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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Baptist Message changes print schedule for 2021 to offset costs

By Baptist Message staff ALEXANDRIA, LA (LBM) -- Starting in January 2021, the Baptist Message will change its annual production run from 24 editions to 14 editions. The new printing schedule is basically a monthly plan, except two editions will be printed in October and January to meet the needs of covering Louisiana Baptist cooperative missions and ministries as well as key organizational events, including the fall annual meeting as well as winter evangelistic meetings. Importantly, the yearly subscription rates will remain the same: $14 for an individual subscription and $9.25 for a church group discount. Will Hall, executive editor of the Baptist Message, explained that the $14 individual subscription rate went into effect January 1, 2003, and since then has lost about 31 percent of its buying power. “We need to do something to make up the shortfall that has taken place during that long haul,” he said. “However, the economy in the state and the financial pressure it is placing on our households and our churches, means instead of raising rates for subscribers, we will cut costs, moving from 24 to 14 printed editions each year. Taking this step will reduce our costs an estimated 35- 40 percent, which essentially … [Read more...]

Messengers adopt ‘Gospel Resolve,’ asked to oppose SBC Resolution 9

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – The Committee on Resolutions presented a single resolution “On Gospel Resolve” and the Committee on Moral and Social Concerns Committee addressed Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality in a separate report at the Louisiana Baptist Convention 2020 Annual Meeting, Nov. 10, at Louisiana College in Pineville. RESOLUTIONS Committee on Resolutions Chairman Steve McAlister, pastor of Westside Baptist Church in Natchitoches, said the committee considered possible resolutions, including one against Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality – which have become hot topics since messengers to the 2019 Southern Baptist Convention in Birmingham, Alabama, adopted Resolution 9 which describes these two controversial Marxist concepts as “analytical tools subordinate to Scripture” to “aid in evaluating a variety of human experiences.” In the end, McAlister said, the committee decided that a single resolution drafted by Steve Horn, Louisiana Baptist executive director, was preferred in the face of overcoming the obstacles of multiple hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic and political tensions related to hotly contested national elections. McAlister said once the … [Read more...]

2020 LBC: Resolve in the face of adversity

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Amid a year of COVID-19, multiple hurricanes and political turmoil, hope and resolve were consistent themes shared at the Louisiana Baptist Convention. STEVE HORN Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn praised messengers to the 2020 LBC Annual meeting of churches for their resiliency amid a difficult year. “COVID, political division exacerbated by racial division, devastating hurricanes and the accompanying economic disruptions have tested us,” Horn said during his executive director’s report, Nov. 10. “As one social media meme put it, ‘In Louisiana, we are tough, but we are tired.’ “But, if 2020 has proven anything, this year has proven that we, in Louisiana, are a resilient bunch,” he continued. “And, I am thankful.” Horn said Louisiana Baptists were faithful in giving, gathering and sharing the Gospel despite COVID-19 and multiple hurricanes. Though most events sponsored by the state missions services team were canceled during the summer, Horn said efforts to share the Gospel did not wane. The communication team used the “Here for You” multimedia campaign to reach 95 percent of television viewer homes in the state -- who … [Read more...]

Louisiana Notables

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. ON THE MOVE Eric Zimmer is the interim pastor at Ida Baptist Church, Ida. Lance Rolland resigns as pastor of Westwood Baptist Church, Keithville and David Venable is the interim pastor. REVIVAL Serenity Baptist Church, Tickfaw: Revival, November 18-20, 6:30 p.m. each night. Evangelist: Gary Bowlin. Pastor: Keith Wagner. Social Springs Baptist Church, Ringgold: Harvest Sunday, November 22, Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: James Hester. Faith Baptist Church, Baker: Revival, December 6-9. Evangelist: Bill Britt. Pastor: Arnold Austin. LAGNIAPPE Rocky Springs Baptist Church, Lisbon: Seeking a bivocational music leader. If interested in this position, please call 318.680.7419 for further details. Brushy Creek Baptist Church, Bancroft: The Erwins in concert, November 20, 7 p.m. at the Hyatt High School … [Read more...]

FEMA, SBA extend deadlines to Nov. 27

ALEXANDRIA, LA (LBM) - U.S. Sen. John Kennedy has announced important information for Louisianans seeking help in the wake of Hurricane Laura. The Small Business Administration has extended its deadline to Nov. 27 for physical loan applications (property damage to home or business). Submit completed loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. For additional information, contact the SBA by phone, (202) 205-6734. Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency also has extended its deadline to Nov. 27. Homeowners and renters can apply for federal assistance, which includes help for temporary housing, rental assistance and repair or replacement of damaged property. Grants may be available as well to help with other expenses such as medical and dental care, childcare, funeral and burial costs, replacing essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle repairs and cleanup. Louisianans can determine whether they live in a designated parish and obtain other information through the FEMA helpline, 800.621.3362 (TTY 800.462.7585), and at disasterassistance.gov. … [Read more...]

LC sets preview day Nov. 14

By Aaron Quartemont, Wildcats Media PINEVILLE, La. (Wildcats Media) - Louisiana College will host the first in-person preview day of 2020 on Nov. 14. Preview Day, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will offer prospective students a tour of the school’s campus and provide interview opportunities with professors. Prospective students also will hear from current students and learn more about student clubs and organizations, athletics and residence life. The school's two other preview days this year were virtual. All activities will adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. “Following on the success of a Virtual Preview Day this past October, we trust prospective students and their families will join us Nov. 14 to learn more about LC’s distinctive student learning experience,” LC President Rick Brewer said. “We also encourage individual campus visits by prospective students seeking more information and connection with faculty, current students, coaches, and financial aid.” All students who register will receive free Chick-fil-A and LC merchandise. Of those who attend, two students will receive a $1,000 scholarship, and students who pre-register for Preview Day will have the $25 application fee waived. For more information on how … [Read more...]