By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Soul winning is not a spontaneous behavior, but a deliberate act of obedience. It is something that must be a matter of intentional prayer (John 17:20), preparation (1 Peter 3:15) and pursuit (Luke 19:10). Indeed, intentionality – under the guidance of the Lord -- is a spiritual concept (Prov. 16:3; Luke 14:28; 1 Cor. 9:22-23; Col. 3:23-24). BIBLE BASICS Do not misunderstand. The Holy Spirit is either at work in the hearts of the lost (John 16:8; 2 Cor. 7:10), or He is not. Likewise, He is either working in the hearts of soul winners (John 15:26-27; Acts 1:8; 24:25; 26:25), or He is not. But throughout the Word, God is explicit that He is not the author of confusion or chaos but of orderliness: Old Testament -- Jethro helped Moses create an organization of administrators (rulers of tens, fifties, hundreds and thousands) to judge minor disputes, freeing Moses to address the difficult issues (Ex. 18:13-26). -- King David (who was prohibited from building the temple) organized everything needed for the construction, operation and administration of the temple: the plans, workers, gold, silver, cedar, priests, musicians, military, officials … [Read more...]

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – On Nov. 17, the Fellowship of Louisiana Churches and Nonprofit Religious Organizations received a $1.45 million check from the Louisiana Department of the Treasury to support the launch of a church self-insurance program. The program was authorized by legislation in 2023 and a total of $2.9 million was appropriated in 2025, half of which is represented by the check that was received. With the receipt of these funds, the goal is to open enrollment to churches and religious nonprofits sometime in the second quarter of 2026. FINANCIAL BOOST Steve Horn, president of the FLCNRO board of directors and executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, told the Baptist Message that receiving the grant “is an incredible blessing.” “I received a first call about church insurance companies not renewing our churches in February 2023. Almost immediately, Will Hall, Dale Lingenfelter, and I started working on solutions,” Horn explained. “We are not at the finish line, but receiving this grant is the result of hours of meetings and phone calls. All along the way, God provided us with people who showed us incredible kindness and expertise to navigate … [Read more...]