- Journal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention since 1877 July 22, 2025

Louisiana pastor fired from library job for refusing to use preferred pronouns

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, introduces Luke Ash, pastor of Stevendale Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, to a crowd of pastors and elected officials attending a breakfast in Baton Rouge on July 17. (Photo credit: Peyton Robert)

Louisiana pastor fired from library job for refusing to use preferred pronouns

July 22, 2025

By Will Hall Baptist Message BATON ROUGE, La. (LBM) — Luke Ash, the bivocational pastor of Stevendale Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, was fired July…

Super Summer’s eternal impact lasts beyond weeklong camp

More than 1000 participants gathered for Super Summer on the campus of Mississippi College in Clinton July 8-12. (Photo credit: Brandon Allen)

Super Summer’s eternal impact lasts beyond weeklong camp

July 18, 2025

Lifeway trustees begin search for new president, name interim CEO

Joe Walker will serve as interim president of Lifeway Christian Resources, trustees decided in a special-called meeting July 15. (Photo credit: Lifeway)

Lifeway trustees begin search for new president, name interim CEO

July 17, 2025

IN THE MARGINS: ‘I’ve Got Your Back’

IN THE MARGINS: ‘I’ve Got Your Back’

July 16, 2025

Ben Mandrell called as Bellevue senior pastor

Ben Mandrell preaches at Bellevue Baptist Church on July 13. The church called Mandrell to be their eighth senior pastor. (Photo credit: Bellevue Baptist Church)

Ben Mandrell called as Bellevue senior pastor

July 15, 2025

SEBTS president Akin
announces retirement
WAKE FOREST, N.C. — Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary President Daniel L. Akin announced today (Oct. 14) he will retire from the role at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. His official retirement date is July 31, 2026. Akin, Southeastern’s longest serving president, made the announcement in a chapel service during the SEBTS Board of Trustees annual fall visit. Reflecting on more than 21 years as president, Akin acknowledged his gratitude to the Lord and to the Southeastern family while also expressing confidence in the direction and leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention’s East Coast seminary.

Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong
offerings surpass $278 million
NASHVILLE — Southern Baptists continue to prioritize pushing back lostness through missions, marking another strong year of generous giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. When the books closed on the SBC’s 2024-25 fiscal year Sept. 30, the Lottie offering totaled $207.2 million, and the Annie offering totaled $71.1 million, the second highest ever. The continued faithfulness in giving through both the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions demonstrates Southern Baptists’ unwavering commitment to the Great Commission, SBC missions leaders said.