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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Cooper requests prayer, names search committee for WMU executive director

By Julie Walters, National WMU communications BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – National WMU President Linda Cooper has issued a call to prayer for those serving on the national search committee charged with identifying the woman God would have as the next executive director for national WMU. On Jan. 11, Wanda Lee, who has served as executive director since 2000, announced to the WMU board her intention to retire, giving ample notice for a search committee to be formed and seek a new leader. Cooper said she prayed earnestly for God’s direction as she selected search committee members who have extensive experience in WMU and represent various geographical locations. The committee members are Joy Bolton, executive director of Kentucky WMU, who will serve as chairperson; Debby Akerman, former national WMU president (2010-2015); Jill McNicol, president of Illinois WMU; Kathy Sheldon, president of Pennsylvania/South Jersey WMU; and June Tate, president of Colorado WMU. “Above all, I am confident these women will take this task very seriously, seeking the Lord’s guidance in all they do in every step of this process,” Cooper said. “I encourage every Southern Baptist to pray intentionally and daily for the committee, for me, and for the … [Read more...]

Colo. school ends speech for all rather than allow former football player to have Bible reference on nameplate

By Alliance Defending Freedom staff DENVER – The Colorado School of Mines has removed all donor nameplates from its football locker room rather than allow a former football player to include a Bible reference on his nameplate. Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys had filed a lawsuit, Lucas v. Johnson, against the school on behalf of the player, Michael Lucas, but withdrew it Friday from the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado due to the school’s decision to end the fundraising program associated with the nameplates. The school had allowed donors to the school’s new athletic facility to include an inscription of the donor’s choosing on personalized nameplates that were placed in the new football locker room and had not provided any restrictions on content. When alumnus Michael Lucas, a former defensive nose tackle for CSM, requested “Colossians 3:23 and Micah 5:9,” the school rejected the inscription because one of the verses refers to “Lord” even though the text of the verses would not appear on the nameplate itself. “Public colleges are supposed to be a marketplace of ideas, but the School of Mines has indicated it prefers anti-religious hostility,” said ADF Senior Counsel Tyson Langhofer. “It’s ridiculous … [Read more...]

Washington floral artist’s freedom firmly rooted in federal, state constitutional law

By Alliance Defending Freedom staff OLYMPIA, Wash. – Alliance Defending Freedom filed a brief Friday with the Washington Supreme Court that answers arguments the state and the American Civil Liberties Union have made in favor of government discrimination against a floral artist, whom they sued for acting consistently with her faith. ADF attorneys asked the state high court to take up the case in June of last year after a lower state court ruled that Stutzman, owner of Arlene’s Flowers in Richland, must pay penalties and attorneys’ fees for declining to use her artistic abilities to design custom floral arrangements for a long-time customer’s same-sex ceremony. Rather than participate in the ceremony, Stutzman referred the customer, whom she considers a friend and had served for nearly 10 years, to several other florists in the area who would provide high-quality arrangements and wedding support. “Barronelle and many others like her around the country have been more than willing to serve any and all customers, but they are understandably not willing to promote any and all messages,” said ADF Senior Counsel Kristen Waggoner. “No one should be faced with a choice between their freedom of speech and conscience on one hand and … [Read more...]

Liberty Institute files appeal on behalf of Vintage Church

By Staff, Baptist Message METAIRIE  -- Liberty Institute has filed an appeal on behalf of Vintage Church, a Louisiana Baptist congregation involved in a dispute regarding noise levels during its Sunday morning services. According to a press release by the non-profit law firm which focuses on religious liberty issues, the Liberty Institute along with volunteer attorney Roy Bowes filed the appeal today with the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Vintage Church, located in Metairie, has met in a tent since August while its sanctuary is undergoing construction. The church filed a lawsuit against Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand and his officers, saying they used intimidation tactics in an attempt to shut down its weekly worship services because of noise complaints by a single individual. The suit also described the noise level ordinances as flawed. Pastor Rob Wilton said the church was trying to be a good neighbor by hiring technicians to ensure sound levels would not exceed 60 decibels, the limit being imposed on the church which equates to the noise of a running dishwasher, and my moving to acoustical guitars with no amplifications. A judge on Dec. 22 declined to issue an injunction against the Jefferson … [Read more...]

California forces churches to cover abortion, church sues

By Alliance Defending Freedom staff SAN DIEGO – Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys filed a lawsuit in state court Thursday against the California Department of Managed Health Care for forcing churches to pay for elective abortions in their health insurance plans. ADF attorneys represent a San Diego–area church in the state suit, which is similar to a lawsuit ADF filed in federal court in October of last year on behalf of three other California churches. “Churches should not be forced to pay for the killing of innocent human life,” said ADF Senior Counsel Erik Stanley. “The government has no right to demand that church health insurance plans include coverage for elective abortions – something that violates the most sincerely held religious beliefs of this church and nearly all churches throughout the state. California is violating its own laws and constitution, as well as the U.S. Constitution, by strong-arming churches into having this coverage in their plans.” ADF filed the lawsuit, Skyline Wesleyan Church v. California Department of Managed Health Care, in the California Superior Court for the County of San Diego on behalf of Skyline Wesleyan Church in La Mesa. It cites violations of the church’s rights and freedoms … [Read more...]

Louisiana Lagniappe

By Staff, Baptist Message ON THE MOVE Austin Hand is the new pastor at New Ebenezer Baptist Church, Castor. Jason Lupo resigned at Mt. Paran Baptist Church, Shongaloo to become pastor at Parkview Baptist Church in Tallulah. Michael (wife Laurie) Stringer is the new pastor at Life Journey Baptist Church, Bossier City. Larry Badon is the new pastor of Carroll Baptist Church, Walker. Sam (wife Lisa) Paris is the new equipping pastor at First Baptist Church, Blanchard. Joe Jones is the new minister of music at First Baptist Church, Zwolle. Tim Norris has resigned as pastor of First Baptist Church, Livingston. David Mercer is the new associate pastor at Trinity Baptist Church, Natchitoches. Jerry Pate is the new youth minister at First Baptist Church, Ringgold. Merlin McCon has retired as pastor of Northside Baptist Church, Denham Springs. Byron Longino announced his resignation as pastor of Pilgrim Home Baptist Church, Benton. Russell Zwerner is the new pastor of Victory Baptist Church, Walker. Steve Ramsey is the new pastor at First Baptist Church Carlyss, Sulphur. Bill McCullin resigning as pastor Feb. 17 from First Baptist Church, Vidalia. David Collins is the new pastor at Blood … [Read more...]

Parkway’s Anderson wins Louisiana College’s Smith Scholarship

By Staff, Baptist Message PINEVILLE – Bossier City senior Makayla Anderson won Louisiana College’s prestigious Smith Scholarship Competition Jan. 30. The Parkway High senior excelled in the competition, winning over 13 other invitees a scholarship that covers every expense at LC, including tuition, fees, books, residence and meals. All others received LC’s next highest scholarship offer for entering the competition. Anderson, who plans on studying biology, said she was shocked when she heard her name called by LC President Rick Brewer. “Honestly it’s so unreal to even be considered,” said Anderson, who plans on becoming an oncologist. “So to be actually presented with the award is such an honor and an accomplishment I’ll cherish forever. It’s such a blessing and shock is mainly my emotion right now.” The competition has been dominated by home-schoolers who have won five out of the last eight years. “Whether from public, private or homeschool, the Smith Scholarship award draws the best and brightest students from our region to Louisiana College,” Brewer said. “Every applicant was worthy considering the criteria to win, and we are grateful for their interest in Louisiana College.” During the actual competition, … [Read more...]

Charles Hott shares practical truths concerning homosexuality

By Charles Hott Charles Hott shares practical truths concerning homosexuality. 1, When a gay man hears that the gay lifestyle is not happy, he is convinced the speaker is clueless. It is Satan’s most convincing racket. You can never convince them they are not happy. 2, Sexual attractions are formed by a very complex process that starts about the time the mind starts recording memories and culminates at puberty. That’s why almost everyone thinks they were born with whatever sexual attractions they have. Satan starts working to pervert the process early on by taking advantage of unmet needs in a child’s life. You must be attentive to your children’s unmet needs. There is nothing to be gained in a debate on whether or not homosexuals are born that way. Acting on same sex attraction is a sin whatever the case. 3, A healthy fear of God and teaching that the Bible is the absolute truth is even more important than meeting the needs. This is the most important responsibility that a parent has. 4, We did all that, but we still have a son or daughter that has chosen to live the lifestyle. What now? Listen – to have influence you must listen. They must feel like they can talk to you about anything. That starts as a … [Read more...]

Hott shares how God’s mercy saved him from sinful lifestyle

By John Marcase, Special to the Message PINEVILLE – Charles Hott had it all. He was a highly successful businessman in Texas in the 1970s and early 80s as the co-owner of a string of enormously profitable gay bars in Dallas, Houston, Arlington and El Paso. He and his business partner, a member of the mob, paid for political influence, from the local police all the way to the White House. Democrat, Republican, it didn’t matter. Pols on both sides of the aisle willingly accepted the “donations.” He had become what he had desired – Robert Duvall’s character in “The Godfather,” Tom Hagen. There was something else Hott had during this time – conflict. Hott shared his testimony during morning worship at First Baptist in Pineville on Jan. 31 and the following day at the church’s First@First Business Leader Luncheon. Stewart Holloway, pastor of First Pineville, had been Hott’s pastor and accountability partner at Holloway’s previous church in Forestburg, Texas. “I’ve wanted to see this happen for 13 years,” Holloway told his congregation. “Charley has a story full of mercy and grace, and I want as many people as possible to hear it.” Hott first shared his testimony last fall at Southwestern Seminary. SWBTS … [Read more...]

Gathering prays for revival, repentance and awakening

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer BOSSIER CITY – Prayer took center stage for two-and-a-half hours Jan. 31 at First Bossier, as nearly 1,400 members of Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association churches gathered to cry out for spiritual awakening. Those gathered for the Call to Prayer asked for repentance, revival, spiritual change, world missions and protection for the persecuted church. Throughout the evening the First Bossier praise team and choir led worship through music. At other times, testimonies were shared. But, importantly, individuals, as well as pairs and sometimes groups prayed. Lane Moore, NLBA director of missions, said he was building on previous prayer gatherings held in recent years in the state and nationally. For months he had prayed for a large gathering from the association’s churches just to pray for spiritual awakening. By the end of the evening, Moore said the movement of the Holy Spirit was evident. “What we had was a great night where the association as a whole came together to worship and pray,” Moore told the Baptist Message after the prayer gathering. “Those who came got a snapshot of the diversity of our association’s churches, which were of different ethnic groups. It was … [Read more...]