By Message staff Ben Waites, a Christian musical recording artist and 2010 graduate of Louisiana Christian University, will appear on an episode of the upcoming season of America’s Got Talent. While the exact date of his appearance on the national talent show is not known, Waites expressed excitement about the opportunity on his Facebook page. The 17th season of the show premieres Tuesday, May 31, 7 p.m. on NBC. “Thank you for always believing in me and showing so much support,” Waites wrote on his Facebook page. “I couldn’t do this without you. I covet your prayers that God would use this opportunity to reach a lot of people.” … [Read more...]

By Baptist Community Ministries staff NEW ORLEANS, La. - The United Way of Southeast Louisiana and Baptist Community Ministries will name the recipients of the inaugural Summer Impact Grants during a news conference Thursday, June 2. The two organizations allocated $500,000, collectively, to help youth-serving organizations strengthen education, health and workforce during the summer in undeserved neighborhoods in Orleans Parish. More than 30 summer program providers won the awards, which ranged from $5,000-$20,000, based on qualifications that included operating in Orleans Parish and focusing on serving young people of color, ages 11 to 24, that live below the ALICE Threshold. According to the United Way website, ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Those who are ALICE workers earn just above the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it costs to make ends meet. … [Read more...]

By staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – The Louisiana Baptist Foundation has launched ‘ChurchBiz Conversations’, a free service that has been specifically developed for church administrators, pastors and other staff involved in managing the business side of ministry for their congregations. The online portal provides a platform to discuss church business administration topics, provide/receive recommendations for church-related products/services, place churches’ job postings, while connecting church staffs around the state to maximize efforts. Jeff Steed, LBF executive director, told the Baptist Message this was an effort by the Foundation to continue to provide services that “add value to churches and ministries.” He said it was another way for the LBF to come alongside churches, and mentioned Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor” (NKJV). Steed offered that individuals can start or join conversations now, by registering on LBFinfo.org/forums. “The Foundation is very grateful for the partnership in ministry we enjoy with Louisiana Baptists,” Steed shared, “We hope the ‘ChurchBiz Conversations’ online platform will help their ministries advance the Kingdom!” … [Read more...]