By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Messengers to the 2023 Louisiana Baptist Convention Annual Meeting will be challenged with a theme of “Pursuit” to seek to grow a culture of evangelism as they celebrate the 175th anniversary of the state fellowship of churches, Nov. 14, in the facilities of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans.
“We look forward to being in New Orleans for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Louisiana Baptists,” Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn told the Baptist Message. “We are grateful for the hospitality of Dr. Fred Luter and the saints at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in hosting us. As Louisiana Baptists will recall, we were scheduled to be there in 2020, but had to alter those plans due to COVID-19. I am excited that we will be able to finally gather at Franklin Avenue.
“When Baptists gathered in 1848 in Mount Lebanon, Louisiana, to organize the Baptist State Convention of North Louisiana with 65 ministers, 88 congregations, and 3,650 members, I’m sure they could not envision the nearly 1,600 congregations and 425,00 baptized believers that comprise today’s Convention of churches,” he continued. “We will gather to celebrate their vision, their faithfulness, and God’s blessings. We stand on their shoulders.
“As we fellowship, conduct business, and worship, we will take time to celebrate the past, but will also anticipate the future using the theme ‘Pursuit’ originating from Philippians 3:14,” he said. “Paul declared, ‘I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.’ We are all on that pursuit. I am praying that God uses this Annual Meeting to remind us of the beauty and effectiveness of being on this pursuit together for maximum Gospel impact.
“Let me urge all Louisiana Baptists to come early for the Pastors’ Conference on Monday,” he said. “Michael Wood and his team have worked to provide an excellent opportunity for worship, preaching, and encouragement. Then, plan to stay all day on Tuesday as we hear reports and conduct the necessary business of the Convention.”
LBC President Reggie Bridges echoed the thought, saying he hopes Louisiana Baptists will come to this annual gathering to “be a part of the Pursuit.”
“How excited I am for our upcoming annual gathering,” said Bridges, also pastor of Temple Baptist Church, Ruston. “Each year, God gives us this opportunity to join together as the Louisiana Baptist family to reconnect with one another, worship together, and advance His mission. In this instance, we will celebrate our 175th anniversary of ministry together while we also look forward to the future. Join us in New Orleans for the Pastors’ Conference and stay for the Convention. Come hear Pastor Fred preach! Come listen to Dr. Dew as he teaches! Come worship with your Baptist brothers and sisters! Come help us move the mission forward! Come and be a part of the Pursuit!”
BUDGET PROPOSAL
As part of the business of the annual meeting, the Cooperative Program budget will be presented to messengers to consider for adoption.
The 2024 financial plan is based on anticipated Cooperative Program contributions of $18,080,569, an increase of $502,560, or 2.86 percent. Cooperative Program projections are based on actual receipts from August 2022 through July 2023.
The allocation formula for distributing Cooperative Program gifts between Southern Baptist Convention and Louisiana Baptist causes changed for 2024, 62.87 percent forwarded to support ministries in the state (a decrease from 63.26 percent in 2023) and 37.13 percent forwarded to fund national entities (an increase from 36.74 percent in 2023).
OTHER BUSINESS
Other highlights of the meeting will include messages by Horn, Bridges, and Luter. Additional items on the agenda include a Bible study led by Jamie Dew, president, New Orleans Baptist BaiTheological
Seminary and Leavell College; reports by the Convention’s entities; other updates on state missions; consideration of motions and resolutions; and election of officers.
At press time, David Goza, pastor of Jefferson Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, is the only known candidate whose name will be placed in nomination for the office of LBC president.
NOTABLES
Gatherings for Nov. 13 include:
— discipleship collaborative, noon, Rom 134
— African-American fellowship, 4 p.m., fellowship hall
— young pastors fellowship, 4:30 p.m., Room 217
Gatherings for Nov. 14 include:
— NOBTS alumni lunch, 12:15 p.m., Room number 208.
— retiree/bi-vocational luncheon, 12:15 p.m., Fellowship Hall
— Next Generation Roundtable/Youth and Children’s Ministers lunch, 12:15 p.m., Room 217
— Send Network Louisiana lunch, 12:15 p.m., Lakefront Airport
