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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

ST LOUIS - Jason McGuffie had just landed in St Louis, but already was voicing excitemenr about this year's Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting. He is pastor of FBC Tallulah. Check back with the Baptist Message for more updates through articles, videos and photos of what's happening at the SBC Annual Meeting, with a special emphasis on Louisiana Baptists. https://youtu.be/C8OiJoC28XQ   … [Read more...]

ST LOUIS - Brad Jurkovich appreciates many things about the SBC Annual Meeting each year, but shared with the Baptist Message what he enjoys the most. "I love what God's doing - the passion for prayer, revival, awakening," said Jurkovich, pastor of First Bossier. https://youtu.be/IRzdMfIgD7o … [Read more...]

ST LOUIS - Mike Holloway shared with the Baptist Message about the role suffering plays in everyone's lives. He was reminded of that during a message at the SBC Pastors Conference. Holloway, who served as president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention in 2008 and 2009, is now the pastor of Ouachita Baptist Church in West Monroe. In the last few months, the church has gained 50 new members and now averages 150 in Sunday morning worship. Since February, the church has baptized 15, with another 16, including 11 children, awaiting baptism.   https://youtu.be/u_3NxgANVUI     … [Read more...]

ST LOUIS - A day before the SBC presidential election, New Orleans pastor David Crosby took a few moments to thank Louisiana Baptists. He is one of three candidates for the office. The election will take place Tuesday afternoon. Crosby is pastor of First Baptist New Orleans. https://youtu.be/XDXVkt-Bx0M … [Read more...]