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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Louisiana Notables

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Home[1]coming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news. Send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. Submit your information three weeks prior to the event. ON THE MOVE Adam, wife Felicia, Rainey is the new pastor at First Baptist Church, Lake Providence. Terry, wife Denise, Barnes is the new pastor at Parkview Baptist Church, Monroe. David McCormick is the interim pastor at First Baptist Swartz, Monroe. Matthew Cormier ordained into the Gospel ministry at Bayou Jack Baptist Church, Plaucheville. Caleb Parks ordained into the Gospel ministry at Baskin Baptist Church, Baskin. Chuck McInturf retiring as pastor at Woodridge Baptist Church, Shreveport. Scott Mercer has resigned as director of Camp Living Waters, Loranger. Mark Robinson has resigned as pastor at First Baptist, Bunkie. HOMECOMING Esler Baptist Church, Pineville: 74th Annual Homecoming, May 29, 10:30 a.m. Dinner on the grounds following service. Speaker: Jesse Garrison. Worship: Gordon Roy Whately. Pastor: Joshua Timothy. Pine Hill Baptist Church, Leesville: 129th Annual … [Read more...]

Discipleship emphasis results in baptisms

By Brian Blackwell, Message staff writer OAK GROVE, La. (LBM) – During his first Sunday as pastor of Trinity Baptist, February 2020, Courtney Rainey presented a vision to 75 worshipers that they could reach and baptize 50 people in one year. Two years later the congregation is on pace to meet that goal, having baptized 24 new believers since January, while now averaging 135 in Sunday morning worship. For comparison, the church baptized 21 people, combined, in 2020 and 2021. Rainey told the Message that “when they asked God to move in our own lives and the community” that they did not anticipate they would see the results “in such a short time.” “I’ve never been part of a movement like this,” he said. “We are not just going through the motions. Lives are being changed and it’s exciting to see what God has in store for us.” Rainey said members have embraced a lifestyle of discipleship that has fueled growth, both spiritually and numerically. Since June 2021, 40 members have met together on Sunday evenings for discipleship. During the week, four discipleship groups also gather for further accountability and encouragement. Additionally, several groups have seen increased participation compared to February 2020, … [Read more...]

Abortion controversy divides LBC lawmakers

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – A similar controversy that roiled the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, regarding the best approach to end abortion in America, erupted among Louisiana Baptist state lawmakers with a battle over H.B. 813, titled, “The Abolition of Abortion in Louisiana Act of 2022.” The legislation, offered by Rep. Danny McCormick, a member of Trees Baptist Church in Vivian, and championed by Brian Gunter, recently elected pastor of First Baptist Church in Livingston after serving as pastor of First Baptist Church in Pollock for eight years, mandated that the state ignore federal laws and court rulings that do not immediately abolish abortion; and that do not equally apply criminal penalties for murder to both the abortionist and the woman who has an abortion. Pro-life lawmakers pushed to amend the bill to remove unconstitutional clauses and make other changes with the hope of adding protections for the unborn in Louisiana -- aware that the bill in its original form was headed for a veto by the governor and lacked the votes to override him. SBC SEMBLANCES The Louisiana dustup mirrored in part the heated discussion of the 2021 SBC Annual … [Read more...]

Spared from abortion, new music video depicts Jason Lovins’s story

By Jason Lovins Band ASHLAND, Ky. - The Jason Lovins Band, a Christian contemporary musical group that has led worship at the Youth Evangelism Celebration, the Louisiana Baptist Evangelism Conference and other events in the state, has released the music video for their latest single, “Constant (featuring Russ Lee).” With lyrics describing God’s constancy through mountain-highs and valley-lows, lead singer Jason Lovins has experienced first hand how God has been constant through his life. Conceived from an assault, Lovins’ life story is especially relevant today. His mother, at age 15, was raped walking home from the pool one day. She told no one and didn’t even remember the assault as she had blocked out this tragic day. Months went on and she told her mother she was sick and needed to see a doctor. When they discovered she was pregnant, the first thing Lovins' grandmother said was, “we are going to church and we are gonna pray.” They asked God for answers and felt it was clear this baby was to have life. While abortion was not going to be an option, adoption was the plan until Lovins' mother heard his heartbeat. At that moment, the answer was clear to the family. Lovins was to have a chance at life with his … [Read more...]

Orientation set for incoming LCU freshman May 20-21

By Message staff PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Christian University will host an event this weekend to help acclimate incoming students to campus life. Scheduled May 20-21, Frosh Days will allow new students to meet their advisor, register for classes, tour the campus and meet classmates. While the weekend is required for freshmen, other incoming students also may attend. “We are excited to add this dimension to the university’s freshman year experience,” LCU President Rick Brewer said. ”Frosh Days will enrich the connection our new students will have with our faculty, staff and each other.” … [Read more...]