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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

James to nominate Barber for second term as SBC president

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor LAKE CHARLES, La. – Steve James, pastor of the Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana, announced Feb. 13 his intention to nominate Bart Barber, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Farmersville, Texas, for a second term as president of the Southern Baptist Convention during the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting in New Orleans this June. James and Barber served together on the board of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. According to information supplied to the Annual Church Profile, FBC Farmersville reported 14 baptisms in 2022 and averaged 320 in weekly worship. The church collected $1,014,990 total undesignated receipts, with $108,276 given through the Cooperative Program. The church also gave $64,713 to the 2022 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering as well as $630 to the 2022 Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. Barber is a graduate of Baylor University and has both an M.Div. and Ph.D. from Southwestern. He and his wife, Tracy, have two teenage children. Based on reporting by Baptist Press. … [Read more...]

Luter to nominate Adkins for SBC first vice president

By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor NEW ORLEANS – Fred Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist in New Orleans East, Louisiana, and a former Southern Baptist Convention president, announced Feb. 14 that he intends to nominate fellow Louisiana pastor Jay Adkins for the office of first vice president during the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting this June. Adkins is pastor with the First Baptist Church, Westwego, which he has led since 2002. He and Luter serve together in the New Orleans Baptist Association. According to information supplied to the Annual Church Profile, FBC Westwego reported seven baptisms in 2022 and averaged 85 in weekly worship. The church collected $125,970 in total undesignated receipts, with $250 given through the Cooperative Program. However, the SBC Executive Committee Finance Office reported FBCW sent $10,572.59 directly to the SBC EC toward the Cooperative Program Allocation Budget during fiscal year 2021-2022. The church did not report contributions to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering or the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering in the ACP report. However, the congregation listed $7,382 contributed to NOBA and total missions expenditures of $11,813. Adkins is a graduate of Leavell College and has … [Read more...]

Letlow’s Parents Bill of Rights Passes the House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On a 213-208 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights Act by Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05). “As a mom of two and a former educator, I believe for children to succeed, they need families and schools to work together as partners throughout the learning process,” Letlow said. “After spending nearly a year and a half working to pass this bill, I’m grateful that we’re finally able to advance this critical legislation.” The Parents Bill of Rights is built on five, common-sense principles. Parents have the right to know what their children are being taught. Parents have the right to be heard. Parents have the right to see the school budget and spending. Parents have the right to protect their child’s privacy. Parents have the right to keep their children safe. The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate where it will await further action. Here is a transcript of her remarks. Mister Speaker, I rise today to join my voice with millions of American parents as the House considers H.R. 5 – the Parents Bill of Rights Act. H.R. 5 is about one simple and fundamental principle – parents should always have a seat at the table when it comes to their … [Read more...]