There is a leadership reality that doesn’t get enough attention: people don’t burn out primarily from work—they burn out from discouragement. And the flip side is just as true: encouragement is one of the most underutilized, high-impact tools a leader has. Let’s get something straight from the start—no one has ever received too much encouragement. […]
What does it take to lead a dying church back to life? Not skills. Not a turnaround strategy. Not the right demographic or the right part of town. What revitalization actually requires — what it exposes — is character. The long, grinding work of leading a congregation through renewal has a way of surfacing what is really […]
The Nashville Baptist Association exists to help our churches be more faithful and fruitful for the glory of God and the good of our city. That mission requires honesty — with ourselves, with one another, and before God. This article is written not to alarm or shame, but because what is true, though sometimes difficult, […]
Every pastor wants a church where people naturally share Christ—but most congregations run cooler than they should. The Jesus Story Project is a simple but powerful way to change that. By creating space for people to share how they came to know Christ—what their life was like before, how they trusted Him, and what has […]
Revitalization with an Older Congregation It’s still cold here in Middle Tennessee. Some mornings, I turn on the heat just to take the chill out of the air in the house. On other afternoons, I can open the windows and let fresh air roll in. We’ve had flurries one day and short sleeves the next. […]
In October 2025, First Baptist Church of Hermitage, founded in 1940, prayerfully concluded its ministry and generously gifted its building to the Nashville Baptist Association. Out of that legacy has come a new opportunity for gospel advance in our city. The property is now known as the Bullington Ministry Center and is being developed as a […]
Inspired by Jason Soroski It’s that iconic moment in A Charlie Brown Christmas—Linus stands center stage, ready to explain what Christmas is all about. And then he does it. He drops his ever-present security blanket. Right there. At the words, “Fear not” (Luke 2:10). It’s brilliant. It’s simple. And it perfectly captures the message of Christmas: Jesus’ birth […]
Adam Wheaton, pastor of Rosedale Baptist Church, shares his vision for the church and its place in the diverse Nashville community. He explains that the area where Rosedale Baptist is located is a unique blend of “old Nashville, new Nashville, and international Nashville crashing into each other. He emphasizes his passion for church revitalization, seeing […]
A Season of Outreach, Renewal, and Gospel Joy in East Nashville God is stirring something beautiful in the life of Ivy Memorial Baptist Church. Since Pastor Kyle Hill began his ministry on October 1, Ivy has entered a fresh season of renewal, mission, and joyful hospitality. Rooted in Pastor Kyle’s sermon series through the book […]
Across Nashville, many pastors are laboring faithfully in churches that need fresh vision and renewed vitality. The Renewal Cohort, a ministry of the Nashville Baptist Association, exists to serve those pastors. Led by Nik Lingle, the cohort provides a space for pastors who are seeking to renew, revitalize, or replant their churches. Each gathering is […]