- Journal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention since 1877 February 12, 2026

Michael Ball to retire after decades of BSU leadership

Daniel Herndon (from left), June Scoggins, Ashley Taylor, Michael Ball, and Michael Gilpin celebrate MSU BSU Homecoming 2025 at the MSU BSU Center in Starkville.

Michael Ball to retire after decades of BSU leadership

February 12, 2026

By Sam Ivy After nearly four decades of faithful service, Michael Ball, director of the Mississippi State University (MSU) Baptist Student Union (BSU) for the…

Legislators gather for CAC’s 23rd annual Prayer Breakfast, hear powerful message on caring for orphans

Sean Milner, Executive Director of the Baptist Children’s Village and Family Ministries, speaks during the Christian Action Commission's 23rd annual Legislative Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 4. (Photo credit: Bart Lambright)

Legislators gather for CAC’s 23rd annual Prayer Breakfast, hear powerful message on caring for orphans

February 11, 2026

MAGNOLIA MINDS: How to deal with difficult group leaders

MAGNOLIA MINDS: How to deal with difficult group leaders

February 11, 2026

Explore the Bible: February 15

Explore the Bible: February 15

February 11, 2026

Bible Studies for Life: February 15

Bible Studies for Life: February 15

February 11, 2026

Truett McConnell trustees elect
Larry Lyon as next president
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (Christian Index) — The Truett McConnell University Board of Trustees on Feb. 2 unanimously elected Larry Lyon as the university’s ninth president during a special-called meeting at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board administration building in Alpharetta. Lyon, who currently serves as senior vice president for business administration at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS), succeeds Interim President John Yarbrough, who has led the university since June 2025. Lyon said he did not initially seek the presidency but felt led to pursue the role after prayerful consideration. He expressed optimism about the university’s future and its role in serving Georgia Baptist churches. “Truett McConnell is positioned to play a vital part in the work of Georgia Baptists,” Lyon said. “This is a place where students can receive both spiritual formation and vocational training so they can thrive for the kingdom, no matter where God leads them.”