By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Willie McLaurin, interim president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, spoke to the Louisiana Baptist Convention staff, Sept. 28, in the state missions building, Alexandria, the day after presenting a message to the LBC Executive Board during its fall meeting at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center, Forest Hill. During a break, McLaurin agreed to speak to the Baptist Message, responding to questions about two issues that have generated extended discussion among Louisiana Baptists. The Baptist Message asked for clarification about why the SBC EC extended the contract of the pro-gay law firm to handle the Department of Justice investigation about the SBC EC’s handling of sexual abuse accusations, and what remedies the SBC EC would seek for the pro-gay Guidepost Solutions report which has been shown to have high-profile errors despite costing at least $2.1 million. About extending the Bradley law firm contract: Was there any consideration to asking long-time SBC lawyer Jim Guenther for a recommendation; or to reaching out to Southern Baptist lawyers … rather than continuing with the Bradley law firm, which holds positions … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer WOODWORTH, La. (LBM) – Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee Interim President and CEO Willie McLaurin urged Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board members to remain unified around the Great Commission. “I’m convinced we are created in the image of God in order that we might be on mission with God,” McLaurin said during the board meeting, Sept. 27, at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center. “Whenever we walk together in unity we can accomplish so much more for the glory of God. God’s Word reminds us that we are called to walk together in unity.” Preaching from Acts 2, McLaurin said the early church made a difference because they were unified in their mission to share the Gospel locally and beyond. Furthermore, he said, they experienced God’s blessings because they exalted the Savior, explained Scripture, edified the saints, embraced the Holy Spirit and saw sinners evangelized. “All of this happened because they were unified together under the banner of the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. “They did not resist the Spirit. But they allowed the Holy Spirit to be their leader, to be their guide. And they were obedient to the purpose and the plan of the almighty … [Read more...]