In a move that already has generated considerable outcry, Louisiana College trustees approved a policy change designed to establish accountability regarding selection of classroom textbooks and other instructional materials. In a move that already has generated considerable outcry, Louisiana College trustees approved a policy change designed to establish accountability regarding selection of classroom textbooks and other instructional materials. As approved, all materials used at the school now must be approved by department coordinators or chairs and the vice president of academic affairs. Previously, faculty members had complete control over selection of materials. The action came after prolonged discussion in executive session during the scheduled trustee meeting last week. Except for that action, the meeting was fairly routine, with trustees receiving reports, including one from President Rory Lee on finances of the colleges. However, it is the policy change on textbook and materials that is generating the most attention. News of the action has been published in newspapers throughout the state - and at least one editorial regarding the action already has been written. Also, the Alexandria … [Read more...]

Note: The following article is the seventh in a series on "Characteristics of Great Preachers." The ongoing series was commissioned by the Louisiana Baptist Message from Austin Tucker of Shreveport, a former Louisiana Baptist pastor who now teaches and writes on religious subjects. He also is a frequent pulpit guest in churches and serves as a member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board. Note: The following article is the seventh in a series on "Characteristics of Great Preachers." The ongoing series was commissioned by the Louisiana Baptist Message from Austin Tucker of Shreveport, a former Louisiana Baptist pastor who now teaches and writes on religious subjects. He also is a frequent pulpit guest in churches and serves as a member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board.   Austin B. Tucker, Freelance writer   So far, we have said that great preachers are great souls, souls who speak out of a deep love for Christ and love for those to whom they preach.   They are driven with a desire to set others aflame with their own zeal for God. They are anchored to the Bible supremely, and they speak to the issues of their day.   Another interesting thing … [Read more...]

I have wanted to let my feelings about the additions to the Baptist Faith and Message be known from the time they were added. Having a desire not to add to the conflict, I have hesitated to do so. I have wanted to let my feelings about the additions to the Baptist Faith and Message be known from the time they were added. Having a desire not to add to the conflict, I have hesitated to do so.   However, after reading about Dr. Charles Stanley’s stance on the matter (Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 issues), I must speak up. Definitely, none of the additions to the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message should have been made. They should not have been brought up to be added. They should not have been "dealt with."   This matter will continue to plague the convention - as will the financial problems that continue to increase. "It’s just ridiculous" - it’s sad.   Royce Dowdy Bogalusa, La. … [Read more...]

For the week of December 11, 2003 Potpourri   • WINNSBORO - First church: Louisiana Trio in concert; Dec. 21, 6 p.m.; Harry Boyd, Jr., pastor.   • DOYLINE - First church: Wade and Barbara Akins, guest speakers; Dec. 14, 10 a.m.; Tom Carlton, pastor.   Christmas Programs   • FARMERVILLE - First church: "The Festival of Lights" musical; Dec. 14, 6 p.m.; Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Rejoice, ladies ensemble, presents "The Birthday of the King" musical; Dec. 21, 6 p.m.; Randy Powell, minister of music; Roger Johnson, pastor.   • LIVINGSTON - Colyell church: "The Christmas Shoes" musical/drama; Dec. 14, 6 p.m.; Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Craig Forque, minister of music; Sandy Sherman, pastor.   • SHREVEPORT - Shreve City church: "A Thrill of Hope" musical; Dec. 13, 6 p.m.; Dec. 14, 10:45 a.m. Bobby Jones, minister of music; Gene Nix, pastor.   • ALEXANDRIA - Baptist Temple church: "I’ll Be Home for Christmas" musical; Dec. 21, 6 p.m.; Lloyd Reynaud, music director; Bill Broadwater, pastor.   • RIVER RIDGE - Riverside church: "I Witness News: Live From Bethlehem" youth musical/drama; Dec. 21, 6 p.m.; Chris Smith, interim minister of music; Joseph Miller, … [Read more...]

As the popularity of revivals continues to wane, evangelists must hold out faith that God will provide, their leaders say. As the popularity of revivals continues to wane, evangelists must hold out faith that God will provide, their leaders say.   In 25 years as a vocational evangelist, Rob Randall said he has witnessed a steady decline in the number of churches holding revivals. While it once was common for churches to hold two revivals a year, some congregations now have one every five years at best, Randall noted. Countywide revivals are increasingly rare.   The number of Southern Baptist evangelists also is down. There are about 500 on the mailing list of the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists, down from more than 700, said Benny Jackson, president of the group.   Consistent work is difficult to come by for an evangelist, and some have picked up part-time jobs or found other full-time positions to support their families, Randall said. Even when a revival opportunity comes along, the evangelist is at the mercy of a congregation’s love offering for support.   "The evangelist ... has to live by faith," Randall said. "He doesn’t have a regular check. He doesn’t … [Read more...]

for the week of December 18, 2003 LC candlelight vigil   Some 200 persons gathered for a candlelight vigil at Louisiana College on Dec. 10 to signal support for school faculty members in their opposition to recent changes in hiring and textbook selection policies. This fall, college trustees have approved changes designed to ensure that a Christian worldview is shared by all incoming faculty members and to shift control of selection of textbooks and teaching materials. The latter action especially has drawn protest. Previously, faculty members had complete control over selection of materials. However, the new policy gives faculty members primary control, while requiring approval of materials by department chairs and the vice president of academic affairs. The new policy also sets guidelines for materials. Following that change, faculty members adopted a resolution outlining their concerns about the new policy. Last week’s vigil was planned as a sign of support for the faculty’s stand. The vigil attracted students, faculty members, former staff and faculty members and residents of the community. It featured brief comments by several persons, including one that asked persons to call on trustees and urge … [Read more...]

What gift that you will give this Christmas will bring the greatest joy to the recipient? If you have given to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions, you might be surprised. What gift that you will give this Christmas will bring the greatest joy to the recipient? If you have given to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Missions, you might be surprised.   Presently, hundreds of Southern Baptists feel called to serve as missionaries under appointment of the International Mission Board. These folks are adequately trained and meet the strict requirements for IMB appointment, but the International Mission Board does not have the financial resources to send them.   The qualified would-be international missionaries stand willing and ready to go tell the lost around the world about the saving power of Jesus Christ. People across international boundaries need Christ and many of them ask for IMB missionaries. The spiritual need of the world is not now, nor has ever been, questioned.   The problem is there is not an adequate support to get the missionaries with the message to the people in need. And the only shortcoming is that Southern Baptists are not giving … [Read more...]

Note: The following article is the eighth in a series on "Characteristics of Great Preachers." The ongoing series was commissioned by the Louisiana Baptist Message from Austin Tucker of Shreveport, a former Louisiana Baptist pastor who now teaches and writes on religious subjects. He also is a frequent pulpit guest in churches and serves as a member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board. Note: The following article is the eighth in a series on "Characteristics of Great Preachers." The ongoing series was commissioned by the Louisiana Baptist Message from Austin Tucker of Shreveport, a former Louisiana Baptist pastor who now teaches and writes on religious subjects. He also is a frequent pulpit guest in churches and serves as a member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board.   Austin B. Tucker, Freelance writer   Great preachers do not all think alike - but all truly great preachers alike are thinkers.   They tend to have minds given to reflection and meditation, to innovation and originality. Some, like Thomas Aquinas and John Calvin were theoretical and abstract thinkers. Others, like Thomas Chalmers and F. W. Robertson were creative thinkers. Their … [Read more...]

The day had been busy - kids up early, presents to unwrap, over to the rest of the family, meal to cook, visiting, back to the house, clutter to clean up, boxes and wrappings to be thrown away, excited youngsters to get to bed.   Late into the evening, he sat on the couch with his wife, the television on some old movie, with neither really watching. Note: The following is the third of three devotionals by the Baptist Message in preparation for the Christmas season. It was written by LBM Associate Editor C. Lacy Thompson   The day had been busy - kids up early, presents to unwrap, over to the rest of the family, meal to cook, visiting, back to the house, clutter to clean up, boxes and wrappings to be thrown away, excited youngsters to get to bed.   Late into the evening, he sat on the couch with his wife, the television on some old movie, with neither really watching.   "Well," he began.   "Yeah," she responded.   "At least that’s over for another year," he adding to the monsyllabic thoughts.   Or is it?   Is Christmas a once-a-year event - like another birthday or anniversary?   Or is it somehow more?   What … [Read more...]

Note: The following concludes a series of articles published throughout 2003 in the Baptist Message regarding the Cooperative Program and how it is at work throughout Louisiana and the rest of the world. Note: The following concludes a series of articles published throughout 2003 in the Baptist Message regarding the Cooperative Program and how it is at work throughout Louisiana and the rest of the world.   Religious organizations and religious leaders have been viewed in a negative connotation for many years.   In this era of sometimes dissenting diversity, it is hard for a lot of people to agree on any one thing. Indeed, in this suggested phase of economic decline, "giving" seems to go against human nature, especially when monetary self-promotion always seems to be society’s tacit goal.   Why, then, in a downturn year would September have been the third-highest month for Cooperative Program giving in Louisiana Baptists’ 77-year history?   In the true spirit of Occam’s Razor, it would seem that the most obvious answer is the right one - people are good.   People like helping other people. Altruism is always "the right thing to do," and that is why giving programs … [Read more...]