By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer COVINGTON – Ed Newton, pastor of the Community Bible Church, San Antonio, Texas, will emphasize reaching the lost of the next generation during Student Night, Jan. 28, at the 2019 Louisiana Baptist Evangelism Conference. The pre-session will begin at 5:30 p.m. in “The Rock” youth building of First Baptist, Covington, and feature a pizza party, games and music by an area youth choir. The main session will follow immediately afterward with music presented by the First Covington choir and a message by Newton. Keith Manuel, evangelism and church growth director for Louisiana Baptists, said Student Night will build on the challenge “to share Christ with others” presented in November during the 2018 Youth Evangelism Celebration in Alexandria. “We are investing in a nationwide youth speaker for churches to come and be part of a large evangelistic event that is absolutely free,” Manuel said. “While we are targeting students, this night is for everyone as we seek a great harvest of the lost.” Newton spoke at Student Night as part of ECON 2017, held at Temple Baptist Church, Ruston, when dozens of students came forward at the invitation. By the time the service ended 34 … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer NEW ORLEANS – Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans celebrated a new chapter in ministry Dec. 9 when congregants gathered for the first worship service in their new home, six miles from where they had ministered for 21 years. “It’s the talk of the town,” Pastor Fred Luter told the Baptist Message. “The New Orleans East area is excited about us being here and we are excited as well. It is one of the most populated areas of the city, and we are excited about doing all we can to revitalize the community. The excitement level was so high that we decided to have several weeks of special dedication services in December to celebrate all that God has done through this move.” The new $35 million facility includes a 3,500-seat worship center, a fellowship hall, offices, a kitchen, conference rooms, Sunday school rooms and youth and children’s areas. The property also has 1,200 parking spaces, a dramatic increase from the 25 spots available at its former location, 2515 Franklin Avenue. Averaging nearly 3,100 for morning services, the congregation formerly had to lease a nearby parking lot to accommodate worshippers’ cars on Sundays. “That first Sunday at our new location our … [Read more...]