By Message Staff COVINGTON – Four months after suspected arson caused extensive damage to Bayou Baptist Church in Slidell, another facility in the Northshore Baptist Association has been victimized by criminals. At least $20,000 worth of disaster relief equipment from the chainsaw unit for Woodland Park Baptist Church in Hammond and the feeding unit for the association was stolen between Jan. 24 and Feb. 5, according to Director of Missions Lonnie Wascom. Stolen items include eight Stihl chainsaws, tools, tables, a commercial grade pneumatic can opener, compressors, stainless steel preparation tables, propane burners and the full range of feeding unit equipment. An investigation is ongoing to find those responsible for stealing the equipment. “The detective in charge and I have talked and he is asking people to keep an eye on social media for the posting of anything that looks or sounds like our stuff,” Wascom said. “They are processing the locks that were penetrated at the crime lab and he is asking for tips. The trailers were stored where they can be seen, thinking no one would want to break in to them being they were where everyone driving could see them. “We want it all back,” Wascom said. “We want to be up … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message METAIRIE  -- Liberty Institute has filed an appeal on behalf of Vintage Church, a Louisiana Baptist congregation involved in a dispute regarding noise levels during its Sunday morning services. According to a press release by the non-profit law firm which focuses on religious liberty issues, the Liberty Institute along with volunteer attorney Roy Bowes filed the appeal today with the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Vintage Church, located in Metairie, has met in a tent since August while its sanctuary is undergoing construction. The church filed a lawsuit against Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand and his officers, saying they used intimidation tactics in an attempt to shut down its weekly worship services because of noise complaints by a single individual. The suit also described the noise level ordinances as flawed. Pastor Rob Wilton said the church was trying to be a good neighbor by hiring technicians to ensure sound levels would not exceed 60 decibels, the limit being imposed on the church which equates to the noise of a running dishwasher, and my moving to acoustical guitars with no amplifications. A judge on Dec. 22 declined to issue an injunction against the Jefferson … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message ON THE MOVE Austin Hand is the new pastor at New Ebenezer Baptist Church, Castor. Jason Lupo resigned at Mt. Paran Baptist Church, Shongaloo to become pastor at Parkview Baptist Church in Tallulah. Michael (wife Laurie) Stringer is the new pastor at Life Journey Baptist Church, Bossier City. Larry Badon is the new pastor of Carroll Baptist Church, Walker. Sam (wife Lisa) Paris is the new equipping pastor at First Baptist Church, Blanchard. Joe Jones is the new minister of music at First Baptist Church, Zwolle. Tim Norris has resigned as pastor of First Baptist Church, Livingston. David Mercer is the new associate pastor at Trinity Baptist Church, Natchitoches. Jerry Pate is the new youth minister at First Baptist Church, Ringgold. Merlin McCon has retired as pastor of Northside Baptist Church, Denham Springs. Byron Longino announced his resignation as pastor of Pilgrim Home Baptist Church, Benton. Russell Zwerner is the new pastor of Victory Baptist Church, Walker. Steve Ramsey is the new pastor at First Baptist Church Carlyss, Sulphur. Bill McCullin resigning as pastor Feb. 17 from First Baptist Church, Vidalia. David Collins is the new pastor at Blood … [Read more...]

By Staff, Baptist Message PINEVILLE – Bossier City senior Makayla Anderson won Louisiana College’s prestigious Smith Scholarship Competition Jan. 30. The Parkway High senior excelled in the competition, winning over 13 other invitees a scholarship that covers every expense at LC, including tuition, fees, books, residence and meals. All others received LC’s next highest scholarship offer for entering the competition. Anderson, who plans on studying biology, said she was shocked when she heard her name called by LC President Rick Brewer. “Honestly it’s so unreal to even be considered,” said Anderson, who plans on becoming an oncologist. “So to be actually presented with the award is such an honor and an accomplishment I’ll cherish forever. It’s such a blessing and shock is mainly my emotion right now.” The competition has been dominated by home-schoolers who have won five out of the last eight years. “Whether from public, private or homeschool, the Smith Scholarship award draws the best and brightest students from our region to Louisiana College,” Brewer said. “Every applicant was worthy considering the criteria to win, and we are grateful for their interest in Louisiana College.” During the actual competition, … [Read more...]

By Charles Hott Charles Hott shares practical truths concerning homosexuality. 1, When a gay man hears that the gay lifestyle is not happy, he is convinced the speaker is clueless. It is Satan’s most convincing racket. You can never convince them they are not happy. 2, Sexual attractions are formed by a very complex process that starts about the time the mind starts recording memories and culminates at puberty. That’s why almost everyone thinks they were born with whatever sexual attractions they have. Satan starts working to pervert the process early on by taking advantage of unmet needs in a child’s life. You must be attentive to your children’s unmet needs. There is nothing to be gained in a debate on whether or not homosexuals are born that way. Acting on same sex attraction is a sin whatever the case. 3, A healthy fear of God and teaching that the Bible is the absolute truth is even more important than meeting the needs. This is the most important responsibility that a parent has. 4, We did all that, but we still have a son or daughter that has chosen to live the lifestyle. What now? Listen – to have influence you must listen. They must feel like they can talk to you about anything. That starts as a … [Read more...]

By John Marcase, Special to the Message PINEVILLE – Charles Hott had it all. He was a highly successful businessman in Texas in the 1970s and early 80s as the co-owner of a string of enormously profitable gay bars in Dallas, Houston, Arlington and El Paso. He and his business partner, a member of the mob, paid for political influence, from the local police all the way to the White House. Democrat, Republican, it didn’t matter. Pols on both sides of the aisle willingly accepted the “donations.” He had become what he had desired – Robert Duvall’s character in “The Godfather,” Tom Hagen. There was something else Hott had during this time – conflict. Hott shared his testimony during morning worship at First Baptist in Pineville on Jan. 31 and the following day at the church’s First@First Business Leader Luncheon. Stewart Holloway, pastor of First Pineville, had been Hott’s pastor and accountability partner at Holloway’s previous church in Forestburg, Texas. “I’ve wanted to see this happen for 13 years,” Holloway told his congregation. “Charley has a story full of mercy and grace, and I want as many people as possible to hear it.” Hott first shared his testimony last fall at Southwestern Seminary. SWBTS … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – When James Greer surrendered to the ministry 30 years ago, he had a dream to one day baptize 100 people in a year. That God-sized dream became reality on Dec. 13, 2015, when smiles, cheers and laughter were aplenty as Greer lowered Shelia Lowery – the 100th convert of the year—into the baptismal waters at Journey Church in Pineville. Before year’s end, 17 more new members were baptized. But the pastor believes 2015 was only a sign of even greater things to come for Journey Church in the central Louisiana community of 1,400 it serves. So far, the congregation has celebrated 20 baptisms toward its goal of 200 for 2016. “It’s way more about the people than the pastor,” Greer said. “We have the friendliest people this side of heaven. In fact, I love our church so much.” Changed lives have been the norm since Greer and his congregation at Lee Heights Family Church moved to the former site of Donahue Family Church in 2009 and changed the name to Journey Church. Since then, 368 new converts have been baptized and another 147 additional people have made professions of faith (515 spiritual commit ments in all). One of the church’s core values is “Growing People … [Read more...]

By Philip Timothy, Message Managing Editor BASTROP – A prompt by God proved to be the catalyst for a powerful movement by Him in this small northeast Louisiana town. Over a four-day period (Jan. 31-Feb. 3), the city-wide Morehouse Crusade, which took place at the Morehouse Activity Center just outside of Bastrop, drew more than 4,600 people, had 117 decisions, including 50 first-time salvations, 50 rededications and 10 who committed to serve in ministry. It was the culmination of eight months of planning, prayer and preparation. “We were very pleased with how everything went this week. It was so encouraging to see how so many pulled together to make this Crusade happen,” said Bodie Spicer, pastor of Faith Baptist Church and one of the crusade’s main organizers. “We have a lot of follow ups to do but just talking with everyone we all would like to make this an annual event. “God showed up and showed out,” said Spicer. “I believe this crusade was good for this community. As I told everyone in my closing prayer, it didn’t matter what denomination this person sitting next to you was, it was the fact we, as God’s people, were there for the same reason to worship God. It was evident God’s hand was all over this from start to … [Read more...]

By Message Staff SHREVEPORT – The 96-year-old steeple bells at First Baptist Church in Shreveport have seen their share of history, including renovations at their original structure and a move from downtown Shreveport to the current facility in the south side of town. In November 2015, the steeple bells experienced a renovation of their own. For three months, crews worked on improvements to the historic bells that were purchased from the McShane Bell Foundry in Baltimore, Md., and donated by Mrs. EM Layne in memory of her husband, Robert Thompson Layne. Repairs and updates include new clappers, improved audio for hearing the bells in the worship center, and computerized control of the ringing of the bells with a Schulmerich Electronic system. The cost for the renovation was $68,615. The congregation gathered with others from the community and state to celebrate the steeple bell renovations during a special service on Jan. 24. “We have discovered that our restored steeple bells are a great outreach tool for our church,” said Glen Adkins, minister of music at First Baptist Shreveport. “People both in the church and outside the church tell us how much they enjoy hearing the hymns at noon each day, as well as the … [Read more...]

By Gary D Myers, NOBTS communications NEW ORLEANS – Southern Baptist collegiate ministry groups outside the South are as unique and diverse as regions in which they are located. Ministries in these emerging regions use a wide variety of strategies to accomplish their goal of raising up discipled believers who make disciples themselves. When the Emerging Regions State Collegiate Leaders working group met at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Jan. 19-23, the participants included 25 leaders from places like Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and even Canada. The leaders represented a wide range of approaches from campus-based to church-based college ministries – each with a unique context and a unique approach. Robert Turner, state director of collegiate ministry with the Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/South Jersey, facilitated the meeting as the leaders shared ideas and looked for new ways accomplish their work. Mark Whitt, collegiate and young adult ministry specialist for LifeWay Church Resources provided additional leadership for the meeting. Despite the wide range of contextual differences represented, the leaders share a … [Read more...]