The Baptist Record - Journal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention since 1877 August 26, 2026

Press "Enter" to skip to content

Blackwell commits to ‘come alongside’ church leaders as Lifeway’s new president

At his installation as Lifeway’s 11th president, Ryan Blackwell thanked his parents and held up the first Bible they gave him. He said he was excited to lead the organization because he was a product of what he’s been entrusted to lead, individuals participating in and resources designed for discipleship. (Photo credit: Bailey Watley)

Blackwell commits to ‘come alongside’ church leaders as Lifeway’s new president

August 26, 2026

By Aaron Earls BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Surrounded by friends and family, Ryan Blackwell was installed as the 11th president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources…

‘The Ripp’ podcast aims to create ripples in collegiate ministry

Bradon Epting and Collin Breedlove join "The Ripp" podcast for Episode #2: "When life feels unstable or overwhelming, what do you turn to?" (Photo credit: Hope Joy Owens)

‘The Ripp’ podcast aims to create ripples in collegiate ministry

August 25, 2026

Explore the Bible: August 30

Explore the Bible: August 30

August 25, 2026

Church of fully bivocational staff goes from 60 to 900 members in just 12 years

(Photo credit: Green Valley Baptist Church)

Church of fully bivocational staff goes from 60 to 900 members in just 12 years

August 24, 2026

BMCU recognizes Meeks for a lifetime of faithful ministry and academic excellence

Dr. Ronald Meeks provides months’ worth of sermonic approaches to preaching and teaching Jeremiah to the participants of the 2026 Preaching Conference on April 14 at Garaywa Camp and Conference Center in Clinton. (Photo credit: Bart Lambright)

BMCU recognizes Meeks for a lifetime of faithful ministry and academic excellence

August 22, 2026

Final claim dismissed
in Johnny Hunt lawsuit
NASHVILLE (BP) — A U.S. district court has once again sided with the Southern Baptist Convention and other defendants in a suit brought by former SBC President Johnny Hunt. Chief District Judge William L. Campbell Jr., of the Middle District of Tennessee issued today (August 12) a final summary judgment on the only remaining claim in the case. Hunt filed the suit against the SBC, its Executive Committee and Guidepost Solutions in March 2023, claiming defamation after he was named in a 2022 report from Guidepost that was based on an investigation into alleged mishandling of sexual abuse claims by the SBC EC. Campbell had dismissed all other claims in the suit on March 31, 2025. The lone remaining claim regarded a 2022 tweet by then-SBC President Bart Barber that mentioned Hunt, who considered the post defamatory. The court’s determination today hinged on whether Hunt was a public figure and whether the tweet was made with actual malice. Campbell decided Hunt was a public figure “during the relevant time” and that there was no evidence of malice.