From seminaries training pastors and missionaries, to universities fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth, to children’s homes providing Christ-centered care, these institutions stand as living testimonies to the power of cooperative giving. When disaster strikes, this same spirit of cooperation enables Baptist Disaster Relief teams to mobilize quickly, bringing help and hope to communities in crisis.
Through the faithful support of Southern Baptist churches, countless lives have been transformed as students receive affordable theological education, children find loving homes, relief teams serve as the hands and feet of Jesus, and missionaries carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Six Seminaries
Equipping the Called: The Legacy and Future of Southern Baptist Seminaries
For nearly a century, the Cooperative Program (CP) has been the foundation of Southern Baptist missions and education, providing essential financial support to six seminaries that train and equip pastors, missionaries, and church leaders to carry out the Great Commission. Without the faithful giving of Southern Baptist churches through CP, many called to ministry would struggle to afford theological education.
After time at the BCM, a Tennessee collegiate felt called to pastor. With no financial means to attend seminary, Jacob assumed his dream of ministry would remain out of reach. However, because of the Cooperative Program, Jacob was able to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduate debt-free, and now serves as a pastor, shepherding his congregation with biblical truth and gospel-centered leadership. Jacob’s story is just one among thousands made possible through the generosity of Southern Baptists.
The Growth of Theological Training in the SBC
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Southern)
Founded in 1859 in Greenville, South Carolina, and later relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, Southern Seminary was the first theological institution established by Southern Baptists. Despite the hardships of the Civil War, its leaders, including James P. Boyce and John A. Broadus, remained steadfast in their commitment to training ministers. Over the years, Southern has grown into one of the premier theological institutions in the world, producing leaders who uphold biblical inerrancy and gospel proclamation.
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Southwestern)
In the early 20th century, the American Southwest experienced rapid growth, creating an urgent need for trained ministers. Led by the dynamic B.H. Carroll, Southwestern Seminary was established in 1908 in Waco, Texas, before moving to Fort Worth in 1910. Carroll envisioned a seminary that would stand firm against theological error while equipping pastors to lead vibrant, doctrinally sound churches. Today, Southwestern continues its legacy of evangelistic zeal, biblical fidelity, and ministerial preparation.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (New Orleans)
In 1917, Southern Baptists voted to establish a theological institution in the heart of New Orleans, a city rich in cultural diversity and strategic for global missions. Originally named Baptist Bible Institute, it became New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1946. Its mission has remained steadfast: to train ministers in an urban, multicultural context, preparing them for global evangelism and church planting.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Southeastern)
Founded in 1951 on the historic campus of Wake Forest College in North Carolina, Southeastern Seminary was created to train pastors and missionaries with a heart for evangelism and doctrinal integrity. Under the leadership of figures like Paige Patterson and Daniel Akin, the seminary has maintained its commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture and the centrality of the Great Commission.
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Midwestern)
As the newest of the six seminaries, Midwestern was established in 1958 to serve the churches of the Midwest. Over the years, it has become one of the fastest-growing seminaries in North America, focusing on biblical scholarship and practical ministry training. With its motto “For the Church,” Midwestern has dedicated itself to equipping leaders who will shepherd congregations with biblical conviction.
Gateway Seminary (formerly Golden Gate Seminary)
Originally founded as Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in California in 1944, the institution has played a crucial role in training ministers for the western United States and the Pacific Rim. In 2016, the seminary relocated to Ontario, California, and was renamed Gateway Seminary. Its commitment to shaping leaders for gospel ministry remains unwavering, reaching a diverse and expansive mission field.
The Cooperative Program: Investing in the Future of Ministry
These six seminaries exist today because of the faithful generosity of Southern Baptist churches through the Cooperative Program. Since 1925, the Cooperative Program has served as the lifeline of Southern Baptist missions and education, enabling thousands of students to receive high-quality, biblically sound training at a fraction of the cost.
Through CP giving, local churches collectively support these seminaries, ensuring that those called to ministry can pursue their education without the crushing burden of debt. This investment in theological education is not just financial—it is an eternal investment in the pastors, missionaries, and church leaders who will take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Why Your Church Should Continue Supporting the Seminaries
- Training the Next Generation of Pastors and Missionaries – Every dollar given through the Cooperative Program helps train students who will lead churches, preach the gospel, and plant new congregations across the world.
- Maintaining Doctrinal Integrity – Our seminaries uphold and teach the Baptist Faith and Message, ensuring that graduates are equipped with biblical orthodoxy and theological depth.
- Strengthening the Local Church – A strong, well-trained pastoral leadership benefits every Southern Baptist church by providing biblically faithful, mission-driven shepherds.
- Expanding the Reach of the Gospel – From the inner cities to international mission fields, Southern Baptist seminary graduates are engaging the lost and making disciples worldwide.
A Call to Action
The future of the Southern Baptist Convention depends on churches that remain committed to theological education. We must continue to invest in our seminaries, ensuring that they remain strong, biblically faithful, and mission-focused. As your church gives through the Cooperative Program, you are directly contributing to the training of those who will carry forth the gospel for generations to come.
Let us stand together in prayer and financial commitment, equipping the called and advancing the mission of Christ through the work of our seminaries. As we invest in these institutions, we are investing in the future of the church and the spread of the gospel to all nations.
Will your church continue to stand in this vital partnership? The harvest is plentiful, and the laborers are being trained—let us ensure they are equipped and ready to go.
TN Baptist Disaster Relief
Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief: Bringing Hope in Crisis
For decades, Tennessee Baptists have been among the first to respond when disaster strikes—bringing help, hope, and healing in the name of Christ. Whether responding to hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, or wildfires, our volunteers serve as the hands and feet of Jesus, offering practical aid and sharing the love of God with those in desperate need.
A Legacy of Service
Since its inception, Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief (TBDR) has mobilized thousands of volunteers to provide emergency assistance, clean-up, food distribution, chaplaincy, and long-term recovery efforts. From the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to the devastating tornadoes across Tennessee, we have stood in the gap for communities in crisis.
The commitment of Tennessee Baptists is unwavering. Through feeding units, shower and laundry trailers, chainsaw teams, and mud-out crews, we meet immediate needs while pointing people to the ultimate source of hope—Jesus Christ.
Fueled by the Cooperative Program
Our ability to respond swiftly and effectively is made possible through the faithful giving of Tennessee Baptists to the Cooperative Program. This funding ensures that training, equipment, and resources are available before disaster strikes, allowing our teams to be on the ground within hours of a crisis. Every dollar given enables us to share the gospel through tangible acts of love and service.
Recent Impact and Ongoing Mission
In recent years, Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief teams have deployed to assist communities devastated by hurricanes in Florida and Louisiana, flooding in Kentucky and Tennessee, and tornadoes that have ravaged towns across the South. The work continues, and the need is always great.
But this mission is not just about meeting physical needs—it’s about making disciples. In every deployment, Tennessee Baptists have had the opportunity to pray with survivors, lead people to Christ, and connect them with local churches for ongoing spiritual care.
How You Can Be Involved
Disaster relief is a calling for every believer. Whether through prayer, financial support, or direct involvement, every Tennessee Baptist has a role to play. Training events are held throughout the year to equip new volunteers, and donations to Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief ensure that we are always ready to respond.
Together, We Make a Difference
When disaster strikes, Tennessee Baptists show up. We serve. We love. We restore. And through the Cooperative Program, we stand prepared to bring Christ’s hope to those who need it most.
Let’s continue to be the light in the darkest moments. Because when we work together, we make an eternal impact.
TN Baptist Foundation
Stewarding God’s Gifts for Generations: The Tennessee Baptist Foundation
For over 85 years, the Tennessee Baptist Foundation (TBF) has helped Southern Baptist church members like you maximize their Kingdom impact through wise financial stewardship. Established in 1938 by the Tennessee Baptist Convention, the Foundation exists to assist individuals and churches in managing their resources for long-term ministry support.
As a faithful giver through the Cooperative Program, you already play a vital role in supporting missions, church planting, theological education, and disaster relief. But have you considered how your estate, investments, or other assets could continue making an eternal difference?
The Tennessee Baptist Foundation provides biblically sound financial guidance to help church members create a legacy of giving. Through services like:
✅ Estate Planning Assistance – Ensuring your resources support gospel work beyond your lifetime.
✅ Church & Ministry Investments – Helping churches grow and steward their funds wisely.
✅ Endowments & Scholarship Funds – Supporting Christian education and future ministry leaders.
By partnering with TBF, you can extend the reach of your generosity, ensuring that Tennessee Baptist ministries and missions continue proclaiming the gospel for generations to come.
To learn more about how you can leave a lasting legacy, visit TBFoundation.org.
History of Carson-Newman University
The History of Carson-Newman University: A Legacy of Faith and Learning
For over 170 years, Carson-Newman University has stood as a beacon of Christian higher education in East Tennessee. Founded through the dedication of early Tennessee Baptists, the university has played a vital role in shaping generations of students through academic excellence and spiritual formation. As Tennessee Baptists, we take pride in our shared history with Carson-Newman and continue to support its mission through the Cooperative Program.
A Rich History Rooted in Baptist Tradition
Carson-Newman’s story begins in 1851 when a group of devoted East Tennessee Baptists established Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary. Classes were initially held in a local Baptist church near the current East Campus before the first school building was constructed along Mossy Creek. Over the years, the campus expanded westward and now stretches across Jefferson City.
In 1880, the school became Carson College, named for James Harvey Carson, whose generous estate donation provided much-needed funding. A few years later, Newman College was founded as a women’s institution through the support of William Cate Newman. In 1889, these two colleges merged to become one of the first coeducational institutions in the South, an important milestone in Baptist higher education.
Becoming a Tennessee Baptist Institution
Carson-Newman’s official affiliation with the Tennessee Baptist Convention began in 1919, solidifying its place within the Baptist educational tradition. The institution’s reputation grew as it earned accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1927 and became a member of the Association of American Colleges in 1928.
During World War II, the university demonstrated its commitment to service by participating in the V-12 Navy College Training Program, preparing students for military leadership. Throughout the decades, Carson-Newman has maintained its focus on providing students with an education grounded in Christian values and academic rigor.
The Cooperative Program: A Lifeline for Christian Education
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program, it is important to recognize the impact it has had on institutions like Carson-Newman. The Cooperative Program has provided essential financial support, allowing the university to continue offering Christ-centered education while keeping tuition accessible for students from all backgrounds. Tennessee Baptists’ faithful giving has helped ensure that Carson-Newman remains a stronghold of Christian higher education in the region.
A Continuing Mission of Transformation
Under the leadership of its 23rd president, Dr. Charles A. Fowler, Carson-Newman continues to thrive, growing in academic offerings and campus facilities. The establishment of the Allen and Phyllis Morgan East Campus, featuring a revitalized Mossy Creek and a new amphitheater, exemplifies the university’s commitment to both environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Today, Carson-Newman University remains dedicated to its mission of preparing students to serve Christ through academic excellence, leadership, and ministry. As Tennessee Baptists, we stand alongside this historic institution, ensuring that it continues to equip future generations for service in churches, communities, and beyond. Through our ongoing support and the faithfulness of the Cooperative Program, we can celebrate and sustain Carson-Newman’s legacy for years to come.
History of TN Baptist Children’s Homes
The History of Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes: A Legacy of Love and Care
Since 1891, the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes (TBCH) has provided Christ-centered care for children and families in need. Founded as the Tennessee Baptist Orphans’ Home, this ministry has grown to serve children across the state through residential care, foster care, and family support services. As Tennessee Baptists, we take pride in supporting TBCH through the Cooperative Program, which remains a vital source of funding for this life-changing work.
A Mission Rooted in Faith
The story of TBCH began when Mrs. Georgia Eastman and a group of women from Nashville’s First Baptist Church recognized the need for a Baptist orphanage in Tennessee. In 1891, they established the Tennessee Baptist Orphans’ Home, first located in the Delaware Hotel in West Nashville. By 1911, the ministry relocated to its permanent home in Brentwood, thanks to a generous land donation from Major C.T. Cheek.
For many years, the Brentwood campus was the sole location for TBCH. However, the growing need for Christ-centered care led to expansion. In 1950, a second campus opened in Memphis (Millington), followed by another in Chattanooga in 1954. Recognizing that many children were coming from homes in crisis rather than orphaned situations, the board decided in 1953 to change the organization’s name to Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes, reflecting its broader mission.
Faith-Based Care Without Government Funding
Unlike many similar organizations, TBCH does not accept government funding, allowing it to uphold its Christian values in every aspect of its work. Instead, it relies on the generosity of Tennessee Baptists and churches, as well as charitable donations from individuals, foundations, businesses, and estate gifts. The Cooperative Program plays a crucial role in ensuring that TBCH can continue to provide high-quality, gospel-driven care for children in need.
A Statewide Ministry of Hope
Today, TBCH operates residential campuses in three key regions of Tennessee:
- Brentwood – The main campus and administrative home office.
- Chattanooga – Providing safe, family-style homes for children.
- Millington – Home to The Ranch at Millington, which combines residential care with a working ranch environment.
In addition to these campuses, TBCH has foster care offices in Jackson and Knoxville, as well as a network of approved foster care homes across Tennessee. Through the George Shinn Foster Care Program, TBCH partners with Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services to provide trained and supported Christian foster families for children in state custody.
A Ministry of Transformation
TBCH’s residential care program offers a loving, structured home environment for children who cannot remain with their families. Each child lives in a family-style cottage with up to eight other children and is cared for by Christian houseparents who provide daily support, encouragement, and biblical guidance. These homes are designed to give children a stable foundation in faith and family, offering hope in the midst of crisis.
Additionally, TBCH’s family care ministry works with churches and local organizations to equip families with resources and support to strengthen their homes. Whether through direct care or preventative support, TBCH remains committed to the call of James 1:27—to care for orphans and vulnerable children in their distress.
Continuing the Mission Through the Cooperative Program
The Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes has stood as a testimony to God’s provision and the generosity of Tennessee Baptists for over 130 years. The Cooperative Program ensures that this legacy continues, providing critical funding to sustain and expand TBCH’s ministry.
As Tennessee Baptists, we have a shared responsibility to support and pray for this vital work. Every child who finds refuge, every foster family equipped, and every life transformed through TBCH is a direct result of faithful giving and commitment to Christ’s call to love and care for the most vulnerable among us.
IMB & TN Baptists
The IMB and Tennessee Baptists: A Legacy of Gospel Mission
Since its founding, the International Mission Board (IMB) has remained steadfast in one mission—bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost peoples of the world. At the first Southern Baptist Convention in 1845, the Foreign Mission Board (FMB) was established as part of “one sacred effort, for the propagation of the gospel.” From the beginning, Southern Baptists recognized the power of working together to accomplish more for God’s kingdom, a belief that still unites us today.
Tennessee Baptists have long been at the forefront of this mission, sending and supporting missionaries who take the good news to the nations. The first mission field of the FMB was China, and in the decades that followed, Southern Baptists expanded into Africa and beyond. However, financial struggles, especially during the Civil War and the Great Depression, slowed the work. It wasn’t until after World War II that missionary efforts began to grow significantly.
A key turning point came in 1925 with the creation of the Cooperative Program. This funding mechanism became the lifeline of Southern Baptist missions, allowing churches—large and small—to pool resources and send missionaries to the ends of the earth. By 1955, thanks to the support of faithful churches, including many in Tennessee, the number of Southern Baptist missionaries exceeded 1,000. In the 1960s, new mission opportunities arose through programs like Missionary Associates and Journeyman, expanding the ways individuals could serve.
Today, the IMB focuses not just on countries but on people groups, aiming to plant churches and make disciples where the gospel has never been heard. Advances in technology and global access have opened doors once considered closed. The Cooperative Program continues to “make it happen,” enabling Tennessee Baptists to take part in the Great Commission alongside believers across the SBC.
In just one year, IMB missionaries saw 77,605 people come to faith in Christ and helped start 13,898 new churches. Each year, the number of unreached people groups hearing the gospel continues to grow, fueled by the generosity and commitment of churches like those in Tennessee.
The world is changing, and IMB’s strategies adapt accordingly, but one thing remains constant: Southern Baptists are united in God’s redemptive mission. Tennessee Baptists, through giving, praying, and going, continue to play a vital role in reaching the nations for Christ. Together, we advance the gospel, knowing that with God, the possibilities for missions are truly limitless.
NAMB & TN Baptists
The History of NAMB: Tennessee Baptists and the Call to Missions
For nearly two centuries, Southern Baptists have been committed to sharing the gospel and expanding the reach of the Church across North America. The North American Mission Board (NAMB) is the fruit of that vision, standing on a legacy of faithfulness and innovation in evangelism, church planting, and compassion ministry. As Tennessee Baptists, we are privileged to be part of this great mission, using our strength as a solidly Southern Baptist state to assist areas where SBC presence is limited.
A Legacy of Missionary Effort
NAMB’s roots trace back to 1845 when the newly formed Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) established the Board of Domestic Missions in Marion, Alabama. In 1874, it became the Home Mission Board (HMB), which later moved to Atlanta in 1882. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Southern Baptists responded to various challenges, from the Great Depression’s financial struggles to the expansion of radio and television ministries.
Tennessee has played an important role in SBC missions history. The Brotherhood Commission, which had its offices in Memphis, was instrumental in mobilizing laymen for mission efforts and later coordinated disaster relief alongside state Baptist conventions. Today, that legacy continues as Tennessee Baptists actively support and participate in NAMB’s mission.
The Cooperative Program: 100 Years of Faithful Support
A turning point in Southern Baptist missions came in 1925 with the establishment of the Cooperative Program, ensuring that resources would be pooled effectively to support mission work at home and abroad. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program, we recognize how this model has strengthened efforts like NAMB and allowed Southern Baptists to respond quickly to spiritual and physical needs.
Tennessee Baptists have long been strong contributors to the Cooperative Program, allowing us to be mission senders to areas where Southern Baptists are scarce. Our churches’ faithfulness in giving has helped plant churches in unreached regions, send missionaries into difficult fields, and support compassion ministries through Send Relief.
Strengthening SBC Work Nationwide
Because Tennessee is home to a vibrant and active SBC community, we have the unique ability to assist states where the SBC’s presence is smaller. Through NAMB’s Send Network, we are actively involved in church planting efforts in major cities and rural areas across the continent. Likewise, through Send Relief, Tennessee Baptists are on the front lines of disaster response, hunger relief, and other compassion ministries that open doors for the gospel.
The 2015 Send Conference in Nashville, which gathered 13,000 Southern Baptists, was a powerful reminder of our call to live on mission. Today, Tennessee Baptists continue to answer that call, equipping leaders, planting churches, and sharing the gospel in communities that desperately need it.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on the history of NAMB and the legacy of Southern Baptist missions, we remain committed to the task ahead. Our strength as a state convention enables us to be a sending force for the Kingdom, ensuring that every person in North America has the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel.
The Cooperative Program’s century of faithfulness, coupled with the ongoing efforts of NAMB, reminds us that God is still at work, calling us to go, give, and pray. May we continue to stand firm in our mission, trusting that the Lord will use Tennessee Baptists to make an eternal impact in North America and beyond.
The History of NAMB: Tennessee Baptists and the Call to Missions
For nearly two centuries, Southern Baptists have been committed to sharing the gospel and expanding the reach of the Church across North America. The North American Mission Board (NAMB) is the fruit of that vision, standing on a legacy of faithfulness and innovation in evangelism, church planting, and compassion ministry. As Tennessee Baptists, we are privileged to be part of this great mission, using our strength as a solidly Southern Baptist state to assist areas where SBC presence is limited.
A Legacy of Missionary Effort
NAMB’s roots trace back to 1845 when the newly formed Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) established the Board of Domestic Missions in Marion, Alabama. In 1874, it became the Home Mission Board (HMB), which later moved to Atlanta in 1882. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Southern Baptists responded to various challenges, from the Great Depression’s financial struggles to the expansion of radio and television ministries.
Tennessee has played an important role in SBC missions history. The Brotherhood Commission, which had its offices in Memphis, was instrumental in mobilizing laymen for mission efforts and later coordinated disaster relief alongside state Baptist conventions. Today, that legacy continues as Tennessee Baptists actively support and participate in NAMB’s mission.
The Cooperative Program: 100 Years of Faithful Support
A turning point in Southern Baptist missions came in 1925 with the establishment of the Cooperative Program, ensuring that resources would be pooled effectively to support mission work at home and abroad. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program, we recognize how this model has strengthened efforts like NAMB and allowed Southern Baptists to respond quickly to spiritual and physical needs.
Tennessee Baptists have long been strong contributors to the Cooperative Program, allowing us to be mission senders to areas where Southern Baptists are scarce. Our churches’ faithfulness in giving has helped plant churches in unreached regions, send missionaries into difficult fields, and support compassion ministries through Send Relief.
Strengthening SBC Work Nationwide
Because Tennessee is home to a vibrant and active SBC community, we have the unique ability to assist states where the SBC’s presence is smaller. Through NAMB’s Send Network, we are actively involved in church planting efforts in major cities and rural areas across the continent. Likewise, through Send Relief, Tennessee Baptists are on the front lines of disaster response, hunger relief, and other compassion ministries that open doors for the gospel.
The 2015 Send Conference in Nashville, which gathered 13,000 Southern Baptists, was a powerful reminder of our call to live on mission. Today, Tennessee Baptists continue to answer that call, equipping leaders, planting churches, and sharing the gospel in communities that desperately need it.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on the history of NAMB and the legacy of Southern Baptist missions, we remain committed to the task ahead. Our strength as a state convention enables us to be a sending force for the Kingdom, ensuring that every person in North America has the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel.
The Cooperative Program’s century of faithfulness, coupled with the ongoing efforts of NAMB, reminds us that God is still at work, calling us to go, give, and pray. May we continue to stand firm in our mission, trusting that the Lord will use Tennessee Baptists to make an eternal impact in North America and beyond.
Union University
Union University: A Legacy of Baptist Higher Education
Union University traces its roots to the mid-19th century, when West Tennessee College was chartered and later offered to Tennessee Baptists in 1874 to establish a regional Baptist university. Around the same time, Tennessee Baptists had already founded Union University in Murfreesboro in 1848. However, financial struggles and the Civil War led to its closure in 1873.
Seeking to unify Baptist education across Tennessee’s three Grand Divisions, Baptist leaders accepted the Jackson site for a new institution. In 1875, it was chartered as Southwestern Baptist University, later renamed Union University in 1907 to honor the legacy of its Murfreesboro predecessor. In 1927, Union absorbed Hall-Moody Junior College, further solidifying its role as Tennessee Baptists’ premier higher education institution.
Union faced challenges, including a major campus fire in 1912, but grew steadily. Accreditation was secured in 1948, and new programs—like the nursing program in 1962—strengthened its academic mission. By 1975, Union moved to its current north Jackson campus, expanding under the leadership of Presidents Robert Craig and Hyran Barefoot.
The presidency of David S. Dockery (1995-2014) brought unprecedented growth in enrollment, academic offerings, and national recognition. His vision for faith-integrated education led to new doctoral programs and enhanced faculty development. Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver (2014-present) continues to lead Union with a Christ-centered focus, strengthening its mission and strategic vision.
As a Tennessee Baptist Convention-affiliated institution, Union University remains deeply committed to academic excellence and Christian faithfulness, sustained by the generous support of Tennessee Baptists through the Cooperative Program.