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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

SBC CP rises in April, trends down for FY 23

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LBM) -- The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee released the April 2023 financial report, May 8, showing that gifts to SBC causes through the Cooperative Program rose 1.92 percent while designated giving for the month dropped 12.64 percent compared to April 2022. Meanwhile, year-to-date figures showed both funding channels in decline. From October 2022 through April 2023, CP contributions were down 6.41 percent overall compared to the same timeframe for the last fiscal year. Likewise, designated giving was down 4.94 percent year-to-date for the same months. Both the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering were negatively affected. The national report showed April giving to SBC causes by Louisiana Baptists rose 8.78 percent for CP and dropped 8.48 percent for special offerings. However, the year-to-date data showed Louisiana Baptist giving through the CP and to designated offerings trended higher for both funding channels, 1.62 percent and 9.18 percent, respectively. … [Read more...]

LCU grads urged to impact world through Christ

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Frank Ashley, executive associate dean of Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service, told the Louisiana Christian University Class of 2023 graduates to change the world for Christ. Speaking during the college’s 168th Commencement May 6 at the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, Ashley said anything is possible for those who trust in God. “Earning this degree is only the beginning,” he said. “You have got to keep on learning. “Go out there and make an impact,” he continued. “An impact changes lives.” The school conferred 259 degrees (182 undergraduate and 77 graduate) during the ceremony. LCU President Rick Brewer praised the students for their perseverance through a tornado, two hurricanes, an ice storm and the pandemic. “I think you all deserve an A in persistence and tenacity,” he said. “We are proud of you. “We are a Great Commandment and a Great Commission university where we strive to teach our students to love God with heart, soul, mind and strength,” he continued. “Behind our students are tremendous faculty who have mentored, who have nurtured, who have poured into your lives, and to help flesh out this … [Read more...]

LCU approved for new nursing degree programs

By Baptist Message staff PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – The Louisiana State Board of Nursing has approved a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Accelerated Bachelor of Science for Louisiana Christian University. Approved during the board’s April 13 meeting, the new program that will begin in January 2024 aligns with the Next Generation National Council Licensure Examination to adapt to the evolving demands of the healthcare system. The move also will allow for better assessment of students' clinical judgment skills and will be offered in a nontraditional method based on new higher education trends. “The examination that was utilized in the past, while it was effective and good, it didn’t accurately measure what nursing are actually doing,” said Dean of Nursing Tomekia Luckett. “The next generation test is what has led to the transitions. It’s to prepare them for the nursing care they do now. It’s more focused on their ability to make decisions and clinical judgments. Basically, they are thing is standing between life and death for our patients. We are hoping to see our nursing students better prepared to make those clinical judgments so that in a crisis situation they know exactly what to do, they know exactly what needs to … [Read more...]

LBC EB updated on CP, entities

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WOODWORTH, La. (LBM) – During a May 2 meeting, the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board received updates on Cooperative Program giving and the ongoing work of the four convention entities. BUDGET REPORT Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn told board members that gifts through the Cooperative Program from January to March totaled $495.112.54 more than budgeted for 2023, so far. He added that churches, from January to March, have given $61,072.50 less through CP this year than the same timeframe as last year. ENTITY REPORTS Louisiana Christian University President Rick Brewer shared that the school has migrated its Master of Arts in Teaching, Master in Education, Master in Social Work and Master in Business Administration programs to 100 percent online offerings along with three undergraduate programs: Criminal Justice, Business and Applied Science. These programs will now be available online nationally and internationally. Additionally, the university plans to offer a certificate in multimedia ministry, a restructured worship arts and production degree and the Louisiana Christian Scholars Academy that will allow high school students to earn up to … [Read more...]