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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

New advisory council seeks partnerships with LBC ministers statewide

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University announces the Minister’s Advisory Council, an initiative to unite church ministers and staff with LCU to equip future generations for Kingdom service and cultural impact. “We want to better communicate with the churches who we are and what we are doing,” said David Jeffreys, vice president of Denominational and Church Relations. “At the same time, we are seeking feedback and valuable insight from the churches to help us do a better job at reaching Louisiana Baptist youth.” Jeffreys said the churches and the university are all a part of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, so it just makes sense to get input from those who lead the churches and youth groups across the state. The initial goal is to partner with 100 ministers statewide, Jeffreys said, and more than 40 have already signed up. “I joined the council because of my love for Louisiana Christian University,” said Craig Beeman, pastor of First Baptist Church of Winnsboro. “I want to see it thrive in all aspects. If I can contribute in any way, I will do my best to ensure that a network of pastors across the state helps Louisiana Baptists never forget the greatness of our … [Read more...]

Jones to be LBC presidential nominee

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PRAIRIEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Kirk Jones, pastor of Fellowship Church, Prairieville, will be nominated for the office of president with the Louisiana Baptist Convention during the 2025 annual meeting of church messengers. Bill Dye, pastor of North Monroe Baptist Church, shared with the Baptist Message, Sept. 10, his intention to make the nomination. The yearly gathering of Louisiana Baptists is scheduled to be held in the facilities of the Randolph Riverfront Center, Alexandria, Nov. 11. STATEMENT OF SUPPORT Dye commended Jones’ character during the 15 years he has known him. “I’ve watched him lead his church through a variety of challenges,” Dye told the Baptist Message. “Kirk is a visionary leader with character.  He not only wants to do the right thing; he wants to do things the right way. And God has blessed that. He referenced the growth of Fellowship Church, which has grown from a few people who met in Jones’ living room in 2001 to a campus of more than 1,400 with 112 baptisms in 2025. “I know that numbers don’t always tell you what’s going on in a church,” Dye said. “The movement of the Spirit is more than buildings, bodies, and budgets.  Some of our … [Read more...]

Science professor publishes book detailing order in Earth’s systems

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – A new book written by Louisiana Christian University Professor of Chemistry David Elliott examines the distinctive attributes of God’s Creation to illustrate the precision of Earth’s systems. “Air, Earth, Fire, and Water: A Glimpse of the Created Earth” details the orderly structure and measurable processes found in all of creation, Elliott said. Published in July by iUniverse, the book illustrates the character of God through the science of the Earth’s domains: Air (the heavens and the atmosphere), Earth (geosphere), Fire (energy) and Water (hydrosphere and biosphere). The four spheres collectively sustain life on Earth, converging at the soil, from which God made living beings, notably humans, Elliott said. “These four domains and their interdependence guide the reader to see that the visible creation was placed before us to help us perceive the invisible Kingdom of God,” Elliott said. Elliott said the idea for this book began in 2005 when he began teaching at LCU, after a 25-year career in industry. He was teaching an introductory environmental science course for non-majors and using a secular textbook. “I taught using it for two to three years but then … [Read more...]

Lucky joins Louisiana Christian as enrollment director

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University has announced Jana Lucky as its executive director of enrollment management. Lucky brings more than 30 years of experience in collegiate enrollment and recruitment, retiring in 2023 from Northwestern State University as director of enrollment management. “We are thrilled to welcome Jana Lucky to Louisiana Christian University as our new executive director of enrollment management,” said LCU President Mark Johnson. “Jana brings a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of this region, and a passion for students that shines through in everything she does. Her data-driven approach, combined with her ability to put a personal touch above a transactional one, will be invaluable as we strengthen our enrollment strategies and reimagine the future of LCU.” A Shreveport native, she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism with a public relations emphasis from Northwestern State in Natchitoches. She began her career as a recruiter for the university, then moved up through the ranks of enrollment management. Lucky, in 2003, earned her master’s degree in student personnel services with an emphasis in administration. After her 2023 … [Read more...]

LCU art prof’s work accepted into regional art show

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Hannah Fulton, Louisiana Christian University assistant professor of art, has had a painting accepted into the First Annual Regional Competition and Show sponsored by the Natchitoches Art Guild and Gallery. Twenty-two regional artists were chosen to exhibit in the show. “The theme was summer,” Fulton said. “Some artists did landscapes, mythological, allegorical or abstract works. I took inspiration from Sabine Creamery in Hemphill, Texas. I took ‘summer’ very literally. I was enjoying cold ice cream in the air conditioning. There was a bit of humor in it.” Mint Chocolate is the name of Fulton’s painting, and the medium is acrylic on canvas. The show will be held at the Orville Hanchey Art Gallery on the campus of Northwestern State University on Sept. 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. … [Read more...]