Rolling out the welcome mat to new Louisiana Baptist pastors, wives

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer

ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist state missions and ministry directors and entity heads rolled out the welcome mat for more than 15 new pastors and seven spouses, Sept. 11.

Held at the Baptist Building in Alexandria, the event featured remarks by Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn, introductions by state ministries and entities, a tour of the building and lunch for those in attendance. The event was open to any pastor or staff member who had transitioned to the role of pastor since October 2022.

“The strength of our cooperation is built on the strength of our relationships,” Horn told the Baptist Message. “This event has quickly become a favorite of ours as we seek to establish personal relationships with new pastors in our state.”

Louisiana Baptist Pastoral Ministry Team Director Ray Swift said the event reflected God’s grace and the unified work of Louisiana Baptists maximizing the Gospel’s impact across the state.

“This provides a way to say to every new pastor ‘we love you and we are here for you,’” Swift said. “It makes a way to see, hear and receive information and resources every Louisiana Baptist pastor needs for their personal lives and church.”

Pastor Garrison Griffith enjoyed the opportunity to become acquainted with the Louisiana Baptist staff and entities. Griffith became the pastor at First Baptist Church, Wisner, in August.

“As a new pastor it is great to know all the resources that our partnership with Louisiana Baptist provide to our congregation,” he said. “Knowing that the state staff is uniquely equipped to help us is a great comfort, and then to know the incredible work being done to reach Louisiana for Christ is just the icing on the cake. This was a great event that reminded me why I am proud to be a Louisiana Baptist.”