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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Let us pray for all things ‘back to school’

By Steve Horn ALEXANDRIA, La. - Since I was four years old, this time of the year has meant “Back to School.” I have either been in school, Linett’s been teaching school, I’ve been teaching, or our boys have been in school. Many years, more than one of us were involved in school at some level. We’re still “going back to school” with Dru. This is a time ripe for prayer. Let me encourage us to be praying about all things “back to school.” Pray for our teachers—What a mission field they have! Pray for our students—Pray for their physical safety and spiritual safety. Pray for our Baptist College, Louisiana Christian University—Dr. Brewer has indicated to me his desire to adopt our language of a “culture of evangelism.” I have the opportunity to speak to this effect at both student orientation and a faculty meeting. Pray indeed for a “culture of evangelism” to exist at LCU. Pray for our BCM’s—You know the importance of engaging new students and reengaging returning students in the early days of this new semester. Pray for our churches—Back to school time is prime time in the life of the local church. Ministries that have been put on pause for the summer are starting again. Pastors have been waiting to get through the summer to … [Read more...]

Should Christians care about American history?

A 2019 poll found that only 27% of Americans under the age of 45 have a basic knowledge of American history. Sadly, the next generation is also struggling. According to NAEP standards in 2022, only 13% of the schoolchildren of America are proficient in the subject. This leads to the question: should Christians be concerned? … [Read more...]

Gray Baptist dedicating new building Aug. 13

Gray Baptist Church, Jefferson, Texas: Building Dedication, August 13, Bible study at 10 a.m. worship and dedication at 11 a.m. Former staff, members and all who helped build the new church are invited to attend. There will be a catered dinner on the grounds following the Worship service. Please confirm your attendance by calling 318.272.6002. Pastor: Roy Davis. … [Read more...]

Hinson reflects on 32 years of ministry

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer HOLDEN, La. (LBM) – Russell Hinson served for 32 years as a pastor before his Dec. 31, 2022, retirement, but the last seven produced some of his most cherished memories when He saw God move in mighty ways at First Baptist Church, Holden. “It’s been a good seven years. I was able to be a part of God’s work and what He is doing here,” Hinson told the Baptist Message. “Some people may think because we are a small church, God is not going to do that much. Through the Lord, I have challenged my folks there is nothing too difficult for the Lord. It doesn’t matter if we’re small or don’t have a lot of money. We know the one who owns the cattle of a thousand hills and He can accomplish what He wants. We can trust God and He can and will do mighty things.” In 2022, Hinson was named a Louisiana Baptist Convention Exemplary Bi-vocational Pastor of the Year for his dedication to ministry. Born in Amite, Hinson gave his heart to Christ as a 22-year-old during a conversation in his home with Ferrell McMorris, who at the time was pastor of Magnolia Baptist Church, Holden. Ten years later, Hinson felt called to the ministry but believed he was inadequate to serve as a pastor because … [Read more...]

Willis uses multi-ministry roles to advance Kingdom

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer JENA, La. (LBM) – For more than 35 years, Buddy Willis has been one of Louisiana Baptists’ faithful “utility” men in ministry. Since he was called to serve the Lord in vocational ministry, Willis has served in seven different roles that all have pointed others to the cross. “I loved working with our state people and making plans and seeing things come together and seeing things done,” Willis told the Baptist Message. “None of it was ever done for the glory of anyone. It was done for the glory of the Lord.” In 2022, Willis was named a Louisiana Baptist Convention Exemplary Retiree of the Year for his dedication to ministry. He retired in December 2021 as director of missions of LaSalle Baptist Association after serving in that capacity for eight years. Born in Jena, Willis gave his heart to Christ as a 9-year-old on June 9, 1949, during a revival service at Temple Baptist Church in that city. Sixty-two years later, Willis felt called to the ministry while he was transporting servicemen as they arrived and departed New York City during the Vietnam War era. However, he felt serving as a pastor would not financially support his family. But, the Holy Spirit continued … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptist students encouraged to sign up for evangelistic, ministry strategy

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – An evangelistic and ministry strategy aimed at inviting and mobilizing Louisiana Baptist middle and high school students to reach their classmates for Christ is ready to roll out for the upcoming school year. The Student Missionary evangelism strategy, which will launch in early August, is a guide for a training ground for students to learn how to be intentional about being an evangelist on their campus over the school year. Sixth to twelfth graders will be commissioned by their church to share the Gospel at their school. Once a student enrolls in the effort, he or she will be matched with a coach who will help the student grow in Christ and receive the tools necessary to share Jesus with their classmates. Moreover, the student will have at least four prayer partners who will receive a monthly update from the participant. Steve Masters, coordinator of the program and director of the Louisiana Baptist Collegiate Ministry at LSU, said he hopes many churches will partner with students and help foster a foundation of discipleship that will carry on past high school. “Many seniors already have checked out of their faith and student ministry … [Read more...]