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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

ECON 2026: Reach Louisiana for Jesus

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer LAFAYETTE, La. (LBM) – During the upcoming state Evangelism Conference, Jan. 26-27, hosted by First Baptist Church, Lafayette, speakers will urge Louisiana Baptists to reach their friends and family for Christ. “ECON continues to be a valuable time of equipping and encouragement for pastors and church members,” Louisiana Baptist Evangelism and Church Growth Director Keith Manuel told the Baptist Message. “I hope everyone will make plans now to attend. It will help you begin the new year with a clear focus and a renewed commitment to reaching the lost and strengthening a culture of evangelism in your church.” SCHEDULES ECON kicks off at 1:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon with featured messages by Leroy Fountain, church planting catalyst, Louisiana Baptists, and David Burton, founder, David Burton Ministries, Middleburg, Florida, and worship led by David Logan and Adam Watson from First Baptist Church, Covington. Breakout sessions are scheduled during the dinner hour with free meals available (please register) during the presentations: -- The Discipleship Collaborative will feature Larry Hyche, global missions associate, Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, who will … [Read more...]

Church self-insurance coop receives $1.45 million from Louisiana

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...]

Louisiana Notables

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Baptist Message provides churches an opportunity to share with other Louisiana Baptists an upcoming revival, homecoming, new pastor, new staff member, a community outreach, or a concert in Louisiana Notables. To place your event in the paper, send your information (who, what, where, when, time) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Please submit your information four weeks prior to the event to insure placement in the Message. ON THE MOVE Scotty Blackwell resigns as music minister at First Baptist Church, Minden to go be Pastor of Worship Ministries at Kingsland Baptist Church, Katy, Texas. Wade, wife Rebecca, Penefield is the new pastor at First Baptist Church, Many. There will be a Pastor Installation Service on Sunday, December 21st. Russell Hinson is the interim/transitional pastor at First Baptist Church, Livingston. Zach Anderson is the new pastor at Westside Baptist Church, Natchitoches. REVIVAL Liberty Christian, Colfax: Harvest Sunday, December 14, 2025. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Pastor: Deric Cox. Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Hineston: Revival, January 18-21. Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Pastor: Eugene Williams. Eastvue Baptist Church, Jena: Revival, January … [Read more...]

LCU Psychology Department holds Great Minds Forum

By Elizabeth Clark, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - The Louisiana Christian University Department of Psychology recently highlighted the scholarly accomplishments of its majors during the Great Minds Forum: A Celebration of Student Research. Held on Dec. 3 at the Granberry Conference Center, the event featured presentations of original research addressing diverse issues in psychological science, mental health and applied practice. “All eleven of our students demonstrated exceptional skill in both their research and presentations,” said Mollie Wise, assistant professor of psychology. “They represented the LCU Psychology Department with excellence and professionalism. It has been a privilege to work alongside these students throughout their research process.” Undergraduate researchers delivered 15–20 minute presentations followed by faculty-led Q&A, demonstrating strong critical thinking, methodological skill and academic professionalism. Topics ranged from sport psychology and adolescent development to digital media, counseling approaches and the impact of professorial support on student mental health. The 2025 research award recipients were as follows: 1st place — Harrison Waxley, a senior from Bossier … [Read more...]