By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer NEW ORLEANS, La. (LBM) – Despite a plague of weather disasters amid a worldwide pandemic, Louisiana Baptists continued to sow and reap in 2021. According to the Annual Church Profile, Celebration Church (campuses in the New Orleans and Northshore areas) had the most baptisms of any Louisiana Baptist congregation in 2021 (317). Rounding out the top five were: Cypress Baptist Church, Benton (286); First Baptist Church, Covington (105); Bayou Church, Lafayette (95); and Journey Church, Pineville (93). The database showed that churches of all sizes continued to reap spiritual harvests, and those listed below had the most baptisms, per capita (using average worship attendance), among congregations of similar size. Louisiana Baptist Evangelism and Church Growth Team Director Keith Manuel said he is thankful for the many churches who baptize and have a zeal to shed the light of Christ in a world that faces uncertainty. “Easter is always one of the highest attended days of worship,” Manuel told the Baptist Message. “This year -- in light of the crises of health, inflation, and war -- may be one of the great[1]est opportunities to touch hurting people with the Gospel. This … [Read more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. ON THE MOVE Richard Gill is the new pastor at Temple Baptist Church, DeRidder. Brian Gunter has resigned as pastor at First Baptist Church, Pollock to become the new pastor at First Baptist Church, Livingston. Dwayne Irwin has been called as the new pastor at Pine Grove Baptist Church, Ruby. Eddie, wife Sabrina, Henson is the new pastor at Briarwood Baptist Church, Franklinton. He began the first week of January. Kyle, wife Gaylynn, Bryan is the new pastor at Clark Springs Baptist Church, Eros. Nathan Davis has resigned as pastor of First Baptist Church, Coushatta. Wes Faulk has resigned as pastor of First Baptist Church, Vidalia to do ministry work overseas. Brian Lassiter is new as minister of music at New Hope Baptist Church, Choudrant. Aaron Dickinson resigned as pastor of First Baptist … [Read more...]

By Joel Thompson, Wildcats Media PINEVILLE, La. (Wildcats Media) – Frank Turek, founder and president of CrossExamined.org apologetics organization, will be the keynote speaker at Louisiana Christian University’s second Christ Church Culture (C3) event of the spring semester, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. Turek’s focus primarily is on the existence of truth and God, through the framework of Christian apologetics. He has authored such books as “Steal from God: Why atheists need God to make their case” and “I don’t have enough faith to be an atheist.” Additionally, Turek hosts weekly hour-long television and radio programs that feature cultural commentary from a Christian perspective. “Giving a defense for the claims of Christianity is one of the pressing needs of our society,” Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn said. “Frank Turek is recognized leader is this area of Christian study. What a gift to the whole community that LCU is able to bring him to campus.” LCU School of Missions and Ministry Dean Justin Langford believes Turek provides an example for how Christians should interact with those outside of the faith. “Dr. Turek is a renowned speaker, author, and apologist who is well-known for his critical engagement with … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff NEW ORLEANS, La. (LBM) - Multiple tornadoes ripped through southeast Louisiana Tuesday, March 22, damaging homes, leaving thousands without power, and causing multiple injuries and at least one confirmed death. Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief state coordinator Stan Statham asked for prayer as DR teams begin assessing damage Wednesday in the hard-hit areas of Arabi and New Orleans who are still trying to recover from another recent natural disaster. “Many in this area have not fully recovered from Ida this summer,” Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn told the Baptist Message. “It’s hard to understand why these folks are going through this again. “We have much going on in our world right now, but God is near to the broken hearted. I am thankful for recently trained new volunteers,” he said. “Louisiana Baptists will have yet another opportunity to share the love of Jesus by serving those in need.” According to WDSU-TV in New Orleans, tornadoes were confirmed to have hit Arabi (where one person was killed, though no further details were known), the lower 9th Ward in New Orleans and Lacombe in St. Tammany Parish. The National Weather Service said they would be sending teams into … [Read more...]

  By Baptist Message staff PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Richard Blackaby encouraged students and others gathered for the Louisiana Christian University “God in the Workplace” seminar, March 21, to become Christian leaders who create cultures in their businesses that minister to souls. “As Christians we are called,” Blackaby said. “Especially, now, there is a great call from God for Christians to enter into the marketplace, into the workplace, as a ministry. Our society needs Christians to answer that call.” Blackaby, president of Blackaby Ministries International, Atlanta, Ga., explained that Christians are called to create an environment that is safe, spirit-filled, blessed, truthful, humble and joyful. He noted that society is absent of joy, and added that Christ followers are called to be a light to a world that is filled with hopelessness and suffering. “Nobody can take your joy if you get your joy from the presence of God,” he said. “No one can remove you from God’s presence. “If there’s anybody you want to work for, it ought to be a joy-filled Christian who knows God, who wants to be a blessing, who is going to tell you the truth and who is going to keep you safe because they love you and they’re … [Read more...]

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Due to the possibility of severe weather Tuesday, March 22, Louisiana Christian University will not hold face-to-face classes. All classes will move to online. Chapel also is cancelled Tuesday. Dining services will be open, and essential employees should plan to report to work. … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University will dedicate the Blaine and Christine Broussard Sports Court on Wednesday, March 23. LCU President Rick Brewer said he has wanted, for several years, to have an outdoor court where students and others could get together for a friendly pick-up game of basketball. “Once I had significant financial support for the project the wheels began to roll during the Christmas break,” Brewer said. “Two alums, a husband and wife, were installing a similar court and because of their love and support for LCU. I asked if they would help do the same at the university, and they did. We worked with Sport Court South, a professional outdoor courts, from Little Rock, Arkansas, owned by Paul LeFleur. They were great people to work with who made sure our correct university colors and sports logo were applied to the court.” While the court near Tudor Hall will not be officially dedicated until Wednesday, students have enjoyed playing Brewer and others in basketball on the outdoor court. “It’s nice seeing the president come out of his way to interact with his students,” said Caleb Howe, a senior secondary education major. “It shows he cares for us and wants the … [Read more...]

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University will hold its spring preview day March 19. Scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the event will offer prospective students a tour of the school’s campus, hear from current students and learn more about student clubs and organizations, athletics and residence life. High school seniors who bring a completed application to preview day will have their application fee waived. … [Read more...]