By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) – Steven Kelly, pastor of Bayou Vista Baptist Church in Morgan City and director of missions for Gulf Coast Baptist Association, will be nominated for first vice president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention during the 2021 annual meeting, according to Ron Thompson. Thompson, associational mission strategist for District 8 Baptist Convention, confirmed to the Baptist Message, Sept. 22, that he intended to make the nomination. The LBC annual meeting is scheduled to be held Nov. 16 in the North Monroe Baptist Church. STATEMENT OF SUPPORT Thompson said he was motivated to make the nomination because of Kelly’s example as a pastor and a director of missions. “I believe Steve is the type of leader we need in Louisiana to help us accomplish the great commission in these challenging times,” Thompson told the Baptist Message. “He has been faithful to his family, his church and to the Cooperative Program and believes in missions in all that he does. “Steve is evangelistic, innovative, and faithful,” he continued. “Steve has taken on the challenge of full-time ministry and bi-vocational associational leadership.” BY THE NUMBERS The database of the … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer MONROE, La. (LBM) – Evangelist Price Harris will be nominated for second vice president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention during the 2021 annual meeting. James Hester, pastor of Social Springs Baptist Church in Ringgold, confirmed to the Baptist Message, Sept. 22, his intention to make the nomination. The LBC annual meeting is scheduled to be held Nov. 16 in the North Monroe Baptist Church. STATEMENT OF SUPPORT Hester said his plan to nominate the candidate was due in large part due to Harris’s passion for sharing the Gospel and desire to see the state and world turn to Christ. “I am nominating Brother Price Harris because he epitomizes Christian servitude,” Hester told the Baptist Message. “His unwavering faithfulness spans decades and he continues to be a bold Gospel witness at home and to the nations at 80 years old. I see in him the fruit of the Spirit, and he has set an example worthy for Louisiana Baptists and all believers to follow.” CANDIDATE’S RESPONSE Harris, who is a member at Calvary Baptist Church in Shreveport, said he has enjoyed serving Louisiana Baptist churches in his evangelistic ministry and would use this opportunity to give back to … [Read more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: Do you have a Revival, Homecoming, a new pastor, a community outreach or a concert? The Baptist Message would love to share your church news with the rest of the state. It is very easy to do, just send in your information (who, what, where and when) to philip@baptistmessage.com or call 318.449.4345. To get your event in the paper, please submit your information three weeks prior to the event. ON THE MOVE Chris Stephens is the new pastor at Rocky Springs Baptist Church, Lisbon. Randy Burdeaux has resigned as pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, West Monroe. Bill Fowler is the new pastor at Twin Oaks Baptist Church, Bastrop. Brandon Gill is the new pastor at Pine Ridge Baptist Church, DeRidder. Jerry, wife Sonja, Medlin is the new executive pastor at First Baptist Church, Lafayette from First Baptist, Rogers, Arkansas. Berkley Boyd retired as pastor at Magnolia Baptist Church after 52 years of service in the gospel ministry. Brock, wife Netta, Hoffpauir is the new pastor at Moreauville Community Church, Moreauville. Thumper Miller resigned as pastor of First Baptist Church, Mansfield at the end of June 2021. He is currently doing pulpit supply. Nelson, wife Haleigh, Molnar is the new … [Read more...]