By staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – The Louisiana Baptist Foundation has launched ‘ChurchBiz Conversations’, a free service that has been specifically developed for church administrators, pastors and other staff involved in managing the business side of ministry for their congregations. The online portal provides a platform to discuss church business administration topics, provide/receive recommendations for church-related products/services, place churches’ job postings, while connecting church staffs around the state to maximize efforts. Jeff Steed, LBF executive director, told the Baptist Message this was an effort by the Foundation to continue to provide services that “add value to churches and ministries.” He said it was another way for the LBF to come alongside churches, and mentioned Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor” (NKJV). Steed offered that individuals can start or join conversations now, by registering on LBFinfo.org/forums. “The Foundation is very grateful for the partnership in ministry we enjoy with Louisiana Baptists,” Steed shared, “We hope the ‘ChurchBiz Conversations’ online platform will help their ministries advance the Kingdom!” … [Read more...]

By Message Staff After taking time to examine a 288-page report from a task force that oversaw an independent review of the SBC Executive Committee over allegations of mishandling reports of sexual abuse, Louisiana’s three Executive Committee trustee members shared their thoughts on the findings with the Message. The Task Force released its findings on May 22. The report — that can be found on sataskforce.net — outlines the Executive Committee’s handling of sexual abuse cases between 2000 and mid-2021. The independent investigation was conducted by Guidepost Solutions. All statements are in their entirety as sent to the Message. MIKE HOLLOWAY Mike Holloway is pastor of Ouachita Baptist Church, West Monroe. He said: “As a member of the Executive Committee Trustees representing Louisiana since 2014, I want to say that it has been an honor and most of the time a joy to serve. I rotate off as a trustee at the SBC Annual Meeting this June. As all the others on the EC, I want to express my disappointment or sorrow about the many things that were revealed in this investigative report. Can I begin by explaining that there is a difference between the Executive Committee and the Executive Committee trustees? As a … [Read more...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]