Louisiana Baptists https://louisianabaptists.org/ Statewide Association of Baptist Churches Thu, 14 May 2026 19:31:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://louisianabaptists.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cropped-favicon-512-1-32x32.png Louisiana Baptists https://louisianabaptists.org/ 32 32 What Would You Do If… https://louisianabaptists.org/what-would-you-do-if/ Thu, 14 May 2026 19:31:39 +0000 https://louisianabaptists.org/?p=73640

Giving isn't about meeting a budget; it's about multiplying Gospel impact. Every dollar given becomes a tool God can use.]]>

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.

… you could eat whatever you desired without gaining a pound (or clogging your arteries)?

… you had the resources to travel anywhere in the world?

… you doubled or even tripled the number of tithers in your church?

In a recent survey, Louisiana pastors and church leaders were asked what the impact would be if more households in their church started tithing. Would they add staff? Would they build a building? Seventy-nine percent (79%) indicated they would increase community outreach and seventy-two percent (72%) noted they would invest more to the missions efforts of others! Now that’s Kingdom impact!

Giving isn’t about meeting a budget; it’s about multiplying Gospel impact. Every dollar given becomes a tool God uses to reach neighbors, support missionaries, and expand His Kingdom. Generosity opens doors, equips leaders, and meets real needs in Jesus’ name.

Through the prophet Malachi, God challenged His people, including us, in this area.
“’Test me in this,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’”
Malachi 3:10, NIV
 
Consistent, intentional giving allows believers to partner with God in life transformation. Giving today may open the door for the Gospel tomorrow.

What could you do if …
Rhea Fix
Compass
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

]]> 2026 Stewardship Survey https://louisianabaptists.org/2026-stewardship-survey/ Thu, 14 May 2026 19:09:40 +0000 https://louisianabaptists.org/?p=73627

In this post you’ll find a summary of a recent stewardship survey, with responses and some key takeaways from what pastors shared with us. ]]>

Pastors from across Louisiana recently participated in a stewardship survey designed to help us better understand the opportunities, challenges, and needs churches are facing today. We are grateful for the many pastors and ministry leaders who took time to share their insights and experiences. By listening to pastors and learning from their experiences, we can better serve churches as they disciple believers, encourage faithful stewardship, and advance the mission of reaching people across Louisiana and beyond.

Below you’ll find a summary of the survey responses and some key takeaways from what pastors shared.

  • Q1 – What is your role in the church?
    52% of respondents said their role was “Other”, 30% indicated they were the pastor.

  • Q2 – How important is it to teach members/guests to give financially to the Lord through the church?
    97% of respondents said it was important/very important to teach members/guests to give.

  • Q3 – When is financial giving to the Lord best taught?
    79% indicated lessons in Sunday School/small groups were the best place to teach about stewardship/giving followed by 54% – Sunday morning sermons and 45% who said mentoring (followed closely by 41% who said separate lessons on finances).

  • Q4 – How often do you preach/teach financial giving to the Lord?
    30% of respondents said they preach/teach on stewardship twice a year, followed by 23% who do so three/four times a year.

  • Q5 – What personal financial management classes have you offered in your church?
    40% said they have used Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace curriculum while another 40% indicated this question was not applicable. 35% said they’ve used Crown/Compass or Other/developed their own material.

  • Q6 – What percentage of households/family units give regularly to the church (your estimate)?
    Almost 43% of respondents believe between 26-50% of their households/family units give regularly to the church while almost 21% believe 0-25% do so.

  • Q7 – What would be the impact if more households in your church tithed?
     79% said they could increase community outreach, followed closely by 72% who indicated they would invest more to the missions efforts of others.

  • Q8 – Which of the following BEST describes the majority of households/family units in your church?
     54% selected “Stable” (they consistently make ends meet) and another 30% described their members as “Solid” (can meet discretionary and non-discretionary expenses).

  • Q9 – Which of the following best represents where your church is located?
    35% of those responding to the survey said their church was located in a small town (5,000-25,000 people) followed closely by 34% who said their church resided in a community in a rural area of less than 5,000 people.

  • Q10 – What is the biggest obstacle to encouraging stewardship and giving?
    Click on this link to view those open-ended responses.
]]> How to BE the Pastor at VBS! https://louisianabaptists.org/how-to-be-the-pastor-at-vbs/ Tue, 12 May 2026 20:35:46 +0000 https://louisianabaptists.org/?p=73615 Why VBS?

As VBS comes around, the Pastor can play a meaningful part of such an impactful outreach for families. Find out how!]]> Why VBS?

Written by David Anderson, Childhood Ministry Strategist
 
Vacation Bible School is still the largest evangelistic outreach of the local church every year. This opportunity is truly an all-hands-on-deck all church committed event. However, many pastors feel unsure about how they can help or be a meaningful part of such an impactful outreach for families. Below are 5 ways that a pastor of a local church can BE there for VBS.


BE a PROMOTER

Be a promoter for all things VBS. Help the VBS director work through the calendar and clear a path with people in the church. Knowing they have the pastor’s backing makes all the difference. Spend time cheering for and promoting the upcoming VBS. There are many people in the church that will gladly serve at their pastor’s prompting whom the VBS director may not even know. Encourage the children and their families to sign up and bring their friends. When the pastor is excited, the whole church gets excited.

BE AVAILABLE

Having an open door to your children’s minister or VBS director is often the greatest help you can offer. They may never need to come and bounce ideas off you; however, simply knowing you are available to be part of their team speaks volumes. When they feel seen, by knowing that you consider them a valuable part of the church, they will have the confidence and assurance that their ministry truly matters.


BE WILLING

A pastor may never serve in the kitchen preparing snacks. He may never teach elementary Bible study for the children. He may not serve as a greeter during registration. HOWEVER, being willing to do all these things will have an impact bigger than one might imagine. Think of how comfortable the kids will feel with their pastor if he is the one teaching their Bible study or handing them snacks. Consider how connected those kids will feel to the larger church. Just being willing for whatever may come is a huge ministry in and of itself.

BE VISIBLE

Sometimes just being seen is the greatest encouragement to your people. Be visible throughout the week. Yes, be there for the gospel presentation, but, also be there for the opening rally and in between classes each day. This makes the pastor visible to the children and they begin to feel like he is their friend. This builds credibility with your youngest congregants that extends beyond VBS. It will also encourage your VBS team to see that you care.

BE PRESENT

Finally, and this really happens with the other 4 points, be present before, during, and after VBS. Yes, there are sermons to write, and hospital visits to make, and deacon ministry to partner with. But, if for one week you are simply present, your church will notice and see you in a new light. I remember in seminary one of the biggest lessons that I remember learning is to practice the ministry of presence. This has been a great assurance as I have stood with families in times of grief and joy, often not being sure what to say. I remind myself that families are not looking for special words, they are looking for my presence. Practice that ministry during VBS week and you will see eternal rewards in the lives of children, their families, and your church.
]]> Work. It. Out. https://louisianabaptists.org/work-it-out/ Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:45:10 +0000 https://louisianabaptists.org/?p=73507

When God's Spirit prompts us to be obedient, especially in the area of finances, it's not unusual to experience some discomfort.]]>

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.

How are you doing on those resolutions you made in January?

If one of those resolutions involved exercise, you probably experienced some soreness from using muscles you may not have used in a while.

Obedience can sometimes feel like an underused or infrequently used muscle. When God’s Spirit prompts us to be obedient, especially in the area of finances, it’s not unusual to experience some discomfort. We’re not used to tithing. We’re not used to staying within a budget. We don’t enjoy saying no to a purchase when we’re used to saying yes – even if we really couldn’t afford it.

The benefit of exercising the “obedience muscle” in our finances, is it begins to affect other areas of our lives. We begin telling our money where to go rather than letting our desires do the talking. This in turn develops our witness, grows us in spiritual maturity, and increases our generosity towards the Kingdom.

One of the more important aspects of financial discipleship is learning how to make giving, saving, and spending decisions with obedience.

Helpful Resources:

Your Money Counts
This month, we’re sharing Your Money Counts a free eBook written by Howard Dayton that provides an overview of what the Bible says on money. (https://compassfinancialministry.org/product/your-money-counts/)  

Want a paperback copy? Louisiana Baptists is offering $5 off for paperback copies. Use code LBC5OFF when you place an order for a hard copy.

YouVersion Reading Plans
YouVersion Financial Discipleship Reading Plans from Compass offer over forty topics to help you learn and apply what the Bible says about handling money. Got the YouVersion Bible App? Search for “Financial Discipleship” and look for the Compass icon.
(https://compassfinancialministry.org/read-biblical-financial-literacy/)


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

Rhea Fix
Compass
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

]]> Obedient Children https://louisianabaptists.org/obedient-children/ Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:13:57 +0000 https://louisianabaptists.org/?p=69465

We have designated September 20 as Children’s Baptism Sunday for Louisiana Baptist churches. ]]>

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 2026, 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 20 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 20, 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 20 for Children’s Baptism Sunday and guide our children in their first glorious step of obedience in a lifetime of following Jesus.

]]> What I Wish My Parents Had Taught Me https://louisianabaptists.org/what-i-wish-my-parents-had-taught-me/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:12:03 +0000 https://louisianabaptists.org/?p=73137

Families that are spiritually disciplined and financially healthy, make churches that are missionally generous and economically sound.]]>

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
Compass
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 https://louisianabaptists.org/financial-faqs/ Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:40:47 +0000 https://louisianabaptists.org/?p=72565

Biblical principles are truths that never change, so we can act with confidence when we consult God’s Word on finances.]]>

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
Compass
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 https://louisianabaptists.org/god-doesnt-need-a-good-economy/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 22:32:47 +0000 https://louisianabaptists.org/?p=72277

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.]]>

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
Compass
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 https://louisianabaptists.org/share-the-gospel-ai-practice-tool/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:50:44 +0000 https://louisianabaptists.org/?p=72261

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. ]]>

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 https://louisianabaptists.org/lcu-day-of-prayer/ Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:40:39 +0000 https://louisianabaptists.org/?p=68002 LCU Day of Prayer

Please consider dedicating time in your morning worship, February 1 to pray for LCU.]]> LCU Day of Prayer

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
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