The passing of retired professor J. (Judge) Hardee Kennedy has reminded me again how fortunate I was to be at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary when giants like him were on the faculty. The passing of retired professor J. (Judge) Hardee Kennedy has reminded me again how fortunate I was to be at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary when giants like him were on the faculty. There could not have been a great seminary without great professors. I had the privilege of studying under Frank Stagg, Ray Robbins, J. Wash Watts, Penrose St. Amant, Olin Strange, Clayton Waddel, Plunket Martin. These giants taught me how to think, not what to think. I am grateful for them. Roy Remont Hot Springs, Ark. … [Read more...]
Allow a vote on issue
The recent action taken by the executive director and the executive board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention concerning the directors of missions in our state concerns me. The recent action taken by the executive director and the executive board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention concerning the directors of missions in our state concerns me. I agreed that the associations need to assume financial responsibility for their director of missions. However, the manner in which this is being done may set a dangerous precedent that will have unforeseen results in our future. At the annual meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention in November 2002, messengers duly elected by the churches of the LBC voted in a majority ruling for the state to continue to pay for the directors of missions salaries out of the Cooperative Program gifts being sent to the state. Now, for a small group of people to overturn what clearly is the stated will of the convention is both troubling and unwise. This decision should be brought to the convention for ratification or for disapproval during this years annual Louisiana Baptist Convention meeting. Sometimes, the right thing can be done the wrong way. As we study … [Read more...]
Committee proposes ending convention relationship with Baptist World Alliance
Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee members voted 62-10 last week to recommend that the denomination sever all ties with the Baptist World Alliance. Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee members voted 62-10 last week to recommend that the denomination sever all ties with the Baptist World Alliance. The recommendation now goes to convention messengers in June. If approved there, the 99-year relationship between the two entities will end a few months later. The action had been recommended by a convention study committee, which has said the alliance has grown too liberal for the convention. Alliance leaders have denied the conventions charges. In addition to severing ties, approval of the recommendation in June will mean the loss of $300,000 a year in funding for the alliance. Last year, the convention had dropped the funding from $425,000 a year. The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest member body and biggest contributor to the Baptist World Alliance, which represents 43 million Baptists. However, relations between the two entities have been strained in recent years. In addition to theological concerns, convention leaders were … [Read more...]
Differing views
Differing views: Southern Baptist leaders say they have a perfect way to tie convention entities to the denomination however, New Orleans Seminary trustees view the solution as a threat to historic Baptist polity Differing views: Southern Baptist leaders say they have a perfect way to tie convention entities to the denomination however, New Orleans Seminary trustees view the solution as a threat to historic Baptist polity For most people, it could be a single, uninspiring line in a news story - to be read, shrugged over and forgotten with the turn of the page. "The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee formally has requested trustees of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary to amend its charter and make the convention the sole member of its corporation." Big deal, right? Well ... actually, yes. When Executive Committee members voted almost unanimously last week to make their request of the seminary, they were taking yet another step in a process that has been underway for more than six years. They also did so after almost two hours of discussion and presentations, including a time of pointed questions. They did so … [Read more...]
Weekly Announcements
For the week of February 26, 2004 Potpourri WALKER - Walker church: "Stressed Spelled Backwards is Desserts" Womens Conference; March 12, 5:30-9 p.m.; March 13, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Cindy Townsend, guest speaker; $10/includes Friday supper and Saturday pastries/luncheon; child care provided; to register or for information, call (225) 665-8368; Richard Blue, pastor. BELLE CHASSE - First church: Carillon Handbell Choir from the University of Southern Mississippi in concert; Feb. 29, 3:30 p.m.; Freddie Williford, pastor. WOODWORTH - Tall Timbers conference center: "Dare to be a Danielle" Fellowship of Louisiana Baptist Secretaries Retreat; March 11, 9 a.m. registration - March 12, noon; Joe McKeever, keynote speaker; Rocky Maddox, music/entertainment; Glenda Suggs, Jared Peoples, Cindy Townsend, Barbara Bailey and Charlotte White, speakers; 2 per room/$75, 3-4 per room/$70, 1 per room/$95 and commuter/$35; costs include conference and meals; for information, call Patti Yeatts at (318) 865-5613 or nlba@bellsouth.net; to register, call Ruth Hernandez at (318) 448-3402 or (800) 622-6549 ext. 282; Sam White, camp manager. EUNICE - Acadian center: Couples Retreat; March 12, 6 p.m. registration - March … [Read more...]
Weekly Briefs
For the week of January 8, 2004 Louisiana gathering The Louisiana Baptist Agricultural Missions Fellowship has scheduled its annual meeting for Jan. 17 at 9 a.m. The annual gathering is set to conclude with a luncheon, catered at a cost of about $10 per person. Scheduled guest speaker is Jim Wagoner, agricultural missionary to Oaxaco, Mexico, who will report on projects accomplished with $7,000 in funding from the state fellowship. Fellowship members also plan to discuss future funding for the Oaxaco missionary effort and talk about the feasibility of a small number of members to travel to Oaxaco in 2004. Fellowship members also will be informed on various volunteer ministries projects underway in the state. Persons are asked to indicate plans to attend the meeting. They may do so by communicating with Tracey Ostrander at the Louisiana Baptist Building via e-mail at tracey.ostrander@lbc.org, by mail at Tracey Ostrander, Men and Volunteer Ministries, Louisiana Baptist Convention, P.O. Box 311, Alexandria, LA 71309 or by phone at (800) 622-6549. Homosexuality poll A new CNN/USA TODAY/Gallup poll shows that opposition to same-sex "marriage" continues to grow. The latest poll of … [Read more...]
Who will replace the leaders who have gone before?
The end of each year tends to spark reflection on what could have been, what may be and the uncertainties of both. The end of each year tends to spark reflection on what could have been, what may be and the uncertainties of both. One of the exercises of newspaper staffs is to recount who passed from the scene during the year just ended. Every year we are struck by the long list of personalities from entertainers to scientists with significant to monumental accomplishments who died the previous year. This review of people who are no longer on this earth causes many to ask, "Who will take their places?" Indeed, some of the stellar personalities who, as Shakespeare wrote, "shuffled off this mortal coil" this past year altered life as we know it. History has somehow been shaped by their passing through it. Who will take their places? On a smaller stage, people who did not necessarily shape national or world history but who had a significant impact on hundreds, or thousands, or tens of thousands have passed through the gates of death during the last year. While life certainly goes on, the death of these folks takes away a powerful influence on many. Who will take their places? This is a significant time for people … [Read more...]
At this church, the focus is on care, support – and bikers
On Friday nights and Sunday mornings, a line of motorcycles stands outside Church in the Wind. Inside, about 40 bikers gather for worship. On Friday nights and Sunday mornings, a line of motorcycles stands outside Church in the Wind. Inside, about 40 bikers gather for worship. "Its difficult being a Christian," says C.C. Gower, pastor and former biker-gang member. "Aint no wimps called to be Christians. When I was an outlaw, I wouldn't go anywhere without my club for backup. Now, I have the best backup in Jesus." The church in White Oak, Texas, penetrates a biker culture that often is based on intimidation, fear and harsh punishment. The East Texas congregation has served as many as 300 people at a time through its evangelistic outreach, which takes members to motorcycle runs and rallies. Members do not curse the biker lifestyle but have retained some elements of it. Many sport worn bandanas, leather vests and elaborate tattoos. They talk about motorcycle mechanics as freely as Bible verses. Gower does not lament the empty seats in the makeshift sanctuary - he sees that as a positive sign. "I have to praise God our people arent here," he says. "Theyre out … [Read more...]
So many hoped for it for so long – now, it is a reality
A 20-year-old dream became a reality seven months ago at Hope Mission in Many. For 20 years, Louisiana Baptist Church and Community Ministries Director John Hebert and others have attempted to start a church out of a care and hope ministry, previously known as storefront ministries. A 20-year-old dream became a reality seven months ago at Hope Mission in Many. For 20 years, Louisiana Baptist Church and Community Ministries Director John Hebert and others have attempted to start a church out of a care and hope ministry, previously known as storefront ministries. However, the vision never panned out until Hope Missions birth on June 8. With that launch, Marshall Ingle accomplished accomplished what other Louisiana Baptists before him could not do - plant a church out of a care and hope ministry. Ingle is director of the House of Hope care and hope ministry in Many. During his first six years there, more than 60 people who receive help from the ministry in the form of clothing and food accepted Christ as their personal savior. However, those new Christians felt they could not find a Baptist church home, Ingle relates. Still, a survey conducted … [Read more...]
Great preachers have a close, personal walk with God
Truly great preachers have a close personal walk with the Lord; some might even be called mystics. Some had this walk from childhood; some turned to the Lord in a sudden and dramatic conversion. Others were changed later in life by a "deeper experience." Note: The following article is the 10th in a series on "Characteristics of Great Preachers." The ongoing series was commissioned by the Louisiana Baptist Message from Austin Tucker of Shreveport, a former Louisiana Baptist pastor who now teaches and writes on religious subjects, He also is a frequent pulpit guest in churches and is a member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board. Austin B. Tucker, Freelance writer Truly great preachers have a close personal walk with the Lord; some might even be called mystics. Some had this walk from childhood; some turned to the Lord in a sudden and dramatic conversion. Others were changed later in life by a "deeper experience." Augustine (A.D. 354-430) was one who turned to the Lord in a dramatic conversion. Before that, he led a wild life that included a long-term affair with a mistress who bore him a son. But he came under deep conviction. In his … [Read more...]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- …
- 39
- Next Page »