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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

Unity drove decision for presidency, Gaines says during SBC Presidential press conference

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ST LOUIS – Speaking to members of the media in his press conference, newly elected Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines shared how God brought about unity before a planned third vote for president Wednesday morning. Just moments before, Gaines and candidate J.D. Greear stood on the same stage to announce news that came as a shock to many in the crowd of more than 7,000 – Greear was stepping aside in the name of unity. The announcement was met with the majority of the crowd standing to applaud the decision. “If the devil was trying to divide us, he failed and he failed miserably,” said Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tenn. “The Lord Jesus Christ gave us unity in a great way.” Gaines and North Carolina pastor J.D. Greear had garnered the most votes in a three-person race with First Baptist New Orleans Pastor David Crosby, but neither won a majority in the first round Tuesday morning, forcing a run-off. In the second round of voting, Gaines received 49.96 percent of the votes compared to Greear’s 47.80 percent, but 108 votes were considered illegal because the wrong ballot was used or an indistinguishable mark was made. Another run-off election was … [Read more...]

Seeking unity, Greear withdraws from race, Gaines wins SBC presidency

ST LOUIS (BP) -- In an effort to help bring unity following a close vote, North Carolina pastor J.D. Greear announced Wednesday he withdrew from the race for president of the Southern Baptist Convention during the SBC's annual meeting in St. Louis. SBC President Ronnie Floyd recognized Greear and Tennessee pastor Steve Gaines so they could address the convention at the start what was to be a third vote for president at the end of the June 15 morning session. However, before any ballots could be cast Greear announced to the convention that he was withdrawing his name from consideration after he prayed last night and believes "we need to leave St. Louis united. "I've said from the beginning it is tricky to lead the SBC," Greear said. "I've spent a good amount of time praying and I believe for the sake of our convention and our election we need to leave St. Louis united. ... We are united by a Gospel too great, and a mission too urgent, to let a lesser message stand in our way. "I am respectfully withdrawing my candidacy as president and asking you to join me in electing Steve Gaines as president," Greear said, adding that Gaines had considered "doing the exact same thing in reverse." Gaines said "there's no way God is not doing … [Read more...]

VIDEO: Louisiana Baptist reflects on special prayer service during SBC

ST LOUIS - A packed room full of Southern Baptists cried out to God for spiritual awakening Tuesday night. Throughout the evening at this National Call To Prayer, pastors from around the U.S. and even Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma prayed for a variety of issues. Among the Louisiana Baptists attending was Janie Wise, a member of FBC Pineville and women's missions and ministry strategist for Louisiana Baptists. "What verberated in my mind all night long was those final words - pray, pray, pray," Wise said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dUSpLgb1KQ&feature=youtu.be … [Read more...]

PHOTO SLIDESHOW: Louisianans at SBC Annual Meeting

Louisiana Baptists turned out in full force for the first day of the Southern Baptist Convention. More than 200 messengers registered for the meeting, which included voting on various offices, motions and resolutions, inspiring messages, a special prayer service and a number of fellowships. Look for more photos later of the second day of the SBC Annual Meeting. … [Read more...]

VIDEO: Luter speaks on racial problems in America during panel at SBC

ST LOUIS - Fred Luter believes America doesn't have a skin problem but rather a sin problem on the issue of racism. And the turnaround must start with the churches, Luter said during a racial reconciliation panel in the Tuesday morning session of the Southern Baptist Convention's Annual Meeting. "I believe the future of the Southern Baptist Convention is bright if we continue to challenge each other to do what God has called us to do and understand red, yellow, black and white, they are all precious in his sight," said Luter, pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans. "Let's spread the salt, let's turn on the light." He was one of the pastors on a panel "A National Conversation on Racial Unity in America." In addition to Luter, the panel featured President Jerry Young of the National Baptist Convention USA, Marshall Blalock, pastor of First Baptist Church in Charleston, S.C., and Joe Costephens, pastor of First Baptist Church in Ferguson, Mo. Luter, who was elected as president of the SBC on June 19, 2012 was the first African American to be elected to the post. His historic election took place in his hometown of New Orleans during the annual meeting. https://youtu.be/UWfHcE4ECic … [Read more...]

VIDEO: ULM BCM director shares how he is product of the SBC

ST LOUIS - Chad McClurg knows all too well the role Southern Baptists have played in his ministry. The director of the University of Louisiana at Monroe Baptist Collegiate Ministry, McClurg shared with the Baptist Message during his visit to the SBC Annual Meeting how he is a product of Southern Baptists. https://youtu.be/re402RQ6QSk … [Read more...]

VIDEO: Brewer, Meek share about LC at their booth in St Louis

ST LOUIS -  Professor Russell Meek and Louisiana College President Rick Brewer are spreading the word to Southern Baptists about the school in Pineville. They and other LC representatives will be manning a booth at the Southern Baptist Convention's Annual Meeting and invite those of you there to stop by for a visit. https://youtu.be/apz6mIfyakI … [Read more...]

VIDEO: Friend says African American Fellowship a vital part of the SBC

ST LOUIS - When you mention the Southern Baptist Convention, Jeffery Friend can't help but smile. As pastor of Suburban Baptist Church in New Orleans, Friend is proud to be affiliated with the SBC as an officer with the National African American Fellowship. He is spending a few days in St Louis for the 2016 SBC Annual Meeting and related functions and shared with the Baptist Message more about the National African American Fellowship, where he serves as central regional director. "We are not just a separate entity in the convention," Friend said. "We are all the SBC. We are all part of the convention." https://youtu.be/jK3ZmShbuHo … [Read more...]

VIDEO: Vandercook passionate about purpose of Southern Baptists

ST LOUIS - Philip Vandercook is passionate about the mission and purpose of Southern Baptists. This week he is among a contingent from Louisiana who have traveled up to St Louis to learn more about how they can better fulfill their mission and cooperate with one another. Vandercook, who serves as director of Global Maritime Ministries in New Orleans, shared with the Baptist Message more about why he loves being Southern Baptist. "This is what being Baptist is all about, cooperating with one another, seeing what we can do together to advance the Kingdom of God," he said. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkMhag-Tf8M … [Read more...]