Fire in the Night: Pastor Yves's Story

Yves's broad smile is instantly welcoming. His joy is infectious as he begins to tell me his story in passable English, tinged with a heavy Creole accent. Yves is the pastor of our only Haitian church, Église Baptiste Nouvelle Jérusalem. Their congregation joined our association this past spring. Previously, they met at Crievewood Baptist but now gather at Community Bible Church in South Nashville.

 Yves grew up in Milot, Haiti, a village near Cap-Haïtien in the north of the island. His family was devoutly Christian, but he fell away from the faith when he was around thirteen or fourteen years old. By divine providence, his older sister was registered for a Christian youth conference but was unable to attend. Yves decided to go in her place, and this became a life-changing event for him; he returned to Christ and felt called to ministry.

 He later attended a seminary in Port-au-Prince, the capital, but transferred to a school in Limbé to be closer to home. There, he studied Greek and Hebrew as part of his pastoral training. After graduation, Yves pastored four different churches across Haiti.

 In September 2010, while pastoring a church and serving as the principal of a school, Yves faced a grave challenge. His assistant principal, apparently envious of Yves's position, became unhinged and took drastic action. In October of that year, the assistant paid a mob to set fire to Yves's home while his son was inside. That night, Yves received a text informing him that his son had been kidnapped.

 Yves's church, with around 500 members, assembled that night to pray desperately for the boy’s release. In a remarkable turn of events reminiscent of Paul and Silas’s miraculous release from prison in Acts 16, Yves’s son was freed in the middle of the night after being held for just one day. He wandered the streets until he stumbled upon a radio station, where, inexplicably, he found a school friend who helped him return home safely.

 Despite this ordeal, the assistant was never arrested, and Yves felt compelled to flee to the United States. He initially found work as a security guard and later became a math teacher, eventually bringing his wife and children over a few years later.

 In 2019, Yves was called to be the pastor of the First Haitian Baptist Church of Nashville, now renamed Église Baptiste Nouvelle Jérusalem. He faithfully serves his congregation of Haitian Americans who have relocated to Nashville.

 Ways to Pray:
-Pray for Haiti and its new government, as parts of the country are plagued by gang violence.
-Ask the Lord if your church might partner with this Haitian congregation.
-Pray that Église Baptiste Nouvelle Jérusalem continues to grow in faith and numbers.
-Pray that Pastor Yves and the church serve as a witness to the Haitian community for God.

Brett Boesch
Connections Strategist
bboesch@nashvillebaptists.com

Why the ACP Matters

Every fall, churches are asked to submit an Annual Church Profile (ACP) report. This report gathers key data—such as worship attendance, missions involvement, and baptisms—that helps tell the story of the church’s ministry over the past year. Although filling out surveys can feel like a low priority amidst daily ministry tasks, here are three reasons why completing the ACP is well worth the effort:

1. The ACP Provides a Year-in-Review
The ACP offers a chance to step back and reflect on all that has happened over the past twelve months. Taking a moment to evaluate the year helps recognize where God has been at work—insights that can be easily missed while focusing on day-to-day activities.

2. The ACP Reveals Long-Term Trends

Tracking data from year to year allows churches to identify trends that can guide future planning. While a single year of lower attendance may not be a major concern, multiple years of decline could signal a need for change. Early awareness makes it easier to address challenges before they become more difficult to manage.

On the flip side, positive trends—like increasing Vacation Bible School enrollment over several years—can highlight where outreach efforts are bearing fruit. Without tracking these numbers, it’s easy to miss opportunities for strategic investment or adjustments.

3. The ACP Affects Representation at Associational Meetings

Your church’s participation in the ACP also impacts your role in the Association. Each church affiliated with the NBA is entitled to send at least five voting representatives to business meetings. However, additional messengers can be seated based on the worship attendance reported in the previous year’s ACP.

These messengers play a critical role in key decisions, such as approving budgets, electing leaders, and welcoming new churches into the association. While budget discussions may seem routine, the funds allocated support important initiatives like church revitalization, pastoral mentorship, and leadership training. Your church’s involvement ensures that these efforts reflect the collective needs and priorities of the whole association.

The ACP is more than just a form to fill out—it’s a tool that provides valuable insights, helps track progress, and ensures your church’s voice is heard in the association. Taking time to complete the report is an investment in your church’s future and its partnership with others in ministry.


Hurricane Helene: How can your church help?

From the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board Disaster Relief:

EMERGENCY DONATIONS FOR DISASTER RESPONSE

Many individuals and churches have called and asked what they can do to assist with the needs in times of need like we are now experiencing. Below are my suggestions for those who would like to help.

Cash and gift cards are the best way to help. Donate monetary contributions at http://tndisasterrelief.org/contributions/ or mail to TN Baptist Convention
Bank Lockbox Service, PO Box 306339, Nashville, TN 37230-6339 earmarked for the specific disaster. Donations policy can be found on the www.tndisasterrelief.org page. 

Gift cards can be sent to the Missions Mobilization Center, 6434 John Hagar Rd., Mount Juliet, TN 37122. These are much easier to use to meet specific needs of a family.

However, we know that some want to help in a tangible way therefore, the following is a list of goods that will be accepted (locations to be TBD) for transport to the affected areas. There are two lists attached. Many times in the immediate aftermath of an event, towns are flooded with immediate response items. I encourage you to look not just in the short term, but also the long term and the needs that arise when people are trying to set themselves up in new housing accommodations. Please consider long term needs and not just immediate needs. Please note we are NOT accepting any used clothing. We will however accept new clothing with labels attached and in original packaging.

Any questions should be directed to the MMC at (615) 371-7926 or (615) 371-7927 or email us at wjones@tnbaptist.org or eholmes@tnbaptist.org 



DISASTER LONGTERM RECOVERY DONATIONS

At the beginning of a disaster many people, churches, and organizations flock to meet the immediate need of those who have experienced a disaster. Often towns are overrun with donations and must spend time and manpower finding places to put everything and them find people to manage the flow of goods. I would like for us to think a little longer term. Think about what people would need to go back in and set up a house. Think about when you moved into your first home or got married, what were the things that you needed to fill out your home? That said, I want to suggest the following types of new items for you to consider:

Bath Essentials

  • Bath Towel, Hand Towel and Washcloth sets.

  • Bathmat sets

Bedroom Essentials

  • Sheet sets

    • King

    • Queen

    • Double

    • Single

  • Blankets

  • Comforter Sets

  • Wall clocks

Clothing - No Used Clothing

  • New Underwear and bras- All sizes in original package.

  • New Socks in all sizes

  • New shoes, sneakers, slippers, and sandals

  • New Adult clothing

  • New Baby clothing

  • New Children’s Clothing

Misc.

  • Gift cards

We will not accept used clothing.

Kitchen Set-up kits

  • Pots and Pan set

  • Skillet

  • Silverware set 4 or 8 place settings

  • Dishes set 4 or 8 place settings

  • Drinking Cups

  • Coffee cups

  • Knives

  • Potato peeler

  • Pizza cutter

  • Spatulas

  • Serving spoons/utensils

  • Dish Towels

  • Dish Cloths

  • Potholders/glove

  • Small hand mixer

  • Mixing bowls

  • Serving bowls

  • Pyrex dishes

  • Storage dishes for Refrigerator

  • Coffee maker???

  • Cookie sheets

  • Pizza sheet

  • Can opener


EMERGENCY IMMERDIATE AFTERMATH DONATIONS OF GOODS

“Immediate Aftermath” items are usually needed in the weeks to a Month after a storm, after that please focus on the “Long Term” needs as people try and set up their homes again.

Personal Care Items

  • Laundry detergent, fabric softener

  • Dryer sheets

  • Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap

  • Deodorant, anti-perspirant

  • Toothpaste, toothbrushes

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Baby wipes

  • Diapers

  • Adult diapers

  • Suntan Lotion SPF 30 or higher

  • New hairbrushes

Perishable Items

  • Baby formula/baby – Must be within date

  • Gatorade/Powerade

  • Individually wrapped snack foods with long-shelf life (no expired food)

  • Food with long shelf life (no expired food)

Clothing

  • Clothing - No Used Clothing

  • New Underwear and bras- All sizes in original package.

  • New Socks in all sizes

  • New shoes, sneakers, and sandals

  • New Adult clothing

  • New Baby clothing

  • New Children’s Clothing

Misc.

  • Gift cards

Immediate Aftermath

Clean up Supplies

  • Box knives

  • Hammers

  • Flat pry bars

  • Flat shovels

  • Tyvek suits

  • Wheelbarrows

  • Rubber gloves

  • Floor squeegees

  • Wheelbarrows

  • Large heavy-duty garbage bags

  • Hoses

  • Mosquito repellent

  • Cleaning supplies

  • Mops, brooms, buckets, squeegees

  • Scoop shovels, rakes

  • Safety glasses

  • Leather gloves

  • Long rubber gloves

  • Mechanic type gloves

  • Box knives

  • Small scrub brushes

  • Box fans

  • Scoop shovels

  • Push brooms

Paper Products

  • Toilet paper

  • Paper towels

All perishable items must be within the date and not expired. 

We will not accept used clothing.

Gospel Advance: Annual Meeting 2024 Recap

We had a wonderful gathering at the 2024 Nashville Baptist Association Annual meeting. The energy and enthusiasm in the room for our cooperative mission was evident. As we begin our ministry and financial year we are looking forward to continued connection with churches, partnership in ministry and mission and most importantly, Gospel Advance.

We heard a challenging message from Dr. Jeff Iorg, President of the SBC Executive Committee, recognized several special guests and celebrated the corporate giving of our Association Churches to the Golden Offering of the Tennessee Baptist Convention.  

I shared with those gathered there that we will continue to emphasize Gospel Advance through our key priority areas: Church Renewal, Church Planting, Leader Vitality and Missional Engagement. 

We are launching a Zone Initiative, emphasizing Pastor Cohorts and strengthening our supporting ministries for Pastors, Staff and Lay Leaders. 

I’m grateful for you and your church and want you to know that you are part of a network of 150 plus churches, advancing the Gospel here in greater Nashville, Middle Tennessee and the World.


Partners together,

Bob Bickford
Executive Director
Nashville Baptist Association

Barrier: Burnout and Doubt

Wise older pastors will often say that ministry is more like running a marathon than running a sprint. This good advice is meant to be a warning not to run too fast, too far for too long--do so and you run the risk of exhaustion and ultimately burnout.  

Every long distance runner has experienced “hitting the wall” more than once in the races they have run. The physical symptoms of fatigue from sustained exertion and the mental battle that ensues might just cause an inexperienced runner to drop out, most certainly, they will feel great pain and battle negative thoughts that scream to them that it is time to stop running.

Replant Pastors hit walls too.

  • Dips in attendance and giving

  • Death of beloved church members

  • Hard work with few breaks and no vacations

  • Criticisms about their preaching, leadership and pastoral care

  • Financial challenges 

  • Family conflict or trouble

  • Departing church members with whom they were close

  • Conflict among the church leaders

All of these can bring a pastor to the wall.

When a Pastor hits the wall the battle is more than just physical, emotional and relational, it is spiritual. Runners will tell you that when they hit the wall their mind begins to speak to them, even shout to them that it’s time to stop, that if they keep going they will collapse or even die. 

A pastor’s mind may shout at him too, actually, it’s often Satan, the enemy, whispering accusations and planting seeds of doubt into the mind of a weary servant who is on the verge of exhaustion, and considering quitting.

  • “You’re not competent to lead”

  • “You’re a failure”

  • “The people don’t want to follow you.”

  • “You can’t go on, you should just quit.”

Some Pastors believe thoughts like those listed above are just the truth and the fruit of their own self examination. There’s no doubt that every pastor would benefit from careful and critical self examination of his leadership and life--the difference between healthy critique of self and the clear attack of the enemy is the certainty and finality of the statements above.

Pastor, the enemy will attack you with “you are statements”  with what seems like truth and authority. He does so because he wants you to believe what he says is true. He will disguise it and even cloak it and mingle it with legitimate critiques you receive from others.  

How do you push back on these sorts of attacks?

Delay critical examination till Tuesday: in most cases the negative residual of Sunday’s service and ministries will linger thru Monday. If you make a practice of evaluating everything on Monday you’re likely not going to be able to process things clearly. The Monday morning “preacher’s hangover” is a real deal.

Worship and rest: Sundays are workdays for pastors. Facilitating worship for the congregation and preaching are exhausting. At times it is possible that as a pastor we fail to enter into worship ourselves. We can be thinking of how we are going to transition into the next service element, we may get distracted by the need to speak to someone in the congregation, we grow concerned if no one is greeting worship guests and we’re thinking of how we need to offer coaching to staff or volunteers.  Pastor, find a day to engage in personal worship and rest to ensure that we don’t simply become vocational dispensers of religious services with no sincere devotion ourselves.

Measure every mental message by God’s word: Paul encourages us to take every thought captive, he is telling us that we must evaluate the thoughts that occur in our minds, not simply accept them or allow them to occupy mental real estate.  Much of what we think, especially when it is negative is not of God. Some of what we hear may be the conviction of the Holy Spirit-when that occurs it is specific, clear and addresses something you did, thought, said etc. Confess sin, repent and move forward but don’t be trapped by the generalized attacks of the enemy.

Work with your hands: Pastoring is primarily mental work. Preparing sermons, discipling and counseling, leading and planning are all mental and all exhausting. Take time to work out at the gym, in your yard, around the house. Work to the point of exhaustion--this will allow your mind a chance to rest while you are working out your body.

Pursue good physical health: a moment of truth and honesty--pastors, most of us are out of shape. We fail to exercise, we eat in an unhealthy ways, and we often fail to get adequate sleep. These contribute to mental dullness or fog and emotional swings that can take us low. Ministry lags because we’re just not up to it physically. If you’re looking for help, check out pastorfit which is specifically dedicated to helping pastors get in shape. 

The Apostle Paul often compared the Christian life to running in a race he says: 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  2 Timothy 4:7

Ministry is a battle, as pastors we must learn how to fight in order that we may keep running the race and finish it for the glory of Christ.



Bob Bickford
Executive Director
bbickford@nashvillebaptists.com

Here I Am: Pastor Samuel's Story

One day Eli, whose eyesight was failing, was lying in his usual place. Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was located. Then the Lord called Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.” He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me … Once again, for the third time, the Lord called Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; you called me.” – 1 Samuel 3:2-5,8 (CSB)

I have met with Samuel several times, but today we met at an Asian restaurant in East Nashville so he could tell me his story. Samuel Thawng is the pastor at Chin Bethel Christian Church, one of Nashville Baptist Association’s newest members. While waiting for our order, he conveyed his story in proficient and deliberate English. We stopped briefly to down a bowl of Sichuan Dan Dan, then I returned to recording his account.

Samuel grew up in Burma to a religious Roman Catholic family. Burma, officially renamed Myanmar in 1989, is the largest country in Southeast Asia. Myanmar has over 100 people groups and languages, and Samuel is from the Falam Chin tribe. His grandparents raised him after his father died when he was one year old.

Although his grandparents were practicing Roman Catholics, Samuel claimed to have never heard the gospel in his youth. A childhood friend of Samuel’s had a “holy name” and was baptized at birth. This idea stuck with him. When I queried him about “holy name,” he meant a biblical name like Matthew or John. Samuel wanted a “holy name” and to be baptized. He heard the gospel and came to faith when he was 13 years old while attending a Gospel crusade in his village. When he was around fifteen, he felt the call of God to Christian ministry.

Yangon, formerly Rangoon, is the largest city in Myanmar. Samuel moved there at sixteen to attend Bible college. Unfortunately, after graduating, his plans for ministry were put on hold. His stepfather found work in neighboring Malaysia and called on the family to join him. To fulfill his family obligations, Samuel moved to Malaysia, losing all his “hopes and dreams” of being a pastor.

“Everything crashed down,” Pastor Samuel told me.

God is patient and faithful. In 2013, God called Samuel into the ministry again. A friend from Bible college wanted Samuel to replace him at a church in Klang Meru. Samuel thought that if this was God’s will, his wife would agree that this truly was God’s call on his life. They served the church in Klang Meru for the next few years, with God preparing him for future ministries.

Once again, God called Samuel, this time through a friend in the States. Samuel and his young family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving as a bi-vocational pastor to a group of Chin there. In 2017, his family was uprooted again as God directed him to start a church that would become Chin Bethel in Nashville. “Bethel,” which means “House of God,” started with five Burmese families and has grown to over twenty families.

Members of Chin Bethel Baptist Church.

Last year, Samuel reached out to the Nashville Baptist Association to be part of our network of churches. Please pray for Pastor Samuel and the believers at Chin Bethel. Here are a few ways you can pray and partner with Chin Bethel:

  • Although they currently meet in a Methodist church, they seek to partner with a Baptist church, where they are more aligned theologically.

  • They are seeking an English-speaking children and youth minister, a great opportunity for someone called to cross-cultural ministry without leaving the city.

  • Samuel desires to reach the Burmese people with the gospel and hopes to partner with local churches in evangelistic efforts in Nashville and beyond.

The prophet Samuel had a unique call on his life. For pastor Samuel Thawng, the call of God was not a one-time event, but a repeated call of obedience throughout his life. Will we answer the call? Will we say, “Here I am, you called me”? Please write to me if God places in your heart a desire to help this dear brother and his church.

 

Brett Boesch
Connections Strategist
bboesch@nashvillebaptists.org

Playing Hurt

Most every pastor I have met has entered into ministry with a high sense of calling, and a desire to honor God through preaching, teaching, discipling, shepherding and caring for the flock God has entrusted to him.

Some among us carry a high sense of idealism, mixed with intense passion to see the church body grow, mature and fulfill the mission of Christ. We pray hard, lead to the point of exhaustion, and like Paul, feel the burden of the church daily. 

Sometimes we get hurt.

Every pastor has felt the sting of criticism about a sermon and the pushback from small changes, those hits are common and frequent. The kind of hurt I’m thinking about is the hurt that takes your breath away, causes your knees to buckle, creates mental fog and fatigue, the kind of hurt that feels like a knife in your heart and blow to your gut.

When your child rebels.
A key leader has a moral failing.
Your close friend betrays.
A disciple abandons Jesus.
The family you heavily invested in walks away.
A staff member leads a coup.

This kind of hurt stays with you, it’s not shaken by a nap or diminished by a day off it drags on, it persists.

Sometimes we have to play hurt.  

With sermons to preach, people to lead, congregants to shepherd and love, playing while you are hurt seems like the last thing you can possibly do.  Here are a few things that have helped me continue to fulfill my ministry calling and responsibilities when hurt and awaiting God to heal.

Embrace Suffering as Jesus Did
Our culture rejects pain and suffering and in doing so often misses the important work that suffering can accomplish in our lives. Suffering is one of the most significant and powerful teachers we can have. Jesus, God incarnate, was subjected to suffering. 

Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you. Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13

Jesus, the perfect son of God. While he did not lack anything, nor was he flawed, the suffering he experienced by God’s design fully accomplished the work for which he came, the saving of sinners like you and me. Our response to suffering should not be shock or surprise but understanding which leads us to joy. As Jesus suffered we too will suffer, it is an honor which turns to joy when we consider Christ. 

Engage in Community
Pastors often avoid significant relationships. Navigating the lines between pastor and congregant can be confusing. It may seem like we always have our “pastor hat” on to everyone around us. One guy in our congregation told me that he didn’t want to hear about my personal challenges or struggles because it hindered his view of me as his pastor-which me hurt deeply. But, I understood. Pastor-you need a circle of friends, a band of brothers to whom and with whom you can be real and take off the “pastor hat” and be a fellow follower of Jesus. Do whatever it takes to find brothers like that. 

Laugh
As a pastor our labor involves burden carrying. Those in our churches call us in times of crisis for prayer and counsel. The subject matter is often heavy, broken marriages, addictions, job loss, death, terminal illness, mental health struggles, and personal wounding and baggage from a painful past. It’s not uncommon to carry the emotional weight of each of those on your shoulders every day. Laughter can become rare in heavy seasons. A Christian Counselor gave me sound advice to find ways to laugh on a regular basis. My youngest daughter and I developed a habit of watching comedians and funny videos and intentionally and loudly over-laughing. 

Keep a Personal Sabbath
The twenty-four-seven nature of our work can create the pressure to never take a day off from ministry. Many pastors serve bi-vocationally and don’t have the luxury of a full day off. The point is simply this-you must have down time. Time devoted to rest and relaxation. The gospels show us that Jesus took time away from the demands of teaching and ministry to rest, pray, sleep and eat.  Take a full day and if that is not possible try developing the practice of multiple mini-sabbaths and intentionally plan for them.

Work with Your Hands
The work of a Pastor is often difficult to quantify.  Having a conversation here, one there and preaching a sermon can be quantified in time but many times one can do those and other tasks and wonder; “What did I really do?”  Years ago I developed a woodworking hobby, you probably won’t be impressed with anything I’ve built, but what I’ve found is that the starting and stopping of a project with something tangible to show from my efforts increases my joy, refreshes my mind and tires my body. 

Release Pain through Prayer
Some time ago I was introduced to the Imprecatory Psalms. These are prayers to God concerning enemies who have done wrong, are threatening attack or who have acted violently. In short, these are prayers that God would “get” or judge the enemy. When praying for my enemy I am helped by asking God to act against them as He wills not as I would. In praying like this it is important to never forget that we are sinners too. Our frustration, anger and hurt may be due to our sin, not the sin of another against us. My trouble may be because I did something that was foolish and hurtful. When that is true I need to own it and repent. However, there are times when Pastors are unjustly attacked, criticized and harmed. Asking God to deal with those who do these things allows you to release the pain and trust Him to act.

Is your hurt so deep that you can’t see past it or feel like you can’t go on?  Contact us at the NBA or reach out to the Pastor Helpline: 1-844-PASTOR1 and talk confidentially to caring professionals who can help.  

Bob Bickford
Executive Director
bbickford@nashvillebaptists.com

Connecting

NBA Pastors, Leaders and Churches,

I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to connect with leaders and congregants the past couple of weeks. It’s been great to worship with several of you, tour your buildings, and learn about your stories. I’m definitely encouraged by what God is doing in and through the churches here in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

God is Moving
I’m hearing reports of people coming to faith in Christ and taking the next step of going public through Baptism. One of our normative-sized churches baptized thirteen on a recent Sunday.  Praise God for that! Children and students are coming to faith through summer camps and Vacation Bible Schools; the Kingdom is advancing.

Our Collaborative Work
As an association of churches here in Middle Tennessee, our mission is to advance the Kingdom of God through proclaiming the Gospel. I’m thankful that many of our churches are working together toward that end. I’m discovering new opportunities for partnerships to begin between churches. I would love to connect you and your church to the right opportunity - I’ll be reaching out, I also welcome you to contact me directly. 

This Summer Season
As July draws near most of us will have a few weeks where we can catch our breath, pause, and then ready ourselves for the coming season of ministry. I want to encourage our Pastors, Staff, and Lay Persons to prioritize rest, connection with God, and others in the community. We never take a break from gospel ministry but we can engage in it at a different pace. 

What We’re Working On
There is a lot of activity taking place behind the scenes on our team and in our office. We’re preparing for our annual meeting (date to be announced soon), sending out the Annual Church Profile packets, consulting churches considering their future, building out teams and strategies for the Fall, and streamlining and strengthening our efforts to serve you and your church.

Let’s Connect
I would love to schedule a time to come by and visit with you, hear about your church, and learn more about how the Association can serve your church as it seeks to advance the Kingdom through demonstrating and declaring the gospel. Look for a call or an email from me soon, I’d also welcome one from you.

For the Gospel,

Bob Bickford
Executive Director
bbickford@nashvillebaptists.com