By Will Hall, Baptist Message executive editor
ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Geovany Gómez, pastor of the Iglesia Bautista La Viña in Kenner, will be nominated for the office of second vice president with the Louisiana Baptist Convention during the 2023 annual meeting of church messengers.
Jack Hunter, executive director of the New Orleans Baptist Association, contacted the Baptist Message, Nov. 1, to share that he was going to “gladly” nominate Gómez “who proclaims the Word of God with conviction, ministers it with compassion, and cares for his flock as one who will give an account for each and every soul to the great Shepherd of His Church.”
The yearly gathering of Louisiana Baptists is scheduled to be held in the facilities of the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, Nov. 14.
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT
Hunter said Gómez has been blessed to be nurtured as a leader to serve locally and beyond.
“His pastorate has been influenced by wise and godly undershepherds, his mentors, and a fellowship of pastors who have encouraged and supported him in his calling,” Hunter explained. “In turn, he is fully committed to our local Hispanic Pastors’ Fellowship, the New Orleans Baptist Association, the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention, embracing each wholeheartedly and investing himself unstintingly.”
Hunter continued to describe Gómez as having a heart shaped by God to love “his family, his church, his local community of pastors, and his larger Southern Baptist community.
“To each of these loves, this good pastor vowed, ‘I do!’” Hunter continued. “He’s never looked back. He’s all in. We are blessed that God has given him to us and us to him.
BY THE NUMBERS
The database of the Annual Church Profile shows that the La Viña congregation has consistently supported cooperative missions and ministries generously, giving at least 10 percent of undesignated receipts through the Cooperative Program for each of the last four years.
In 2023, those gifts amounted to $1,200, or 10 percent, of $12,000 in undesignated receipts. The congregation also supported the New Orleans Baptist Association with $2,400. Additionally, they contributed to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, $500, and Georgia Barnette – Louisiana Missions Offering, $500.
La Viña averaged 75 in Sunday worship service and baptized 4 new believers in 2023.
CANDIDATE’S RESPONSE
Gómez told the Baptist Message he was “humbled” and “honored” to be nominated.
Moreover, he said he would like to help the LBC to expand its outreach to key people’s groups.
“I would like to work with all our Louisiana Baptist leaders in order to intentionally plant new ethnic churches,” he said, noting his desire to focus “especially in the Spanish community to advance the Gospel and strengthen our relationship among our Convention.”
PERSONAL DATA
Gómez is a native of Honduras, and a U.S. citizen since 1998. He has served in the ministry for 25 years.
He completed an Associate Degree in Pastoral Ministry with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1998) and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Bible Studies from Louisiana Baptist University in Shreveport (2022). He is pursuing a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies with NOBTS.
Gómez has served as pastor of Iglesia Bautista La Viña in Kenner since 1998. During that time, he also has been active in denominational service as:
— a member, NOBA Administrative Committee (2017-2020);
— a member, LBC People Engagement Group (2019-present);
— a member of the LBC Committee on Committees; and
— president, Hispanic Pastors Fellowship.
Additionally, he serves as the NOBA church health strategist.
Gómez and his wife Criseida have four children: Nicole, José, Ismael and Sarah.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Hunter said Gómez is a committed follower of Christ and that would define his leadership as second vice president.
“Geovany will continue to hold high the cross of Christ, proclaiming salvation in Christ alone, by faith alone, through grace alone, meeting needs with wisdom and love,” he shared. “He will encourage his fellow pastors and the churches they lead and do all as a Southern Baptist and Louisiana Baptist pastor who lives and serves in New Orleans.”
Consequently, Hunter said he would “gladly nominate this buen pastor, Geovany Gómez, to serve the Louisiana Baptist Convention as second vice president.”
