By Robert Stewart, Director Institute for Christian Apologetics, NOBTS So how do we get our worldview?  Initially we inherit it, we are taught it by our parents, teachers, television, etc. We acquire our worldview without consciously thinking about it.  So long as it works well enough, we will see no reason to change it. This does not mean that worldviews can never change.  Although they are more like computer operating systems than software programs, they are not like Read Only Memory files that can never be changed. They are more like Random Access Memory.  They can be critiqued – and they can be changed.  People do it everyday.   Critiquing Worldviews   How does one critique a worldview?  According to its adequacy.  How does one test a worldview for adequacy?  Several questions must be considered: n Is the worldview coherent?  Does it fit with all or most of what we know, or think we know?  Does it contradict itself? n Does the worldview seem to correspond to our experience of reality?  Does it seem like the world really is the way the worldview says it is? n Is the worldview comprehensive?  Does it account for all the available facts?  Coherency is much more easily attained if one disregards some data, but … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer STERLINGTON – Early 2011 was a critical time for Fairbanks Baptist Church in Sterlington. Faced with the reality of not having enough young families to sustain, the congregation reached out to First West Monroe for help in surviving in one of the fastest growing areas of the state. The result was a merger in January 2012 to form a multi-site campus known as First West Fairbanks. “Those long-term members who took a leadership role at Fairbanks were so bold, so clear that their area did not need one less church,” said Chad Merrell, campus pastor of First West Fairbanks. “They have set aside preferences and even history to ensure that the next generations in the Sterlington/Fairbanks area can be reached with the Gospel of Christ.” The launch team of 70 made up of remaining members of Fairbanks Baptist and some from First West Monroe grew during its first meeting at Sterlington High School’s auxiliary gym to 150 by the end of its first year. Today, the church averages 250 for its Sunday morning services and draws 200 for its Wednesday evening activities. The church has since moved into the original Fairbanks Baptist campus, turning the former sanctuary in a children’s worship center and … [Read more...]

By Kelly Boggs, Message Editor A group concerned about the future of Louisiana College has sent a letter emphasizing key points it believes “decision makers” for the college must consider if LC is to have its reputation restored and its future enhanced. The letter, dated April 25 and signed by 90 individuals, was from a group identified as “Concerned Friends and Alumni, Louisiana College” and addressed “To the Decision Makers for Louisiana College.” The letter called attention to what the group said are “some obvious ‘big picture’ steps that need to be taken.” Five areas were highlighted by the group. The first item the group said needed to be a priority was: “Restore integrity to the office of president.” In order to achieve this objective the group wrote, “The search for a new President [sic] should be a nationwide search for a person with experience as a ‘turn-around specialist.’” Additionally the group indicated, “The new President [sic] must be a Baptist of impeccable character and reputation, have a proven record of success in collegiate or university administration, and be willing to work diligently to restore the reputation and integrity of both the office of President [sic] and the College [sic] as a whole.” A … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 05/02/2014 - 10:35 McNeese BCM director Keith Cating, Louisiana Baptist Convention State BCM director Mark Robinson and LBC Executive Director David Hankins were among those who broke ground on McNeese State’s new BCM building. McNeese is one of many BCMs around the state who have been involved in building expansions and renovations. By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer LAKE CHARLES – Keith Cating has fond memories of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry building at McNeese State University where he is director and was once president while a student there. But he and thousands of other alumni and students on the campus in Lake Charles are saying goodbye to the structure that was constructed in 1954, as a new BCM building will take its place this fall. The current facility can no longer hold the growing attendance – 50 for weekly group gatherings and 240 for weekly lunches – and maintenance costs are rising annually on the building. Though Cating is sad to see the building that holds so many memories gone, he also understands the need for and advantages of a new structure, which broke ground in December 2013. “Though it’s sad in one way, we are excited for what the future holds,” Cating … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message BLANCHARD – A chainsaw team from Blanchard recently responded to what Michael Burkhardt says is a more personal assignment than normal. “I’ve responded to hurricanes, a tornado, wind storm and ice storm but this one was different because it was an individual homeowner,” said Burkhardt, a member of First Baptist Blanchard and blue hat, of the team. “Most times on a disaster we may do seven or eight jobs on one day, but this particular one was a day and a half to resolve this one home that was damaged.” The team of 12 people was called to action around 10 a.m. March 29 and by 4:30 pm had reached their destination on the edge of Toledo Bend Resort. Strong winds uprooted a 40-foot oak tree that had fallen into an added room to the home, though no one living there was injured when the damage occurred. Before the team began their work on the site, they started off like normally do – praying with the family. Throughout the day various team members visited with the homeowners. Burkhardt said the prayer and free labor provides an avenue in which to share the gospel. In other disaster relief related news, a website is available to give to those affected by the recent tornadoes in the Plains and South. Anyone … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 05/02/2014 - 10:37 The Louisiana Baptist Singing Women recently sang for a women's conference at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Albany. The women are directed by Ray Ford and Richard Beeman. Their accompanist is LBC keyboard specialist Teresa Thomason. Concerts are given once a month at a different location within our state. Auditions are held prior to the August retreat and are open to all women in the Louisiana Baptist Convention who love to sing. Give it 1/5 Give it 2/5 Give it 3/5 Give it 4/5 Give it 5/5 … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 05/02/2014 - 10:38 The Louisiana Baptist Singing Ministers recently gave a concert a First Baptist Church of Pineville. These monthly concerts are upbeat, engaging, and inspiring. They recently held a concert on April 24 at Trees Baptist Church in Vivian. Concerts are always free. At each concert, an offering is taken – all of which goes to the B. B. McKinney/Carroll Lowe Scholarship to help students preparing for worship ministry at one of our Baptist colleges or seminaries. Select rating Give it 1/5 Give it 2/5 Give it 3/5 Give it 4/5 Give it 5/5 … [Read more...]

ON THE MOVE Jimmy Pitson new as pastor at Clark Springs Baptist Church, Eros. Tim Scott, Andrew Hackler, and Tayler Harris licensed to the gospel ministry at First Baptist Church, Mandeville. Scott serves as Global Missions Pastor; Hackler as Education Pastor and Harris has been added to the staff as Contemporary Worship Pastor. Matthew McCorkle has resigned as youth minister at First Baptist Church, Holden.   REVIVAL/HOMECOMING Richey Baptist Church, Center Point: Old Time Brush Arbor Crusade, May 14-17, 7 p.m. Music: Damon Kirk. Pastor: Grady Dodge. Ringgold First Baptist Church: Revival, May 18-20. Evangelist: Joe McKeever. Music: Price Harris. Pastor: Ronnie Osbourne. Coteau Baptist Church: Bayou Baptist Association Evangelism Rally, May 18, 5:30 p.m. Speaker: Fred Luter. Pastor: Wayne Hunt. Hebert Baptist Church: Revival, May 18-21. Services begin at 6 p.m., May 18. Services for May 19-21 will be at 7 p.m.  Speaker: Warren Maxwell. Music: Rick and Jeanne Duckett. Pastor: Jim McKeithen. The New Beginnings Baptist Church, Walker: Revival, May 18-21. Services on May 18 will be at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Services for May 19-21, 7 p.m. Worship: The Wilson Family. Pastor: Charles Ray Smith. Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, … [Read more...]

By Staff, World News Magazine NEWBERG, Ore. – A Christian university in Oregon must decide where it stands theologically and legally as it responds to an anti-discrimination complaint filed last week by a transgender student. The student, referred to in legal documents as Jayce M., came to George Fox University in Newberg, Ore., about 25 miles south of Portland, as a woman but has been in the process of legally, and physically, changing her gender. George Fox University administrators met throughout the year with Jayce, now a sophomore, to figure out where she would live once she legally became a man. Because student housing at George Fox is single-gender, campus officials proposed that Jayce live alone on-campus next year. Jayce had requested to live in an on-campus apartment with a group of male friends, Jayce’s attorney, Paul Southwick said. Southwick is a Portland attorney and a George Fox alumnus who heads up an advocacy project for LGBT students on Christian college campuses. He said he met Jayce through other students he knows at George Fox. Southwick filed the Title IX discrimination complaint on April 4 and also helped Jayce’s mother prepare a petition supporting Jayce on Change.org. “Jayce is a Christian and he’s … [Read more...]

Submitted by philip on Fri, 05/02/2014 - 10:46 GOLA VBS is one avenue in which 300 college students from Louisiana’s BCMs served last summer on mission. By Brian Blackwell. Message Staff Writer Bayou des Glaise Baptist Church in Moreauville averages four children in its weekly activities but for one week a year that attendance increases to 45. The reason for the increase is an effort by a team of Louisiana Baptist college students who coordinate a Vacation Bible School during the summer. Pastor Eugene Carlock said that without their help, putting on a Vacation Bible School would be a difficult task. “Without them it would be hard for us to have one,” Carlock said. “The team brings an energy needed and the kids that come just love it.” The largest outreach event for the church, Vacation Bible School resulted in two decisions for Christ in 2013. Carlock followed up with the new believers, as well as others who attended the event – a key component of the GOLA VBS program. “Whenever we tell the parents that the VBS is free, they are surprised,” Carlock said. “For us to open our hearts and the church says something to them. In fact, during our in-home visitations the kids keep telling us how much they enjoy having the … [Read more...]