By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
RUSTON – Under the mantle of ”Imprint – Marking the Next Generation,” adapted from Deuteronomy 6:7, messengers to the 2018 Louisiana Baptist Convention will learn about progress being made toward completing the goal of sharing Christ with the next generation as outlined in the President’s 2020 Commission Report.
The annual meeting will take place Nov. 12-13 at Temple Baptist Church in Ruston.
“We see pockets of success of which we celebrate,” said LBC Executive Director David Hankins, “but we need to prayerfully seek God’s direction if we’re going to successfully imprint this generation with the Gospel.”
The next generation is one of two groups identified as target audiences in the President’s 2020 Commission Report. Adopted by messengers at the 2013 Louisiana Baptist Convention annual meeting, the 2020 initiative seeks to reach every generation and every people group in Louisiana with the Gospel by the year 2020 through congregational revitalization, church planting, communications and collaboration.
LEANER BUDGET
Messengers also will vote on a reduced Cooperative Program budget.
Approved during the Executive Board’s Sept. 25 meeting at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center in Woodworth, the 2019 financial plan is based on expected Cooperative Program contributions of $18,813,818, a decrease of $693,587. Cooperative Program projections are based on actual receipts from August 2017 thru July 2018.
The allocation formula for distributing Cooperative Program gifts between the Southern Baptist Convention and Louisiana Baptist Convention causes remains unchanged, with 63.26 percent supporting ministries in the state and 36.74 percent forwarded to fund national entities.
This equates to $11,901,622 in Cooperative Program funds for Louisiana Baptist missions and ministries, a decrease of $438,579 from 2018.
OTHER BUSINESS
The update on how Louisiana Baptists are reaching the next generation and a vote on the budget are just two of a number of important items which will be addressed this year.
Highlights for Monday include a Bible study by Nik Ripken, author of the book “The Insanity of God.” Also there will be a focus on the next generation in presentations by Hankins, LBC President Eddie Wren, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Rayville, and Louisiana College President Rick Brewer.
Tuesday will feature messages from Jeff Ginn, pastor of Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Herb Reavis, pastor of North Jacksonville Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and Johnny Hunt, the newly-elected senior vice president for evangelism and leadership for the North American Mission Board.
“I know Louisiana Baptists will be excited to hear Dr. Johnny Hunt and his vision for evangelism across the SBC,” said Hankins. “Evangelism was one of the most frequently mentioned areas of concern during the SBC annual meeting in Dallas last June and I’m confident Louisiana Baptists are eager to support initiatives that will assist us in leading people to Christ.”
Other items on Tuesday’s agenda include; reports by the convention’s entities; updates on state missions; approval of motions and election of officers.
“Dr. Eddie Wren has served Louisiana Baptists well over this last year,” said Hankins. “I’m grateful he is making himself available again to serve as our president.”
At press time, Wren is the only known candidate whose name will be placed in nomination for the office of LBC president. Likewise, Eddie Rhymes, director of missions for Deer Creek Baptist Association, is the only known candidate expected to be nominated for second vice president.
“I always look forward to the LBC Annual meeting,” Wren said. “This year our focus will be on impacting the next generation. I think all of us are concerned about those coming after us, especially when we read statistics that tell us how many young folks leave the church year after year.
“We must be more intentional about discipling and integrating the next generation into the work of the Kingdom,” he continued. “I encourage all who can to attend the annual meeting and I pray we will leave with a passion to reach and mentor the next generation.”
NOV. 12 GATHERINGS
Louisiana Baptist Christian Education Association, 11:30 a.m., Log Cabin restaurant, Ruston
Hispanic Pastors and Leaders Luncheon, noon, Iglesia Belen Mission, Ruston
Minister of Missions Roundtable, 4 p.m., Temple Baptist, Ruston
African-American Fellowship, 4 p.m., Temple Baptist, Ruston
Asian Fellowship, 4:30 p.m., Roma Italian Bistro restaurant, Ruston
New Church Reception, 4:45 p.m., Temple Baptist, Ruston.
NOV. 13 GATHERINGS
Discover Church Planting Breakfast, 7 a.m., Temple Baptist, Ruston
Haiti Shout Breakfast, 7 a.m., Temple Baptist, Ruston
Church Planting Luncheon, noon, Temple Baptist, Ruston
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Alumni Luncheon, noon, Temple Baptist, Ruston
Retiree/Bi-vocational Luncheon, noon, Temple Baptist, Ruston
