Steve Horn, President
1250 MacArthur Dr.
Alexandria, LA 71303
318.448.3402 – louisianabaptists.org

Following the adjournment of the Annual Meeting in November, the work of our convention of churches continues via the Executive Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention and the State Missions Services staff. One of the roles of the Executive Team is to ensure the directives expressed and approved by the messengers are carried out. This is accomplished in the following ways.

Accountability

The Executive Team coordinates the broad efforts of the State Mission Services staff. Assignments and strategies are delegated to one of seven teams. Each team has provided a report for your review, which is part of the accountability process.

In this unusual year of a pandemic, much of our regular work came to a halt and our efforts centered on consolidating information from various government agencies and making this information easily accessible to churches. In addition to connecting churches to current information and practices, our State Mission Services staff reached out to pastors and AMS’s by making approximately 4,000 phone calls to offer assistance, a listening ear, and prayer.

The Executive Team also oversees the personnel and budgets of the State Missions Services staff. The last several years have seen reductions in budgets and personnel; however, the staff continues to operate efficiently and are good stewards of the funds provided by Louisiana Baptists.

The Executive Director works with the elected LBC President to coordinate the planning and execution of the Annual Meeting. He also works with the elected Executive Board President to plan and coordinate Executive Board meetings which are held in September, May, and November.

Publications including the Book of Reports and Annuals are generated by the Executive Team and distributed via public meetings and/or made available online via our website, LouisianaBaptists.org.

The Office of Public Policy falls under the purview of the Executive Team. Dr. Will Hall, Editor of the Baptist Message, provides leadership in this area on behalf of Louisiana Baptists. His report is included below.

Presence

The Executive Director serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees for every Louisiana Baptist entity and regularly attends their schedule meetings.

Associational Mission Strategists (formerly Directors of Missions) are key partners in our cooperative structure. The Executive Director participates in regular communications with these partners and hosts periodic meetings to enhance communication and coordination of shared ministries. The COVID-19 pandemic provided the opportunity to enhance these relationships as everyone attempted to interpret and navigate the various regulations and phases outlined by the governor and other officials. The Executive Director participated in over a dozen ZOOM meetings with AMS’s this year.

The Executive Director also provides a presence for Louisiana Baptists during various meetings of SBC entities and frequently serves on SBC committees and boards. He participates in ongoing dialogue with each of the SBC entity presidents/executive directors, is part of a fellowship with other State Convention Executive Directors, and remains in close contact and fellowship with the State Convention Executive Directors of the Southern states.

One of the most important functions of the Executive Director is to represent the larger Louisiana Baptist family to local congregations. Invitations to speak during regular services and special events are welcomed and will be accepted as schedules permit.