By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University’s 4th Annual Dr. Maggie Martin Marketplace Leadership Summit will be held April 14 at the Granberry Conference Center. The keynote speaker for this year’s event is comedian Mike Goodwin. His signature bowtie represents his expectation-defying brand of comedy that leaves a variety of audiences - from churches to corporate events to swanky galas laughing hysterically and completely inspired, without a foul or vulgar word spoken, according to mikegoodwin.com. Goodwin, a South Carolina native, holds a master's degree in education from the University of South Carolina and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is a former primary and secondary education professional. He infuses his varied life experiences into his act, making him relatable to all. Using his ability to merge leadership and laughter, Mike is a powerful communicator whose primary goal is to leave places and people better than he found them. He has appeared on America's Got Talent, Dry Bar Comedy, Today Show, Lifetime, BET, Amazon Prime, TBN, Daystar, USA, the Word Network, Circle TV and SiriusXM. Tickets are still available for this highly anticipated annual event and can be purchased at … [Read more...]
Louisiana Christian University to hold its first SENDLA event
By LCU News, Baptist Message staff PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University will hold its first SENDLA event, March 24. The event, which is a phonetic play on the familiar CENLA for Central Louisiana, is rooted in the call of Matthew 28, where Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” The program will take place each semester as the campus community steps out together in service. In partnership with local nonprofits, students and faculty will spread throughout the parish to minister in practical and relational ways, showing the Gospel in action. Participating organizations include First Baptist Church, Pineville; Philadelphia Baptist Church, Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria; Family of Grace Church, Alexandria; the Hope House, Alexandria; Fostering Community, Alexandria; the Food Bank of Central Louisiana; First Baptist Church, Ball; Main Street Mission, Pineville; Rapides Parish Library System; CENLA Pregnancy Center, Alexandria; Pineville Park Baptist Church, Pineville; and Faith Baptist Church, Tioga. In addition, LCU President Mark Johnson will lead a group of students to visit with residents in the neighboring community. The Louisiana Baptist Convention and Send Network … [Read more...]
LCU first-year head softball coach Stine leads by serving
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University alumnus and Sports Hall of Famer Mattie Stine stepped into the role of head softball coach this season, and she said that some of the most important and lasting wins have happened off the field. “Stepping into the head coach role at LCU has been both humbling and incredibly meaningful,” Stine said. “God often places us in new positions to grow us beyond what feels comfortable, and this season has stretched me in all the right ways.” She said that coming back to a place that shaped her as a student-athlete makes this opportunity deeply personal, and she is grateful. “While the title has changed, my heart has not,” Stine said. “My goal has always remained the same: to love these young women well and to keep Christ as the foundation of everything we do. "Wins and losses will come and go, but we are building a culture rooted in faith, love for each other and servant leadership," she continued. "I want our players to know they are valued for who they are, not just what they produce on the field. I want our players to love each other well and to go out and love others well.” Before taking on the role of head coach, Stine was … [Read more...]
Louisiana Christian University launches new podcast
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University has launched a new podcast, featuring LCU President Mark Johnson and his wife, Heather. The eight-episode first season of the P356 podcast debuts this spring, with episodes released biweekly. “This came about because of my travels, meeting people across the nation and who are part of the Wildcat Nation,” President Johnson said. “It gives us the opportunity to sit down with amazing alumni and highlight some of the great things they are doing and make connections with them.” The conversations will be built around the four pillars of worship, scholarship, stewardship and leadership from Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. “We have built connections with people in our world—together and separately, and we are excited to share those with listeners,” Heather Johnson said. Heather said one of the key messages she hopes listeners will take away from the podcast is encouragement for their Christian daily walk. Podcasting technology gives believers another way to access biblical messages and hear from other believers living … [Read more...]
LCU social work department hosts TBRI workshop
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - The Louisiana Christian University School of Social Work hosted a Trust-Based Relational Intervention® workshop, March 9-10, at Granberry Conference Center and welcomed social workers, law enforcement, judges, probation officers and teachers who work with children and families. Trust-Based Relational Intervention is an attachment-based, trauma-informed approach designed to meet the complex needs of children and families who have experienced adversity, trauma or disrupted attachment. Developed at Texas Christian University by the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, TBRI is built on decades of research in neuroscience, attachment theory, and child development. Katherine Jennings, Families in Need of Services, director for the Ninth Judicial District Court, served as the workshop coordinator. Speakers addressed understanding how trauma affects the developing brain and behavior and the importance of connection before correction in building lasting change. They also offered practical strategies that professionals can implement immediately in schools, court systems, foster care and community programs. “Children and families involved in child welfare, … [Read more...]
LCU to exhibit plein air artist’s paintings
By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - The paintings of Marjorie Shanks will be on display starting March 19, at 5 p.m., when Louisiana Christian University’s “Plein Air and Beyond” art show opens. New York native Shanks, who now lives in Marksville, specializes in plein air painting. Plein air painting, from the French for "open air," involves creating art outdoors to capture natural light and scenery in the moment. By working directly within the environment, artists can more accurately portray the shifting colors and atmosphere of the landscape. “I am thrilled that our gallery will have the privilege of showcasing Shanks’ work,” said Assistant Professor of Art Michael Williams. “This will be an excellent event, and I’m excited that our students and community will have the opportunity to experience the remarkable work of such a talented artist.” Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Community members should email LCUFineArts@lcuniversity.edu to schedule a tour. Students who attend will earn a cultural credit. … [Read more...]
TLC presents ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’
By Kayla Condrey, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Theatre Louisiana Christian will close its 2025-2026 season over the next two weeks with a musical that will transport audiences to 1928 in the show “The Drowsy Chaperone.” The audience will feature senior Cayden Walls as the Man in the Chair, the narrator and lead of the show. This is the same role Walls was cast as in his sophomore year of high school. “This show means the world to me,” Walls said. “I was actually supposed to be in the show when I was a sophomore in high school, but it got canceled because of COVID. I liked doing theatre before, but working on that show sparked my love for theatre, studying characters, learning choreography, and appreciating the artistry of it all. I probably wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for this show and this role.” With this show also serving as his senior capstone, he is the artistic director, choreographer, set designer, costumer and much more. “I was expecting for myself, as well as the cast, to be overwhelmed, but really we have all just been having a blast and getting the work done efficiently! I can definitely see the Lord’s hand in this production, he said. “He has made His work so abundantly … [Read more...]
LCU to hold inauguration of 10th President Dr. Mark Johnson
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Mark Johnson will be inaugurated as the 10th president of Louisiana Christian University, March 26, 6 p.m. inside Guinn Auditorium. The keynote address will be delivered by Jamie Dew, president with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Representatives from the religious, political, business and academic communities in central Louisiana also will offer remarks. A mass choir will provide music made up of members from the Citywide Choir, Alexandria, LCU Chorale, First Baptist Church, Kingsville, First Baptist Church, Pineville, and Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville. Johnson, who was unanimously voted on by the board of trustees in February 2025, has been in office since June 1. “I am incredibly grateful to the Lord in how He directed our steps through the search process, and we, as a search committee, felt confident God directed us to Dr. Mark Johnson to serve as the 10th president of Louisiana Christian University,” said Tommy Kiker, chair of the presidential search committee. “Since he has stepped into the role, I have been continually encouraged as a trustee of LCU, a friend of LCU and a Louisiana Baptist Pastor. As we celebrate his inauguration, my hope … [Read more...]
Louisiana Christian launches new mission, vision for its 120th anniversary
By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University celebrates its 120th anniversary this year and is launching a new mission and vision for this new era of Christian education. The new mission statement is "Louisiana Christian University equips undergraduate and graduate students to worship intentionally, learn diligently, steward faithfully and lead courageously." LCU President Mark Johnson said: “We want to completely and holistically develop our students—not just prepare them for the workforce.” He and the executive leadership team have worked for months creating a vision to that end. The vision includes the four pillars of worship, scholarship, stewardship, and leadership, and is built around the scripture from Proverbs 3:5-6, which states: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Johnson said Proverbs 3:5-6 literally gives students a dashboard for looking at their lives. Worship intentionally. “Worship is the foundation of all we do, shaping students to walk daily with Christ through chapel, classroom learning, prayer and Christian community, forming lives for … [Read more...]
LCU students compete at 2026 NRB Convention
By Al Quartemont, LCU News NASHVILLE (LCU News) – Students from Louisiana Christian University received several awards from the recent gathering of Christian media professionals at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, Feb. 16-20, at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville. Competing in iNRB, the collegiate division of NRB, the following LCU students were recognized during the annual Student Production Awards: Adàn Wright, Seth Bynog and Danny Cobb – First Place for Video: TV Newscast for The Wildcat Weekly Minute Update; Bryson Baloney, Jacob Mercer and Nick Morrow – First Place for Video: Live Multi-Camera Non-Studio Production for LCU’s weekly chapel service; Danny Cobb – Second Place for Video: PSA, Commercial or Promo/Newscast/Sportscast for his Wildcats Media Sports Report; Adán Wright – First Place for Audio: News or Sports Production for his story on LCU intramural basketball; and Adán Wright, Danny Cobb and Bryson Baloney – First Place for Audio: Podcast Production for The Wildcats Media Sports Podcast. In addition, LCU had three teams of students compete in on-site competitions. They included: Danny Cobb, Jacob Mercer, Kaelyn Richard and Nick Morrow – Second … [Read more...]
