For the week of December 11, 2003 Cooperative Program   Gifts through the Southern Baptist Cooperative Program totaled more than $15.9 million last month, a decrease of $202,847 (1.3 percent) from the previous November. Two month’s into the convention’s fiscal year, overall gifts total almost $31.7 million, an increase of about $1.8 million (5.9 percent) from the same time last year. The total also stands about $1.1 million (3.7 percent) ahead of budget. Meanwhile, designated gifts totaled almost $4.7 million last month, an increase of $1.2 million (33.6 percent) from the previous November. The two-month tally totals about $8.1 million, an increase of $1.8 million (28.8 percent) from the same time last year.   Bible study cartoons   Louisiana Baptist pastor Joe McKeever has announced the availability of cartoons for use in conjunction with the Winter Bible Study on I and II Timothy. McKeever is pastor at First Baptist Church of Kenner and a featured cartoonist in the Baptist Message and other state Baptist newspapers from time to time. While Winter Bible Study cartoons have been available by mail in previous years, McKeever said this year’s selections may be viewed and downloaded at … [Read more...]

Wait.   Citizens of this great land do not like to wait.   We do not like to wait, we cannot stand to wait, we despise to wait, we will not wait. Wait.   Citizens of this great land do not like to wait.   We do not like to wait, we cannot stand to wait, we despise to wait, we will not wait. We do not want to wait for our food, our gasoline, a traffic light to turn green, someone to get out of our way, a cashier to finish checking out the people ahead of us in line. We cannot stand to wait three days for our film to return as photos and can barely tolerate a wait of an hour for them.   Still, at Christmas, we waited.   My parents were iron-fisted when it came to the time to open gifts. No one cracked a wrapping or pulled a string on a bow until Christmas morning - no one. Shaking gifts slightly was frowned upon; violently shaking them was at the penalty of death. We could dash out of bed to the tree at 4:00 a.m. on Christmas Day but definitely not before that time. Until then, we waited.   So, as children and now as adults, at Christmas, we identify somewhat with the frustration of the Israelites when the spokesmen of God said, "Wait. Wait … [Read more...]

Getting connected: In the largest Louisiana Baptist gathering of the year, young people from across the state were challenged to connect solidly with God - and to help others they know do the same Getting connected: In the largest Louisiana Baptist gathering of the year, young people from across the state were challenged to connect solidly with God - and to help others they know do the same   For too many Christians, once they are connected with God - "that’s all they’re interested in," Landon Dowden told thousands of Louisiana Baptist young people recently.   "Where is the generation that will say, I want to connect my friend?" Dowden asked more than 5,000 high school students attending the 2003 Youth Evangelism Celebration in Alexandria just prior to the Thanksgiving holidays. For the past number of years, the youth event has ranked as the largest annual Louisiana Baptist gathering.   At this year’s conference, Dowden told participants the reason many Christians may not evangelize is because it requires leaving their comfort zone.   "We think (evangelism) is only for ministers, those who have the God life or those who know the four spiritual laws," theorized Dowden, who … [Read more...]

Note: The following is the second of three devotionals by the Baptist Message in preparation for the Christmas season. It was written by LBM Associate Editor C. Lacy Thompson   The day has been anticipated for weeks now - with excitement, uncertainty, fear, anxiety, sometimes all at once. Note: The following is the second of three devotionals by the Baptist Message in preparation for the Christmas season. It was written by LBM Associate Editor C. Lacy Thompson   The day has been anticipated for weeks now - with excitement, uncertainty, fear, anxiety, sometimes all at once.   Now, it is here.   Everyone is gathered - friends, family. There are smiles, nervous energy aplenty, even premature toasts.   Some would find it an unusual scene for its setting - a celebration in a hospital.   But then again - a baby is being born.   But no, not just any baby - this is a first birth for a couple, a first grandchild for two sets of grandparents.   Obviously, this is big.   But even so, at the edge of the room, the question lurks - what happens next? How will this birth change the lives of these people now gathered … [Read more...]

In a move that already has generated considerable outcry, Louisiana College trustees approved a policy change designed to establish accountability regarding selection of classroom textbooks and other instructional materials. In a move that already has generated considerable outcry, Louisiana College trustees approved a policy change designed to establish accountability regarding selection of classroom textbooks and other instructional materials. As approved, all materials used at the school now must be approved by department coordinators or chairs and the vice president of academic affairs. Previously, faculty members had complete control over selection of materials. The action came after prolonged discussion in executive session during the scheduled trustee meeting last week. Except for that action, the meeting was fairly routine, with trustees receiving reports, including one from President Rory Lee on finances of the colleges. However, it is the policy change on textbook and materials that is generating the most attention. News of the action has been published in newspapers throughout the state - and at least one editorial regarding the action already has been written. Also, the Alexandria … [Read more...]

Note: The following article is the seventh in a series on "Characteristics of Great Preachers." The ongoing series was commissioned by the Louisiana Baptist Message from Austin Tucker of Shreveport, a former Louisiana Baptist pastor who now teaches and writes on religious subjects. He also is a frequent pulpit guest in churches and serves as a member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board. Note: The following article is the seventh in a series on "Characteristics of Great Preachers." The ongoing series was commissioned by the Louisiana Baptist Message from Austin Tucker of Shreveport, a former Louisiana Baptist pastor who now teaches and writes on religious subjects. He also is a frequent pulpit guest in churches and serves as a member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board.   Austin B. Tucker, Freelance writer   So far, we have said that great preachers are great souls, souls who speak out of a deep love for Christ and love for those to whom they preach.   They are driven with a desire to set others aflame with their own zeal for God. They are anchored to the Bible supremely, and they speak to the issues of their day.   Another interesting thing … [Read more...]

I have wanted to let my feelings about the additions to the Baptist Faith and Message be known from the time they were added. Having a desire not to add to the conflict, I have hesitated to do so. I have wanted to let my feelings about the additions to the Baptist Faith and Message be known from the time they were added. Having a desire not to add to the conflict, I have hesitated to do so.   However, after reading about Dr. Charles Stanley’s stance on the matter (Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 issues), I must speak up. Definitely, none of the additions to the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message should have been made. They should not have been brought up to be added. They should not have been "dealt with."   This matter will continue to plague the convention - as will the financial problems that continue to increase. "It’s just ridiculous" - it’s sad.   Royce Dowdy Bogalusa, La. … [Read more...]

For the week of December 11, 2003 Potpourri   • WINNSBORO - First church: Louisiana Trio in concert; Dec. 21, 6 p.m.; Harry Boyd, Jr., pastor.   • DOYLINE - First church: Wade and Barbara Akins, guest speakers; Dec. 14, 10 a.m.; Tom Carlton, pastor.   Christmas Programs   • FARMERVILLE - First church: "The Festival of Lights" musical; Dec. 14, 6 p.m.; Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Rejoice, ladies ensemble, presents "The Birthday of the King" musical; Dec. 21, 6 p.m.; Randy Powell, minister of music; Roger Johnson, pastor.   • LIVINGSTON - Colyell church: "The Christmas Shoes" musical/drama; Dec. 14, 6 p.m.; Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Craig Forque, minister of music; Sandy Sherman, pastor.   • SHREVEPORT - Shreve City church: "A Thrill of Hope" musical; Dec. 13, 6 p.m.; Dec. 14, 10:45 a.m. Bobby Jones, minister of music; Gene Nix, pastor.   • ALEXANDRIA - Baptist Temple church: "I’ll Be Home for Christmas" musical; Dec. 21, 6 p.m.; Lloyd Reynaud, music director; Bill Broadwater, pastor.   • RIVER RIDGE - Riverside church: "I Witness News: Live From Bethlehem" youth musical/drama; Dec. 21, 6 p.m.; Chris Smith, interim minister of music; Joseph Miller, … [Read more...]

As the popularity of revivals continues to wane, evangelists must hold out faith that God will provide, their leaders say. As the popularity of revivals continues to wane, evangelists must hold out faith that God will provide, their leaders say.   In 25 years as a vocational evangelist, Rob Randall said he has witnessed a steady decline in the number of churches holding revivals. While it once was common for churches to hold two revivals a year, some congregations now have one every five years at best, Randall noted. Countywide revivals are increasingly rare.   The number of Southern Baptist evangelists also is down. There are about 500 on the mailing list of the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists, down from more than 700, said Benny Jackson, president of the group.   Consistent work is difficult to come by for an evangelist, and some have picked up part-time jobs or found other full-time positions to support their families, Randall said. Even when a revival opportunity comes along, the evangelist is at the mercy of a congregation’s love offering for support.   "The evangelist ... has to live by faith," Randall said. "He doesn’t have a regular check. He doesn’t … [Read more...]

for the week of December 18, 2003 LC candlelight vigil   Some 200 persons gathered for a candlelight vigil at Louisiana College on Dec. 10 to signal support for school faculty members in their opposition to recent changes in hiring and textbook selection policies. This fall, college trustees have approved changes designed to ensure that a Christian worldview is shared by all incoming faculty members and to shift control of selection of textbooks and teaching materials. The latter action especially has drawn protest. Previously, faculty members had complete control over selection of materials. However, the new policy gives faculty members primary control, while requiring approval of materials by department chairs and the vice president of academic affairs. The new policy also sets guidelines for materials. Following that change, faculty members adopted a resolution outlining their concerns about the new policy. Last week’s vigil was planned as a sign of support for the faculty’s stand. The vigil attracted students, faculty members, former staff and faculty members and residents of the community. It featured brief comments by several persons, including one that asked persons to call on trustees and urge … [Read more...]