By Timothy Cockes, NOBTS news editor NEW ORLEANS (LBM) -- U.S. Navy Chap­lain Robert Christian, an alumnus of both New Orleans (M.Div., 1989) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminaries (D.Min., 1996), was re­cently promoted to rear admiral (lower half), a one-star flag rank. His promotion was confirmed by President Donald J. Trump on May 18 and by the U.S. Senate on July 16, and his official celebration was held on July 17 at the Naval Sup­port Activity, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Rear-admiral (low­er-half) is the second highest rank for Navy chaplains, and no ac­tive-duty Southern Baptist has held the rank since 1970. In July Christian began serving in dual roles as the U.S. Navy deputy chief of chaplains (second highest ranking chaplain) and as the chaplain of the U.S. Marine Corps (highest ranking chaplain among U.S. Marines). The Marine Corps is a separate military branch within the Department of the Navy, but it relies on the Navy for medical, religious, legal and oper­ational support person­nel. Navy chaplains also meet the religious needs of the U.S. Coast Guard, which operates under the Department of Home­land Security but may be transferred to the Depart­ment of the Navy during wartime. Christian will … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff CANTON, Ohio (LBM) – Former New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees shared about the impact Jesus and pastors had on his life during his Pro Football Hall of Fame speech. Brees, who led the New Orleans Saints to their Super Bowl XLIV championship and shattered all team passing records and multiple NFL records, reflected on how an injury in high school led him to a path to accepting Christ as his Savior. “One of the most life-changing events occurred my junior year of high school,” he said the speech, Aug. 8. “After suffering a major injury, which put my athletic career in jeopardy, my identity was challenged. Up until that point, sports had defined me, and I wasn't sure who I was without it. “Sitting in church on my 17th birthday, Christ came into my heart and changed me forever,” he continued. “I felt protected, connected and directed towards the path that God had for me. He would equip me for the journey, which led me to places I never could have expected.” Brees also thanked pastors who influenced him, including Rob Wilton, who served as pastor with Vintage Church, New Orleans (2008-2017) and was the team chaplain (2010-2024). “Thank you to Pastor Shawn Mitchell, Miles McPherson, Rob Wilton and … [Read more...]