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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Apologetics 101 (Part 1): Evidence proves the Word from the beginning

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor This is the first installment of a 12-part series about evi­dence that the Bible is truth. ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – There are two essential truths that undergird all Christian beliefs: you can place your full faith and trust in Jesus and you can place your full faith and trust in His Word. Indeed, the Bible declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” (John 1:1). So, the integrity of the Word and that of the Person of Jesus are insepara­ble. For those of us who believe, the power and truthfulness of the Word is revealed to us through our personal relationship with the Holy Spirit who was there at the beginning of creation (Genesis 1:1-2), but also is here now to dwell in us; testify to us about Jesus; con­vict us of sin, righteousness, and judgment; and speak truth to us, glorify Jesus and declare Him to us (John 14:16-18; 15:26-27; 16:7-15). Still, we are called to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you,” (1 Peter 3:15). Obviously, the best defense we can give to anyone is the testimony of the Word through our transformed lives (exhib­iting hope through Christ in … [Read more...]

The sacred calling of foster care

By Christy Goodwin MONROE, La. (LBM) -- It is no secret that our nation is in the middle of a foster care crisis, and Louisiana is no exception among the 50 states. Today there are approx­imately 4,300 children and youth in foster care in Lou­isiana and only 2,100 foster families -- more than twice as many children in need as there are homes for them. Moreover, when the num­bers are closely examined, the situation is even worse than it seems. Not all Louisiana foster families are “generally certi­fied,” which means they are able to host any child who enters foster care. Only 1,207 are so qualified. So, the gap between need and availabil­ity is staggering, despite the presence of so many Chris­tian homes in our state. I think most Christ-fol­lowers can agree that caring for vulnerable children is close to the heart of God. After all, James 1:27 includes orphan care, and implicitly foster care, as an essential el­ement of “pure and undefiled religion.” In fact, a Lifesong for Orphans survey in 2024 found that 31 percent of practicing Christians in the United States have seriously considered fostering. Howev­er, the same survey revealed that only 3 percent of prac­ticing Christians are foster parents. How do we bridge … [Read more...]

Churches overcome ice storm via internet, other strategies

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer  MONROE, La. (LBM) - Though a winter storm may have prevented some churches from meeting in person Jan. 25, they still pressed forward with online services while others became the hands and feet of Jesus in their communities. Steven Kelly, association mission strategist with Morehouse and Northeast Louisiana Baptist associations, said he is not aware of any of the 71 churches in his two associations who were able to meet Sunday. “Basically, COVID prepared us for today,” Kelly said. “Most churches learned how to adapt when they couldn’t meet them and they just fell back to what they did in 2020. Some recorded a modified service earlier in the week, just in case they needed it. A number of others sought to do it live today.    “The problem with going live today was technical issues with Internet and power outages,” he continued. “Some that planned to do this were unable to. No pastor wanted to cancel but I am not aware of any church in our association that met in person. Ouachita Parish was hit hard with significant power outages and trees down. I have never seen an ice storm like this in my lifetime and we served as church planters in Iowa for three winters.”  Glenn Harrigill, … [Read more...]

2025: LBC baptisms continue 5-year upward trend

By Baptist Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Preliminary data for 2025 show that Lou­isiana Baptists’ baptisms continued to increase for the fifth straight year to 8,737, the largest number since 2018. This unofficial total reflects 76.9 percent of congregations reporting (1,143), 92 fewer than in 2024 (1,235) when 83.4 per­cent of churches submitted Annual Church Profile surveys. Baptism summary, 2018-2025: 8,737 (2025), 8,415 (2024), 8,331 (2023), 6,686 (2022), 5,634 (2021), 5,616 (2020), 6,951 (2019), 8,840 (2018). Every year there are dif­ferent variables that influ­ence the data reported via the Annual Church Profile survey, including the num­ber of congregations that provide inputs. During the last seven years, Louisiana Baptists also were impact­ed by COVID 19 related restrictions on churches, 2020-2022, as well as by four hurricanes that struck the state in 2021. … [Read more...]

LCU to close due to expected winter weather conditions

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Due to expected winter weather conditions, Louisiana Christian University has decided to cancel classes for Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 26-27. All campus offices will be closed. Hattie B’s will be open on a modified schedule for on-campus students. Officials will monitor weather conditions for Wednesday. Any further closures will be communicated. … [Read more...]

ECON 2026 cancelled due to impending extreme winter conditions

By Baptist Message staff LAFAYETTE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist leaders announced Jan. 23 that the 2026 state Evangelism Conference will not take place this year because of meteorological warnings about an approaching ice storm. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency on Jan. 22. “We have made the difficult decision to cancel ECON ’26 scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, January 26-27, at First Baptist Church, Lafayette, due to the forecasted weather,” Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn said in a statement. “While Lafayette and South Louisiana may not be affected much, ECON is a statewide event. Those coming from Central and North Louisiana are likely to face significant travel impacts. In addition, many of our speakers, musicians, and presenters are facing difficult travel. Furthermore, our Disaster Relief teams are standing by to provide assistance to those affected by power outages. “We are incredibly thankful for the staff and members of First Baptist Church, Lafayette, who have been wonderful partners in preparing for ECON ’26,” he continued. “We are disappointed in our inability to gather this year, but we look forward to sharing details about ECON ’27. “Until then, keep sharing … [Read more...]

Louisiana Notables

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 John, wife Emily, Roach is the new pastor at Summer Grove Baptist Church from Green Acres Baptist Church, Tyler, Texas. Emily Alexander resigned as children’s di­rector at Ellerbe Baptist Church, Shreveport. Jason, wife Jessica, McGuffie is the new pastor at Eastwood Baptist, Haughton. He comes from First West Monroe Baptist Church. HOMECOMING Wilda Baptist Church, Boyce: The Lefevre Quartet in Concert, for annual homecoming celebration. February 8, 9 a.m. Cost: Free entry. Pastor: Joey Rudisill. REVIVAL Fort Necessity Baptist Church. Fort Necessity: Revival. February 1-4. Evangelist: Sam Moore. Pastor: John Bradley. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Jena: Spring Revival, February 1-4, Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Pastor: Ricky … [Read more...]

Churches assist Norwood Baptist WMU for Southeast Louisiana Pregnancy Center fundraiser

Ten area churches gathered to assist with Norwood Baptist Church WMU’s mission luncheon with proceeds supporting the Southeast Louisiana Pregnancy Center for the women and children in Bogalusa. Following a catered lunch by Iron Horse in Jackson, the 120 attendees listened as SLPC director Clelie Dugan and board director Patrick Magee explained the functions and needs of the center. NBC Deacon Jimmy Garig was the master of ceremonies, and NBC Pastor Cory Magee opened the event with prayer. Following lunch, a silent auction took place with a variety of items for sale, including the table decorations and 30 handmade crocheted animals by Mildred Hudson, a member of the NBC WMU. The event netted the pregnancy center $7,000, delivered just before Christmas. … [Read more...]

WMU’s board meeting underscores ‘meant for the mission’

By Julie Walters, WMU SBC communicaitons BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WMU SBC) – Meant for the Mission, a two-year theme that will be woven throughout WMU curriculum beginning this fall, provided the backdrop for more than 20 different speakers who shared missions testimonies and illustrations of God’s faithfulness during WMU’s January board meeting, Jan. 10–12. Approximately 210 missions leaders from across the country gathered in Birmingham, Ala. where they participated in general sessions, 22 conference options designed to equip and inspire, interactive opportunities and more. “You, WMU, represent Southern Baptist’s higher standard of working together,” said Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board, via video. “Indeed, it is through the influence of the WMU that, even as a young pastor, I consistently heard the church commit to being laborers together with God. And still to this day, it’s because of WMU’s commitment to the Great Commission and your commitment to work cooperatively as Southern Baptists on mission that we’re seeing lives changed together.” Todd Lafferty, executive vice president of the International Mission Board, said, “On behalf of the nearly 3,600 missionaries, along with their 2,900 … [Read more...]

LCU to host first art show of spring semester

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - The artwork of Rick Soileau will be on display at Louisiana Christian University’s first art show of the spring semester, Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. in the Weathersby Fine Arts Building Gallery. Soileau is the art teacher at Tioga High School. “I have been blessed in so many ways throughout my life,” he said. “Art has always been an important part of my journey, and the collection of my work over the last 50 years gives a glimpse into my artistic journey.” This exhibition is a retrospective, presenting a comprehensive body of work spanning the artist’s entire career.  The show is free and open to the public and counts as a cultural credit for students. … [Read more...]