Relationships have always been central to the mission and ministry of The Alabama Baptist (TAB) and that will not change going forward.
“Relationships just might be the key to relevancy and the foundation on which we must build our future,” said editor-elect Jennifer Davis Rash, speaking to those gathered Feb. 6 for the 175th birthday celebration of the state Baptist newspaper.
Rash addressed more than 200 friends of TAB who joined Judson students and faculty for a morning worship celebration held in the chapel at Jewett Hall, named after Milo P. Jewett, one of the founders of both TAB and Judson College.
Rash is in line to become the first female editor of a major state Baptist paper.
In that respect she shares a common bond with Julia Tarrant Barron, the lone female among the founders and early financial backers of TAB.
But Barron’s gender was only one of her traits, Rash said.
‘A fragrant spot’
“I have to believe relationships at all levels were important to Julia Barron,” Rash said.
“According to the Feb. 13, 1890, issue of The Alabama Baptist, ‘the death of Julia Barron … removes from Baptist ranks one of their oldest and most useful members. … She will be missed from the church, and her deeds of kindness and noble traits of character will prove a fragrant spot in the hearts and lives of those whose privilege it was to be associated with her.’”
Those who knew Barron recognized the fruit of the spirit in her life, “the qualities God desires for our lives to exhibit,” Rash said.
Building on the past 175 years and looking toward the future, that same faithfulness and service — first to Christ and then to family, church and community — will continue to be at the forefront of the ministry of TAB.
“Faithfulness matters,” Rash said. “It moves others. It makes a difference.”
The path forward will be challenging, she said.
Relationships are tricky and complex and can be derailed by selfish agendas.
“Add to that a disconnect among the communication styles of the now six and seven generations attempting to have a conversation and relate to each other,” Rash said.
“This is difficult enough in a family or community setting. It becomes even more challenging for statewide Baptist ministries.”
Rash said TAB will continue to grapple with “what all news media and print (publications) are facing today — to figure out how we tell our story in a way a new generation will consume that news.”
The stories need to be told, she said, and the same spiritual truths embraced by the founders of the publication must always be at the heart of the ministry.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.’
“Serve with excellence, absolute dependability and unfettered dedication,” Rash said.
“Protect and purify our relationships, pointing first to our relationship with the Lord, and working out from there,” she said.
The ministry of TAB has never been easy, but it is needed.
That was what Barron and the other founders knew and what readers know today, Rash said.
Relentless hope
“Julia Barron knew the reality of personal pain but never gave up hope nor quit on her faithfulness,” Rash said.
“It was her generosity and faithfulness nearly two centuries ago that made this day, this moment, this celebration possible.” (Carrie Brown McWhorter)
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