By Will Hall, Message Editor ALEXANDRIA – Newly inaugurated President Rick Brewer has released a white paper providing the theoretical framework for his vision for growing Louisiana College through greater intentionality in integrating faith with learning in all academic disciplines. Brewer is the ninth president of the Christian college, having led the institution since his election March 5, and celebrated his installation with an official ceremony Sept. 18. His essay, delivered to Baptist Message Oct. 22 outlines key ideas that will undergird his approach to leading the institution to embody an academic culture that challenges students to “think critically, learn continuously and serve creatively,” three Cs he said would position Louisiana College graduates “to convert the knowledge they acquire into value” to their lives and work. “Education at a Christian college involves more than the delivery of content in the classroom in an effective way,” he wrote. “It also involves helping students learn to see the world through the lens of a Christian worldview.” He offered that the college must continue to provide “competencies in one’s chosen field of study,” but also “shape character for life and vocation. “Thus, … [Read more...]

By Message Staff SLIDELL – A Louisiana Baptist church is searching for answers after a fire destroyed most of the building last week. Pastor Frank Treme received a phone call from a church member around 10:30 pm on Oct. 22 that Bayou Baptist Church in Slidell could be on fire. When he arrived on the scene, about a mile from his home, several firetrucks already were battling the blaze. The New Orleans Advocate newspaper cautioned that it is too soon to declare arson as the cause, however, Treme said he believes the blaze was intentionally set. “It’s hard for everybody in our church,” Treme said. “This is devastating. It’s not bad enough they violated and burglarized parts of our building but why did they have to put a fire to it?” Treme said the insurance company has not yet made a determination about the extent of damage, but he believes it will be a total loss. The fire destroyed a part of the building that houses classrooms, a nursery and the kitchen. The sanctuary did not burn to the ground but the interior sustained enough damage from smoke that Treme is doubtful it can be saved. Regardless, Treme is certain the church will rebuild. While they look for a location to build, the congregation also will be … [Read more...]

By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Louisiana College has launched a program that not only provides financial aid to students but gives them possible real-world business experience in a variety of fields. The newly-formed Board of Visitors is comprised of alumni, business owners and other professionals and friends of LC who are giving between $1,000 and $10,000 annually for four years. During their four-year commitment, the members will help the students find internships, network for the college, help develop additional financial resources and help refer prospective students to LC. LC President Rick Brewer, who said the initial goal was to sign up 25 members by Sept. 1, who would contribute at one of four levels: Board of Visitor, $1,000; Leadership Council, $2,500; Executive Council, $5,000; and the President’s Council, $10,000. But they surpassed that goal when the formation of the Board of Visitors was announced on Oct. 6. Forty-four have signed up. The initial success prompted Brewer to set a goal of 50 members before the end of the fall semester. “It has the ability to transform a student’s life,” said Brewer, who saw success with the same model when he was on staff at Charleston Southern … [Read more...]

By Jonathan Nida, bi-vocational pastor Like many Southern Baptists, I was distraught at the news that the International Mission Board (IMB) was forced to make a dramatic reduction in the number of full-time missionaries that we send out. Unlike many Southern Baptists, I have had my livelihood provided for strictly through Cooperative Program giving as a former full-time employee of the Georgia Baptist Convention. Additionally, I’ve helped secure funding for NAMB church planters and interns.  I say all this to convey this money is not an Excel entry to me. I’ve seen the lives that have been profoundly changed by the CP; both the ministers and those who’ve been ministered to.  This is why I am personally so somber about our financial distress in a major mission board. But it’s not as a minister I write to you today.  In the Lord’s providence, he led me to prepare for bi-vocational ministry and the door he opened for me was in the financial services industry.  It is from that desk I seek to communicate today. According to a Boston College  Center for Wealth and Philanthropy study, between 2007 and 2061, there will be $59 trillion transferred from estates in the US. That’s a 59 with twelve zeros.  Let’s think … [Read more...]