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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Rice urges pastors heed Christ’s call

  By Marilyn Stewart, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary communications PHOENIX (BP) – Ryan Rice, pastor of Connect Church of Algiers in New Orleans, told attendees of the 2017 Southern Baptist Convention Pastors’ Conference Monday, June 12 that continuing on in obedience to Christ is a call all pastors must heed today. Drawing from Philippians 2:12-18, Rice said pastors must "live lives poured out for Jesus." Acknowledging that ministry is difficult, Rice encouraged listeners not to give up but to press forward in "practical obedience" to God's calling by staying focused on Christ. "Keep plowing in the lane God has set you in," Rice said during his message. "Keep following wherever He has placed you. You can continue on if your eyes are set on Jesus." Pointing to verses 14-16, Rice said believers are called to a "shining obedience," whereby a dark world can see Christ in their lives. Rice reminded listeners God sees and rewards faithfulness. "Your identity is found in Christ, not in what you do for Christ," Rice said. Believers are called to "joyful obedience," Rice said. He encouraged pastors to serve joyfully, as Christ served, and to remember Jesus endured the cross. Rice concluded by … [Read more...]

Crossover, Harvest America share timeless Gospel message

By Josie Bingham, North American Mission Board. PHOENIX (BP) – It started Friday, June 9 – the rumblings of an awakening. More than 700 voices worshiped at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, Ariz., kicking off the weekend's Crossover Arizona and Harvest America events. The North American Mission Board's (NAMB) Crossover Arizona and Greg Laurie's Harvest America joined forces to host a three-day evangelistic outreach involving training, street evangelism and service projects before culminating in Harvest America's Sunday night crusade. By the end of that evening, Harvest reported 2,904 salvation decisions at the event with another 494 indicating decisions online. The events were held in conjunction with this year's Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Phoenix. "Welcome to Crossover," said Jason Powell, pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, during Crossover's Friday-evening gathering. "This is for you to learn tips and tactics to tell someone else about Jesus. While we're excited about the opportunity for 35,000 people to hear the Gospel at the crusade, it's very important we learn how to share and get out there every day." Powell was one of three key speakers at Crossover's opening night of … [Read more...]

Gaines to be nominated for 2nd term as SBC president

By David Roach, Baptist Press PHOENIX (BP) -- Tennessee pastor Steve Gaines will be nominated for a second term as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, his son Grant announced today (May 17). Gaines "has led the convention faithfully" over the past year and been "marked by ... godly traits," Grant Gaines, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Jackson, Tenn., wrote in a statement to Baptist Press announcing his intent to nominate his father at the June 13-14 SBC annual meeting in Phoenix. Steve Gaines, pastor of Memphis-area Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., has focused his first year in office on calling Southern Baptists to pray and rekindle a passion for personal evangelism. He has championed the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptists' unified method of funding missions and ministries in North America and internationally. Grant Gaines stated three reasons he plans to nominate his father: "First, he has been a consummate statesman in a year full of political and moral turmoil in our nation. Through his example, he has shown us all how to combine both a prophetic voice when need be, as well as wise restraint when certain comments might not be helpful," Grant Gaines wrote. "Second, through his … [Read more...]

2017 SBC Annual Meeting program released

By Baptist Press Staff PHOENIX (BP) -- The program for the 2017 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting has been released. The meeting will convene at the Phoenix Convention Center Tuesday, June 13, at 8:15 a.m. and conclude Wednesday, June 14, at 4:55 p.m. A full schedule follows. TUESDAY MORNING, JUNE 13 8:15 -- Opening worship -- Mark Blair, Convention music director; music minister, Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova, Tenn. 8:25 -- Welcome and call to order -- Steve Gaines, SBC president; senior pastor, Bellevue Baptist Church, Cordova, Tenn. Announcement of Committee on Committees, Credentials Committee, Tellers, and Resolutions Committee 8:30 -- Scripture and prayer -- Grant Gaines, senior pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Jackson, Tenn. 8:35 -- Registration report and Constitution of Convention -- Jim Wells, SBC registration secretary, Crossway Baptist Church, Springfield, Mo. 8:38 -- Committee on Order of Business report (First) -- Rod D. Martin, chairman; founder and CEO, The Martin Organization, Destin, Fla. 8:43 -- Appreciation of Phoenix volunteers -- Steve Gaines 8:45 -- Welcome to Phoenix -- Noe Garcia, pastor, North Phoenix Baptist Church, Phoenix, Ariz. 8:50 -- Honoring America … [Read more...]