Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Louisiana

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Louisiana (CBF of Louisiana) is a nonprofit organization that operates within the framework of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF), a national network of Baptist churches and individuals established to promote community and ministry. The organization engages in various missions and outreach endeavors, focusing on social justice, global poverty, disaster response, and support for immigrants and refugees.

History and Background

The CBF of Louisiana aligns with the CBF's origins in 1991, which emerged as a response to the conservative resurgence within the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). While many churches in Louisiana continue to affiliate with the SBC, CBF of Louisiana emphasizes a commitment to moderate Baptist values, including the ordination of women and the participation of diverse voices within church leadership.

Organizational Structure

The CBF of Louisiana operates as a regional body of the larger CBF framework, which consists of over 1,800 churches across the United States. The organization collaborates closely with local congregations to provide resources, training, and support to enhance their ministries. CBF of Louisiana is governed by a board of leaders who guide its mission and outreach efforts.

Mission and Activities

CBF of Louisiana focuses on several key areas:

• Global Poverty: Engaging in initiatives that address economic disparities and support underprivileged communities.

• Disaster Response: Organizing relief efforts and resources for communities affected by natural disasters.

• Support for Immigrants and Refugees: Advocating for vulnerable populations through service programs and partnerships with various organizations.

• Racial Justice: Promoting equality and social justice initiatives within communities.

In addition to these focus areas, CBF of Louisiana also provides educational resources and opportunities for congregational growth, encouraging members to deepen their faith and community engagement.

Beliefs

The beliefs of the CBF of Louisiana mirror the broader principles of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, including an emphasis on soul freedom, Bible freedom, church freedom, and religious freedom. Each member congregation is autonomous and is encouraged to interpret the Bible and practice faith according to its own understanding.

Conclusion

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Louisiana embodies a mission-driven approach to faith and community service, fostering a network of support for its churches and the needs of society. Through its initiatives and partnerships, CBF of Louisiana aims to create a more just and equitable world, reflecting its commitment to Baptist traditions and progressive values.