FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 22, 2020
Contact: Brad Jurkovich, spokesman, Conservative Baptist Network
(318) 588-0819; [email protected] or Philip Robertson, lead state coordinator for Louisiana, at [email protected]
Bossier City, La.—Today the Conservative Baptist Network announces the launch of its Louisiana state chapter. With more states soon to launch, the Conservative Baptist Network continues to expand as a localized, grassroots effort.
Leading the Louisiana chapter as a lead state coordinator is Philip Robertson, SBC Executive Committee member and two-time past president of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Robertson is senior pastor of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Pineville, La., and served as a member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board from 1997-2003, including two years as president of that board. He has also served on the Board of Trustees for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Robertson also serves on committees and boards for his local association and the Louisiana Baptist Convention.
“I joined the Conservative Baptist Network for two reasons,” Robertson said. “One, because I believe there are important issues affecting our churches and the SBC that need to be addressed, and two, because the Conservative Baptist Network is a ‘pro’ Southern Baptist Convention movement.
“I wholeheartedly support our cooperative work as Southern Baptists, and I believe it is important that we address the concerns that threaten our cooperation in kingdom mission.
“Having a Louisiana chapter of the Conservative Baptist Network will provide an opportunity to educate, encourage, and engage all Louisiana Baptists who are committed to the sufficiency of Scripture and evangelism.”
Joining Robertson as chapter leaders focusing on various parts of the state are Steve Folmar, David Goza, Mike Holloway, Nathan Davis, Lewis Richerson, and Corey Smith. Davis, Richerson and Smith all currently serve as members of the national Steering Council as well.
Folmar cited a commitment to the sufficiency of Scripture as a driving force in his decision to join and support the Conservative Baptist Network.
“The Conservative Baptist Network is working hard to keep us grounded in the Word of God and not chasing every new idea that comes along,” Folmar said. “The Gospel is sufficient for all of our needs! We do not need the Gospel plus something else.”
Holloway, too, harkened to honoring the Word of God as a reason for joining the leadership of the Louisiana state chapter.
“I have been burdened about the direction of our SBC for a few years,” Holloway said. “When asked to join this Louisiana steering committee I agreed with one major thought: I’m willing to do my part to help return our Convention to evangelism and continue its belief in the inerrant Word of God.”
Davis echoed the sentiments of his fellow pastors.
“I have admired the Southern Baptist Convention and our leadership but feel the Conservative Baptist Network has been established for such a time as this,” Davis said. “I am grateful to be involved in a network of like-minded pastors and leaders and am encouraged by the participation and engagement.”
Louisiana pastor and Network spokesman, Brad Jurkovich, lauded the formation of the state chapter and noted his excitement for the growing interest in the Conservative Baptist Network from within his own state.
“This particular State Chapter is especially encouraging to me as it comes from the state where I serve as pastor of a local church,” Jurkovich said. “The value of these state chapters cannot be overstated. Pastors and churches standing together locally and nationally in SBC life and organizing to speak and vote at the annual SBC gathering in Nashville is vital for the future of our Southern Baptist family.”
Learn more and join the Louisiana chapter on the Network’s website at ConservativeBaptistNetwork.com
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The Conservative Baptist Network is a broad-based grassroots movement of Southern Baptists of all generations who are committed to the sufficiency of Scripture for all facets of life and application. Its 56-member Steering Council includes pastors and laypeople from across America, including well-known figures such as former Atlanta fire chief Kelvin Cochran, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, past SBC President Charles Stanley, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Vice President Tom Phillips, and immediate past SBC Executive Committee Chairman Mike Stone. The Steering Council can be found online at ConservativeBaptistNetwork.com.
