By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Whether as a pastor or a lay leader, all Christ followers are called to embrace God’s calling on their lives, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary President Jamie Dew and his wife, Tara, told Louisiana Christian University students, Oct. 31. “If you are a Christian, you're a follower of Jesus Christ, then you have been called out of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of light, which means you are an ambassador, you are part of the royal priesthood, to love God, and to make Him known,” Tara Dew said. “The Great Commission is not just for the pastors and the missionaries, and the student pastors, it is for every believer, and so as you are going about you are to teach what God has commanded and you are to make disciples.” The Dews shared with students in the chapel service that as they pursue God’s calling, they can use five ways to discern it: Scripture, sustained seasons of submission, active service now, cultivated burdens of passions and confirmation from the body of believers. Jamie Dew stated finding God’s calling is not a quick process but rather one that can take many years to come to fruition. Dew referenced his own calling to be … [Read more...]

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Matt Endris, pastor of the Fairview Alpha Baptist Church near Coushatta, will be nominated for the office of first vice president with the Louisiana Baptist Convention during the 2023 annual meeting of church messengers. Philip Caples, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Coushatta, contacted the Baptist Message, Oct. 23, to share that he was “excited” to make the nomination because Endris “loves Jesus, loves and leads his family to follow Jesus, and leads his church to embrace the community, state and world for the purpose of reaching the lost for Jesus.” The yearly gathering of Louisiana Baptists is scheduled to be held in the facilities of the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, Nov. 14. STATEMENT OF SUPPORT Caples said he has known Endris for 10 years and has been impressed with his faithfulness and service as a Baptist leader. “Matt has served as moderator of the Red River Association for two years and with numerous committees of the association as well,” Caples said. “He has served with the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board for two terms, and he now serves as a board member with Gateway Seminary on behalf of the … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptists will have the opportunity to join thousands across the world to share the ultimate gift to children in other countries during the 30th anniversary of Operation Christmas Child. Formed in 1993 by Samaritan’s Purse, OCC allows churches and individuals to bring gift-filled shoeboxes to relay stations across the country that are then processed and shipped to local partners around the world with a means of reaching out to children in their communities with the good news of Jesus Christ. National Collection Week is Nov. 13-20. Though the gifts are simple [small toys, hygiene items and school supplies] they still bring a smile to children who may be affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease. Mary Deen, an OCC regional spokesperson in Louisiana and a member of Journey Church, Pineville, told the Baptist Message the effort provides an opportunity for Christ followers to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children who may not receive any other gift. “Operation Christmas Child is one of the most effective evangelistic ministries,” she said. “According to our statistics released last month, because of our … [Read more...]