Orange & Blue

Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: News

Student presenters Bethany Brown and David Haun and President Joe Bill Sloan watch the A Cappella Choir's performance at the Tennessee Baptist Convention

One of Interim President Sloan's expressed desires upon coming into his office was that Carson-Newman would better its relationships with Tennessee Baptists. The College's presentation at the 133rd Annual Session of the Tennessee Baptist Convention took an important step in that direction.

The theme, "Exalting Jesus Through Fellowship," expressed the desire for unity among Tennessee Baptists at the convention held at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center of Kingsport, TN, on Nov. 13-14.

President Sloan's address affirmed that theme. He assured the messengers during Tuesday afternoon's presentation that Carson-Newman's dedication to Christ included the responsibility to deepen student's hearts as well as expand their thinking abilities.

"Please ask (our students) about their Carson-Newman experience," said Sloan. "Ask them what they are learning, how they feel about their faith and how they try to live it out. Ask them if Carson-Newman is worthy of your prayer support and financial backing."

The presentation included performances by the A Cappella choir, testimonials from students concerning their experiences at C-N.and a video featuring the importance of service opportunities for students. The presentation received two standing ovations from the attendees and was, according to Dr. Wade Bibb, Associate Professor of Religion, one of the best presentations of its kind that he's seen in his years at C-N. The student presenters included Josh Carpenter, Kelly Ferguson, Marilee Betz, Garrett Martin, James Mathis, Miriam Addison, Tyler Pace, Bethany Brown and David Haun. .

"Carson-Newman College's presence at the convention was obvious to all who attended," said Dr. Walter Crouch, Director of Church Relations. "Our students did the college proud and made a positive impact on the whole convention on behalf of C-N."

Pleas for unity were also expressed by Dr. James Porch, executive director of the TBC. He preached an altar-calling sermon on the importance of laying aside individual agendas and uniting at the feet of the cross. He stressed making room at "the table" for all kinds of Baptists. Porch used an object lesson of a table set with all kinds of dinner ware that would make all types of people comfortable, such as camp dishes, children's party plates, and chopsticks, among others. His attempt to address the diversity of Tennessee Baptists, along with a choral rendition of "I Surrender All" succeeded in bringing many attendees to the base of the stage in the convention center, on their knees in prayer.

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