Yesterday, Louisiana Baptists concluded the 166th annual session of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. It was a good time of fellowship with a great emphasis for the future. I had a first-hand look at the inner workings of the convention over the past two years as I served as president of the convention.

At this convention, Louisiana Baptists set off on an historic new direction for the future. At the close of the Monday session, messengers from the churches affirmed the President’s 2020 report, an ambitious look at the needs and the opportunities for the next seven years.

Louisiana Baptists voted to emphasize two audiences for the immediate future without neglecting other people of the state who need to hear and receive the gospel.

The two audiences are the Next Generation and Every People Group.

The Millennials make up the Next Generation. They are the generation born between 1980 and 2000. At this point they are between the ages of 13 and 33 years old. They make up the most unchurched generation in American history, with only 15% professing faith in Christ.

To their credit, Louisiana Baptists have taken up the challenge to proclaim the gospel to this generation.

Is this generation hard to reach or have they been deprived of the blessings of every other generation in America? No one fully knows the answer, but we do know many of this generation have never been to church and have never really heard the news of Jesus. They generally are without knowledge of the Bible and lack understanding of the historical Jesus.

Louisiana Baptists have chosen to make this generation a priority. This prioritization will take many different forms in the churches of the state. Some will emphasize ministry to children, youth, college, or young adults. Others will make (often painful) changes for the sake of the gospel message, recognizing this generation will hear the same unchanging gospel but possibly in new and exciting ways.

The changing of culture in America has not excluded the state of Louisiana. We know we have an uphill battle to help our newest generation of adults become cognizant of the love of God.

I am proud of my denomination for recognizing where we are not measuring up and seeking to do something to make a difference.

This is the first part of a series looking at Louisiana Baptists’ response to the challenges before us. Please come back each day to see other posts about our challenges and our plans for the future. If you would like to subscribe to my free posts, please leave your email at the top of the page. We pledge to protect your privacy.