In relation to the recent article in the Baptist Message concerning decreased tithing, I have no doubt that the basic assertion is correct, if you are referring only to tithes given to the local church. In relation to the recent article in the Baptist Message concerning decreased tithing, I have no doubt that the basic assertion is correct, if you are referring only to tithes given to the local church. However, it is imperative that it be understood that many people continue to tithe by giving to other Christian ministries rather than entrusting their tithe to local churches and the conventions. As suggested in the article, one reason for this may be superficially explained as decreased denominational loyalty. But why is there decreased denominational loyalty? I should like to suggest at least two possibilities, but I am sure there are others as well. First, many of us are dismayed at the "Bapostolic" transformation of the local churches, and we refuse to support these changes with our tithe. Second, there is a great deal of dissatisfaction with the fundamentalist takeover and creedal transformation of the Southern Baptist Convention by those who have anointed themselves as infallible interpreters of the … [Read more...]
In their time of need, these Louisiana residents found someone ready to help
With all that is going on in the world, both here and overseas, one almost longs for the idealistic fantasies of Superman and other such superheroes to be true. Note: The following is part of a series of articles to be published in the Baptist Message regarding the Cooperative Program and how it is at work throughout Louisiana and the rest of the world. Subsequent articles will appear in the newspaper during the year to highlight Cooperative Program missions and ministry work. With all that is going on in the world, both here and overseas, one almost longs for the idealistic fantasies of Superman and other such superheroes to be true. It would be so much more reassuring if we could just read about the daily disasters on the front page of our newspapers, sink back into our chairs with our morning coffee, and say to ourselves, "Well it's nothing our local superhero can't handle!" But just as not all superheroes are cloaked in bright capes, not all disasters are national headline news - for instance, the closing down of manufacturing plants in a small, central Louisiana town. Within the past year, nearly 1,000 people have been given the pink slip to financial instability in LaSalle parish. "We … [Read more...]
Revival conditions are right, but it has not come
Where is the revival? Throughout American history, revivals have come in the midst of, or following particular kinds of events. Where is the revival? Throughout American history, revivals have come in the midst of, or following particular kinds of events. One of the kinds of times that has brought revival previously has been war. The American Revolution brought a period of spiritual awareness and awakening. Some of the most profound statements of Americans' dependence upon Divine guidance and deliverance were penned during those desperate days. The same was true during the United States' Civil War. Chaplains were in great demand and there are accounts of tremendous revivals breaking out across the country both North and South. World War I and II saw significant revivals and during the Korean War, Southern Baptists seem to have had one of their greatest numerical growth periods. But, the Gulf Wars have not sparked that kind of revival except for that among some of the troops near the battle lines. Worship and Bible study attendances have not experienced an increase, but rather a leveling off at best, and even a decline at worst. Other revivals have come during times of … [Read more...]
Covington church damaged by vandals
Facilities at First Baptist Church of Covington were damaged by a set fire and vandalism early on the morning of July 24. Facilities at First Baptist Church of Covington were damaged by a set fire and vandalism early on the morning of July 24. Cabinets and a wall at the Louisiana Baptist church were damaged by a fire set in the early morning hours of last Thursday. In addition, a vandal or vandals broke windows and emptied fire extinguishers in church hallways. The damage was not as much as it could have been, thanks to the church's sprinkler system, pastor Waylon Bailey said last week. "The sprinkler system worked perfectly, ..." he said. "It came on right over the fire." Although the fire damage was contained, the event still was a disturbing one, Bailey acknowledged. "The fire personnel told us, if (the fire) had not been extinguished, we could have lost a whole wing," he said. In the end, the church sustained window damage, the fire extinguisher damage, water in five rooms and the results of the fire. A door also was damaged. The attack definitely was deliberate, Bailey said. Investigators found various materials inside the church that the vandal or vandals left behind. "It's strange," … [Read more...]
Baseball championship game – or church service? These players made the choice
The DeRidder Patriots recently faced a difficult choice - attend church or play for a berth in the American Legion regional baseball tournament. But for the young men on the team, their choice was simple - spend Sunday evening at First Baptist Church in DeRidder. The DeRidder Patriots recently faced a difficult choice - attend church or play for a berth in the American Legion regional baseball tournament. But for the young men on the team, their choice was simple - spend Sunday evening at First Baptist Church in DeRidder. "We felt it was more important to go to church," says Patriot second baseman Micah Harrington, one of three teammates baptized that evening. "I had to think of my priorities, which are God, then family, then baseball." Riding the momentum of a four-game winning streak, the Patriots advanced to the championship game of the Shaughnessy Tournament in Lake Charles. When they learned of the 5 p.m. Sunday start time, DeRidder head coach Reddoch Hooks requested that tournament directors move the game to Monday. When directors denied their request, the Patriots forfeited the game. During the next Sunday morning service, Aaron Dickinson, youth minister at First Baptist Church … [Read more...]
Out of print – ‘The Commission’ magazine nears its end
The Commission no longer goes to the ends of the earth - at least not the printed Southern Baptist version. What that means for Southern Baptists' efforts to carry out the Great Commission remains to be seen. The Commission no longer goes to the ends of the earth - at least not the printed Southern Baptist version. What that means for Southern Baptists' efforts to carry out the Great Commission remains to be seen. In June, citing a $10 million budget shortfall, the Southern Baptist International Mission Board cut 37 jobs and suspended publication of its 250,000-circulation magazine, The Commission. Projected annual savings include $800,000 in printing and postage costs, in addition to an undisclosed amount for the salaries and benefits of terminated staff members. The board's communications staff bore the brunt of the layoffs. By one count, 14 employees from the department responsible for publication of the 65-year-old magazine were terminated, including several with more than 30 years of agency experience. An on-line edition of The Commission will continue. The cuts came despite the fact that research showed The Commission played a significant role in raising money for the board, recruiting … [Read more...]
Answering God’s call
Baptist churches often are like mules - "they are strong, but they don't reproduce," theology professor Curtis Freeman contends. Freeman is among a growing number of religious leaders who say churches are doing too little to encourage young people to enter the ministry. Answering God's call: A shortage of church leaders could be looming - and key observers insist the answer is for churches to encourage young people to consider the ministry as a vocation Baptist churches often are like mules - "they are strong, but they don't reproduce," theology professor Curtis Freeman contends. Freeman is among a growing number of religious leaders who say churches are doing too little to encourage young people to enter the ministry. That deficit could result in a shortage of pastors and other church leaders nationwide, warns Freeman, who heads the Baptist House of Studies at Duke University. Nearly 30 percent of Southern Baptist ministers are older than 55, while only 10 percent are younger than 35 he notes. That means that for each person entering the ministry, three are preparing to retire. Compounding the problem is a trend in which only one-third of today's seminarians say they expect to serve a … [Read more...]
Weekly Announcements
For the week of July 31, 2003 Potpourri HAYNESVILLE - First church: David O. Dykes, guest speaker; Aug. 3, 6 p.m.; Shelby Cowling, pastor. LAFAYETTE - First church: 'Just Beyond" musical; Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m.; Luther Burney, minister of music; Perry Sanders, pastor. WISNER - First church: Brothers in Christ (the singing cops) in concert; Aug. 11, 7 p.m.; Thomas Peoples, pastor. NEW ORLEANS - Oak Park church: Ben and Rebecca Caston in concert; Aug. 10, 6 p.m.; "A night of Gospel Jazz" featuring Gary Hallquist; Aug. 17, 6 p.m.; Paul Brady, pastor. LAKE CHARLES - Sale Street church: Sandi Lewis in concert; Aug. 17, 6:30 p.m., with fellowship; Eddie Simmons, pastor. DERIDDER - Beauregard Friendship church: "How Soon" Bible Prophecy Conference; Aug. 9, 9 a.m.; Dave Reagan, Dennis Pollock and Al Gist, speakers; for details, call (337) 463-4012; Joe Pool, pastor. BASTROP - New Friendship church: "Transforming Thursdays" each Thursday in August at 7 p.m.; speakers/musical guests are as follows: Aug. 7 - Steve Speer/Signs of Grace and Donna Edwards; Aug. 14 - Carlos Trapp/Tim Post; Aug. 21 - Jim Ingram/Mercy Embraced; Aug. 28 - Alan Miller/Jimmy and Mendy White; Marie Crain, guest pianist for all services; … [Read more...]