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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

SEBTS’ Lyon new VP for NOBTS

By Marilyn Stewart, NOBTS Communications NEW ORLEANS (NOBTS) -- New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary President Jamie Dew named Larry Lyon, June 19, the vice president of enrollment, beginning July 1. Lyon, who has served as director of enrollment at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for eight years, steps into a new position approved by the NOBTS trustees executive committee in their regularly scheduled meeting June 4. Noting that enrollment grew significantly at Southeastern during Lyon's tenure there, Dew said Lyon is "a gifted administrator with proven abilities in the areas of recruiting, retention and completion" and "a proven leader with exceptional strategic instinct and training. I'm excited to see him develop an efficient and effective enrollment strategy for NOBTS." The announcement is Dew's first official action since his election as NOBTS president by the full board of trustees June 5. President Emeritus Chuck Kelley retires July 31 after leading the seminary for 23 years. According to the job description approved by trustees, the vice president for enrollment, as chief strategist and catalyst for all enrollment-related matters, will "drive and direct the institutional strategy" for maximum … [Read more...]

Drew Brees, priorities and winning in life in 2019

By Cyle Clayton The average NFL quarterback is 6' 4" tall and weighs 235 lbs. Drew Brees is 6' 0" tall and weighs 205. He has thrown completions to receivers he can't even see because of his height and the height of defenders. He has simply studied and prepared with his team so that he knows where the receiver will be and throws there. He is arguably the greatest NFL quarterback of all time. How did he do it? He will be the first to give credit to God, his family, and his team. As talented as he is, others are just as talented. He also prioritizes the game he is playing. Zack Strief, offensive tackle who played with Brees for 12 years, said, "He's a coach on the field." So, he's not just there, he's leading. Streif also said, "He's in install meetings. He's in game-plan meetings. He watches so much tape. He knows what we're all doing. I hate when people try and say he's a system quarterback. He is the system." (information above and quotes from an article at 247Sports) I don't know if you've ever watched a game, but the moment the offense leaves the field Brees has a pad in his hand reviewing video and plays. He has his priorities straight, and it has resulted in success in his faith, family, and football. Listen to … [Read more...]

McGee’s long, noteworthy LC career wraps up December 31

By Norm Miller, LCNews PINEVILLE -- In the minds of many people -- many hundreds of people -- Byron McGee is a name synonymous with Louisiana College perhaps because he invested 35 years of his life on the Hill in Pineville. More than that, McGee -- a 1979 LC alumnus -- worked in Louisiana College’s admissions office for more than three decades, also worked in alumni relations, and concluded his tenure with three years as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “In one sense it seems like 35 years have passed, and in another it seems just like yesterday,” said McGee, whose last official day is Dec. 31. “I’ve made some great friends and worked with great colleagues. The people working here now are doing a great job under Dr. Brewer’s leadership.” “The relationships I have made over the years mean the most to me. I met my wife Cay here. All my children went to school here. It’s been a great time. Louisiana College has been my life, and I will cherish the memories very much,” he said. “Byron went from recruiting thousands of students to hundreds of donors,” said Rick Brewer, Louisiana College president. “He’s done a great job. He’s one of the most easy-going people I’ve ever worked with. The past three years of … [Read more...]

LBC Executive Director Search Committee seeks candidates

ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) -- The Louisiana Baptist Convention’s 15-member Executive Director Search Committee held its first meeting Nov. 27, focusing on prayer but also completing the first actions of official business, according to a press release from the committee. Members elected Waylon Bailey, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Covington, as chair, and began developing a profile of the type of candidate they are seeking to lead Louisiana Baptists. Bailey, who also is president of the LBC Executive Board, told the Baptist Message the committee understands the near “impossibility” of pleasing everyone. But he said, “We want to do our very best for the future of our state. Our state needs Louisiana Baptists in order to be its very best.” The committee will nominate a successor to LBC Executive Director David Hankins, who announced Nov. 2 his plans to retire June 30, 2019. The LBC Executive Board will vote on the nominee, as stated in the state convention’s Articles of Incorporation. Bailey said the process for Southern Baptists to recommend candidates, or, for interested individuals to apply, is a simple one. Names and resumes should be emailed to Bailey at lbcexedirsearch@gmail.com or sent via postal mail to “Dr. … [Read more...]

The two most unlikely people

By Waylon Bailey Were there ever two more unlikely people than Joseph and Mary? Is there any more improbable event  than the birth of Jesus Christ? Joseph and Mary were peasants from an obscure village in an obscure part of the world. Only the events of of the birth of Jesus Christ could have made them known by anyone other than a few hundred people over their entire lifetimes. At the same time, some of the most recognizable people of history lived at the same time. We all know the name Julius Caesar. He lived in the generation prior to the birth of Jesus Christ. His great nephew and adoptive son was Caesar Augustus. Augustus was named Octavian but received the name “Augustus” from the Roman Senate. The word august means grand, lofty or exalted. At the death of Octavian the Romans proclaimed him as a god as they had Julius Caesar. And as they did with Julius Caesar, they named a month of the Julian calendar after Augustus (August). Octavian at first shared power with Mark Antony and one other ruler. At the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, he defeated the navy of Antony and Cleopatra (the ruler of Egypt). All of these were people of high status and unbridled power. God chose not to use the mighty of the world but the … [Read more...]