God is moving in unprecedented ways around the world and Southern Baptists face the challenge of joining their missionaries in “whatever it takes” to make disciples of all peoples, International Mission Board trustees were told during their Nov. 6-7 meeting in Springfield, Ill. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (BP)–God is moving in unprecedented ways around the world and Southern Baptists face the challenge of joining their missionaries in “whatever it takes” to make disciples of all peoples, International Mission Board trustees were told during their Nov. 6-7 meeting in Springfield, Ill. Eighty-two new missionaries were appointed to overseas service in a ceremony held in conjunction with the 100th annual meeting of the Illinois Baptist State Association. Southern Baptists were challenged to make the same kind of sacrificial commitment the new workers are making – laying aside careers, families and lifestyles to take the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ to those who might never hear otherwise. “We can look around the world and see God is doing something unprecedented in the history of the International Mission Board and its work,” Gordon Fort, IMB vice president for overseas operations, told the trustees. “God is planting His … [Read more...]

Bivocational pastor's sermon is highlight. ALEXANDRIA - A bivocational pastor's sermon was the high point of the 160th annual meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, which took place Nov. 12-13 at the Riverfront Convention Center with "Empowering Kingdom Growth--Louisiana" as its theme. When, during a time of new pastor introductions, Chaz Estes identified himself as Hardy Estes' son, the annual meeting attendees spontaneously took the opportunity for a fourth extended time of applause for Estes' plain-spoken convention sermon that likened sin to a fancy fishing lure wiggling its way through the water. Estes' message was filled with references to the outdoors and being a soldier of the Lord even when the conditions are miserable. Hardy Estes, pastor of Marlow Baptist in Pitkin, La. for the last seven years, works in house painting and Sheetrocking. His son Chaz is youth pastor at Trinity Baptist, Oakdale. “Hardship’s not easy, and ‘must’ say it’s coming,” Estes preached, referring to 2 Timothy 2:3-4 – You, therefore, must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ – after describing how his son found him face down in the dirt one long, hard day of church work. He was kicking and flailing and punching the … [Read more...]

Several months ago, a small group of women serving vocationally in Louisiana Baptist churches and entities began discussing the possibility of and need for an affinity group. ALEXANDRIA – Several months ago, a small group of women serving vocationally in Louisiana Baptist churches and entities began discussing the possibility of and need for an affinity group. About 30 women gathered Nov. 12 at Emmanuel Baptist to discuss at greater length the concept of such an organization. By the close of the three-hour session the consensus was that enough interest existed for a second meeting, set to take place prior to the LBC Evangelism Conference in January. “This first gathering was inspiring and encouraging to me as a woman in ministry,” said Andrea McKenzie of Oakdale, who spearheaded the group’s organization. “I can’t recall a time, even at seminary, being in a room with so many women who have also experienced God’s call on their lives.” Women seated at half-a-dozen round tables were welcomed by McKenzie to the meeting and invited to partake of “chocolate and caffeine” set up at one end of Emmanuel’s fellowship hall; she then gave her reasons for wanting to help birth the organization. “There are a lot of women serving … [Read more...]

Dear Lord: Thank You for bearing with us for another year. Your mercy never ceases to amaze. RICHMOND, Va. (BP)—Dear Lord: Thank You for bearing with us for another year. Your mercy never ceases to amaze. For those who continue to believe that human nature must be improved by effort and good intentions – rather than redeemed by Your grace – this past year has been another case study in failure. Given the choice between peace and violence, traditional enemies continue to fight. “New” hostilities that burst upon international awareness, such as the blood feud between Shiite and Sunni Muslims, are actually centuries old. Other hatreds persist with depressing reliability. With few exceptions, nations still seek their own interests first and last, which is what nations have done throughout history. If others benefit, it’s often a happy accident, not a policy. Allies typically help each other because it is expedient, not because they love each other – or You. Nations act like people: Our individual lives follow the same pattern of self-interest and indifference toward others. We tend to look out for ourselves and our families – and the devil take the rest (he is only too happy to oblige). All have gone their own way. None … [Read more...]

The vast majority of us were taught from an early age that we should express gratitude upon receiving something from someone. The vast majority of us were taught from an early age that we should express gratitude upon receiving something from someone. Whether it was a compliment or a gift, we were instructed to say “thank you” to the person that extended the kindness. As we mature, our sense of gratitude develops and finds expression in one of two forms and is determined by the quality of the gift or kindness we receive. One form is what I call “polite gratitude.” Polite gratitude is reserved for those “it’s the thought that counts” gifts. If you have ever received a Chia Pet for Christmas, you probably used the polite form of gratitude. A polite “thank you” is utilized when you are less than thrilled about the gift you have received. You muster a smile as you accept the combination toilet brush/can opener and mouth “thanks,” but inside you feel like you have just been notified that you are being audited by the IRS. The other form of gratitude that develops in our lives is “profound gratitude.” This expression of thanks occurs when you receive something significant, even life-altering. Words are woefully inadequate … [Read more...]

Trustees of the Southern Baptist International Mission Board, meeting in executive session Nov. 6, voted to censure trustee Wade Burleson of Oklahoma. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (BP) – Trustees of the Southern Baptist International Mission Board, meeting in executive session Nov. 6, voted to censure trustee Wade Burleson of Oklahoma and suspend him from their next four meetings for multiple violations of the trustees’ code of conduct. The censure motion stated that Burleson had “repeatedly failed” to abide by provisions in the code of conduct adopted in March 2006 governing trustee service, including requirements that trustees “refrain from public criticism of Board approved actions” and “scrupulously avoid either the fact or the appearance” of having disclosed information or private conversations from trustees meetings. The motion also cited requirements that trustees “speak in positive and supportive terms as they interpret and report on actions by the board, regardless of whether they personally support the action” and that trustees “are to refrain from speaking in disparaging terms about IMB personnel and fellow trustees.” Burleson, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Enid, Okla., became the focus of controversy in 2005 … [Read more...]

When Hardy Estes is not preaching and pastoring at Marlow Baptist Church in Leesville, he's working in the construction trades. ALEXANDRIA – When Hardy Estes is not preaching and pastoring at Marlow Baptist Church in Leesville, he’s working in the construction trades as a house painter and Sheetrocker. Estes is one of more than 900 men serving as pastors in Louisiana Baptist churches whose income does not come solely from the church – though he is quick to say it all comes from God. He was asked to bring the convention sermon as a way of recognizing the state’s bivocational – bivo – pastors. “Ever been a nervous wreck?” These were the first words  spoken by Estes, closely followed by, “I can’t tell you how many times in the last couple of days I’ve heard, ‘Who is Hardy Estes?’ I don’t know how I got here either!” The audience chuckled its appreciation for his self-deprecating humor. “I know I love Jesus,” Estes continued in a quick segue to seriousness. “I know I am called  by my Lord and I know He will equip me for the hour in which He has appointed me, and I will today proclaim Him as my Commander in Chief.” This article cannot do justice to the power unleashed in Estes’ words. Call 1.866.430.8273 to … [Read more...]

“We had a great Pastors’Conference again this year,” said outgoing Secretary-Treasurer Roy W. Davis, pastor of North Shreve Baptist in Shreveport. “I want to thank everyone who gave an offering at this year’s conference. This is how the expenses are paid.” ALEXANDRIA – “We had a great Pastors’Conference again this year,” said outgoing Secretary-Treasurer Roy W. Davis, pastor of North Shreve Baptist in Shreveport. “I want to thank everyone who gave an offering at this year’s conference. This is how the expenses are paid.” As part of his duties, Davis set up an LBC Pastors’ Conference Fund through the Louisiana Baptist Foundation. “This should be a blessing to all future LBC Pastors’ Conference officers for several reasons,” Davis said. He listed three. 1. The officers of the Pastors’ Conference take on the responsibility of planning the program,inviting the guest speakers/preachers and musicians, making the hotel, travel, and meal arrangements for the program personalities, doing the publicity for the event, printing up the programs for the event, and finally, they are responsible for paying all of the expenses. 2. The money to pay the expenses comes out of the offerings that are taken up at the conference. 3. The … [Read more...]

SLIDELL – The youth of Grace Baptist are to participate in an ice skating event Friday, Nov. 30. GLENMORA – “2Talk42” Ministries is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, at Glenmora Baptist. Falis Holloway is pastor.  MINDEN – First Baptist’s Women on Mission group is to hear Vivian Holder, retired foreign missionary to  Hong Kong, Liberia and Switzerland, at the 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, meeting. The church is collecting items for a January medical missions trip. Items requested are multi-vitamins, pain relievers and anti-fungal medications. A holiday luncheon for single senior adults is set for 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 29. Bill Crider is senior adult minister. Wayne DuBose is pastor. ALEXANDRIA – Emmanuel Baptist is sponsoring An Interfaith Dialogue at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26. The topic is Sacred Texts: Their History and Meaning of three faith traditions. It is open to the community at no cost. For information call 318.442.7773. Chris Thacker is pastor. BATON ROUGE – The Speeders potluck supper is set for Sunday, Nov. 30, and a Car Clinic is to be held Dec. 1 at First Baptist. Burn Page is pastor.  ALEXANDRIA – Calvary Baptist is to host a holiday grief group at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, and is to continue Wednesdays … [Read more...]

COMINGS, GOINGS Kris A. Chenier, new as pastor of Trinity Heights Shreveport from New Zion Covington. Champ (wife Amy) Cox, new as pastor of First Gueydan; recent Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary graduate. NEEDED First Baptist Pollock needs part-time worship leader or full-time worship leader/associate pastor. Call 318.765.3525. Philadelphia Baptist needs paid nursery workers. Call 318.442.0754. First Baptist Homer needs nursery coordinator. Call 318.927.3596. Grace Memorial Baptist Slidell needs a part-time financial secretary and part-time music secretary. Bob Heustess pastor. ORDINATIONS  BOGALUSA – Mike Breland, Jack Lee, Jeremy Seal and David Stringfield are to be ordained to the deacon ministry at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5 at First Baptist. Bob Adams is pastor. SLIDELL – Neal Chapman is to be ordained to the deacon ministry at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25 at Calvary Baptist . Charles Starnes is pastor. REVIVALS DELHI - Warsaw Baptist has set revival services for 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25 and 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 26 - 28; Marion Collier, evangelist; Dennis Fontenot, pastor. … [Read more...]