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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

VIDEO: Friend says African American Fellowship a vital part of the SBC

ST LOUIS - When you mention the Southern Baptist Convention, Jeffery Friend can't help but smile. As pastor of Suburban Baptist Church in New Orleans, Friend is proud to be affiliated with the SBC as an officer with the National African American Fellowship. He is spending a few days in St Louis for the 2016 SBC Annual Meeting and related functions and shared with the Baptist Message more about the National African American Fellowship, where he serves as central regional director. "We are not just a separate entity in the convention," Friend said. "We are all the SBC. We are all part of the convention." https://youtu.be/jK3ZmShbuHo … [Read more...]

VIDEO: Vandercook passionate about purpose of Southern Baptists

ST LOUIS - Philip Vandercook is passionate about the mission and purpose of Southern Baptists. This week he is among a contingent from Louisiana who have traveled up to St Louis to learn more about how they can better fulfill their mission and cooperate with one another. Vandercook, who serves as director of Global Maritime Ministries in New Orleans, shared with the Baptist Message more about why he loves being Southern Baptist. "This is what being Baptist is all about, cooperating with one another, seeing what we can do together to advance the Kingdom of God," he said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkMhag-Tf8M … [Read more...]

PHOTO SLIDESHOW: Louisiana Baptists in St Louis for SBC Annual Meeting activities

ST LOUIS - Prior to the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, Louisiana Baptists made their way to St Louis for a variety of activities. From countless fellowships to spending time together around the convention hall or area restaurants, Annual Meeting-related happenings were enjoyed by many in attendance. Look for more photos on baptistmessage.com of the first day of the Annual Meeting. … [Read more...]

VIDEO: Tallulah pastor voices excitement over this year’s SBC Annual Meeting

ST LOUIS - Jason McGuffie had just landed in St Louis, but already was voicing excitemenr about this year's Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting. He is pastor of FBC Tallulah. Check back with the Baptist Message for more updates through articles, videos and photos of what's happening at the SBC Annual Meeting, with a special emphasis on Louisiana Baptists. https://youtu.be/C8OiJoC28XQ   … [Read more...]

VIDEO: Pastor shares about what he learned from this year’s SBC Pastors Conference regarding the role suffering plays

ST LOUIS - Mike Holloway shared with the Baptist Message about the role suffering plays in everyone's lives. He was reminded of that during a message at the SBC Pastors Conference. Holloway, who served as president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention in 2008 and 2009, is now the pastor of Ouachita Baptist Church in West Monroe. In the last few months, the church has gained 50 new members and now averages 150 in Sunday morning worship. Since February, the church has baptized 15, with another 16, including 11 children, awaiting baptism.   https://youtu.be/u_3NxgANVUI     … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptists at WMU Annual Meeting

The Southern Baptist Convention's WMU Mission Celebration/Annual Meeting got underway Sunday in the Ferrara Theater at America's Center in St. Louis. Here are some photos of Louisiana Baptists who were in attendance. Look for more photos and videos of Louisiana Baptists sharing what they thought of the meeting later today. … [Read more...]

Why we are Baptist

By Waylon Bailey, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Covington If I’ve ever preached on why we are Baptists, it has certainly been a long time. Doesn’t it seem reasonable to preach about what makes us unique and distinctive? I would think that any group – – no matter how large or how small– – should know why they exist and what they have been called to do. For that reason I gave our church four areas that make us Baptist. This is the gist of the message. Baptists arose in England and the European continent in the 1500s and 1600s. They arose out of the opportunity to read the Scripture for themselves. When they read and studied the New Testament, they wanted to “do church” according to the dictates of their conscience and the Word of God. Such beginnings led these small groups to be freedom loving, Scripture hungry, and emphasizing salvation by grace through faith that transforms and makes people new. That is our heritage – – the heritage of a people desiring to worship God freely and in ways that follow the teachings of Scripture. It’s a great heritage. We should honor that heritage and appreciate those who have gone before us. If you were going to describe a Baptist, how would you do it? Maybe we would see ourselves with … [Read more...]

Visiting Myrtle Louise

By David E. Crosby, Pastor of First Baptist Church New Orleans NEW ORLEANS -- The interstate was jammed with commuters at drive time. I started thinking about my friend, almost 100 years old, and wondering what words of wisdom I would glean as I visited her in the hospital. I determined that I would listen carefully and, if necessary, prompt her with questions. I saw her super-gripper socks when I glanced in the door, and finally her face as I walked past the curtain. Her hair was matted from a night on the pillow, something she would never countenance when healthy. Every hair was in place every time I saw Myrtle Louise Ainsworth—usually even when she was sick. “Hello, Myrtle Louise,” I said. I was the only person in her life who called her by both names, and she often responded by calling me both of mine --David Eldon. “I was wondering where you were,” she remarked dryly. I took a seat at the foot of the bed. “I just had the best breakfast of my life,” she said enthusiastically, “soupy grits, scrambled eggs, toast and jelly.” My ears perked up. Many people are not so grateful for hospital food. “My doctor is so sweet,” she said, and I wondered if all his patients felt the same. I guessed that her statement indicated more … [Read more...]