Reports of God’s work in the state were a significant part of the Nov. 12-13 annual meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. ALEXANDRIA – Reports of God’s work in the state were a significant part of the Nov. 12-13 annual meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention.   Louisianians so far this year have given nearly $1 million more to global missions through the Cooperative Program than at this same time last year, LBC Executive Director David Hankins said in his state missions report. Giving to all missions causes was by “double digits” more than the giving to local church causes, Hankins reported.   “This reverses a two-decade trend,” the LBC executive director said. Hankins employed an audio-visual presentation of "Empowering Kingdom Growth – Louisiana" to encourage churches to participate in the three-pronged effort – a Kingdom Heart, a Kingdom Strategy, and a Kingdom Commitment – that can equip Christians with the skills and motivation to be a builder of God’s kingdom. Mark Robinson, director of LBC’s Baptist Collegiate Ministries Team, reported that at least 250 college students made professions of faith in Jesus Christ during the 2006-07 school year, and that another 300 … [Read more...]

Dr. Merritt at Kingsville Baptist Church spoke of life's Goliaths. Dr. Spencer talked about intimacy with God. And Dr. Britt – the sufficiency of God. PINEVILLE – Dr. Merritt at Kingsville BaptistChurch spoke of life's Goliaths. Dr. Spencer talked about intimacy with God. And Dr. Britt – the sufficiency of God.   These messages touched Tony Robinson's heart. Jonathan Young's, too, both men said.   Young once worked with the music ministry at Trinity BaptistChurch in Oakdale, where Robinson is pastor. This was an unplanned reunion for them, a bonus of the Louisiana Baptist Convention's annual Pastor's Conference.   At the Nov. 12 conference, which preceded the 2007 annual meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, Robinson and Young were among perhaps 350 people to hear messages delivered by Chad Grayson, pastor of Airline Baptist Church of Bossier City; Evangelist Bill Britt, president of Compel Outreach International of Gallatin, Texas; Evangelist Jerry Spencer, pastor of Sharon Baptist Church of Savannah, Tenn.; James Merritt, pastor of Cross Pointe Baptist Church of Duluth, Ga. and former president of the Southern Baptist Convention; and Paige Patterson, president of … [Read more...]

For Chuck Register, pastor of First Baptist Church in Gulfport, Miss., Hurricane Katrina’s story isn’t one of destruction and loss, though his church and community were shattered by the storm. NEW ORLEANS (BP) – For Chuck Register, pastor of First Baptist Church in Gulfport, Miss., Hurricane Katrina’s story isn’t one of destruction and loss, though his church and community were shattered by the storm. “Ultimately, the story of Katrina is the story of people responding to love,” Register wrote in the latest edition of a journal published by New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. “It is the story of volunteers, thousands of volunteers, responding to the love of Jesus –  a love so powerful it has transformed their lives to the point of sacrifice.” The Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry is the first issue published by the Baptist Center for Theology and Ministry at New Orleans Seminary since the devastating hurricane struck. Edited by Steve Lemke, the seminary’s provost, the journal focuses on God’s goodness in the face of tragedy and on the Baptist response to the crisis. A chapel message delivered by Chuck Kelley, president of New Orleans Seminary, is included in the journal. It’s called “Lessons Learned from … [Read more...]

Former Louisiana women’s leader Cindy Townsend has been tapped as guest speaker for the inaugural meeting of a statewide group for women in vocational ministry. Others are invited to join her next October on a cruise. ALEXANDRIA – Former Louisiana women’s leader Cindy Townsend has been tapped as guest speaker for the inaugural meeting of a statewide group for women in vocational ministry. Others are invited to join her next October on a cruise. The vocational women’s event is set for 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, at Emmanuel Baptist in Alexandria, which is providing the space at no cost. “We are so excited to have a woman with Cindy’s 25 years in ministry come to kick off this group,” said Andrea McKenzie, lead organizer with five others of the as-yet-unnamed organization being designed to provide mentoring, fellowship and accountability for women in Louisiana serving or wanting to serve in vocational ministry – music ministers, children’s ministers, youth ministers, elder care ministers, hospital/hospice/prison/corporate chaplains and the like. “Cindy is well-known, respected and admired across the state,” McKenzie said. “Most of us have heard her speak already, and been blessed by her. She was just the perfect person to … [Read more...]

On Nov. 9, CrossOver Alexandria ends 16 months of planning and hard work, but begins what organizers hope to be a spiritual awakening throughout the area and state. ALEXANDRIA – On Nov. 9, CrossOver Alexandria ends 16 months of planning and hard work, but begins what organizers hope to be a spiritual awakening throughout the area and state. This major outreach effort, the second to be held in Louisiana, precedes the 160th annual meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention on Nov. 12-13 and is set to start at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Alexandria Riverfront Convention Center. It promises to be an extraordinary event. “We don’t want to limit God, but we are hoping we get in excess of 10,000 people over the three days,” said Kevin Roberts, event organizer and associate pastor at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Deville, La. “And we would love to have 500-plus professions of faith, but that’s just an estimate. I don’t want to limit God or His work, because He could very well blow our socks off if He wants to do so.” Crossover, sponsored by the North American Mission Board in cooperation with local churches and associations, is an evangelistic thrust to reach the unchurched in the host area. The weekend is patterned after … [Read more...]

When graduate student, Benita Cyphers, completed her Master’s thesis research in June 2007, she surprisingly discovered that students who identified themselves as Baptist scored higher than students who identified themselves with other faith groups, particularly in the area of “hope.” NATCHITOCHES – When graduate student, Benita Cyphers, completed her Master’s thesis research in June 2007, she surprisingly discovered that students who identified themselves as Baptist scored higher than students who identified themselves with other faith groups, particularly in the area of “hope.” Cyphers’ thesis, Religiousness, Spirituality and College Adjustment, examined the effects of religiousness and spirituality on college students’ adjustment to college life. “I wanted to look at the positive effects of religiousness on an individual’s life,” Cyphers said. Cyphers points out that she was excited to discover that when respondents were asked, “Do you believe in God or do you not believe in God?” 97.9 percent of the student participants said, “Yes.” Cyphers, whose study was conducted at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, examined the three variables listed in the study’s title, “religiousness, spirituality and … [Read more...]

November 2007 4 – Daylight Saving Time ends 5 – Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer: janie.wise@lbc.org 9 – CrossOver: Real Encounter (Harvest Night), Rapides Parish Coliseum parking lot, Baptist Evangelism/Church Growth Team, at 318.445.5772 9-10 – Louisiana Kaleo, NOBTS 10 – CrossOver: Block Parties (Kees Park, Pineville; behind Checkers, Alexandria; Bolton Ave. Community Center, Alexandria; Peabody, Alexandria) & Bull Riding (LSUA Ag Center), Baptist Evangelism/Church Growth Team, at 318.445.5772 11 – CrossOver: Freedom Fest featuring the MASS Choir, Vietnam veteran and silver and bronze star recipient Clebe McClary, fireworks, Downtown Alexandria Amphitheatre, Baptist Evangelism/Church Growth Team, at 318.445.5772 12 – Pastor’s Conference, Kingsville Baptist Church, Carolyn Sterne at 318.448.3402 (ext 251) orcarolyn.sterne@lbc.org 12 – Executive Board Meeting (pre-convention), Baptist Building 12 – Singing Ministers and Singing Women Concert at Louisiana Baptist Convention,Kathy.doolittle@lbc.org or www.lbc.org/music 12 – Louisiana Baptist Women’s Ministers inaugural event, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Alexandria, Andrea McKenzie at tantepoche@juno.com 12-13 – Louisiana Baptist Convention, … [Read more...]

JENA – A First Baptist Ladies Retreat is set for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9 – 10 at Dry Creek Baptist Camp. Cost is $60. Dominick C. DiCarlo Jr. is pastor. CHASE – Chase Baptist has set its fall Harvest Day celebration at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, in its newly-renovated worship center. New stained-glass windows given by present and former church members in memory of loved ones are to be dedicated with donors and visitors invited to speak. A. C. Trapp, Jr. special music; Alan Miller, speaker. Paul Jones, interim pastor. PINEVILLE – Unity Baptist has started a singles Bible study at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. Singles of all ages are welcome. A list of services, prayer requests and driving directions may be accessed at the church’s website at www.UnityBaptistChurchOnline.org. MONROE – Ray of Hope Ministry is seeking participants for a mission trip Nov. 9-10 to Jennings, Louisiana to do a neighborhood canvas and block party.  A Nov. 29 – Dec. 3 trip to Nuevo Loredo, Mexico to conduct worship services, visit orphanages and distribute Christmas gifts is also in need of volunteers. MONROE – The Northeast Baptist Association’s WMU annual Day of Prayer is set for 10 a.m. – 12 noon Monday, Nov. 5, at the Louisiana Baptist … [Read more...]

COMINGS, GOINGS Byron Beaubouef, new as associate pastor of Unity Baptist, Pineville. B. K. Miller, new as interim pastor of First Baptist, Choudrant. Rick Wedrall, new as Sunday School director at Highland Park, Monroe. Robert Comeaux, new as worship leader at First Baptist, New Orleans. NEEDED Northeast Baptist Association needs pastors at the following churches: Calvary, Fairbanks, Peniel, Sandel Drive, Swartz First. Ministers of Music are needed at Calhoun First, ChristWay, Clark Springs, Edgewood, Emmanuel West Monroe, Lighthouse, Loch Arbor, Monroe First, Mt.Vernon. Youth Ministers are needed at Bethel, Clark Springs, Highland, Highland Park, Lighthouse, New Light, Emmanuel West Monroe, New Chapel Hill. Children’s Ministers are needed at Fairbanks and Mt. Vernon. Jerry Price, director of missions. Full-time church secretary needed at Mt. Vernon Baptist, West Monroe. Call 318.323.0055. Highland Baptist Christian School in New Iberia needs a lower elementary teacher’s aide. Call 364.2273 or email lamothe@hbcsni.org. Day Care workers and enrollment positions are available at Sale Street Baptist. Call 337. 477.3464 REVIVALS AND RELATED EVENTS JENA – First Baptist revival services are set for 10 a.m. and … [Read more...]

Lacking any baptisms in at least a year, Roger Easter was eager to renew his church’s passion for Jesus Christ.  LOUISBURG, Mo. (BP) – Lacking any baptisms in at least a year, Roger Easter was eager to renew his church’s passion for Jesus Christ. It was around February when Easter, pastor of First Baptist Church in Louisburg, Mo., invited two state convention staff members – ministerial services specialist George Roach and worship specialist John Francis – to pray with him about the need for revival in his church and community. Roach had spoken at the Dallas County Baptist Association’s annual meeting last fall and said, “The Missouri Baptist Convention wants to partner in any way we can with any church that has not had a baptism in the past year or several years.” Easter jumped at the chance to take Roach at his word and asked if he was serious. “Of course,” Roach responded. “How can I help you?” and they began to dialogue about the best approach for the church to increase baptisms. “We invited people from the church who could come to pray with us,” Easter recounted. “We had eight men and four ladies join in the prayer time for our church and community.” No one could have imagined what an impact those prayers … [Read more...]