Your article about the search for a new executive for the Louisiana
Baptist Childrens Home is an illustration of what is needed in Baptist
life. To say we need a “spiritual atmosphere” is self-evident. How
we create or find a spiritual atmosphere is the question. If all we need is
a pastor, we already qualify.
Your article about the search for a new executive for the Louisiana
Baptist Childrens Home is an illustration of what is needed in Baptist
life. To say we need a “spiritual atmosphere” is self-evident. How
we create or find a spiritual atmosphere is the question. If all we need is
a pastor, we already qualify.
I was a pastor for 20 years before coming to the home as director
of cottage life. One requirement of my job is to be a chaplain or pastor to
the children. There are four cottage fathers who were pastors before coming
to the home. We also have a couple of deacons and a Sunday School teacher here
and there.
We have a weekly chapel service that features children being
led in music by two committed Christian ladies. Our interim executive director
was a church staff person before coming to the home, and those who work in our
office are all involved in ministry and churches.
One of the greatest spiritual influences on campus is our cottage
mothers. The time they spend in nurturing and developing children is a spiritual
work. Most pastors would have a difficult time managing a cottage, helping with
homework, assigning chores, cooking meals, dealing with discipline and praying
with each child. All children attend a local Baptist church with their own pastor,
youth minister, childrens minister and godly Sunday School teachers.
Another pastor would be welcome, but to say it will be his
job exclusively to create a “spiritual atmosphere” is putting too
much pressure on one person. I am grateful to all the men and women of spiritual
insight and ability who have kept this ministry going. I am humbled to be part
of a cooperative effort that seeks to restore hope and faith in the hearts of
children.
Tommy Frost
Director of Cottage Life
La. Baptist Childrens Home
Monroe, La.