By Baptist Message staff ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – Preliminary data for 2025 show that Lou­isiana Baptists’ baptisms continued to increase for the fifth straight year to 8,737, the largest number since 2018. This unofficial total reflects 76.9 percent of congregations reporting (1,143), 92 fewer than in 2024 (1,235) when 83.4 per­cent of churches submitted Annual Church Profile surveys. Baptism summary, 2018-2025: 8,737 (2025), 8,415 (2024), 8,331 (2023), 6,686 (2022), 5,634 (2021), 5,616 (2020), 6,951 (2019), 8,840 (2018). Every year there are dif­ferent variables that influ­ence the data reported via the Annual Church Profile survey, including the num­ber of congregations that provide inputs. During the last seven years, Louisiana Baptists also were impact­ed by COVID 19 related restrictions on churches, 2020-2022, as well as by four hurricanes that struck the state in 2021. … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff LAFAYETTE, La. (LBM) – Louisiana Baptist leaders announced Jan. 23 that the 2026 state Evangelism Conference will not take place this year because of meteorological warnings about an approaching ice storm. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency on Jan. 22. “We have made the difficult decision to cancel ECON ’26 scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, January 26-27, at First Baptist Church, Lafayette, due to the forecasted weather,” Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn said in a statement. “While Lafayette and South Louisiana may not be affected much, ECON is a statewide event. Those coming from Central and North Louisiana are likely to face significant travel impacts. In addition, many of our speakers, musicians, and presenters are facing difficult travel. Furthermore, our Disaster Relief teams are standing by to provide assistance to those affected by power outages. “We are incredibly thankful for the staff and members of First Baptist Church, Lafayette, who have been wonderful partners in preparing for ECON ’26,” he continued. “We are disappointed in our inability to gather this year, but we look forward to sharing details about ECON ’27. “Until then, keep sharing … [Read more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Baptist Message provides churches an opportunity to share with other Louisiana Baptists an upcoming revival, homecoming, new pastor, new staff member, a community outreach, or a concert in Louisiana Notables. To place your event in the paper, send your information (who, what, where, when, time) to philip@baptistmes­sage.com or call 318.449.4345. Please submit your information four weeks prior to the event to insure placement in the Message. ON THE MOVE John, wife Emily, Roach is the new pastor at Summer Grove Baptist Church from Green Acres Baptist Church, Tyler, Texas. Emily Alexander resigned as children’s di­rector at Ellerbe Baptist Church, Shreveport. Jason, wife Jessica, McGuffie is the new pastor at Eastwood Baptist, Haughton. He comes from First West Monroe Baptist Church. HOMECOMING Wilda Baptist Church, Boyce: The Lefevre Quartet in Concert, for annual homecoming celebration. February 8, 9 a.m. Cost: Free entry. Pastor: Joey Rudisill. REVIVAL Fort Necessity Baptist Church. Fort Necessity: Revival. February 1-4. Evangelist: Sam Moore. Pastor: John Bradley. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Jena: Spring Revival, February 1-4, Evangelist: Scotty McDowell. Pastor: Ricky … [Read more...]

By Baptist Message staff BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) – Anticipated thousands of Louisianians will stand together for life as part of six pro-life marches throughout the state in the coming weeks, according to the lead organizer. The theme for the marches is “Love them both.” “We are preparing to march for life and show Louisiana that we love them both, mom and baby,” Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper told the Baptist Message. “Our movement unites every January to defend life and help moms, and we can’t wait to join citizens from across Louisiana.” — Jan. 17 (Lafayette): Festival de la Vie will kick off the pro-life march at 10 a.m. in Parc San Souci. — Jan. 22 (Lake Charles): Participants will gather at 6 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park. — Jan. 24 (Baton Rouge): The march will begin, 10 a.m., in the grassy area of the Capitol and end in Galvez Plaza / North Boulevard Town Square on the site of the Old State Capitol building. — Jan. 24 (Bossier/Shreveport): Participants will gather at 10 a.m. in Festival Plaza and march over the Texas St. Bridge. — Jan. 25 (Monroe/West Monroe): Pro-life supporters will gather, 2 p.m., on the campus of First Baptist Church, West Monroe, and march to Anna Grey … [Read more...]