Louisiana Baptists

What I Wish My Parents Had Taught Me

Louisiana Baptists — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:12:03 +0000

Note: Louisiana Baptists have partnered with Compass Financial Ministry to provide churches inspiration and resources relating to Biblical Stewardship and Financial Discipleship. See the end of the article for more information.

Flash Back–

on purpose—for just a moment. Now that you’re an adult, what is one thing you wish your parents had taught you about?

According to some financial consultants, the number one answer is: “I wish my parents had taught me what it meant to handle money God’s way.”

As adults, we recognize patterns of poor financial choices that could have been prevented. Even those raised in Christian homes often only know the world’s way of handling money-and many don’t realize they have another choice.

It comes down to viewing finances through a discipleship lens.

Families that are spiritually disciplined and financially healthy help create churches that are missionally generous and economically sound. Financial discipleship is more than getting people on a budget or out of debt. It is also about introducing people to Jesus so they can grow in their relationship with Him and build His Kingdom.

Helpful Resources:

Compass Podcasts
If you are a podcast fan, this is the month for you. Listen to Compass Financial Ministry speakers discuss a variety of topics that may further your financial discipleship walk. Explore Podcasts Page.

The Compass Curriculum
A terrific study for young adults ages 16-22. This Award-Winning resource is available in soft cover and Compass has made the eBook completely FREE to encourage young adults to gain a biblical perspective on handling finances. Please share the link with your Youth Director and with the students’ parents.

Give, Save, Spend Course
This class has been taught as a 3-credit course at Asbury University for over 10 years. When the KY state legislature passed a bill to require a financial literacy requirement for high school students, Asbury quickly moved on the opportunity and made this course available as a dual credit course for rising Kentucky High School Juniors and Seniors. Learn more about this dual credit option and how a student may enroll.

To learn more about Biblical stewardship/ﬁnancial discipleship, visit louisianabaptists.org/stewardship or contact Rhea Fix at rhea@compassﬁnancialministry.org.

Rhea Fix

The Executive Director for Compass Financial Ministry serving Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and West Tennessee. She has over ten years teaching financial literacy and discipleship.

compassfinancialministry.org

Financial FAQ’s

Louisiana Baptists — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:40:47 +0000

Note: Louisiana Baptists have partnered with Compass Financial Ministry to provide churches inspiration and resources relating to Biblical Stewardship and Financial Discipleship. See the end of the article for more information.

Looking for answers?

Whether you’re a church or an individual, we all have questions related to money.

A recent search engine inquiry found that nationally, student loans were top of mind for most people. In Louisiana, the same question generated interest related to budgeting.

Common questions related to finances:

Should I give when I am paying off debt?
Should I pay off credit cards first or save for retirement
What steps should I take to prepare for the unexpected
How do I instruct my kids (and grandkids) to manage their money well?

We live in an age where we can buy groceries on installment payments, place sports bets online, apply for credit for small home repairs, or transfer money to friends (and even strangers) with only a phone number. We need God’s timeless truths to light the way!

What does Scripture say?

Did you know Scripture contains over 2,350 verses about money and possessions? Biblical principles are truths that never change, so we can act with confidence when we consult God’s Word on finances.

Prosperity is not about income — it’s connected to obedience.

If you would like a FREE resource relating to the 2,350 verses on money and possessions, visit compassfinancialministry.org.

If you’ve got questions, God’s Word has answers. This year, let God’s Word help you manage finances His way.

To learn more about Biblical stewardship/ﬁnancial discipleship, visit louisianabaptists.org/stewardship or contact Rhea Fix at rhea@compassﬁnancialministry.org.

Rhea Fix

The Executive Director for Compass Financial Ministry serving Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and West Tennessee. She has over ten years teaching financial literacy and discipleship.

compassfinancialministry.org

God Doesn’t Need A Good Economy

Louisiana Baptists — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:32:47 +0000

Note: Louisiana Baptists have partnered with Compass Financial Ministry to provide churches inspiration and resources relating to Biblical Stewardship and Financial Discipleship. See the end of the article for more information.

A new year!

It is the season of resolutions and new beginnings. New goals, new tax laws, and new budgets. We’re already seeing predictions about this year’s economy and how to navigate it. But what about God’s economy? What if 2026 was the year we decided to turn from handling money the world’s way and chose to handle it God’s way! Scripture is packed with over 2,350 verses about money and possessions. In fact, Jesus talked about it more than any other topic, except for the Kingdom of God.

God knows what lies ahead.

He doesn’t need good circumstances to provide for His people.

He delights in overcoming the odds of bad situations by showing up and providing more than what is needed. So, how do we tap into this power? By drawing close to Him—in prayer, through the living Word, and in living out His commands to love God and to love our neighbor.

As we learn God’s ﬁnancial principles, apply them in our life, and share what the Lord is doing, we become a ﬁnancial disciple of Jesus Christ.

That could mean sharing how the Lord helped you work through a ﬁnancial challenge, extending generosity towards someone in need, or providing biblical counsel as the Lord opens the door.

Handling ﬁnances His way means asking Him what He would have you do with what He has entrusted you and being obedient to do what He tells you to do.

Building Financial Discipleship

Discipleship doesn’t happen in one conversation or message. It’s a journey that explores what it means and looks like to live out the Christian life. Financial discipleship is a discipline built over time just like prayer, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines. This year, make a plan to build financial discipleship by refreshing your understanding, then sharing those foundational practices and teachings.

We’re here to help! Louisiana Baptists and Compass Financial Ministry are partnering to offer resources and messages you can use to strengthen the life of your church and family, and counter the world’s teaching about money.

To learn more about Biblical stewardship/ﬁnancial discipleship, visit louisianabaptists.org/stewardship or contact Rhea Fix at rhea@compassﬁnancialministry.org.

Rhea Fix

The Executive Director for Compass Financial Ministry serving Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and West Tennessee. She has over ten years teaching financial literacy and discipleship.

compassfinancialministry.org

Share The Gospel – AI Practice Tool

Louisiana Baptists — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:50:44 +0000

From NAMB, Evangelism Resources

Followers of Jesus can face many objections and hesitations when it comes to sharing their faith. One is that they are not confident in conversing with someone who has a belief system they don’t understand or are unfamiliar with.

What do you say? How do you gain confidence to take the first step in conversation?
What if you don’t know the answer to their question?

The Share the Gospel web app can help you as you navigate common questions you may hear and will help you grow in your ability to engage people with the gospel.

This app is easy to use on any browser and utilizes AI technology. This app is simply a tool to help you practice honing your gospel-conversation skills. It does not replace in-person instruction from your pastor or church. Neither does it replace real conversations with real people. We encourage you to use this tool within the context of your local church, so you can get guidance from pastors and other church members as you work through the different scenarios proposed on the app. As with any AI tool, AI can make mistakes.

When you enter the app, you will first select Easy (beginner), Medium (thought-provoking), or Hard (apologetics practice). You will then select a conversation partner from the following worldviews:

Latter-day Saint (Mormon)
Muslim
Atheist
Agnostic
Jehovah’s Witness
Hindu
Jewish person

Or you can type “Surprise Me.”

As you enter the conversation, know that after six or so responses, you will be asked if you would like to receive feedback on the conversation. You can type “Yes.” This feedback will help you craft more effective responses in real-life scenarios. You can then choose to continue the conversation. You can also type in “Feedback, please” to get feedback.

Click here to access the Share the Gospel web app.

For more evangelism resources, visit namb.net/evangelism/evangelism-resources.

LCU Day of Prayer

Louisiana Baptists — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:40:39 +0000

In 1906, it was birthed in prayer.

Through the years, prayer has undergirded its mission, guided its growth, and helped overcome its challenges.

During the annual meeting of the Louisiana Baptist Convention November 2024, messengers voted to establish a day of prayer for Louisiana Christian University to be held on the first Sunday of February. This year, that first Sunday will be February 1.

LCU is supported by the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Over 14% of Cooperative Program gifts support the budget of LCU. Trustees are elected by messengers annually from our churches. LCU is OUR university and she deserves our full support and certainly our dedicated praying.

Would you consider dedicating time in your morning worship service on February 1 to pray for the ministry of LCU? Specifically, pray for high school students from our churches to consider making LCU their college choice.

There are a number of ways you can participate in this emphasis including showing a video in your worship service. See more below.

However you choose to participate, may the Lord hear our heart’s cry for LCU to be a place that is built on faith and driven by excellence.

Download Flyer

2026 Day of Prayer video

Download Video

Home for the Holidays

Louisiana Baptists — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:22:08 +0000

Written by Mark Robinson

Why Coming Back Changes Everything

The car pulls into the driveway. After months of dorm life, dining hall food, and late-night study sessions, the college student steps back into the familiar world of home. The walls haven’t changed, but something inside has. Independence has grown roots. New habits have formed. And now, two worlds collide—the old and the new.

This moment isn’t just about the first semester. It’s the beginning of a rhythm that will repeat after every break, every summer, and even beyond college—into careers, marriage, and parenthood. Life is a series of transitions, and each one reshapes relationships.

Why Does It Feel Different?

College is a season of accelerated growth. Students learn to manage their own schedules, make decisions without parental oversight, and navigate friendships that shape their worldview. Coming home means stepping back into a system of expectations that may feel outdated.

Scripture reminds us that change is part of God’s design:

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ
(Philippians 1:6)

Growth isn’t a threat—it’s a testimony of God’s work. But it requires grace on both sides.

The Parent Perspective

Parents often expect their student to “pick up where they left off.” But the truth? They’ve changed. And so must the family dynamic.

Expect Change
Transformation is normal. Romans 12:2 calls us to renewal, not rigidity.

Communicate Expectations
Talk about curfews, chores, and family time before conflict arises. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that gentle words diffuse tension.

Respect Autonomy
Give space without abandoning boundaries. Colossians 3:21 warns against provoking discouragement.

Plan Connection
Shared meals and intentional conversations matter. Hebrews 10:24 urges us to stir one another toward love and good works.

The Student Perspective

Students, independence doesn’t erase honor. Coming home is an opportunity to practice humility and gratitude.

Reflect Before You Go Home
Ask, “How have I changed?” Psalm 139:23-24 invites us to examine our hearts.

Communicate Needs Clearly
Share your schedule without arrogance. Ephesians 4:29 calls for words that build up.

Listen Without Defensiveness
Honor your parents’ perspective. Exodus 20:12 still applies.

Balance Freedom with Respect
Independence is good, but humility is better. Micah 6:8 reminds us to walk humbly with God.

When Parents Struggle with Each Other

Here’s a dynamic few talk about: when a child leaves for college, parents often realize how much of their marriage revolved around that child. Schedules, conversations, even identity were tied to parenting. When the student returns, old patterns resurface—but they don’t fit anymore. This can create tension between spouses who now must renegotiate roles and rediscover intimacy.

Genesis 2:24 reminds us:

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife…”

Marriage was designed to be primary, not secondary to parenting. Seasons of transition are opportunities for couples to strengthen their bond rather than drift apart.

The Grandparent Factor

Grandparents often amplify these dynamics. Their expectations for family traditions, holiday gatherings, and time together can add pressure. They may struggle to understand the student’s independence or the parents’ adjustments. What was once simple—“everyone comes home”—now requires negotiation.

This is where grace multiplies:

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged…”
(Proverbs 17:6)

Grandparents’ love is a gift, but families must balance honoring them with respecting the student’s new reality.

These Dynamics Repeat

Here’s the truth: these dynamics don’t stop after freshman year. They repeat after every semester, every summer, and every major life transition—graduation, first job, marriage, even parenting. Each stage brings new independence and new expectations. And each stage calls for the same biblical principles: grace, communication, and humility.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Pray for Planters

Lane Corley — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:24:34 +0000

Every church plant is a miracle of God’s grace—and every planter needs the prayers of God’s people. As we labor together to see a multiplying movement of churches across Louisiana and beyond, prayer is not just preparation for the work; prayer is the work.

We want to invite you to join us in praying for our planters. Pray that they would walk in intimacy with Jesus, stay rooted in the gospel, and lead their families with integrity. Pray for open doors for gospel conversations, for favor in their communities, and for the Spirit’s power to see disciples made and churches multiplied.

Pray For Louisiana Church Planters

When we pray, God moves. Let’s cover our planters, their families, and their churches in prayer—believing God for more than we can ask or imagine.

Thank you for locking arms with us in this mission. Together, we are planting churches everywhere for everyone.

Show Some Love to Your Pastor

Ray Swift — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:58:48 +0000

I grew up in a pastors home, have served as a pastor for 37 years and now have the joy of leading, listening, loving and lifting up Louisiana Baptist pastors and minsters. Pastors have, they are now and always will be my heroes.

IN OUR WORLD today we have a struggling economy, an ongoing pandemic, sexual identity crisis, defunding and overfunding, religious freedom threats, churches vandalized, protest and boycotts. IN THE CHURCH today we have pastor-less churches, power struggles, budget crisis, buildings needing repairs and overhead cost skyrocketing.

Dig Deeper: Pastors trail other Christians in relational flourishing and many say their ministry challenges their marriages and families.

“Pastors average 67 compared to other Christians’ 85 on a flourishing scale of 1-100 in relationships, and only 28 percent of pastors actively seek help in the area. This means that many congregants in U.S. churches are likely experiencing a greater sense of friendship and community than the pastors leading them.” Baptist Press, State of the Church by George Barna.

Pastors are hurting, pastors are lonely, pastors are depressed, pastors are under stress, pastors are overworked and underpaid, pastors need vacations, pastors need friends, and pastors need loving and supporting church members.

Pastors are heroes.

I’m sure I don’t have to convince you of that truth but I do want to motivate you to express your appreciation for your pastor during the month of October. Every day and every month a church should express their love and appreciation but October has been declared the time to really celebrate them.

We have prepared a list of ways you can express your appreciation. Several of them can be expressed in monetary ways but there are many spiritual ways as well. I pray that always, but especially throughout the month of October you will find many ways, individually and as a church to express your appreciation to your pastor and continue to make him your hero as well.

A Few Ways to Bless your Pastoral and Ministry Staff

Set aside a brief time in the October worship service(s) to pray publicly for them.
Organize a daily prayer partner(s) to pray for them every day in October.
Bless them with a special love gift from the congregation.
Present them with some time away with all expenses paid by the church.
Write notes/cards to express your appreciation and honor for their ministry.
Present them with a basket of gift cards to local restaurants.
Make a tangible special gift: mow the yard, clean the house, wash the car.

Additionally, download the resources below created specifically to bless our pastors through social media posts during the month of October. A sample of the images, as well as links for download are below.

Download Facebook Images

Download Instagram Images

Simple Encouragement For BCM Directors

Louisiana Baptists — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:56:47 +0000

October is widely recognized as Pastor Appreciation Month. While pastors often receive cards, notes, and words of affirmation during this season, our BCM directors and associates are often overlooked.

As someone who has served in collegiate ministry for years, I’ve seen firsthand how BCM leaders invest in students. They disciple, counsel, pray, teach, and walk alongside young adults during some of the most formative years of their lives.

That’s where you come in.

Would you consider sending a card, letter, email or even a a small simple gift card for coffee to your former BCM director or associate this October? Whether they served you years ago or are currently ministering at your alma mater, your words of encouragement would be a powerful reminder that their labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Paul reminded the early Christ-followers, and us…
“…we urge you, brothers and sisters, to recognize those who labor among you … and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13

A simple, brief message sharing how their ministry impacted your life, or a word of thanks for their faithfulness, can go a long way.

Let’s make October a month where BCM leaders feel seen, valued, and uplifted—just as they have done for so many.

You can find a current staff directory here and thank you in advance for your participation!

Are you a BCM Alumni?

We’d love to connect with you. Register with our alumni database. You’ll help us build stronger networks, celebrate what God has done through BCM, and ensure future students continue to experience the same life-changing ministry.

Obedient Children

Louisiana Baptists — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:13:57 +0000

Written by David Anderson, Childhood Ministry Strategist

It has often been said that the first step of obedience, for a new believer, is baptism. This phrase is so true and supported throughout the New Testament as we see every documented new believer follow through with baptism almost immediately. The question arises then. Why do we see so many children make professions of faith but wait a long time, and sometimes never, to follow through with this simple step? As a church, we should look within to understand our part in this scenario.

Throughout the year, and especially during the summer, we do a good job sharing the Gospel with children. Through VBS, day-camps, overnight camps, sports outreaches, and many other opportunities, we pour ourselves into sharing the Good News. We then often pat them on the back, congratulate them, celebrate them, and send them on their way. If we would like obedient children in every other area of life, then we should strive to help our children be obedient in this important ordinance of the church as well.

Isn’t that one of the reasons for baptism, to share what Christ has done in your life as a testimony to what He can do in anyone else’s life?

In 2025, we want to help our local churches gain some focus and follow through with baptism for the children we minister to all year long, but especially those making a decision for Christ during this summer. We have designated September 14 as Children’s Baptism Sunday for Louisiana Baptist churches. Our goal is that our churches will take time in August to follow up with each decision and offer them the opportunity to be obedient followers of Christ. Then on September 14, the church will have a grand celebration while baptizing those that had made decisions previously. This may even spur others on to make that decision to follow Christ also. Isn’t that one of the reasons for baptism, to share what Christ has done in your life as a testimony to what He can do in anyone else’s life?

So let’s get our calendars out, schedule September 14 for Children’s Baptism Sunday and guide our children in their first glorious step of obedience in a lifetime of following Jesus.