Louisiana Notables
ON THE MOVE Kyle, wife Rachel, Pieri is the new pastor at White Castle Baptist Church, White Castle. Mickey Alexander is the new pastor of Cedar Baptist Church, Archibald. Andrew Voss has resigned as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church, Franklinton. David Barnard is the new worship leader at Philadelphia Baptist Church Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria. David Montgomery has resigned as music minister at First Baptist Church, Livingston. Gary Johnson is the new pastor at Waller Baptist Church, Bossier City. Roy Davis has resigned as pastor of North Shreve Baptist Church, Shreveport. Jason Frazier has resigned as pastor of Woodland Hills Baptist Church, Shreveport. Billy Flowers is the interim pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Vivian. Howard Cole is the interim pastor at Kingston Road Baptist Church, Shreveport. Rick Carter was licensed to the ministry in November by his father Pastor Paul Carter at Conway Baptist Church, Farmerville. REVIVAL Washington Baptist Church, Washington: Revival, Jan. 13-15, 6:30 p.m. nightly. Evangelist: Lyndon Longoria. Music: Brad Mount. Pastor: Louis Charrier . LAGNIAPPE Calvary Baptist Church, Shreveport: Price Harris’ 25th annual Night of Praise, Jan. 13, 6 p.m. … [Read more...]
Waldrep to ‘serve up’ hope at senior adult luncheon
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer DECATUR, Ala. – Phil Waldrep, a long-time evangelist who has offered the hope of the Gospel to thousands of the lost, has a message of hope for the faithful who are experiencing life crises as parents and grandparents with prodigal children or grandchildren. “All is not lost,” Waldrep contends. He is the author of “Reaching Your Prodigal: What Did I Do Wrong? What Do I do Now?” Moreover, Waldrep told the Baptist Message believers should be excited, regardless of the circumstances. He said he will explain “why” to people at the Senior Adult Luncheon, Jan. 24, during the 2017 Louisiana Baptists Evangelism Conference (ECON) Jan. 23-24 at Temple Baptist Church in Ruston. He also will speak during one of the sessions scheduled during the two-day evangelism training event. “They will leave there with a skip in their step, knowing how vital they are and to be encouraged, not discouraged,” he said. “I am more encouraged today than ever before,” Waldrep said. “I think we live in an unprecedented age that we can share the Gospel. More than any time in our history people are asking basic questions of “Why am I here?”, “Where do I come from?” and “Where am I going? “As … [Read more...]
Sharing the Gospel made simple
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer LAFAYETTE – Sharing the Gospel with a stranger is as simple as starting a conversation about sweet tea and ending with an invitation to accept Christ. During a session of the Youth Evangelism Celebration, Nov. 21, keynote speaker Ed Newton shared with nearly 6,000 students a “conversational” method for witnessing to their friends and others. Newton said it is simply a matter of starting the conversation, finding something in common with that person, then looking for an opportunity to turn the discussion to Christ. He said something as simple as a comment about sweet tea can lead to a chance to share about Him. But, he underscored, the conversation must be authentic, and he said, you have to be intentional about asking some key questions, like: “What do you think it takes to go to Heaven?” “Do you mind if I tell you how the Bible answers this question?” and “Would you like to give your life to Jesus right now?” “Right there at that sweet tea fountain machine, you can lead somebody to Jesus Christ, calling on the name above all names, right there in that divine appointment,” said Newton, pastor of Community Bible Church in San Antonio, Texas. “Could we live life that way? … [Read more...]
Four statements you should make to God
By Waylon Bailey, Pastor, FBC Covington Not everyone believes in God and some do not want to believe in God. Those people may never know God, and that’s a bad thing. To know God and to get to spend your life with Him is a good thing. Here are four things I think everyone should say to God. I would encourage you to say these things when you are alone and not distracted. I also would encourage you not to do this frivolously but in great earnestness before God. You probably don’t need any formal way to get this done. Just talk to God like He’s right next to you. He is, and He wants you to know him. He cares for you deeply and wants the best for you for all eternity. Don’t get confused about long-term and short-term. You already know that the two may conflict. God is in it with us for the long-haul. Try saying these four things to God. First, “God, if you are real please make Yourself known to me.” Second, “I am willing to open myself to You on Your terms.” Third, “I’m a little nervous about this conversation. Please let me know I’m on the right track.” Fourth, “please keep me safe in Your presence.” What can you expect if you say these four things to God? First, you can expect that God will … [Read more...]