By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – The world was a summertime mission field for 245 students from the state’s Baptist Collegiate Ministries. From serving at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center, in Vacation Bible School with Louisiana Baptist churches and a camp in Wyoming to working overseas alongside International Mission Board missionaries in Chile, Mexico, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and other undisclosed locations due to security concerns, the students relied on the Lord to help them be His hands and feet. “Through serving, students not only discover but also internalize their gifts and calling – experiencing firsthand what it means to share the Gospel, rather than just hearing about it,” Louisiana BCM State Director Mark Robinson told the Baptist Message. “It is a joy to watch them grow in confidence and boldness as they share their faith. At Louisiana BCM, our four pillars are Reach, Connect, Strengthen and Mobilize. We remain committed to mobilizing students with the Gospel to reach a world far from God.” GOLA VBS Ten students sowed Gospel seeds through GOLA (Go Louisiana) VBS in Louisiana and Wyoming. GOLA VBS is an LBC BCM emphasis that allows students to serve on … [Read more...]

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptists can celebrate multiple victories on key moral issues and social concerns resulting from measures that were passed or defeated during the 2025 Legislative Regular Session, with two directly impacting churches’ abilities to carry out essential ministries. CHURCH INSURANCE When Gov. Landry signed HB460 into law as Act 461 on June 23, he completed the legislative process for supplemental appropriations that include payment of $2.9 million to the Fellowship of Louisiana Churches and Non-profit Religious Organizations, the corporation that was established in 2023 to launch a church self-insurance program in response to the church insurance crisis in the state. FLCNRO is recognized as a nonprofit by the Louisiana secretary of state and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and its board of directors includes leaders in six state faith communities (Assemblies of God; Church of God in Christ; Home and Foreign Missions Baptist; Louisiana Baptist; Missionary Baptist; United Pentecostal). When the insurance program is launched it will be open to congregations of any Louisiana denomination as well as religious nonprofits. Several Louisiana … [Read more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Baptist Message provides churches an opportunity to share with other Louisiana Baptists an upcoming revival, homecoming, new pastor, new staff member, a community outreach, or a concert in Louisiana Notables. To place your event in the paper, send your information (who, what, where, when, time) to philip@ baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Please submit your information four weeks prior to the event to insure placement in the Message. ON THE MOVE Robby (wife Anne) Poole retires as Pastor at Longview Baptist Church, Deville. Mike (Arenda) Schultz is the new pastor at Benton from First Baptist Church Forest Hill. Johnathan Lewis is the new music minister at FBC Blanchard from Bethany Baptist. Leonard (wife Melinda) Nichols is the new pastor at Woodland Hills. Abby Taylor is the new worship leader from ETBU to Trees Baptist Church. Ta’Mya Davis is the new associate director at McNeese BCM. Robbie Cook is the new pastor at Bosco Baptist Church. Rainey Felts is the new Chrildren’s Minister at Cheniere Baptist, West Monroe. HOMECOMING Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Pollock will host homecoming, August 3, 2025, Sunday School at 9:45, Gospel Music concert at 10:45 by The Plainsmen … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer COVINGTON, La. (LBM) – Will Robinson was a young man of few words but his impact on those he encountered was immeasurable. Robinson, who died, June 7, at age 24, was born without the ability to speak. Still, his parents refused to let that stop him from living life to its fullest. In turn that mindset led to the creation, two years after his birth, of the “Special Friends Ministry” to individuals with special needs and their families with First Baptist Church, Covington. Glynn Robinson, who serves as missions and evangelism pastor with FBCC, said he and his wife, Melinda, miss their son, but are thankful for the joy he brought to their family and community. “There’s no way to physically account for it, but you just give God the glory because He is always drawing people and used a guy like Will and our family,” Glynn Robinson told the Baptist Message. “We now have to keep honoring that legacy and God will show us a very clear pathway forward.” While the Special Friends Ministry officially began in 2003, the church already ministered to families of children with special needs. When Will was born, the Robinsons, along with a dedicated group of volunteers, were led to … [Read more...]