By Philip Timothy, Message Managing Editor LAFAYETTE – His presidency was defined by challenges but tempered by encouragement. Through it all, though, he led the way by example. Over the last two years, Steve Horn, pastor of First Baptist Church of Lafayette, faithfully served Louisiana Baptists as president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention in which he faced significant cultural and financial challenges. But in typical Horn fashion he took each one head on relying on God’s Holy Word and providence. His term officially ended at the LBC’s 168th annual meeting Nov. 10th. “I want to first of all to say thank you Louisiana Baptists for allowing me to serve these last two years,” said Horn. “The greatest blessing I received during this time has been strengthened relationships and some new relationships. “I also want to say thank you for responding to the challenges facing our convention, our state and our country,” he continued. “Many of you responded to my challenge to come and pray with me corporately and individually in 2014. “In 2015, you once again responded by taking ‘The Pledge’ toward increasing giving to the Cooperative Program,” said Horn. “I look with great anticipation to see how God blesses your renewed … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – A high school for adults age 19 and older operated by a Louisiana Baptist church has received state approval to operate as a non-public school. The move now allows students to take advantage of financial aid that was not available before this year and positions the school for a brighter future, school leaders say. “It’s a ministry for us,” said Dan Davis, director of the year-round school. “There is a need and I believe if there is a need, there’s a ministry. There’s a need to give adults a chance at an alternative to the GED program. Plus, we’re giving them the gospel.” Located at Trinity Baptist Church in Pineville, the year-round school allows students who lack anywhere from a few credits to a few years of high school to attend classes and take a test to earn their high school degree. The school charges a maximum tuition of $665 for the entirety a student is enrolled. A new student can enroll every eight weeks. Two years after opening its doors, Trinity High School saw the first graduates in 2005. The school has been operating as a Christian accredited entity but in June received non-public school approval by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Leo Lytle believes in some ways living the Christian life is akin to making a door and he shared why he thinks this during visits to two Louisiana Baptist churches recently. “Most of us are like this wood,” said Lytle, a woodworker and former Louisiana Baptist pastor, during one of his presentations. “And He takes us as we are. He begins to mold us out in this place He wants us to be in the body of Christ.” Starting with just pieces of wood, Lytle slowly assembled a door. Throughout the presentations at both Lakeside Baptist Church and Esler Baptist Church in Pineville, Lytle called on members of the audience to assist at various points and presented the Gospel in between his creation of a door. Lytle began making these presentations a year ago. Speaking to a woodworking club in Nacogdoches, Texas, near where he now lives, Lytle gave a different talk than what these men were accustomed to hearing. Instead of run-of-the-mill tips on woodworking, Lytle used the opportunity to share the Gospel and teach about the church. The presentation went so well that Lytle decided to build as ministry around it. Though he has presented his message as far away as Kentucky, most … [Read more...]

By Jamie Stephens, Regional Reporter RUSTON – Power-hitting outfielder Darryl Strawberry, who played for four major league teams, was considered one of baseball's biggest stars in the 1980s--before his career was derailed by substance-abuse problems. During 17 seasons he helped lead the New York Mets to a World Series championship (1986) and the New York Yankees to three World Series championships (1996, 1998 and 1999). A popular player of that era, Strawberry, a right fielder, was voted to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game eight straight times (1984–1991). Despite being one of the most feared sluggers in the game, he also was suspended three times by Major League Baseball for substance abuse.  He was in and out of drug-treatment centers for much of the late '90s and early 2000s. He went AWOL from one program multiple times, was kicked out of another, and, then he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for probation violations in April 2002. He had two marriages fail during this time, too. "I was once very lost and tormented, but now I have been found and I am free in Christ Jesus. I want everyone to experience the saving and transforming power of Jesus Christ,” Strawberry said. He came to First Baptist … [Read more...]

TO PLACE INFORMATION IN NOTABLES: Please call (318.449.4345), fax (318.445.8328 or email (philip@baptistmessage.com) your church’s event three weeks before the event takes place. Include church’s name, date, time, cost, and pastor’s name. CORRECTION Dick DeBusk is the pastor at Calvary Baptist Church, Tullos. In the article in the Dec. 3rd issue of the Message on page two, the church he pastors was not correctly identified. ON THE MOVE Marcelle Ronquille is the new pastor at Bosco Baptist Church, Monroe. Jeff Robinson is the new pastor at First Baptist Church, Hammond. Coy Raiford is the new associate pastor at First Baptist Church, Hammond. Lynn Puryear is the new children’s director at Airline Baptist Church, Bossier City. Robert Trigo is the new associate pastor/nations campus at Woodland Park Baptist Church in Hammond. Michael Stringer is the interim pastor at Life Journey Church in Shreveport. Chad (wife Lori) Hebert is the new Youth Pastor at Little Pass Baptist Church, Charenton. Richard Gambill is the new pastor at First Baptist Church in Bastrop. IN REMEMBERANCE Arnold Norsworthy of Alexandria passed away on Nov. 23 at the age of 82. He was employed with the Louisiana Baptist Convention … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer LAFAYETTE – Reaching the Next Generation and Every People Group are two aims of the 2016 Louisiana Baptist Evangelism Conference (ECON) – with a focus on moving Louisiana Baptists closer to achieving the goals of the President’s 2020 Commission Report. Evangelism & Church Growth Team Director Wayne Jenkins believes this year’s lineup of featured speakers and worship leaders will be able to accomplish this task. “ECON 2016 is a conference for the entire church,” Jenkins said. “Along with great music and powerful preaching, pastors and church members alike will be able to take home ideas from the breakout sessions about how to reach these two audiences in their community.” First Bapitst Church Lafayette will host this year’s ECON from Jan. 25-26. Based on 1 Corinthians 9:22, this year’s ECON seeks to inspire, lift spirits and provide participants with a number of unique fellowship opportunities. Preceding ECON two days earlier [Jan. 22-23], First Lafayette will also host the Hispanic Evangelism Conference. Here is a brief profile on this year’s speakers: STEVE GAINES Steve Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tenn., is a firm believer in prayer and … [Read more...]