By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
PINEVILLE, La. (LBM) – Five Louisiana Baptist pastors joined seven other ministers from various denominations and ethnicities for a one-day pulpit swap that created a sense of unity among churches in the Alexandria-Pineville area, Jan. 14, organizers told the Baptist Message.
Nathan Martin, pastor of Christian Challenge Worship Center, a non-denominational church in Pineville, and a coordinator for the pulpit swap, said this was the first time that he recalls when so many central Louisiana churches of various denominations and ethnicities traded pastors for one Sunday. In addition to Louisiana Baptists, participating churches included Assemblies of God and non-denominational congregations.
Each pastor agreed to preach a message from Matthew 9:35-38, respect the tradition of the church to whom they preached and decline any financial compensation from the host congregation, according to Martin.
Since March 2023, the 12 churches have joined together for worship services and a monthly outreach to the community in conjunction with Time to Revive, a Richardson, Texas-based organization that travels throughout the nation and partners with local churches to further the Kingdom. Through December 2023, 40 people had come to Christ through the outreach efforts.
Additionally, more than 100 members of Time to Revive joined almost 300 members, collectively, of the 12 churches for a Mission Trip to CENLA, Jan. 17-20. Through those 2024 efforts, 172 members of the community made a decision to follow Christ.
“What all of these efforts have done is signal to the larger community that the body of Christ is unified,” Martin said. “If we look at the body of Christ as Paul described in the Bible, we see each of us has a different role but at the same time have the same purpose which is to advance the Kingdom of God.”
LOUISIANA BAPTIST PARTICIPATION
Stuart Sasser, pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church, Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, shared a message at Neighborhood Baptist Church, an African-American congregation in Alexandria. Sasser and NBC Pastor Johnny Johnson previously partnered for a joint worship service with PBCHD and beautification efforts of the NBC building and grounds.
“What an incredible opportunity it was for pastors of different denominations and ethnicities to participate in this special day,” Sasser said. “It’s something I think all of us feel the Lord would be pleased with. We got a little taste of Heaven and it’s a little taste of revival.”
Philip Robertson, pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville, preached at St. Matthew Baptist Church, an African-American congregation in Boyce that is affiliated with the National Baptist Convention of America. While the two congregations are different ethnically, both share a desire to spread the Gospel, Robertson said.
“The common bond that we all share in Christ is so evident,” he said. “It’s what unites us beyond the color of our skin and our cultural differences.
“What’s happening with Time to Revive and other ministries where we come together is a sense that God is at work,” he continued. “This was no different on the day of the pulpit swap.”
Sam West, pastor of Main Street Baptist Mission, Pineville, preached at Christian Challenge Worship Center. He said the pulpit swap and various mission projects reminded him that he is not alone in Gospel-centered efforts.
“The thing I liked the most is it reminded me our mission is more than just about me or our church, but it’s about God’s Kingdom,” he said. “Even if we don’t do this all the time, it’s good at times to reach across denominational and racial lines and see what God can do. It’s been humbling to see people put their differences aside and come together for the Gospel.”
Kevin Roberts, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, Pineville, encouraged worshippers at Philadelphia Baptist Church, Deville. He said the morning felt like a homecoming at the church where he served on staff (1992-1994 and 1995-2009) and was a member (2009-2012).
“I’ve preached there several times since I left, but never for this historic day,” he said. “These pastors worked together to coordinate this day and we truly all have a Kingdom mindset. In all of us, nobody wants any glory. We just want to lift up the name of the Lord Jesus. We recognize we all have differences in doctrine and worship practices, but the one thing we decided we can all work together on is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and praying for a reviving work here in Central Louisiana.”
Brad Webb, pastor of Family of Grace Church, Alexandria, preached at Church of the Living God, an African-American, non-denominational church in Pineville. He said the cooperation among the churches is a testimony of what the body of Christ can do to reach their communities if they unify around the Gospel.
“Unity is the best starting block to bring about spiritual awakening in central Louisiana,” Webb said. “I have thought lately about the barriers that were crossed to make this pulpit swap day happen.
“We are already seeing God do some monumental things and we are believing revival is going to come out of it,” he continued. “We are praying that this is something that happens every year.
“Our churches have been working together and have built these relationships as we have gone out sharing the Gospel, together,” he said. “All of 2023 has been spent pulling up stumps and tilling the ground. Now, we will move forward and follow the Lord in what He wants for 2024.”
