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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

New pastors connect with Louisiana Baptist ministries during welcome event

By Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist state missions and ministry directors and entity heads rolled out the welcome mat for more than 19 new pastors and eight spouses, Sept. 12. Held at the Baptist Building in Alexandria, the event featured remarks by Louisiana Baptists Executive Director Steve Horn, introductions by state ministries and entities, a tour of the building and lunch for those in attendance. The event was open to any pastor or staff member who had transitioned to the role of pastor since 2020. “The strength of our cooperation rides on the back of the strength of our relationships,” Horn told the Baptist Message. “Central to that cooperation is the strength of our relationships with pastors. And, how can we have strength in those relationships with those with whom we haven’t even met? “So, our ongoing vision is to start that relationship as early as possible when a new pastor arrives for his first pastorate in Louisiana,” he continued. “The intention of this event was to open the physical front door of our convention so pastors could hear the presentations from state missions’ directors and entity leaders and also tour our facilities,” Louisiana Baptists Pastoral Ministry Team … [Read more...]

Lifemark, the movie, being released Sept. 9

While he’s always wrestled with the idea he was adopted at birth, David knows he is loved and cherished by his parents and grandparents. As he turns 18, he’s excited and a bit nervous about what the future holds. But when Melissa, his birth mother, unexpectedly reaches out to him, David’s world is turned upside down. Should he respond to her? What about his birth father? What are they like? And why did they choose not to raise him? Facing the reality of his adoption, David must choose to either meet with his birthmother or go on with his life as he’s always known it. With the loving encouragement and support of his parents, and his best friend going along to capture on camera everything as it happens, David chooses to embark on a journey of discovery … and ultimately, forgiveness. From executive producers Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers—creators of War Room and Courageous—comes LIFEMARK, based on an incredible true story celebrating adoption, family, reconciliation, and love. Follow this link (LIFEMARK | The Grand Theatre) to find out what theater it is showing in your town.   … [Read more...]

National Delta Mu Delta scholarship awarded to LCU’s Shields

By Staff, Louisiana Christian University News PINEVILLE, Louisiana (LCUNews) -- Abigail Shields, a senior business management and marketing major from Deville, has earned a $500 scholarship award from international business honor society Delta Mu Delta. DMD awarded 66 scholarships nationwide this year to undergraduate and graduate students based on academics, leadership qualities, character, and service to the institution and community. “She is an intelligent young lady,” said Kenny Holt, dean of Young School of Business. “Because of her work ethic and servant’s heart, she naturally gravitates toward leadership positions in the School of Business.  The faculty awarded her the highest leadership award for the Young School of Business this past spring.  She accomplishes what she sets out to do with excellence.” Shields has a GPA of 3.92 and serves as the president of the LCU Chapter of Delta Mu Delta, Wildcats for Life and the Business Student Association. She is also the parliamentarian of the Student Government Association. After graduation from LCU, Shields said she plans to earn her Master of Business Administration before heading to law school and eventually entering the political arena. “I want to make a … [Read more...]

LCU schedules Martin MBA dedication Sept. 15

By Staff PINEVILLE, La. (LC News) – Louisiana Christian University has scheduled a Sept. 15 dedication for its new Jonathan E. Martin Master of Business Administration program. Launched this school year, the MBA is the newest graduate degree offered in the Young School of Business at LCU and received full approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (the university’s accrediting body) in July. Students can complete the 34-hour online program in just one year and can specialize in healthcare administration, data analytics or general management. “Our MBA program is designed to equip graduates for God’s mission,” LCU President Rick Brewer said. “In a recent ministry newsletter from C12, pastors interact with about 8.8 million nominal and non-Christians for 12 hours each year. Christian business leaders interact with about 118 million nominal and non-Christians for 2080 hours a year. The Martin MBA equips Christian business leaders to serve in the mission field of the workplace.” Roy O. Martin III, chairman, CEO and CFO of Louisiana-based RoyOMartin wood product manufacturer, echoed the thought. “LCU is filling a vital need in our community by offering the only online Master of … [Read more...]

Johnson warns families about FX show in viral post

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WASHINGTON (LBM) – A Facebook post by Congressman Mike Johnson warning families about the new FX cartoon “Little Demon” has reached more than 12 million people and been shared more than 157,000 times since Sept. 5. Johnson, who represents Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District and is a member of Cypress Baptist Church, Benton, shared his concerns about the show that was previewed during the Florida State-LSU football game Sept. 4 on ABC. According to the FX website, the show features a “reluctant” mother and her antichrist daughter as they try to live an ordinary life in Delaware. However, they are “constantly thwarted by monstrous forces, including Satan, who yearns for custody of his daughter’s soul.” Johnson, who has made four other Facebook posts about the show, said he was shocked Disney, which owns and markets FX, would expose so many individuals including children such as his own 11-year-old son to a trailer about a cartoon that has elements of satanism, graphic violence and profanity. “When I saw the trailer, I was alarmed,” Johnson told the Baptist Message. “It was not expected, and I couldn’t get to the remote fast enough to shield my son from it. I wondered … [Read more...]

Dry Creek Baptist Camp will host SYATP

Dry Creek Baptist encampment will host Aflame, a See You at the Pole event, September 28 beginning at 6 p.m. Members of the McNeese State University band will lead worship, students will share testimonies and there will be a time of prayer and Steve Estes will close out the evening. Students, parents and faculty from all over are invited to attend this two-hour event … [Read more...]

DR volunteer leads man to Christ during stop for gasoline

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – While refueling at an Alexandria gasoline station, Aug. 26, Disaster Relief volunteer James Irvine struck up a conversation with a young man who inquired about a job with the organization. Instead of securing employment, Justin left with something far better than a job opportunity … he left with a relationship with Christ. Irvine, who along with LBDR Strategist Stan Statham, prayed with Justin onsite as he gave his life over to the Lord. It served as a reminder that all Christ followers should look for opportunities to share the ‘good news’ found in the Lord. “Anytime you can lead someone to the Lord it’s an awesome experience, Irvine told the Baptist Message. “On that day the timing was right, and he was ready to change his life for the Lord. A lot of people miss those opportunities but when it is there you must step up and allow the person to either accept or reject Christ. I’m so excited Justin was willing to turn to Jesus right then and there.” Statham, who has maintained contact with Justin for discipleship and to help him get connected with a local church, said the incident served as a reminder of the ultimate purpose of disaster … [Read more...]