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Baptist Message

"Helping Louisiana Baptists Impact the World For Christ"

ERLC removes Leatherwood as president

By Baptist Message staff NASHVILLE (LBM) – Brent Leatherwood was removed as president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, July 22. In a statement released on its website, the ERLC said more information would be released during its meeting, Sept. 10-11 in Nashville. “In accordance with our bylaws, the executive committee has removed Brent Leatherwood as president,” the statement from the executive committee of the board of trustees said. “Further details, as well as plans for the transition, will be provided at our September board meeting. Until then, the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees will assume directional responsibility for carrying out the ministry assignments for the ERLC.” Leatherwood had worked since 2017 for the ERLC, including president since 2022. Before coming to the entity, he served as executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party from 2012-2016. The announcement came a day after a statement provided by Leatherwood to Baptist Press regarding President Joe Biden’s decision not to run for re-election sparked backlash by some in the SBC. In the article, Leatherwood said: “We should all express our appreciation that President Biden has … [Read more...]

FBC Dallas’ historic sanctuary damaged by fire

By Baptist Message staff DALLAS (LBM) – A fire burned the original sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, July 19. According to the Dallas Morning News, the structure partially collapsed after 7:30 p.m., an hour-and-a-half after Dallas Fire-Rescue crews were called to the building in downtown Dallas. Pastor Robert Jeffress told Fox 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth that the sanctuary was the site of many cherished events, including his own baptism when he was 6 and his ordination as a 21-year-old. He expressed gratitude that no one was injured, including the more than 2,000 children who attended Vacation Bible School on campus earlier in the day. The building was used as the sanctuary from 1890 until 2013, when the church moved into its current worship center. “I’m grateful that the church is not bricks and mortar or wood,” he said. “It’s people. And the people of God will endure, First Baptist of Dallas will endure, and we thank so many of our friends around the country who are praying for us right now.” … [Read more...]

VBS reaches seven for Christ at FBC Leesville

LEESVILLE, La. (LBM) – Leaders with First Baptist Church, Leesville, changed their approach to Vacation Bible School and in the end witnessed six children and one student volunteer make decisions for Christ. Held June 24-29, the VBS drew 69 youngsters in the mornings, a departure from previous years when the outreach was held in the evening. Children’s Minister Kiersten Nolen told the Baptist Message that they incorporated more time for Bible study and missions and on the final day presented the Gospel during a group assembly time. “All of our decisions were by boys and some of them have been coming to activities at our church for several months,” Nolen said. “Throughout the week they heard the Gospel in the classes and by that final night decided to come forward. It was just exciting to see all the hard work of Bible school pay off for these kids who made decisions.” Once the VBS concluded, church leaders followed up with the youngsters, and three were baptized on July 7. Among those was Kacen Smith, who accepted Jesus during the large group Gospel presentation June 27. Smith said he “felt relief” after he was baptized alongside his cousin, Damian Berrios, and classmate John Rogers. His dad, Dustin, said he prayed … [Read more...]

Louisiana officials, faith leaders offer prayers for Trump after apparent assassination attempt

By Baptist Message staff BUTLER, Pa. (LBM) – Numerous elected officials and faith leaders from Louisiana requested prayers for former President Donald Trump after he survived an apparent assignation attempt during a campaign rally, July 13. A few minutes into his speech, a popping sound was heard and Trump placed his hand over his right ear before Secret Service agents pulled him to the ground. He signaled to the crowd as he was escorted away. The Associated Press reported a shooter was dead and an attendee was killed. Two attendees were critically injured. Secret Service agents, according to the AP, said the shooter was not an attendee at the rally and was killed by agents. Louisiana Baptist Executive Director Steve Horn also posted that he is “praying for Louisiana Baptists pastors as they preach tomorrow. I have said before that preaching on the Sunday after 9-11 stands out in my memory above most any other Sunday. Brothers, just ‘Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; rebuke, correct, and ENCOURAGE with great patience and teaching.’ (2 Timothy 4:2).” Speaker Mike Johnson, also a member of Cypress Baptist Church, Benton, shared that “Kelly and I are praying for President Trump and all the attendees of the … [Read more...]