Five Objectives Summary

In 2014, Tennessee Baptists came together to approve and affirm the Five Objectives, a strategic plan designed to guide our efforts in reaching Tennessee over a 10-year period (2014–2024). These objectives set ambitious goals—targets that, in some cases, represented unprecedented milestones. However, they were intentionally established to challenge us and provide a clear direction for our mission.

Objective Number 1 was to see at least 50,000 Tennesseans annually saved, baptized, and set on the road to discipleship. So, how did we fare? Over the 10-year period, we baptized more than 180,000 people, averaging over 18,000 baptisms annually. While we didn’t reach the original goal, we are deeply grateful and rejoice for every one of the lives that have been impacted.

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Objective Number 2 was to see at least 500 Tennessee Baptist churches revitalized. Over the past decade, we exceeded this goal, with more than 500 churches either revitalized or actively undergoing the process! Today, we’re witnessing a shift, as more churches are reaching out for help, encouragement, and guidance in their revitalization journey. This growing openness is enabling them to make a greater impact for the Kingdom of God.

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Objective Number 3 was to plant and strategically engage at least 1,000 new churches over a 10-year period. While we didn’t quite reach that goal, we surpassed 500 churches planted or engaged through the Tennessee Baptist Convention—a record achievement for Tennessee Baptists within a decade. This remarkable progress reflects God’s faithfulness and the strong emphasis placed on church planting during this time.

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Objective Number 4 was to increase annual local church giving through the Cooperative Program by at least 10%. Through this giving, Tennessee Baptists have supported global missions, seminaries, evangelism, church growth, revitalization, planting, and collegiate ministries, spreading the Gospel and preparing others to serve Christ.

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Objective Number 5 aimed to increase annual giving for the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions to at least $3 million. This year marked another record in giving, reflecting Tennessee Baptists’ commitment to advancing God’s Kingdom. Through their generosity, evangelism, church planting, revitalization, collegiate ministries, disaster relief, and compassion efforts like feeding the hungry and giving Christmas backpacks to children have made a profound statewide impact.

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