Click to Login or Sign Up

Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Emerson named governor’s chief of staff

By Baptist Message staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – State Rep. Julie Emerson, a member with First Baptist Church, Lafayette, has been named chief of staff for Gov. Jeff Landry. Most recently, Emerson ran for the U.S. Senate, but on Jan. 22 ended her campaign citing a “diminished” path to victory once Congresswoman Julia Letlow entered the race. “As we all know when God closes one door, he often opens another,” Emerson told the Baptist Message. “The offer from Gov. Landry came as a surprise, but after much prayer, it was clear that this was the best way I could continue to serve the state I love so much.” Landry in a statement commended Emerson, saying her skill set is such a good fit for this position. “Julie Emerson is a proven leader with a deep understanding of Louisiana’s people, our state legislature, and the work that needs to be done to move Louisiana forward,” he said. “Her experience and commitment to conservative reform makes her the perfect person to help lead this administration as we continue fighting for a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Louisiana.” During her time as a state representative, Emerson served as the chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means and was the first woman to chair a … [Read more...]

Rapides nixes volunteer school chaplain policy

By Baptist Message staff ALEANDRIA, La. (LBM) – After months of delaying a decision about volunteer school chaplains, the Rapides Parish School Board voted 5-4, Feb. 3, to kill a proposed policy that would have aligned Rapides schools with state law. In 2024, state Sen. Mark Abraham, a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, championed Senate Bill 123 that was signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry as Act 293, which allows “Each city, parish, or other local public school board” to “employ or accept as a volunteer a certified chaplain to provide support, services and programs for students, staff, and parents.” DISCUSSION Documents show that a proposed school policy was prepared as early as May 2025. But public information indicates that it was not an agenda item until October 2025, when a motion was made by Superintendent Jeff Powell, after receiving unanimous approval from the education committee. The matter was assigned to the next monthly meeting but was not included on the consent agenda that would have allowed a vote. After discussions by the board during that November 2025 meeting, the policy was returned to the education committee for more discussion in January 2026, finally coming forward for a board vote … [Read more...]

‘Operation Love Your Neighbor’ to offer hope to storm-weary Monroe-West Monroe

By Baptist Message staff MONROE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptists will have the chance to show the love of Christ through clearing of debris in yards in the Monroe-West Monroe area that were impacted by Winter Storm Fern. “Operation Love Your Neighbor,” set for Feb. 14-19, will allow churches, businesses and civic organizations to take a one-day mission trip there to encourage homeowners. Groups will check-in at 8:30 a.m. at the Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief Incident Management Team trailer on the parking lot of McClendon Baptist Church, West Monroe, receive their assignments and return to the church by 4 p.m. Sack lunches, rakes, shovels and bags to place debris in will be provided. LBDR State Director Stan Statham told the Baptist Message that more than 200 work orders have been received since they arrived in the area on Jan. 29. Since half of those work orders are for cutting down and removing trees, the debris removal performed by groups during “Operation Love Your Neighbor” will allow DR teams more time to take care of the more pressing needs. “When folks experience something like this, people’s presence in their lives really helps them to overcome a sense of loss,” Statham said. “It helps people to overcome the … [Read more...]

Fern survivor finds Christ

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WEST MONROE, La. (LBM) – John Broussard, a Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief chaplain/assessor from Live Oak Baptist Church, Watson, had assessed a house damaged by Winter Storm Fern when he had a “God moment,” Feb. 2. Moments after praying with a homeowner, two other assessors “happened” to arrive on scene and they all prayed with the grandmother who soon after shared about the personal struggles of her grandson, Eric. Through a series of questions with Eric, Broussard sensed he may not have a relationship with Jesus. Initially, he did not turn to Christ but soon after he accepted the Lord. “It was no coincidence that two other assessors arrived at the house when we were about to pray for Eric,” Broussard told the Baptist Message. “It was no coincidence that I am a chaplain at a recovery house where I get to minister to people like Eric. And it was no coincidence that I had left my cap at the house and when I called to see if the homeowner had it, she wanted me to come back and lead her grandson to a relationship with Jesus.” Clark Fooshee, white hat for the Incident Management Team working out of McClendon Baptist Church, West Monroe, said the incident is a … [Read more...]

Mark Sutton, former LBC president, passes

By Baptist Message staff SHREVEPORT, La. (LBM) – Mark Sutton, a former president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, died Feb. 1. He was 78. According to his obituary, Sutton was a graduate of Louisiana College (now Louisiana Christian University) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and pastored multiple churches throughout his time in ministry: Simpson Baptist Church, Simpson; L’Eglise Évangélique Baptiste, Lyon, France; Immanuel Baptist Church, Hammond; and Brookwood Baptist Church, Shreveport. He also served as Baptist Message board member (1986-1991), LBC president (1993-1995), Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board member (1994-1996) and Northwest Louisiana Baptist Association moderator (2003-2005), according to the Annual Church Profile. “We are deeply saddened by the news of Mark Sutton’s death,” Brookwood Baptist Pastor David Rice told the Baptist Message. “Brother Mark faithfully pastored Brookwood for 21 years with visionary leadership, a sharp wit, and a deep sense of his own humanity. He leaves behind a legacy of commitment to sharing the gospel around the world, preaching God’s Word without apology, and loving God’s people without prejudice. As the current pastor it is an honor and a … [Read more...]

Life March participants brave chilly temperatures to send message: ‘love them both’

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – More than 100 CENLA Life March participants braved the chilly temperatures to proclaim their love for life as they continue to fight for the rights of the unborn. David Jeffreys, vice president of denominational and church relations with Louisiana Christian University, welcomed the crowd at the starting point of the march, Jan. 31. He thanked them for their commitment to the pro-life movement. “We have made many strides in the right to life movement through the last few years, but we have a long way to go,” said Jeffreys, who recently was elected the next president and CEO of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries. “And you being here shows commitment to that. We, as Louisiana Baptists, partner with our other brothers and sisters in Christ, to say that we love the unborn. We love the mothers and the fathers, and we are here to do and to help to everything we can to make sure those babies are taken care of and see life.” In his prayer before marchers began their 1.4-mile journey from LCU to the banks of the Red River, Jeffreys asked for God’s continued hand on the fight for life. “Lord, we just continue to pray for the state … [Read more...]

DR efforts continue week after winter storm

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) - A week after Winter Storm Fern knocked out power to thousands and scattered debris across properties in north Louisiana, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams have been busy helping those impacted. Since Jan. 27, a feeding team from Rolling Hills Ministries in Ruston has prepared 2,200 meals, collectively, in West Monroe, Monroe and Rayville. Additionally, since Jan. 29, teams from Lake Charles, CENLA, Covington and Denham Springs (working out of McClendon Baptist Church, West Monroe) have assessed 79 homes and completed 32 of the 127 chainsaw jobs that have been requested by individuals. Louisiana teams at First Baptist Church, Schwartz, have shared the Gospel 13 times, prayed with 26 individuals, distributed six Bibles and recorded 45 showers taken on-site. Meanwhile, Arkansas Baptist DR chainsaw and feeding, Missouri laundry and Texas shower teams are working out of First Baptist Church, Delhi, while Arkansas chainsaw and shower teams are stationed at Providence Church (non-denominational), Lake Providence. Louisiana Baptist DR Associate/Volunteer Mobilizer Mark Morelock asked for continued prayers as teams continue to pick up the pieces and … [Read more...]

Children’s Home names LCU’s Jeffreys as president/CEO

By Baptist Message staff (based on LBCHFM press release) MONROE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries trustees announced, Jan. 30, that David Jeffreys has been elected the next president and chief executive officer of the entity, effective Feb. 16. Jeffreys serves as vice president of denominational and church relations with Louisiana Christian University, where he also was executive vice president and chief operating officer (2022-2024) and acting president of the university (March 2024-May 2025) during the presidential search. A LBCHFM news release cited Jeffreys’ “wealth of experience in Christian leadership, ministry development and organizational oversight” and his “huge heart for children and families, his commitment to biblical values and his proven ability to lead organizations with vision, integrity and compassion [the hat] are visible in every role he has held.” The trustees also expressed confidence in Jeffreys’ leadership and calling. “We are grateful to God for leading us to Dr. Jeffreys, his passion for ministry, servant-leadership and love for people align perfectly with the mission of LBCH&FM. We believe God has prepared him for this season,” said Search Committee … [Read more...]

Pastor escapes injury, parsonage serverely damaged

By Baptist Message staff TULLOS, La. (LBM) – Pastor Steven Smith is grateful for God’s protection after a tree fell a mere 15 feet from his bedroom in the parsonage of the Tullos First Baptist Church, Jan. 25. Smith said he was alone, 6:30 a.m., when he was “jolted” from his bed by the sound of a crashing tree. He immediately grabbed a flashlight and found nearby gaping holes and limbs where the tree had landed, and he discovered it missed by just inches a gas line that ran underneath the house. “As I was taking pictures of the incident there were still limbs falling from other trees all around,” Smith told the Baptist Message. “God was watching over me as always,” Smith told the Baptist Message. “I thank Him that no one was in the room that received the most damage.” Smith and others from the church were able to remove the tree, Jan. 26, and place a tarp on the roof the following day. They are working with the insurance company about the damage claim. … [Read more...]

CEC to equip collegians in apologetics

By Baptist Message staff PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist col­legiate ministry leaders hope to equip students to discuss apologetics as well as share their faith and beliefs during the upcom­ing Collegiate Evangelism Conference, set for Feb. 6-7 in Louisiana Christian University’s Guinn Audito­rium, Pineville. CEC 2026 will feature three speakers: Matthew James, vice president of enrollment with New Orleans Baptist Theologi­cal Seminary; Joey Smith, pastor of Grayson Baptist Church; and Tommy Ki­ker, pastor of East Leesville Baptist Church. Crescent City Worship, a collaborative team of NOBTS students, faculty, alumni and friends, will lead music. Students will have a chance to attend break­out sessions that center around the conference theme, as well as to ask representatives of Louisi­ana BCM GOLA Missions, the International Mission Board and New Orleans Baptist Theological Sem­inary about missions and ministry opportunities. CEC registration be­gins Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. with the main session starting at 7:30 p.m. The confer­ence concludes Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. … [Read more...]