By Margaret Colson USED BY PERMISSION OF THE ALABAMA BAPTIST Numerous Southern Baptist entities, including state conventions, seminaries and national entities and auxiliaries, are implementing budget and staff reductions in response to the economic downturn resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. State conventions were among the first entities to take significant budgetary action during the pandemic. While approaches have been varied, the focus of reducing expenses has been the common factor among state conventions, including the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions and other contiguous state conventions. GEORGIA BAPTIST MISSION BOARD Thomas Hammond Jr., executive director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, chose what he labeled a “proactive” approach to decision-making when he announced a 43% reduction in mission board expenses, effective April 9. Hammond, in an exclusive interview with The Alabama Baptist, said that, just as the pandemic was beginning to ramp up in Georgia, he called approximately 50 Georgia Baptist pastors to discuss anticipated church-giving patterns. The pastors represented churches of all sizes in varied settings. While some pastors reported giving had increased, many other … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM)--The 2020 National Day of Prayer looked different than in previous years with fewer in-person gatherings on Thursday, but the messages of repentance and calls for spiritual renewal remained the same. While most people chose to participate through virtual events, some communities in the state hosted outdoor prayer meetings. Gov. John Bel Edwards on May 1 issued a proclamation allowing outdoor religious events to take place with adherence to social distancing measures. “So far as I can remember this was the first time in over 20 years that I did not participate in person with some kind of gathering on the National Day of Prayer,” Louisiana Baptists Executive Director Steve Horn told the Baptist Message. “However, I was pleased to prepare a 10-minute video challenge for Highland Baptist, in New Iberia, to replace being with them in person as I was scheduled to be. I also participated in online prayer meetings with a group of alumni and friends of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in the morning; the SBC prayer call in the afternoon; and, with my wife, Linett, in an evening prayer meeting sponsored by pray.com. “Though we had to limit our gatherings, I … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer LASALLE PARISH, La. (LBM) – Residents of LaSalle Parish will celebrate the upcoming National Day of Prayer with events at LaSalle High School in Olla and Jena High School football stadiums starting noon, May 7. Scott Smith, pastor of First Baptist Church in Tullos and organizer of the gathering at LaSalle High School, said he is anticipating a powerful time of prayer with others from multiple denominations. “As I have spoken with pastors and leaders of our communities, one thing has become quite evident,” Smith told the Baptist Message. “Every person that I spoke with seemed eager to come together and pray. “I could sense the sincerity in their voices as each one shared about how God is our only hope,” he continued. “I hope this will lead to a time of revival and spiritual awakening.” According to the Jena Times, both locations will allow ample space for participants to adhere to proper social distancing guidelines of at least six feet apart from one another. Additionally, those attending are asked not to hold hands or form close groups while praying. “It there has ever been a year when all of LaSalle Parish believers should come together to participate in the National Day … [Read more...]