By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
ALEXANDRIA – Louisiana Baptist pastors and leaders have offered their resounding support for Steve Horn as a candidate for the state’s next executive director.
The search committee announced Sunday, April 7, that Horn, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Lafayette since 2005, was their recommendation to lead Louisiana Baptists. The LBC Executive Board will vote on Horn’s nomination during its spring meeting May 7 at Tall Timbers Conference Center in Woodworth.
LBC President Eddie Wren told the Baptist Message he is excited about the possibility of working alongside Horn to help Louisiana Baptists reach their state for Christ.
“I am thankful Dr. Horn has been recommended and has agreed to serve as executive director for Louisiana Baptists,” said Wren, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Rayville. “I can’t think of anyone I would rather serve as executive director or anyone that is better prepared for the task. Steve is a man who loves the Lord, loves his family, the church and the state of Louisiana. I look forward to all God will do through his leadership.”
Gevan Spinney, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church, Haughton, followed Horn as LBC president. He believes the search committee has found the best man to lead Louisiana Baptists into the future.
“I had the privilege of following Dr. Steve Horn as president of the LBC, in doing so I noticed his ability to navigate through difficult issues, while remaining focused on the main mission,” Spinney said. “This quality alone will suit him perfectly for his potential new role as executive director. Please join me in praying for him, his wife, Linett, their family and the First Lafayette church family.”
Mike Walker, pastor of The Bayou Church, Lafayette, considers himself a long-time mentor of Horn. Walker has known Horn since he was a young man who he entrusted to serve as a sitter for his four sons. Horn surrendered to Christian vocational ministry and preached his first sermon at the church.
“I am thrilled that Dr. Steve Horn is the candidate to lead our Louisiana Baptist Convention as our Executive Director,” Walker said. “His fully devoted heart for God, his impeccable character, his zeal for evangelism, his passion for the local church, his deep love for Louisiana Baptist ministries, his strong leadership skills and his statesmanship will serve and lead LBC well.”
Jeff Ginn, pastor of Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, noted his deep respect for Horn. He served on the Executive Board when Horn was president of the LBC from 2014-2015.
“His integrity and steadfastness set him in good stead as Louisiana Baptist’s next servant-leader,” Ginn said. “I enthusiastically welcome him.”
David Carlton, director of missions for Evangeline Baptist Association, said several pastors prayed for Horn and First Baptist Lafayette during a Bible study Monday afternoon. First Baptist Lafayette is a member of the association.
“As I thought of who would be the right person, he was the first and only person who came to mind,” said Carlton, a member of First Baptist Lafayette. “I love his deep commitment to the Cooperative Program and his desire to see Louisiana Baptists have an impact for the kingdom of God to share the Gospel. That’s who he is and that’s who we need. In every encounter I’ve had with him, he has given wise counsel and focuses on kingdom work.”
Louisiana College President Rick Brewer said Horn has demonstrated “superlative leadership” that will help him better serve Louisiana Baptists, should he be elected executive director. Horn serves on the LC board of trustees.
“Steve embodies a pastor’s heart and a leader’s vision and is therefore abundantly equipped to receive this weighty mantle from Dr. Hankins,” Brewer said. “I know Steve envisions Louisiana College as a flourishing member of the LBC family, and I have every confidence that he will guide us all deep into the 21st Century while emphasizing salvation for lost souls, as well as church planting and discipleship.”
