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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Discipleship emphasis results in baptisms

By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer OAK GROVE, La. (LBM) – During his first Sunday as pastor of Trinity Baptist, February 2020, Courtney Rainey presented a vision to 75 worshipers that they could reach and baptize 50 people in one year. Two years later the congregation is on pace to meet that goal, having baptized 24 new believers since January, while now averaging 135 in Sunday morning worship. For comparison, the church baptized 21 people, combined, in 2020 and 2021. Rainey told the Message that “when they asked God to move in our own lives and the community” that they did not anticipate they would see the results “in such a short time.” “I’ve never been part of a movement like this,” he said. “We are not just going through the motions. Lives are being changed and it’s exciting to see what God has in store for us.” Rainey said members have embraced a lifestyle of discipleship that has fueled growth, both spiritually and numerically. Since June 2021, 40 members have met together on Sunday evenings for discipleship. During the week, four discipleship groups also gather for further accountability and encouragement. Additionally, several groups have seen increased participation compared to February 2020, … [Read more...]

Abortion controversy divides LBC lawmakers

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – A similar controversy that roiled the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, regarding the best approach to end abortion in America, erupted among Louisiana Baptist state lawmakers with a battle over H.B. 813, titled, “The Abolition of Abortion in Louisiana Act of 2022.” The legislation, offered by Rep. Danny McCormick, a member of Trees Baptist Church in Vivian, and championed by Brian Gunter, recently elected pastor of First Baptist Church in Livingston after serving as pastor of First Baptist Church in Pollock for eight years, mandated that the state ignore federal laws and court rulings that do not immediately abolish abortion; and that do not equally apply criminal penalties for murder to both the abortionist and the woman who has an abortion. Pro-life lawmakers pushed to amend the bill to remove unconstitutional clauses and make other changes with the hope of adding protections for the unborn in Louisiana -- aware that the bill in its original form was headed for a veto by the governor and lacked the votes to override him. SBC SEMBLANCES The Louisiana dustup mirrored in part the heated discussion of the 2021 SBC Annual … [Read more...]

Spared from abortion, new music video depicts Jason Lovins’s story

By Jason Lovins Band ASHLAND, Ky. - The Jason Lovins Band, a Christian contemporary musical group that has led worship at the Youth Evangelism Celebration, the Louisiana Baptist Evangelism Conference and other events in the state, has released the music video for their latest single, “Constant (featuring Russ Lee).” With lyrics describing God’s constancy through mountain-highs and valley-lows, lead singer Jason Lovins has experienced first hand how God has been constant through his life. Conceived from an assault, Lovins’ life story is especially relevant today. His mother, at age 15, was raped walking home from the pool one day. She told no one and didn’t even remember the assault as she had blocked out this tragic day. Months went on and she told her mother she was sick and needed to see a doctor. When they discovered she was pregnant, the first thing Lovins' grandmother said was, “we are going to church and we are gonna pray.” They asked God for answers and felt it was clear this baby was to have life. While abortion was not going to be an option, adoption was the plan until Lovins' mother heard his heartbeat. At that moment, the answer was clear to the family. Lovins was to have a chance at life with his … [Read more...]

Orientation set for incoming LCU freshman May 20-21

By Message staff PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Christian University will host an event this weekend to help acclimate incoming students to campus life. Scheduled May 20-21, Frosh Days will allow new students to meet their advisor, register for classes, tour the campus and meet classmates. While the weekend is required for freshmen, other incoming students also may attend. “We are excited to add this dimension to the university’s freshman year experience,” LCU President Rick Brewer said. ”Frosh Days will enrich the connection our new students will have with our faculty, staff and each other.” … [Read more...]

Dew to NOBTS graduates: ‘Love God, love others’ essential to ministry

By Marilyn Stewart, NOBTS communications NEW ORLEANS, La. (NOBTS) – Jamie Dew, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College, urged the May 2022 graduates to consider the question that would impact their lives and ministries as they step into a new chapter in life. “What is essential for you, now?” Dew asked. NOBTS conferred twenty-four doctoral degrees, including seven Ph.D.s, two doctor of musical arts, one Ed.D. and 15 D.Min. degrees, and 106 master's degrees. Leavell College graduates received 94 undergraduate degrees and certificates. Dew defined “essential” by saying it refers to something a person cannot do without. After pursuing an education and earning a degree, graduate candidates must remember what is essential and worthy of their full devotion, Dew urged. Dew continued by pointing to Matthew 22:23 and the question the religious leaders posed to Jesus. Though the religious leaders hoped to entrap Jesus, Dew said he appreciated their question for a different reason. “I love that question,” Dew said. “I love that question but not for the same reason [the religious leaders] loved that question …  I want to know the answer because I don’t want to waste my life.” Dew pointed out that … [Read more...]

LBCH celebrates cottage dedications, apartment groundbreaking

By Message staff MONROE, La. (LBM) – The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries, on March 16, dedicated a new cottage and broke ground on a new apartment complex that will serve homeless mothers and their children seeking to start a new life. LBCHFM staff, board members and donors also celebrated on April 14 the completion of a renovated cottage that will provide temporary housing to Louisiana Baptist pastors and Southern Baptist missionaries in transition. MARY’S PLACE COTTAGE Mary’s Place will house homeless women and children for up to 12 months at no cost to the residents. Through its HomePlace ministry, the women may work toward their high school equivalency certificate and receive life and employment skills training through the Women’s Learning Center, a ministry of the LBCHFM. Residents living in this cottage will experience an array of amenities to provide a true home environment for the women and their children as they transition to independent living. This is the third new HomePlace Cottage to open since 2016, joining Maggie’s Place and Irma’s Place. Mary’s Place is named after Mary Martin Fowler, sister of the late Jonathan Martin, who organized the Brenda Hall Abney Golf Classic in … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptists excel in Bible Drill, Speakers Tournament

By Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist children and youth in grades 4-12 recently competed in State Bible Drill and the Speakers Tournament. State Bible Drill was held at three separate locations (Temple Baptist, Ruston on April 26, First Baptist Church, Covington on April 28 and Kingsville Baptist Church, Ball on April 30). In all, 276 children, youth and high school students participated in State Bible Drill (170 children and 106 middle and high schoolers). The Speakers Tournament was held April 30 at Louisiana Christian University. BIBLE DRILL Ninth grader Brett Frost, New Chapel Hill Baptist Church, West Monroe, and twelfth grader Mary Copeland, First Baptist Church, Gonzales, each were chosen to represent Louisiana at the National Invitational Tournament in June at First Baptist Church, Brunswick, Georgia. Bible Drill involves a three-step process which begins in the church before moving on to the district level and then finally advancing to the state level. They are part of a discipleship program designed to assist children, youth, and high school students in developing useful skills and knowledge of the Bible. Participants test their knowledge in the books of the Bible, scripture references, … [Read more...]

Skit Guys’ faith-based family comedy hits theaters May 13

By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer EDMOND, Okla. (LBM) – The Skit Guys, a Christian comedic duo who have performed at the 2021 Louisiana Baptist Convention Annual Meeting and the 2012 Youth Evangelism Celebration, will debut their first-ever family film May 13 at theaters nationwide, including several in the state. According to the movie’s website, “Family Camp” chronicles the journey of two “polar opposite” families who find themselves sharing a cabin for a week at rustic Camp Katokwah. During a competition for a camp trophy, the two fathers (played by Tommy Woodard and Eddie James, known as the Skit Guys) find themselves lost in the woods after a comedy of mishaps and therefore the two men have to work together to find their way out of the woods. The film was produced by Provident Films, producer of such films as “Overcomer,” “War Room,” “Courageous,” “Fireproof,” and “Woodlawn”, Educational Media Foundation, parent company of K-LOVE, the largest contemporary Christian radio network in the United States, and Roadside Attractions, whose movies have grossed more than $500 million and garnered 23 Academy Award nominations. Woodard and James have wanted to make a comedy feature film for more than 20 years. When Brian … [Read more...]

Letlow shares story of hope during LCU Commencement

By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – U.S. Congresswoman Julia Letlow told the Louisiana Christian University Class of 2022 graduates to remain hopeful when difficult days come. Speaking during the college’s 167th Commencement May 7 at the Rapides Coliseum in Alexandria, Letlow shared how her faith in Christ sustained her after her husband, Luke, died from COVID-19 complications, Dec. 29, 2020. He was just five days from taking office after he had won the election the month before to succeed Ralph Abraham, who retired from Congress. She later won the seat in a special election in March 2021. “The Holy Spirit stepped in to sustain me in the hard days that followed after Luke's death, to take my next breath, to put one foot in front of the other, to care for my children, and to eventually run for the same seat held by my husband, in order to continue a dream that the Lord put in both our hearts: to serve this community,” she said. “It was during this immensely difficult time in my life that the Lord showed me that two things can be true at once. “A person can be full of grief and still choose hope for the future,” she continued. “And it is that message of hope put into action that I want to impart … [Read more...]