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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Dew reminds graduates there is ‘gain in loss, life in death’

By Marilyn Stewart, NOBTS communications NEW ORLEANS (NOBTS communications) – Jamie Dew, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College, shared with the 254 graduate candidates and their families gathered for graduation May 12 a question that keeps him up at night. Dew said graduation is a celebration but it is also one final moment for him as president to instruct and encourage them. He then cautioned graduates not to allow the things of the world to “consume” them and keep them from fulfilling God’s call on their lives. “I fear, I tremble, I stay awake sometimes at night fearing that the brand of Christianity and the form it has taken in our lives looks less and less like the New Testament descriptions of what Jesus had to say about being a follower … I simply must press on you one more time to remember who you are and what God has called you to do,” Dew said. Drawing from Matthew 16: 13-26, Dew explained that Matthew uses Peter’s confession in verse 16 to make clear who Jesus is and in verses 17-19 turns to promises of blessings for believers. Dew’s fear, he explained, is that “this is where our Christianity stops.” Dew urged listeners to see the “pivot” the gospel writer makes in verse … [Read more...]

Southern Baptists to vote on women pastors at annual meeting

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor NEW ORLEANS (LBM) – The Southern Baptist Convention Credentials Committee reported May 16 that two churches who were disfellowshipped in February for ordaining women pastors plan to appeal the decisions during the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting, which is going to be hosted in New Orleans, June 13-14. This means messengers will vote to decide whether women pastors, now excluded by the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, will be allowed to serve in member congregations. Those two congregations are Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, California, and Fern Creek Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky. Meanwhile, Freedom Church, Vero Beach, Florida, intends to appeal its ouster for alleged lack of cooperation in resolving concerns regarding a sexual abuse allegation. The Credentials Committee said it would set aside “a time for miscellaneous business during the afternoon session on Tuesday, June 13, for the consideration of the appeals received.” A representative of each church will be allowed to speak, and a member of the Credentials Committee or Executive Committee will speak. Afterward, messengers will be asked to vote on the question, “Shall the decision of the Credentials Committee and … [Read more...]

Truth, sexuality and gender

According to the American Civil Liberties Union, a new Indiana law that prohibits teaching on human sexuality to children in pre-kindergarten through third grade is designed to “control what youth can and cannot read, what they can and cannot learn, and — most troublingly — who they can and cannot be.” … [Read more...]

SBC CP rises in April, trends down for FY 23

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor NASHVILLE, Tenn. (LBM) -- The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee released the April 2023 financial report, May 8, showing that gifts to SBC causes through the Cooperative Program rose 1.92 percent while designated giving for the month dropped 12.64 percent compared to April 2022. Meanwhile, year-to-date figures showed both funding channels in decline. From October 2022 through April 2023, CP contributions were down 6.41 percent overall compared to the same timeframe for the last fiscal year. Likewise, designated giving was down 4.94 percent year-to-date for the same months. Both the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering were negatively affected. The national report showed April giving to SBC causes by Louisiana Baptists rose 8.78 percent for CP and dropped 8.48 percent for special offerings. However, the year-to-date data showed Louisiana Baptist giving through the CP and to designated offerings trended higher for both funding channels, 1.62 percent and 9.18 percent, respectively. … [Read more...]

LCU grads urged to impact world through Christ

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Frank Ashley, executive associate dean of Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service, told the Louisiana Christian University Class of 2023 graduates to change the world for Christ. Speaking during the college’s 168th Commencement May 6 at the Rapides Parish Coliseum in Alexandria, Ashley said anything is possible for those who trust in God. “Earning this degree is only the beginning,” he said. “You have got to keep on learning. “Go out there and make an impact,” he continued. “An impact changes lives.” The school conferred 259 degrees (182 undergraduate and 77 graduate) during the ceremony. LCU President Rick Brewer praised the students for their perseverance through a tornado, two hurricanes, an ice storm and the pandemic. “I think you all deserve an A in persistence and tenacity,” he said. “We are proud of you. “We are a Great Commandment and a Great Commission university where we strive to teach our students to love God with heart, soul, mind and strength,” he continued. “Behind our students are tremendous faculty who have mentored, who have nurtured, who have poured into your lives, and to help flesh out this … [Read more...]