EDITOR’S NOTE: The Baptist Message provides churches an opportunity to share with other Louisiana Baptists an upcoming revival, homecoming, new pastor, new staff member, a community outreach, or a concert in Louisiana Notables. To place your event in the paper, send your information (who, what, where, when, time) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Please submit your information four weeks prior to the event to insure placement in the Message. ON THE MOVE Shane, wife Victoria, Russell is the new Outreach Minister at Wilda Baptist Church, Boyce. Mike, wife Phyllis, Freeman is the new minister of music at First Baptist Church, Marion. Michael Collins is the new pastor at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Farmerville. Collin, wife Leslie, Carpenter has been called by Calvary Baptist Church, Ruston as the new youth pastor. Jeremy Babb is the new associate pastor at Highland Baptist Church, New Iberia. Clayton, wife Gracie, Bryan is the new pastor at Cheniere Baptist Church, West Monroe. Billy, wife Linda, Edwards is the new pastor at Marksville Baptist Church, Marksville. Aaron Coffey is the new pastor at New Sarepta Baptist Church, Sarepta. Evan Griffin to be ordained into the ministry March … [Read more...]

By LCU News, Baptist Message staff PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University will hold its first SENDLA event, March 24. The event, which is a phonetic play on the familiar CENLA for Central Louisiana, is rooted in the call of Matthew 28, where Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” The program will take place each semester as the campus community steps out together in service. In partnership with local nonprofits, students and faculty will spread throughout the parish to minister in practical and relational ways, showing the Gospel in action. Participating organizations include First Baptist Church, Pineville; Philadelphia Baptist Church, Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria; Family of Grace Church, Alexandria; the Hope House, Alexandria; Fostering Community, Alexandria; the Food Bank of Central Louisiana; First Baptist Church, Ball; Main Street Mission, Pineville; Rapides Parish Library System; CENLA Pregnancy Center, Alexandria; Pineville Park Baptist Church, Pineville; and Faith Baptist Church, Tioga. In addition, LCU President Mark Johnson will lead a group of students to visit with residents in the neighboring community. The Louisiana Baptist Convention and Send Network … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University alumnus and Sports Hall of Famer Mattie Stine stepped into the role of head softball coach this season, and she said that some of the most important and lasting wins have happened off the field. “Stepping into the head coach role at LCU has been both humbling and incredibly meaningful,” Stine said. “God often places us in new positions to grow us beyond what feels comfortable, and this season has stretched me in all the right ways.” She said that coming back to a place that shaped her as a student-athlete makes this opportunity deeply personal, and she is grateful. “While the title has changed, my heart has not,” Stine said. “My goal has always remained the same: to love these young women well and to keep Christ as the foundation of everything we do. "Wins and losses will come and go, but we are building a culture rooted in faith, love for each other and servant leadership," she continued. "I want our players to know they are valued for who they are, not just what they produce on the field. I want our players to love each other well and to go out and love others well.” Before taking on the role of head coach, Stine was … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University has launched a new podcast, featuring LCU President Mark Johnson and his wife, Heather. The eight-episode first season of the P356 podcast debuts this spring, with episodes released biweekly. “This came about because of my travels, meeting people across the nation and who are part of the Wildcat Nation,” President Johnson said. “It gives us the opportunity to sit down with amazing alumni and highlight some of the great things they are doing and make connections with them.” The conversations will be built around the four pillars of worship, scholarship, stewardship and leadership from Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. “We have built connections with people in our world—together and separately, and we are excited to share those with listeners,” Heather Johnson said. Heather said one of the key messages she hopes listeners will take away from the podcast is encouragement for their Christian daily walk. Podcasting technology gives believers another way to access biblical messages and hear from other believers living … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - The Louisiana Christian University School of Social Work hosted a Trust-Based Relational Intervention® workshop, March 9-10, at Granberry Conference Center and welcomed social workers, law enforcement, judges, probation officers and teachers who work with children and families. Trust-Based Relational Intervention is an attachment-based, trauma-informed approach designed to meet the complex needs of children and families who have experienced adversity, trauma or disrupted attachment. Developed at Texas Christian University by the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, TBRI is built on decades of research in neuroscience, attachment theory, and child development. Katherine Jennings, Families in Need of Services, director for the Ninth Judicial District Court, served as the workshop coordinator. Speakers addressed understanding how trauma affects the developing brain and behavior and the importance of connection before correction in building lasting change. They also offered practical strategies that professionals can implement immediately in schools, court systems, foster care and community programs. “Children and families involved in child welfare, … [Read more...]

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - The paintings of Marjorie Shanks will be on display starting March 19, at 5 p.m., when Louisiana Christian University’s “Plein Air and Beyond” art show opens. New York native Shanks, who now lives in Marksville, specializes in plein air painting. Plein air painting, from the French for "open air," involves creating art outdoors to capture natural light and scenery in the moment. By working directly within the environment, artists can more accurately portray the shifting colors and atmosphere of the landscape. “I am thrilled that our gallery will have the privilege of showcasing Shanks’ work,” said Assistant Professor of Art Michael Williams. “This will be an excellent event, and I’m excited that our students and community will have the opportunity to experience the remarkable work of such a talented artist.” Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Community members should email LCUFineArts@lcuniversity.edu to schedule a tour. Students who attend will earn a cultural credit. … [Read more...]

By Kayla Condrey, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Theatre Louisiana Christian will close its 2025-2026 season over the next two weeks with a musical that will transport audiences to 1928 in the show “The Drowsy Chaperone.” The audience will feature senior Cayden Walls as the Man in the Chair, the narrator and lead of the show. This is the same role Walls was cast as in his sophomore year of high school. “This show means the world to me,” Walls said. “I was actually supposed to be in the show when I was a sophomore in high school, but it got canceled because of COVID. I liked doing theatre before, but working on that show sparked my love for theatre, studying characters, learning choreography, and appreciating the artistry of it all. I probably wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for this show and this role.” With this show also serving as his senior capstone, he is the artistic director, choreographer, set designer, costumer and much more. “I was expecting for myself, as well as the cast, to be overwhelmed, but really we have all just been having a blast and getting the work done efficiently!  I can definitely see the Lord’s hand in this production, he said. “He has made His work so abundantly … [Read more...]