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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Robertson leads new CBN chapter in Louisiana

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor DEVILLE, La. (LBM) — The Conservative Baptist Network announced Feb. 18 the launch of its Louisiana state chapter, with more states soon to launch as it expands as a localized, grassroots effort, according to organizational sources. In a statement released to the Baptist Message, the CBN shared that Philip Robertson, Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee member (2018-present) and two-time past president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention (2004-2005), will serve as the lead state coordinator. Robertson is senior pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville, with a campus in Alexandria, and served as a member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board (1997-2003), including two years as LBCEB president (2001-2002). He also was a trustee of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (2003-2006). Robertson currently serves in various capacities for his local association and state convention. “I joined the Conservative Baptist Network for two reasons,” Robertson said. “One, because I believe there are important issues affecting our churches and the SBC that need to be addressed, and two, because CBN is a ‘pro’ Southern Baptist Convention movement. I … [Read more...]

Greear’s hiring practices under review after sexual abuse victim complains

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor RALEIGH, N.C. (LBM) – The Houston Chronicle reports that The Summit Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, has launched a review of the hiring of a pastor accused of a sex abuse cover-up at his last congregation. Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear is pastor of Summit and was key in the hiring of Brian Loritts to serve as executive pastor of teaching and development. Loritts previously served as pastor of Fellowship Memphis (2003-2015), a multi-ethnic church in Memphis, Tennessee. His brother-in-law, Rick Trotter began to serve as worship pastor there in 2005 and remained on staff until 2010. According to the Commercial Appeal, a daily newspaper of Memphis, Trotter was caught having placed “a hidden camera in a bathroom where he recorded women—and, reportedly, minors, too.” The news outlet also stated that Fellowship Memphis “didn’t report him [Trotter] to authorities, and he avoided prosecution.” A victim at Fellowship Memphis told the Commercial Appeal,” I asked about pressing charges, but they discouraged us from doing that. They really didn’t give us any of the information.” Trotter left Fellowship Memphis and in 2011 joined the staff of Downtown Church, … [Read more...]

Biden mandates slight women athletes, imperil unborn

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor WASHINGTON (LBM) – Newly sworn in President Joe Biden is on a record pace for signing executive orders, nearly doubling (22) the first week mandates issued by the last seven presidents before him, combined (13), according to the Federal Register. But, more importantly, at least two of the mandates are controversial, with one negatively impacting Title IX, a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination “on the basis of sex” in education programs, a law which has been essential in elevating women’s sports in schools; and another that eviscerates protections of the unborn to people of color abroad, by rescinding what is known as the Mexico City Policy, which prohibited foreign aid from being spent on performing or promoting abortions. Specifically, EO 13988 mandates that biological males who identify themselves as transgender -- without having hormone treatments or other medical procedures -- be allowed to compete against biological girls, stating these transgender athletes cannot be denied “access to the restroom, the locker room, or school sports” of girls. A corollary action, EO 14004, overturned a previous military policy that prevented the recruiting of … [Read more...]

Fires damage Atlanta Baptist Church, Dry Creek Baptist Camp

By Staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) -- The worship center at Atlanta Baptist Church and the White House Lodge of Dry Creek Baptist Camp were destroyed after fires engulfed the two facilities Wednesday afternoon. The fire at Atlanta Baptist Church started around 2:20 p.m., Pastor Chad James said. Members of the Winn Parish Fire Department responded and helped contain the fire from spreading to other buildings housing Sunday school classrooms, offices, the fellowship hall and family life center/gymnasium. The church, which has insurance and averages 100 in Sunday morning worship attendance, plans to rebuild the worship center. This Sunday the congregation plans to meet for worship in the gymnasium.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Please pray specifically for guidance as we begin the process of rebuilding,” James said. “Thanks to everyone for all the support and care expressed to us. We are in good spirits, are excited about the work the Lord has in store and are determined that our mission for the cause of Christ will not be interrupted nor deterred.” Meanwhile, Dry Creek Baptist Camp Director Todd Burnaman told the Baptist Message the White House Lodge caught fire at 2:30 p.m. and was totally … [Read more...]

LC students get hands-on business experiences with LBF internships

By Elizabeth Christian, LC News PINEVILLE, LA. (LBM) -- One need only do a quick Google search to see how important completing an internship is to today’s college student. A growing number of employers seek graduates who have had a real-world experience prior to hiring them. Louisiana College has been partnering with local organizations to ensure its students are equipped for today’s modern work force. Isaiah Romero and Adam Hair, both LC business majors, did internships this fall at the Louisiana Baptist Foundation, which placed them in a host of different business and marketing settings. “LC’s Experiential Learning Initiative provides our students with additional learning opportunities beyond the classroom,” said President Rick Brewer. “The opportunity for our students to select two initiatives from four offerings—research, study abroad, internships and service Learning —reinforces the Louisiana College’s Mission and Vision while providing our students a competitive edge for the marketplace and post-graduate education.” Brewer believes so much in the value of internships that he has included it in the Vision 2025 Plan—along with research, service learning and study abroad. Students will be required to complete at … [Read more...]

What’s your story like?

By Stewart Holloway Everyone has a story. No one’s story is perfect. We’ve all faced disappointments, made bad decisions, struggled with sin, and more. The difference for Christians is we have welcomed God into our story. We have come to a point in our lives where we repented of our sins and received Jesus Christ as our Savior and surrendered to Him as our Lord. Our stories before we met God can run the gamut from G-rated ones of being raised in church and then finally realizing that just church was not enough to R-rated stories with plenty of sin and bad decisions before coming to faith in Christ. Some of us, even after welcoming God into our story, run astray or drift away from Him for awhile, and then turn back. Others are fortunate to begin their God-story early in life but only later discover a deeper relationship with Him that goes beyond a distant God of Sunday School posters and flannel-graphs. Whatever a person’s story with God, it is powerful and needs to be shared. No one can argue with your God-story. When brought before King Agrippa, in Acts 25-26, Paul shared his story. Having broken no Roman law about which he needed to make a defense, Paul used the audience with the king and the surrounding people to … [Read more...]

Louisiana College renovates residence halls, upgrades landscaping

By Staff PINEVILLE, La. – Louisiana College has completed a project that includes extensive renovations to its residence halls and beautification of the campus. The renovations, which were started shortly after LC President Rick Brewer arrived at the school in 2015, were funded mostly by generous donations from alumni and other friends of the college: The Cottingham Hall roof was repaired and dormitory rooms and parlor received new flooring and a fresh coat of paint. New furniture and televisions were added to the common area and the kitchen in this space was updated with a new countertop, sink, tile backsplash and appliances. Tudor Hall bathrooms, lobby and common spaces were remodeled, and a movie viewing room was added. English Village apartments received new siding. New furniture and wall hangings were added throughout the building; and, new tables and chairs were added that provide charging stations so students can restore battery power to their computers and phones while studying or watching TV. “Curb appeal remains in the top five compelling reasons for a student selecting a specific college to attend,” Brewer said. “This fact is not lost on Louisiana College as we have made the addition and care of … [Read more...]

Edwards extends modified Phase 2 for at least three more weeks

By Baptist Message staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana will remain in a modified version Phase 2 for at least three more weeks, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said on Tuesday, Feb. 9. The current phase was set to expire Wednesday, Feb. 10, but now will be extended for another 21 days. During his news conference, Edwards said while the state has seen COVID-19 rates dropping which is a positive, the possibility of another surge in cases associated with the new U.K. variant of the virus and the approaching Mardi Gras holiday has caused some concern by state health officials. “There has been some progress over the last month or so,” he said. “And we are very, very thankful for that. The fact of the matter is the baseline numbers remain very high and concerning.” He asked Louisianans to continue wearing masks, observe proper social distancing measures and avoid social gatherings. “I am very hopeful when we next announce the new proclamation that we will be able to ease some restrictions if we continue on the path that we currently are,” he said. “So I encourage people to do your part. Be a good neighbor.” Under the order that is in effect until March 3, attendance at churches will continue to be limited to 75 … [Read more...]

Pineville student wins Louisiana College’s Smith Scholarship

By Staff PINEVILLE, La. – Pineville senior Leanna Lanford won Louisiana College’s prestigious Smith Scholarship competition Jan. 30. The Pineville High senior won over 14 other competitors a scholarship that covers tuition, books and room and board. Lanford noted that she leaned on her faith when she was diagnosed with an autonomic nervous system disorder about a year-and-a-half ago. “Throughout my high school career, I knew that LC was the place I wanted to go because I wanted to grow in that faith,” Lanford said in her acceptance speech. “And I wanted to learn more about my condition, which is why I am studying in pre-med and going to become a pediatric cardiology to help kids just like myself.” Lanford, whose parents are graduates of Louisiana College, plans on studying pre-med as she pursues a calling as a pediatric cardiologist. She will attend LC with her twin brother, Ethan. “We are very thankful for the students who honored us by entering the competition,” LC President Rick Brewer said. “We are especially honored that Leanna has heard and answered God’s calling and wants to begin preparing for her call at Louisiana College.” The Smith Scholarship began in the 1970s after Tom and Beverly Dunham began an … [Read more...]

Ray Swift named director of pastoral leadership for Louisiana Baptists

By John Kyle, Louisiana Baptist communications director ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) -- Ray Swift accepted the invitation of Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn to become the director of pastoral leadership for Louisiana Baptists. Swift, who currently serves as the administrative pastor for the First Baptist Church in Lafayette, will assume his new role on March 1, 2021. “Ray has a broad experience in ministry including serving as a senior pastor and a bi-vocational minister,” said Horn. “I’m certain Ray will be a tremendous asset to Louisiana Baptist pastors.” Swift fills a position vacated by the retirement of the late Bill Robertson in December of 2019. During a specially called meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board Administrative Committee, Horn shared he immediately began the search for Robertson’s successor upon his retirement but when the pandemic hit, he was hesitant to proceed due to travel restrictions and potential budget implications. Horn said although he was not “pressing the gas pedal” in searching for a new director, he also had not been sitting idly by. “As the year progressed and I saw the Lord’s provision through His churches, I felt it was time to move forward in … [Read more...]