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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Scholarship launched in memory of LCU ‘poster child of vivaciousness’

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Emily Jean Rodgers would have been celebrating her 25th birthday this week as a member of Louisiana Christian University’s Class of 2020. Instead, her family and friends are sharing memories and pictures on social media — trying to make her first birthday since her death in September as joyous as possible. To that end, the Rogers family and her professor, Elizabeth Clarke, have established the Emily Jean Rodgers Memorial Scholarship to honor her memory and legacy at her alma mater. “Though Emily's heavenly homecoming has left an earthly gap in our family, we are forever grateful to know Emily is in the arms of Jesus because she asked Him to be her Savior at the age of 10,” said her parents, Jeri and Joey Rodgers. “We miss her light and fun and spunk tremendously, but we rejoice that she is whole and healthy at the foot of God's throne.” Clarke echoed the thought. “I couldn’t think of a better way to keep Emily alive on campus for years and years to come,” Clarke said. “Anyone who knew Emily—when you think of her, you think Jesus, her family and LCU. I want future students to know the name Emily Rodgers and aspire to be the shining example of a Christian—and … [Read more...]

Seven ways to say ‘I love you” to your children this year

By JT Waresak I'm not a huge New Year's resolution guy. However, as a new year begins, it is another opportunity to raise the bar in my effort to be the best dad I can be. I'm also reminded that the opportune time to pour into my sons and daughters is limited to a couple of precious decades. This is not to say I can't still influence my older children, but those initial years while my kids are still at home are critical ones. By God's grace, if I can help influence and shape these formative years, my children will have a great launching point as they prepare to build their own lives and families apart from me. … [Read more...]

Robertson named LCU associate vice president for academic affairs

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University history professor Henry Robertson has been named associate vice president for academic affairs. “Robertson brings to this position a keen intellect and commitment to providing scalable academic programs for our Christ-centered university,” LCU President Rick Brewer said. “Henry’s communication skills and knowledge of our state will definitely add value to this external initiative for LCU.” Robertson, who is the Hogan Family Board of Regents professor of history, has worked at LCU since 2006. During this time at the school, Robertson has served as associate professor, chairman of the division of history and political science, coordinator of institutional effectiveness, and coordinator of sponsored programs. In his new role, Robertson will be tasked with collaborating with local, state, national and international partners to develop pathways for academic partnerships and new programs. “I am delighted that Dr. Robertson is joining the administration in the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs as the associate vice president for academic affairs,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Cheryl Clark. “He has a … [Read more...]

Make church planting evangelistic again

By Lane Corley A troubling trend I’ve noted among church plants in Louisiana. Since 2012, professions of faith are down 86 percent and baptisms are down 66 percent in Louisiana church plants. It’s not just church plants. The decline in evangelism outcomes is well-noted across North America. It’s most surprising among church plants, because church planting is supposed to be for the purpose of evangelism. Why the decline? Some possible reasons to note: Contacts and evangelistic contacts are down 52 percent. Church planters should aim for 200 contacts and 50 Gospel conversations per month. 2022 numbers were 81 and 20 per month. We reap what we sow. Sowing the Gospel broadly should be priority No. 1 for church planters. And these should multiply exponentially as team members are added and begin to learn the habits of evangelism and disciple making from the church planter. It’s definitely a changing missional landscape. Evangelism may be harder today than it was 10 years ago. The pace of evangelistic responses may have slowed. This is more reason to share the gospel more broadly than ever before. Ecclesiological issues have taken precedence. Our organizations, logos, websites, and by-laws are in better order than they … [Read more...]

House passes resolution condemning intimidation tactics of pro-abortion activists

By Office of Congressman Mike Johnson WASHINGTON - The United States House of Representatives recently passed a congressional resolution condemning the nationwide wave of violence, property damage, threats, trespassing, and intimidation against pro-life organizations in 2022 by pro-abortion activists in the wake of the Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade. The resolution was sponsored by 136 House Republicans led by House Republican Conference Vice Chairman Mike Johnson (LA-04), and is the fifth piece of legislation to pass the House so far this year. “Since there has been so little accountability for the leaked draft Dobbs opinion and ensuing violence and intimidation against pro-lifers, we are making the position of Congress crystal clear: violence, property damage, threats, and intimidation tactics must be condemned, and these clear violations of federal and state laws must be prosecuted,” said Johnson, a member of Cypress Baptist Church, Benton. “I thank Speaker McCarthy and our entire House Republican leadership team for making this resolution one of the first priorities of the 118th Congress.” Read the text of the resolution here. Representatives Robert Aderholt (AL), Mark Amodei (NV), Jodey Arrington … [Read more...]

Cotton Bowl: Tulane’s Anderson gives God the victory

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer NEW ORLEANS (LBM) – Typically, Nick Anderson is a vocal presence on gridiron as an all-conference linebacker for the Tulane Green Wave, but he was at a loss for words as he looked across AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, following a comeback win in the 2023 Cot[1]ton Bowl. Anderson registered five tackles as Tulane, the number 16 team in the nation, erased a 15-point deficit in fewer than five minutes to pull off a 46-45 upset of the 10th-ranked University of Southern California. According to the Athletic website, over the past five years, Football Bowl Subdivision teams were just 1-1,692 when trailing by 15 points with five minutes to play. A native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Anderson played four seasons at Tulane. During that time, he amassed 283 tackles, 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. “God has always been the head of my life and my journey,” Anderson, who turned to Christ when he was five years old, told the Baptist Message. “My career has been through many trials and tribulations, but He has always shown true to his Word in covering me every step of the way. I’m blessed to be in this position and blessed to have been used as a vessel to help guide this team to a … [Read more...]