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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Historic evangelical vote rebuffs #Never Trump leaders

By Will Hall ALEXANDRIA – In a stunning repudiation of a corps of anti-Trump evangelical leaders, evangelical voters overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election, with 81 percent of white evangelicals voting for him and only 16 percent pulling the lever for Hillary Clinton. But Trump also won 58 percent of all Protestant voters and 52 percent of all Catholics. Even conservative women backed Trump, with 78 percent voting for him and only 18 percent backing Clinton. Now, a recently released study by the Family Research Council, a Christian public policy ministry based in Washington, D.C., indicates the abortion issue and concern about the political leanings of the courts were key factors in why evangelicals voted for Trump, thus rejecting #NeverTrump evangelical leaders. OUT OF TOUCH Leading up to Nov. 8, the mainstream media had used the #NeverTrump effort by a segment of the religious establishment to suggest it revealed a deep division among the evangelical faithful. The New York Times ran a headline Oct. 17, only three weeks out from the election, claiming “Donald Trump Reveals Evangelical Rifts That Could Shape Politics For Years.” In the article the flagship of the mainstream … [Read more...]

First West announces hire of next generation pastor

By Brandon Rogers, First West communications WEST MONROE  – First West has hired Mark Cole to be its next generation pastor. Cole will give leadership to preschool, children, and student age divisions and will build relationships with families to integrate them into the work and ministry of the church. “Words cannot express how excited we are to be joining the team at First West. I believe amazing things are in our future as we continue to lock arms with the West Monroe/NELA community in the days ahead,” says Cole. “My joy in life is to be invested in the daily lives of the next generation, helping them in their journey to and with Christ!” Cole has served as the Next Generation Pastor at Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the past four years. His primary ministry responsibilities included setting vision and structure for ages birth through 12th grade and their parents. Before serving as Next Generation Pastor, he served as student pastor at Istrouma for five years. “I have known Mark for several years,” says Michael Wood, Lead Pastor of First West. “He values family and has the heart for family ministry. He is a man of integrity and is a great addition to our staff.” Before serving at … [Read more...]