Note: The following On Second Thought by Editor Lynn P. Clayton first was published in the March 31, 1994 issue of the Louisiana Baptist Message.   All right, where are they?   They were here the last time I was here. Nobody invited them. No one asked that they be here with their judgmental attitudes. I didn’t want them anywhere around then. But oooh nooo, they had to be there. Note: The following On Second Thought by Editor Lynn P. Clayton first was published in the March 31, 1994 issue of the Louisiana Baptist Message.   All right, where are they?   They were here the last time I was here. Nobody invited them. No one asked that they be here with their judgmental attitudes. I didn’t want them anywhere around then. But oooh nooo, they had to be there.   Today, I want them. I’m looking for them. I’m begging for them. Where is my judgment this Saturday, as it was last Saturday?   Last Saturday morning, everything went perfectly. No problem getting my stuff together. Nothing was forgotten.   When I get to the boat landing parking lot, not a single boat trailer litters the view. The boat slips into the water, and the motor starts immediately … [Read more...]

For the week of October 3, 2002 Clayton update Editor Lynn P. Clayton underwent surgery for brain abscess late last week. He is recovering in Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria. In days to come, he will be undergoing treatment for his condition. Doctors anticipate a full recovery. Cards may be sent to Baptist Message offices at: P.O. Box 311, Alexandria, LA 71309. Texas actions The Baptist General Convention of Texas executive board voted last week to approve creation of a world missions network to help churches and individuals sponsor missionary work across the United States and around the world. The action still must be given final approval by convention messengers this fall. Supporters say the network is not designed to replace existing relationships with Southern Baptist Convention mission boards but to augment them with structures that are church-driven and responsive to changing needs. The action also calls for the Texas convention to work with the Baptist World Alliance and the moderate/conservative Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Southern Baptist leaders have criticized the action, saying it sets the stage for the Texas convention to begin sending its own missionaries. Meanwhile, in a second … [Read more...]

Note: The following editorial by Editor Lynn P. Clayton first was published in the January 26, 1995 issue of the Louisiana Baptist Message.   At times, theologians, writing in what some consider dusty ivory towers, are ahead of the rest of us. Although they frequently write and   speak in terms - and deal with concepts - with which most of us are not comfortable, their writings can foreshadow issues with which we will soon deal. Note: The following editorial by Editor Lynn P. Clayton first was published in the January 26, 1995 issue of the Louisiana Baptist Message.   At times, theologians, writing in what some consider dusty ivory towers, are ahead of the rest of us. Although they frequently write and   speak in terms - and deal with concepts - with which most of us are not comfortable, their writings can foreshadow issues with which we will soon deal.   Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was hanged by the Nazis shortly before he would have been liberated by American troops, was such a theologian. But before his untimely and tragic death, he prophesied the faith attitudes of coming generations.   Bonhoeffer said that most people in Western society turn to … [Read more...]

The encounter was typical of many on the periphery of World Changers this summer - when roofing, painting and other work projects were punctuated by opportunities for students to share the motivation for their service.   During a break one day on a Fort Pierce, Fla., project, 13-year-old Rachel Davis noticed a young boy walking down the street with a basketball and decided to step out of her comfort zone to share the gospel.   As a result, not only did the boy accept Christ, but he also brought two friends later who made the same commitment. The encounter was typical of many on the periphery of World Changers this summer - when roofing, painting and other work projects were punctuated by opportunities for students to share the motivation for their service.   During a break one day on a Fort Pierce, Fla., project, 13-year-old Rachel Davis noticed a young boy walking down the street with a basketball and decided to step out of her comfort zone to share the gospel.   As a result, not only did the boy accept Christ, but he also brought two friends later who made the same commitment.   "As the crew worked further into the afternoon. they knew in their hearts that they … [Read more...]

The challenge of the new century is to serve God faithfully in unsure times, Dean Doster reminded Louisiana Baptists last week.   "As we have entered the 21st century, it seems that our comfort zones have been invaded, ..." said Doster, executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. "We are called to serve Christ in increasingly unsettled times." The challenge of the new century is to serve God faithfully in unsure times, Dean Doster reminded Louisiana Baptists last week.   "As we have entered the 21st century, it seems that our comfort zones have been invaded, ..." said Doster, executive director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. "We are called to serve Christ in increasingly unsettled times."   Doster extended the challenge during his report to last week’s Executive Board meeting. In addition to hearing from the convention leader, board members also:   • Agreed on a 2003 Cooperative Program.   • Received a report from a special committee looking at the future of the Baptist Retirement Center and Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.   • Elected a new Louisiana Baptist Convention leader for women’s missions and ministry.   In … [Read more...]

The question of how to handle associational directors of missions in Louisiana has taken another turn with a proposal approved last week.   The Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board has proposed that local associations be given two options for employing directors of missions.   In option one, the association may choose to employ its own director of missions. The question of how to handle associational directors of missions in Louisiana has taken another turn with a proposal approved last week.   The Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board has proposed that local associations be given two options for employing directors of missions.   In option one, the association may choose to employ its own director of missions.   In option two, the association(s) would enter into a contract in which the state convention would continue funding directors of missions. However, under that option, responsibility for selection, oversight and evaluation of directors would rest with the association - in consultation and cooperation with the state missions staff representative.   The proposal was approved by board members by an almost two-to-one margin last week. … [Read more...]

Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board members focused squarely on defining the nature of the state denomination last week. In a series of action, board members: • Proposed a constitutional change that would require churches to give through the state Cooperative Program in order to be considered "cooperating." Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board members focused squarely on defining the nature of the state denomination last week. In a series of action, board members: • Proposed a constitutional change that would require churches to give through the state Cooperative Program in order to be considered "cooperating." • Proposed a constitutional amendment that would affirm the "inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God." • Proposed adding the Baptist Faith and Message to the state convention bylaws. • Approved a report from a study committee that focused on tying state agencies more securely to the convention. The proposals figure to make for a busy state convention, as messengers will be asked to take final action on each item. However, if they follow the lead of Executive Board members, the items could take reasonably little time. At last week’s meeting, board members approved three of the … [Read more...]

For the week of October 3, 2002 Potpourri • SAREPTA - New Sarepta church: The Ruppes in concert; Oct. 13, 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.; free admission; Danny Dodds, pastor.   • ALEXANDRIA - Tall Timbers conference center: 2002 Royal Ambassador Congress; Oct. 25, 6 p.m. registration/supper - Oct. 26, 3 p.m.; pre-registration $8 ($10 at the door); housing and meals available by calling Tall Timbers at (318) 445-6797; various guest missionary speakers; to register or for information, call Buddy Day of the LBC Men’s Ministry Department, (800) 622-6549 or (318) 448-3402; Sam White, camp director.   • PONCHATOULA - Bedico church: "How to Stay Happily Married" free seminar; Oct. 11, 7-9 p.m.; Reid Doster, guest speaker; for more information, call (985) 845-3417; Leo Miller, pastor.   • ALEXANDRIA - Parkview church: "Interfaith Witness Seminar; A Seminar on Islam" hosted by the Louisiana Baptist Convention; Oct. 12, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; Samuel Shahid, guest speaker; pre-register by Oct. 4; $10 per person registration fee; to register or for information, call Ed Chaney or Sherry Blackwell at (318) 448-3402 or (800) 622-6549; John Hebert, interim pastor.   • WEST MONROE - Mt. Vernon … [Read more...]