Clay Hallmark, past president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and past chair of the TBMB recently released his second book, “The Leader is the Lesson: The Virtues of Spiritual Leadership.” The book deals with how who a leader is and what a leader does are more important than what a leader says. “True leadership is not about building a platform or a brand — it is about becoming the person God uses to shape others,” said Hallmark. This book is available at Amazon and at www.clayhallmark.com.
First Baptist Church of Lexington recently ordained Micah Milam into the gospel ministry. Pictured, left to right, is pastor Clay Hallmark, Micah Milam, and wife Caroline Milam.
Pastor Stan Anderson of Liberty Baptist, Bristol, retired Dec. 31, 2025, after serving over 27 years and a total of 42 years in pastoral ministry. Anderson is a graduate of Mid-America Seminary (MDiv; DMin) and he previously served as pastor of Westside Baptist, Halls (1986-1998). He is writing a book on God’s attributes with a projected publishing date in late spring. He plans to continue other writing projects and will be available for supply preaching and teaching opportunities. His son-in-law, Josh Bowman, began as the new pastor-teacher at Liberty on Jan. 1, 2026, after serving the church as student pastor for several years and assistant pastor since February 2025.
“For The Love of God Galentine’s Tea,” which was hosted by Pond Grove Baptist Church, Rockwood, Feb. 14 was “beautiful,” according to attendees. The small group of ladies that meet at Pond Grove each month provided a few hours full of laughter, fellowship, love, honesty, and even tears and served as a reminder that we aren’t carrying our loads alone because of God’s love.
