his two passions and released a Christmas piano album with proceeds going toward funding scholarships at Louisiana College. “Christmas” is available for order at the Louisiana College bookstore and streaming on Apple Music and Spotify.
Mississippi
Mississippi Baptists’ 2021 budget is $28,510,346, a decrease of 8.25% from the state’s 2020 budget of $31,073,945. “At this point we believe our reduction may very well be overstated because our receipts for 2020 have remained on pace in spite of the COVID effect,” Shawn Parker, Mississippi Baptists’ executive director-treasurer, shared with The Alabama Baptist. “We plan to review the 2021 budget toward the end of the second quarter and make any adjustments that might seem appropriate.”
Tennessee
Tennessee Baptists’ executive director and president, Randy Davis, has publicly challenged the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission for stating, in an amicus brief filed by ERLC, that there is a denominational hierarchy in the Southern Baptist Convention, the Baptist and Reflector reported. “I take very seriously the preeminence and autonomy of the local church at the center of our denominational ecosystem,” Davis said, citing language in the SBC constitution. “There is absolutely no denominational hierarchy.” (See ‘ERLC,’ story here.)
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