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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Congressman Johnson, wife launch ministry podcast

By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer BOSSIER CITY, La. (LBM) – Congressman Mike Johnson and his wife, Kelly, have teamed up to launch a podcast focused on hot topics and currents events from a Christian perspective. “‘Truth be Told’ with Mike and Kelly Johnson” launched March 7 on their website, mikeandkellyjohnson.com. The couple, who are members of Cypress Baptist Church, Benton, discuss such topics as how America can be saved, why conservatism matters, what Christ followers must to do to preserve western civilization and the biblical basis for border security. Johnson, who represents 15 parishes in Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District and has 20 years of experience litigating constitutional law cases, said he and his wife, who is a licensed Christian counselor, wanted to give others a glimpse through the podcast of what their family talks about at the supper table. They have been married nearly 23 years. “We have been working in ministry side by side and together for our whole marriage,” Johnson told the Message. “It’s sort of a natural thing for us. This is what we talk about and do every day. It is neat to share it with others. “Kelly has a lot of insight and a different perspective than I do on so many … [Read more...]

Grambling State BCM uses Gospel to heal campus

By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer GRAMBLING, La. (LBM) – Soon after an October fatal shooting rocked the Grambling State University community, Baptist Collegiate Ministry Director George Lee IV stepped up and organized a prayer and worship service at a local church. What followed was a movement of the Holy Spirit that helped bring healing to a hurting community. Around 60 students participated in a time of prayer on Oct. 21 at the Springs Church, a church plant of Temple Baptist Church, Ruston. Two students at the event restored fellowship with the Lord and many more cried out to God for an end to the violence during the service at the church that is less than four miles from the Grambling State campus. “God has a way of using tragedy for His glory,” Grambling State BCM uses Gospel to heal campus Lee told the Baptist Message. “When there is loss of life there ought to be an appreciation for life. We ought to appreciate every moment we’re given.” “The campus got closer in the days following the shooting and the worship service,” he continued. “Prayer began to be more and more a part of students’ lives. I spoke with several students on the heels of that tragic event who shared how that incident basically was … [Read more...]

Louisiana Notables

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Home[1]coming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news. Send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Submit your information three weeks prior to the event. ON THE MOVE Adam, wife Felicia, Rainey is the new pastor at First Baptist Church, Lake Providence. Terry, wife Denise, Barnes is the new pastor at Parkview Baptist Church, Monroe. David McCormick is the interim pastor at First Baptist Swartz, Monroe. Matthew Cormier ordained into the Gospel ministry at Bayou Jack Baptist Church, Plaucheville. Caleb Parks ordained into the Gospel ministry at Baskin Baptist Church, Baskin. Chuck McInturf retiring as pastor at Woodridge Baptist Church, Shreveport. Scott Mercer has resigned as director of Camp Living Waters, Loranger. Mark Robinson has resigned as pastor at First Baptist, Bunkie. HOMECOMING Esler Baptist Church, Pineville: 74th Annual Homecoming, May 29, 10:30 a.m. Dinner on the grounds following service. Speaker: Jesse Garrison. Worship: Gordon Roy Whately. Pastor: Joshua Timothy. Pine Hill Baptist Church, Leesville: 129th Annual … [Read more...]

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...]