By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer VIVIAN – The bivocational pastorate was an idea unknown to the search committee of Trees Baptist Church when they first interviewed Mark Crook in June 2010. But once they and the congregation discovered how the position would benefit both Crook and Trees Baptist, they knew this was God’s direction for revival in the church and future tremendous growth. “I think that many do not understand the term or at least define it in different ways,” Crook said. “I explained to [the search committee] that I would still be on call 24 hours, 7 days a week, however the bulk of my salary would be paid by my full-time employer which would free up some funds to add additional staff in the future. They issued the call and 42 people were present to vote for me as their pastor.” Since that day he was called to serve as pastor, Crook has seen God move in mighty ways at the Northwest Louisiana church. When he first arrived, attendance on a Sunday averaged between 30 and 40, a far cry from the 110 who once attended every week for worship services. Six of the 12 deacons felt led to leave the church and those remaining members were heartbroken over the loss of family and friends who felt God leading … [Read more...]
Experienced Gaspard has learned the dos, don’ts of being a bivo
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer OPELOUSAS – When it comes to serving as a bi-vocational pastor, Gregory Gaspard knows the dos and don’ts of ministry. A bi-vocational pastor for all but the past six years of his 23 years at Unity Baptist Church in Opelousas, Gaspard has enjoyed seeing nearly a quarter-century of planted seeds grow into a harvest of mission-minded members. “In my 23 years here, I have never looked for something bigger and better,” he said. “I have embraced this church, taking it as a serious calling. We’ve enjoyed the great fellowship of people here and seeing them reach out to our community through outreach.” Gaspard’s path to ministry began in 1973 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in his native Eunice, two years after marrying his wife Elizabeth. While at Emmanuel Baptist as a layperson, Gaspard taught Sunday school and Royal Ambassadors, in addition to serving as a deacon. His involvement there prepared him for his eventual call to the pastorate. He made that decision public in 1989 and became interim pastor at Prairie Home Baptist Church in Eunice. “Serving with the different ministries stirred up in my heart that desire to pastor a church,” said Gaspard, who became pastor of Unity Baptist … [Read more...]
Louisiana College hosting Bi-Vocational/Small Church National Celebration
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Hundreds of Ironmen will convene upon Louisiana College next week, but not for a grueling 140.6-mile triathlon. Called by some as the Iron Men of the Southern Baptist Convention, these bi-vocational ministers, pastors of smaller churches and their wives will meet for the annual Bi-vocational and Small Church Leadership Network National Celebration. Scheduled for June 26-27 at LC, the theme for the annual conference is “God Has A Plan For You And Your Church.” The focal scripture will be Jeremiah 29:11. Philip Caples, Vice President of Integration for Faith and Learning at LC and director of this year’s conference, said the school and the Louisiana Baptist Convention are trying to connect with bi-vocational pastors in the state to encourage them to come to the event because of the much-needed training it will provide for their congregations. “One reason that we are excited about this opportunity is because Louisiana College wants to be a resource for all churches in our state,” said Caples, a member of the Bi-vocational Small Church Leadership Network. “However, with approximately 70 percent of Louisiana’s Southern Baptist churches having less than 100 in worship … [Read more...]
Louisiana College, seminary students with Louisiana ties graduate
Students from Louisiana College, as well as those from Southern Baptist seminaries recently graduated. Below is a list of the graduates. LC President Brewer addressed the 148 graduates and hundreds of onlookers May 16 at the college’s 158th commencement ceremony. His message was entitled "And Then Some," with the goal of challenging the graduates to "do hard work, and then some." Meanwhile, Daniel Akin told the spring graduates of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC, that "Our God is a global God. He is always with those who are on mission with him." The seminary's 61st graduating class of 274 graduates heard Akin, the president of the seminary, issue a challenge with Jesus’ last words in Matthew 28:18-20. He highlighted God’s sovereign power, plan and promise. And at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., 297 graduated on May 14, with 107 graduating from the seminary's Boyce College on May 8. Seminary President Albert Mohler Jr. charged the new Southern graduates to "Take your place in line and fulfill your ministry with eyes wide open, knowing your destiny in Christ. Go into the world of darkness as brave children of the day." Click here for 2015 graduate listings … [Read more...]
New beginnings at Standard Baptist Church in Olla
By Joe Dupree, Message Staff Writer OLLA - Out with the old and in with the new. That seems to be the popular way of doing things nowadays. For the folks at Standard Baptist Church, it was just time to replace an aging sanctuary with a larger and newer building that would house congregants comfortably. The original church structure, which was made of wood, was built back in 1945. The current structure was built later in the 1960's. But as time progressed, the building began deteriorating and the leaders of the church decided it was time to build a new, larger sanctuary. "Our old building has some age issues, " said Rodney Shelton, chairman of deacons, Standard Baptist. "Our attendance has grown. The Lord has blessed us with our attendance growing and with this building project. "With our growth, there's just a good chance they'll be uncomfortable," said Shelton. It was about a year ago the church decided a new sanctuary was needed to accommodate the large growth in congregants. "If you talk about the history of the building, that's one thing," said Shad Tibbs, pastor of Standard Baptist. "The history of this church five years ago, what I saw, is a very small group of people who were, in reality, tired of … [Read more...]
Pineville braces for potential Red River flooding
By Joe Dupree, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – As the Red River continues to rise, concern of potential flooding also continued to rise amongst the officials of Pineville. On Thursday, the Louisiana National Guard sent a group out to the riverfront, on the Pineville side, to help secure sewer pump stations that will help pump excess water out should it reach people’s homes along the river. The river is expected to reach its cresting point of 38 feet by this weekend. The National Guard has also been sandbagging the area around Pump Station #23 on Dupree Road in Pineville to prevent any potential flooding from getting into the sewage pump. City officials are hoping the sand bags aren’t needed but they prepared for the worst. “There are some low areas that we are concerned about,” said Rich Dupree, Pineville’s city manager. “The mayor has been going door to door, visiting those homeowners, letting them know, if water doesn’t cut into their homes, it will cut off access to their homes.” Fortunately for much of the downtown and greater surrounding areas of Pineville, it sits among the high parts of the river so there isn’t much concern of any massive flooding but only concern for minor flooding along the … [Read more...]
Louisiana College receives update from SACSCOC
By Norm Miller, Special to the Message PINEVILLE --Louisiana College president, Dr. Rick Brewer, received notice today that the college’s probationary status has been extended to allow the college to provide more information regarding Comprehensive Standard 3.2.4, External Influence. “Our accreditation remains intact,” Brewer said, “and our academic reputation speaks for itself. We remain encouraged because of the recent upsurge of interest in and support for the college. Our stakeholders continue to entrust their students into our care as evidenced by our enrollment numbers that are on track,” Brewer added. An official of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) notified Brewer of its governing board decision via telephone, saying that a detailed letter about the matter is forthcoming. During the coming weeks, officials from both SACSCOC and LC will confer prior to the college filing an official response later this year. “We are crafting several academic and revenue development initiatives that we anticipate launching this year. We believe these efforts underscore our commitment to preparing graduates and transforming lives in a culture that is relational, rigorous and … [Read more...]
State disaster relief teams watch, wait, prepare to respond to flooding
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer Louisiana Baptist Disaster Relief officials are making preparations now to respond to those directly impacted by the floodwaters of the Red River – and every Louisiana Baptist has a chance to participate. According to Louisiana Baptist state Disaster Relief Director Gibbie McMillan, four areas in north and central Louisiana likely will serve as staging areas when disaster relief teams are activated. Teams will use locations in Shreveport, Coushatta, Natchitoches and Alexandria as ministry hubs to sleep and eat at themselves. It is not certain that feeding for the public will be needed until the assessments are completed. Though trained disaster relief team members will be working, Louisiana Baptists who have not completed official training may also serve, McMillan said. Donations to the response along with prayers also are needed. Those interested in volunteering should call the disaster relief office at 318.448.3402. Donations can be made by going to louisianabaptists.org/disasterrelief or by mailing checks to Louisiana Baptist Convention, Attn: Disaster Relief, PO Box 311, Alexandria, LA 71309. In addition to teams from throughout Louisiana, others from out of state are also … [Read more...]
‘Journey Off The Map’ kicks off summer festivities at local churches
By Joe Dupree, Message Staff Writer BALL - Summer is upon us and you know what that means ... it's Vacation Bible School time. Kingsville Baptist Church in Ball is one of many Louisiana Baptist churches that are hosting or will host VBS this summer. VBS is considered to be one of the biggest outreach ministries a church has during the year. "Like any other opportunity placed into the life of a church, the importance of VBS depends on the individual church," said David Anderson, Children's Ministry Strategist, Louisiana Baptist Convention. "VBS is still the single largest evangelistic opportunity that the church will have all year long," said Anderson. "We also know that unchurched families will bring their children and engage with the church like no other time during the year." Kingsville wrapped up their VBS festivities last week averaging 280 kids per day and 130 workers (teenagers and adults). "We have seen a renewed interest in training for VBS as we doubled our registration and attendance at the state wide training this year," said Anderson. Several churches have also requested that GOLA (summer missions program for college students) teams come to their churches to help assist them with VBS. "In … [Read more...]
Louisiana College names Lyn Bankston as new softball coach
By Joe Dupree, Message Staff Writer PINEVILLE – Less than a month after Mark Rosier resigned as Louisiana College’s softball coach, Wildcat Athletics Director and head football coach Dennis Dunn didn’t waste time or have to go very far to find Rosier’s replacement. On June 8, Winnfield High School’s Lyn Bankston was introduced as the Lady Cats new head coach. He becomes only the sixth head coach in the softball program’s history and succeeds Rosier, who spent four seasons at LC. Dunn said he's known Bankston for many years and called the hiring "a good move on several levels." "I've known Lyn since he was a player at Louisiana Tech," Dunn said. "Just his grit as a competitor is something I always admired. So, really, all of this came together like a glove, in terms of fit. He is a great fit for LC.” The opportunity to coach on the college level, especially at a college which has special meaning to him, was just too much for Bankston to pass up. "When you're in my profession and you're extremely passionate about it like I am, the thoughts always come into your mind," said Bankston. "You always want to coach at the highest level." “Louisiana College softball has such a rich history and is full of tradition,” said … [Read more...]
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