By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Cheers, high-fives and even a human wave were plentiful earlier in the month for a crowd of 100 gathered to witness the baptism of several members of HIS Church in the Red River. Some were husbands and wives; others were individuals, all wading through the water on this comfortable October evening. Those being baptized were ecstatic to show family, friends and onlookers their declaration of a new life in Christ through baptism. The six baptisms were the second to be performed in the river this year by the church, with two other baptisms occurring in nearby Buhlow Lake. In all, around 85 people have been baptized, with the most (43) occurring during an earlier lake baptism before a large crowd of more than 300. HIS Church Pastor Steve Speer said baptizing in the river and lake brings about a sense of nostalgia from when baptisms in churches and even during biblical times were held almost exclusively in that setting, instead of the more traditional baptisms inside a worship center. “We like to baptize outdoors because it’s a retro thing, an old-fashioned way of doing things,” Speer said. “In our quest to redefine how we do church, we embrace some ways of the … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer COUSHATTA – Nathan Davis, pastor of First Baptist Church in Coushatta, is expected to be nominated for the office of president of the Louisiana Baptist Pastors Conference. Brad Jurkovich, pastor of First Baptist Church in Bossier City, told The Baptist Message that he plans to nominate Davis. “I have known him to be a godly man and leader,” Jurkovich said. “He and I received our Doctorates from Southwestern Seminary together. He is strong biblically, shepherds his congregation with faith and vision and is committed to seeing Southern Baptists make a difference for Christ throughout Louisiana, America and the world.” Davis said if elected he would welcome the opportunity to encourage and challenge fellow pastors in these challenging days. “The reason that I would want to be Pastors Conference president is because I love to minister to pastors,” Davis said. “Also, I love to organize services with great singing and great preaching. “Pastors have always had a special place in my heart,” he continued. “I want to see them encouraged and challenged to grow in their faith. I count it a privilege to even be considered.” Since 2010, Davis has served as pastor of First Baptist … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Northwestern State men’s head basketball coach Mike McConathy is not just about winning games on the court but also teaching young men off the court how to be effective in life. “What’s my job as a coach?” McConathy told those attending the recent First@First Business Leaders Lunch at First Baptist Church in Pineville. “To teach young men how to be effective in everything they do.” Whether in coaching or business, training for life-effectiveness involves two key components, McConathy said. They are communication and paying attention to details. “If we expect a lot of others we’ve got to give a lot,” said McConathy, who has served as coach of the Demons for 16 years. “And I think that we give and we give unconditionally because Christ gave unconditionally for us.” McConathy said he doesn’t ask his players to do something he would not do himself. “My philosophy is if somebody asks me to do it, I’m going to find a way to do it, because they would not ask me to do something if they really didn’t need help,” he said. “A lot of times with God, how frustrating do you think He gets with us because He asks us to study scripture, He asks us to praise Him, He asks us to … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer BOSSIER CITY – Northwest Louisiana is the sight of yet another battle for religious freedom in public schools. The Louisiana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union recently sent a letter to the superintendent of the Bossier Parish Schools, accusing Airline High School of “engaging in a pattern of religious proselytization.” The letter states that prayer boxes with Christian symbols have been established throughout the school and religious messages have been included in newsletters posted on Airline High School’s website. After the letter was sent to Bossier Parish Schools, the ACLU learned information from a source was not entirely accurate. “We had a photograph of those boxes and were told that they were scheduled to be installed the next day, which did not happen,” said ACLU Louisiana Executive Director Marjorie Esman in an email to The Baptist Message. “Our goal is, as it always is, to ensure compliance with the law. I hope you will make clear that the ACLU has a long and proud history of defending the religious rights of all Americans.” The ACLU also states in the letter they understand that Airline High School Principal Jason Rowland has encouraged students to … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer POLLOCK – For nearly two years, Brian Gunter has prayed for a way to minister to hundreds of women struggling with crisis pregnancy who are living in central Louisiana. Now Gunter believes God has answered his prayers, with the possible establishment of a pregnancy care center in the area. “The desire of my heart is to see our Southern Baptist churches in Cenla engage in a cooperative missions effort to share the gospel with these women and to save the lives of their unborn children,” Gunter, pastor of First Baptist Church of Pollock, wrote in a letter mailed to churches in the central Louisiana area. “Southern Baptists are adamantly pro-life and missions-minded. It is time that we practice what we preach because God has called us to save souls and save lives. This is our opportunity to do so.” Gunter said that starting a pregnancy care center allows for Southern Baptists to do what they are known for – carrying the gospel around the world, but closer to home. He said that the problem of the women is not that they are unmarried or pregnant out of wedlock, but rather symptoms of a problem – their need for Christ. Gunter said this pregnancy care center will be used to introduce … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer THIBODAUX – Before the fall semester began, the Baptist Collegiate Ministry leadership at Nicholls State University was praying for at least one student to come to a saving relationship with Christ. By the end of September, they had gotten much more – 19 to be exact. “It’s pretty wild,” said Nicholls BCM President Zach Vorenkamp, a senior from Houston, Texas. “The Lord is really moving. If it’s anything we are doing, it’s being intentional – sharing the gospel and creating disciples.” The catalyst for the growth began when BCM Director Conan Sherlin and his wife, Christy, and a friend of the BCM attended a national conference for BCM directors. It was there they were led to discuss with the leadership team at Nicholls a vision to share Jesus with students through the gospel appointments method. Gospel appointments begin with someone in leadership connecting with a first-time visitor to the BCM, asking for a phone number with the intention of sending a text and invitation to coffee within 48 hours. Then, two BCM members – one experienced and one just learning – sit down with the individual and explaining the gospel using the Bridge illustration. Through this method, the BCM … [Read more...]

ON THE MOVE Jonathan (wife Amy) LeFleur is the new associate pastor of youth and administration at Mulberry Baptist Church in Houma. Jason (wife Becky) Shawley is the new associate pastor of students at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Albany. HOMECOMING Colyell Baptist Church, Livingston: 164th Homecoming and Fall Revival, Oct. 25-28, homecoming, Oct. 25, 10:30 a.m. A covered dish lunch and fellowship will follow the service. Revival, Oct. 25, 6 p.m.; Monday-Wednesday, 7 p.m. Speaker: Lynn Rodrigue. Music: Jim Richardson. Pastor: Bill Holifield. Parhams Baptist Church, Jonesville: Homecoming, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. Dinner on the grounds will follow the service. Speaker: Tony Ganey. New Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, Shreveport: 40th anniversary celebration, Oct. 25, 10:30 a.m. The theme for the occasion is, “God’s People Laboring in the Building of His Kingdom,” Psalm 127:1. Speaker: Gilbert Ross. Pastor: Danny R. Mitchell, Jr. Eastside Baptist Church, Rayville: Homecoming, Nov. 1, 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served after service. Revival: Nov. 2-4, 6 p.m. The Crusaders will be in concert and worship. Pastor: Chris Crawford. Woodlawn Baptist Church, Woodlawn:  66th Homecoming Celebration, Nov. 1, 10 a.m.  Speaker: … [Read more...]