Kevin, Say It Isn't So!

Since St. Tammany Parish went to the parish council form of government, we have had only one parish president. Kevin Davis has served as a strong leader as our parish president. He has provided stability of our parish through many difficult challenges.

However, I was surprised to learn that President Davis advocates the establishment of an “entertainment district” in Slidell that would be anchored by a casino boat. My response: "Say it isn't so!"

No doubt Davis believes that such a district will provide a boost to the economy. The Times-Picayune news story (12/20/2008) indicated that he believes that this boost would mean $8 million to $11 million from gaming. In addition, Davis believes that there would be substantial dollars raised through the hotels, restaurants, shops, and the venue for entertainers to perform.

At first glance, this sounds exciting since it would provide a huge income stream for the parish, plus it would provide our citizens and others with employment opportunities as well as entertainment choices. With so many “virtues” to such a proposal, one might ask, “What possible reasons could be offered to keep reasonable people from approving it?” I would like to highlight several arguments against turning to gaming or gambling as an economic development tool.

1. Gambling contributes to crime. Though proponents may offer counter-arguments, it is hard to deny the correlation between the introduction of casino gambling and an increase of crime. Cities where casinos operate experience an increase in all kinds of criminal acts including assault, rape, burglary, and murder. So rather than providing a safe family environment we enjoy in St. Tammany, introducing casino gaming will likely have a significant adverse effect on our quality of life.

2. Gambling contributes to corruption. Many careful studies on gambling point out frequent incidents of corruption related to gambling. Police are the most immediate targets for corrupting influences. While I have the utmost respect for our law enforcement personnel, they would be viewed by casino interests as targets seeking to make payoffs and bribes. But gambling corruption has bigger targets. Elected officials as well as individuals in the gambling business are also subject to the corrupting influence of gambling.

3. Gambling disrupts the economy. Rather than help us financially, gambling negatively affects the economy. Accessibility and availability create a perfect storm for gambling addiction. Research indicates that when a casino is located within 10 miles of home, there will be a significant increase of those individuals who become pathological or problem gamblers. This will correspond with all kinds of bad economic issues ranging from higher worker absenteeism and greater incidents of unpaid bills to an increase in personal bankruptcy rates. In fact, a recent study of counties that had casino gambling showed bankruptcy rates were 100 percent greater than those counties without casinos. Granted, it takes three to five years for the full impact of gambling-induced bankruptcies to be realized, but I hardly think it is worth it.

4. Gambling destroys families. Studies show that each problem gambler negatively affects marriages and families. Divorce rates for problem gamblers are two to three times the rates of non-gamblers. Gambling creates financial problems and special tensions in the home. It is difficult to determine whether the gambler or his or her spouse is more physically, mentally, and emotionally damaged by the ravages of a gambling binge. A woman whose partner is a problem gambler is more than 10 times more likely to be a victim of domestic violence than if the partner had no gambling problem. Add alcohol to the mix (a likely scenario in an “entertainment district”), and the odds for abuse increase to more than 50 times!

The children of gamblers suffer when a gambling parent loses the money for such necessities as food, rent, clothing, and medicine. They suffer when a gambling parent abandons them in cars, with neighbors, or in gambling daycare centers while they satisfy their gambling addiction. Communities are hurt by the presence of gambling as increasing numbers of people become addicted to gambling and prey on their communities to support their gambling addictions.

5. Gambling destroys lives. The something-for-nothing craving which gambling stimulates undermines character. The hope of winning a fortune causes some to embezzle and steal for a gambling stake. Gambling appeals to the weakness of a person’s character and develops recklessness, callousness, and covetousness. Some gamblers become psychologically addicted to gambling so that they cannot stop gambling and find themselves in a headlong plunge into personal catastrophe. Depression and hopelessness may plague addicted gamblers and their families to the point of ultimate depression – suicide.

I have urged President Davis in a letter dated December 22, 2008, to abandon the idea of an offshore casino boat in St. Tammany. While I know that gaming interests and others will argue that many people enjoy spending money in settings like the one you are proposing, the costs to individuals, families, the economy, and to our community is too high to justify it.

Please join me in telling President Davis to abandon the casino boat idea for St. Tammany Parish.

My Recommendations for the 2008 Election

Well, I got you to look! Yes, I'm a pastor, and I have decided for whom I will cast my ballot. As a citizen of our great nation, I possess the freedom to vote according to my beliefs and convictions -- or even the lack of beliefs and convictions. I am totally free to base my choice on an endless list of reasons.

Furthermore, as an individual I can endorse a candidate or even a political party. I can encourage others to vote for my candidate. HOWEVER, I will not identify that choice in this blog. Why? Because I do not want to cause confusion to what is proper.

Churches cannot endorse candidates who are running for political office. For issues such as constitutional amendments or other propositions that may appear on ballots, churches can provide guidance as to how people should vote. For example, if there was an amendment to the state constitution providing for legalized marriages for same sexed couples, a church could absolutely urge its members to vote against such a measure. However, a church could not urge its members to vote either for or against a particular candidate.

As an individual, a pastor is not limited or restricted with regards to endorsing candidates. In fact, I tell people regularly for whom I will vote. I have participated in the campaigns of individuals through the years. But I would never endorse a candidate while carrying out my public responsibilities as a pastor. In other words, I would not endorse a candidate from the pulpit. But I would willingly answer anyone who asked me who will be receiving my vote in most any other setting.

Since this blog appears as a link from our church's website, I will not endorse anyone seeking political office in this blog. However, I can offer a few guidelines that may be helpful in reaching your decision prior to casting your ballot.

Find where the candidates stand on these issues.
1. Marriage -- Does the candidate stand for marriage as defined in the Bible?
2. Life -- What is the candidate's position on abortion? What is the candidate's position on partial birth abortion?
3. Euthansia -- How does the candidate stand on the taking of a life in an effort to be compassionate?
4. Embryonic Stem Cell Research -- This is another life issue. Does the candidate support the use of embryonic stem cell in a rationalized attempt to offer medical cures?

When you discover where the candidates stand on these non-negotiable issues, your decsion for whom to vote should be crystal clear. I know for whom I am voting.

Old vs. New -- An Unnecessary and Divisive Debate

In the July 24, 2008, edition of the Louisiana Baptist Message, Chester A. Peyronnin, Jr. of New Orleans wrote a letter to the editor decrying the use of contemporary music in church service. Peyronnin posited that Baptists had formerly been known as a singing religion, but now they seem to be a chanting congregation.

I can appreciate much of what Mr. Peyronnin wrote concerning his preference to old hymns to new music. Without a doubt, we have enjoyed a rich heritage of great hymns. I have also come to appreciate them greatly. However, our personal preferences should not give rise to a spirit of division. Hopefully my own letter won’t cause more division.

The letter suggested that new music makes use of “repeated phrases.” But we should also note that many of our old favorites include repeated choruses. So it appears that the choice of old hymns or new music comes down to preference. Whether our music expressions are aided with keyboard instruments like pianos and organs or whether we add guitars, drums, horns, or other instruments to them is also a matter of preference.

It may not be practical where Mr. Peyronnin attends church to have two services as we have at our church. We have found many advantages in this approach. Having multiple services gives attenders to have choices in music styles. In our particular congregation, we include hymns in our contemporary services and newer songs in our more traditional services. We do so because we value the theology and heritage of the older hymns, and we are grateful for the contributions of modern song writers such as Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, and others. In a congregation where it’s not practical to have more than one service, it is possible to utilize a variety of music styles in a blended format.

Baptists as well as other groups have historically utilized their “cultural sounds” in expressing worship to God. I have worshiped in many churches. Some have been small, and others have been large. The styles of music have varied from traditional to gospel to contemporary. There have been times when a full orchestra accompanied a large choir. I have also been blessed to sing along as a contemporary band led worship. I have worshiped with our Hispanic congregation as they used guitars and tambourines and with a church in Nigeria as they used drums and gourds and sang words in languages I could not understand. But no matter the language or the style, I could worship the great and living God.

I would urge us not to permit a spirit of division arise among us on this central issue. Yes, worship is to God, but it is also for people. Let’s not allow personal preference cause divisions in our churches.

Will It Ever Be Finished?

Ever since I lived in Mandeville, there's been a highway widening project on the books. In fact, I was told that U.S. Hwy. 190 needed to be widened back in the early 1980s. However, a lack of financial resources always seemed to push this needed project back.

About six months prior to Hurricane Katrina (this storm has become a significant date from which we've come measure time), the road-widening project began with tree-cutting and utilities relocation. Now, more than three years later, people in our community have dealt with detours, bumpy roads, construction equipment, traffic delays, entrances to businesses blocked, dust, and generally a big mess until they really don't believe it will ever end.

No doubt, the task of widening a two-lane highway into a four- and five-lane thoroughfare has not been easy for either the construction workers or those who must use the highway regularly. This road literally is the main artery for our community, so we've all been affected.

I've been told that the project should be completed by November. I'm hoping for earlier! The inconvenience has affected businesses up and down this corridor. I'm fearful that some businesses will be forced to close. Our church's attendance has been affected by mess. We have, however, seen more people come check us out since the focus of the construction has moved away from our entrances.

I suppose that we should look forward to our situation improving soon. I'm glad that the road is finaly getting widened. It was desperately needed, and the only reason it was finally started is because it was so desperately needed. That a metaphor for life -- though many know that they need to do something about their relationship with God, they don't do anything about it until they are desperate. Unfortunately, that can be too late.

Take Action Today for Marriage -- Contact Your Congressman

It's time for a constitutional amendment to define marriage in the United States. Only a few years ago, few would have thought it necessary to define marriage in terms as a relationship between "one man and one woman." However, with an all-out assault on the institution of marriage as we have traditionally understood, we can no longer ignore or delay the need to amend our constitution.

This week Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean joined Massachusetts Democratic Representative Barney Frank and Wisconsin Democratic Representative Tammy Baldwin in issuing the following Proclamation marking PRIDE Month: "Today, on behalf of Democrats across America, we join together in celebrating the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans and their families make to our society and reaffirm our Party's commitment to promoting full equality under the law for every American. " What they intend to do is to redefine marriage to include homosexual couples. These spokespeople for Democrat Party state their rationale as "working together to build an America that is truly inclusive." They have set their ultimate goal as normalizing homosexuality in the minds of the majority.

Let me urge you to write to your U.S. Representative (in SE Louisiana, he is Steve Scalise) and urge him or her to co-sponsor H.J. RES. 89, the Marriage Protection Amendment. This amendment makes marriage legal only between a man and a woman. Democrats oppose the Marriage Amendment because they believe it is discriminatory against homosexuals. Do it today.

Tell Bobby, "Not Yet"

I hope that you will join me in contacting Gov. Bobby Jindal to tell him how important it is for him to remain as the governor of Louisiana. Jindal has served as our governor for only 4 months, but already he is making big differences. I'm hoping that the ethics reforms passed recently will make a difference, but I'm also hoping that the leadership he offers will help our state become a leader rather than a perenniel "cellar dweller."

Jindal's reputation as a change agent has captured the attention of many conservatives. Rush Limbaugh began suggesting our governor as a potential vice presidental candidate for about as long as Jindal has been our governor. Recently, Sen. John McCain's trip to New Orleans spurred more talk about Jindal being a running mate. Jindal's appearances on the Jay Leno show and before the National Press Club in Washington have continued such thinking. And this morning, I heard Bill Krystol suggest that Jindal would make an intriguing choice for the Republican ticket.

No doubt, Gov. Jindal's resume is impressive. But I'm urging him to provide much needed leadership to our state at this time. He's been telling us how significant a time it is in Louisiana right now and that he "has the job he wants right now." I have contacted the governor, thanking him for his leadership and asking him to remain as our governor.

Taking a Day Off

On Wednesday evening during the Midweek Service, I have been teaching a verse-by-verse study of Exodus. For the past several weeks we have been taking a closer look at the contents of chapter 20. This chapter contains the Ten Commandments.

When we came to the fourth commandment, Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy, I noted that God gave more specific instructions on this commandment than any of the other ten, I shared three significant applications which I’d like to include here today.

The fourth commandment is all about taking a day off. God says, “Every seven days, you are to take a rest.” This commandment served as a regular reminder that they were people in a covenant relationship with God. They were to remember to stop their regular habits of living and to devote themselves to worshiping the Lord.

One of the main purposes is to prevent burnout. Every seven days, you need to get physically and emotionally and spiritually recharged. That’s the way we’ve been wired. We need to rest. (By the way, “Sabbath” means “to stop” or “to cease.” In other words, stop what you have been doing, i.e., working for a living.) But we don’t just stop what we’ve been doing, God also says that we should keep the day “holy.” (“Holy” means “set apart” or “different.”) That means that God wants us to have a day that is set aside as special to him and for him.

Briefly, here are those three applications from the fourth commandment. First, we should use the day to rest our bodies. We need periodic rest — every seven days. Your body needs time to rest. However, that does not mean that we should treat this day like any other day. The Lord connected the day to holiness, and so should we. Second, we should use the day to recharge our emotions. We need to do this because work can stress us. In order to recharge your emotions, you should include a time for quietness. (How about a Sunday afternoon nap?) You should also include times for meaningful family experiences. You should also recharge your emotions by spending time with other believers in fellowship. You really need all three. Finally, we should use the day to refocus our spirits. Sunday is preeminently a day of worship. You need to recalibrate your spirit with God’s Spirit. Without doing so, it’s really easy for us to get off base in our thinking and living.

Let’s consider how we can encourage one another!

And by the way, take a day off -- for you and the Lord.

Do We Really Need This?

A couple of weeks ago I read with interest an article in the Times Picayune (New Orleans) about 44 Southern Baptist leaders who had announced the signing of a "Declaration on the Environment and Climate Change." I was really surprised to learn that such a declaration was in the works.

Though I respect that those who signed the declaration are absolutely free to do so, it's unfortunate that because of their collective stature among Southern Baptists this statement will find traction among observers of various persausions. Actually what the signers are doing, both through this statement and a website inviting others who agree to sign it as well, is attempting to raise its impact past how the convention spoke through a resolution at its last meeting in June 2007. http://www.sbc.net/resolutions/amResolution.asp?ID=1171 I also think its informative to note that Richard Land, the Executive Director of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (SBC), has chosen NOT to sign the declaration. Land heads our denomination's agency that should offer counsel on such a statement.

I do affirm that we should do all we can to be good stewards of the world the Lord gave to us to manage. However, we should not think so highly of ourselves that our actions could change the timetable God has for the environment. He alone controls and holds the world togther.

My bigger concern is that when we focus attention to this or other social matters to the neglect of our main task that we tend towards missing the essentials. Here's a simple question: "What is our main task?" Is it to share Christ? Or are we to focus our attention on environmental matters or political matters or social matters or governmental matters? Please do not become distracted -- climate change is such an issue. However, Southern Baptists leaders should be careful not to rally our people to a cause that is not only suspect in its reality but also a distraction to our real work.

Should we be concerned with the enviroment and take measures to ensure its protection? Yes. Do we really need the declaration that the 44 signed? No.

Just Do It -- It's Not Just a Nike Thing!

Having been home for a couple of days, I am about back to normal. Normal with regards to sleep patterns, but hardly normal as to the impact of my second trip to the Nigerian bush. My heart still aches for the people there. Though the Nigerian people as a whole appear to be the happiest people on the earth, many of them do not have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

The tribe which our church has engaged -- the Z people -- consist of approximately 10,000 people. Both researchers and the Z people themselves estimate that 4 out of every 5 in their tribe are Muslims. Converting from Islam is illegal so the ministry there is slow. While we were their over the past couple of weeks, we had a few inquiries from Muslims. Obviously, they had to be careful. But what I witnessed the miraculous power of God's Spirit at work.

What my experience has done for me is to ache for my people -- those who live in my town, my state, my country. As I write, I can see cars pass by our church campus. Many of those driving by hardly recognize that they are passing by a church. It's just another piece of the landscape. I've come to grips again with the fact that buildings don't share the good news -- I must -- we must.

Just like the Z people who don't come to know Jesus Christ will spend an eternity in hell, people in my town who don't know Jesus will spend an eternity in hell. God has called us all to tell the best news ever. Let's just do it!

Nigeria is a long ways from home!

On Sunday afternoon, Kinne Callaway, Pat Hayden, and I left for Nigeria. This marks the fourth trip our church has sponsored since November 2006. Mandeville's First Baptist has become "an engaging church" -- an International Mission Board strategy that targets "unreached people groups" in the world. Our adopted people group, the Z tribe, includes approximately 10,000 people who have little or no Christian witness.

On Thursday we're going out to the bush and will spend three nights living in the village. We'll be accompanied by two Nigerian pastors, Nathaniel and Hosea, who will serve as our interpreters. During the day we'll be encouraging new believers and sharing the gospel with those the Holy Spirit has prepared to hear. Each evening we'll teach discipleship to the believers.

I'm really looking forward to Saturday morning because the Nigerian Baptist football (soccer) team will be coming out to the village. The Nigerian people really love sports and especially soccer, so there will be a crowd. This gives an great opportunity to share the a lot people.

Please pray for us!

Presidential Politics

A few weeks the poll experts told us in Louisiana that our Presidential Primary probably wouldn't matter much. After all, our primary fell after "Super Tuesday" and for all practical purposes, the candidates for the two major political parties for November Presidential Election would have been determined.

However, this Saturday, February 9, still has both party nominations still in play. On the Democrat side, there's Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama. Only a few weeks ago most had declared Clinton the obvious winner. Now Obama's campaign is close, and some say will overtake her for the top spot. Republicans have a clear leader at this time; however, for many, John McCain does not reflect clear conservative values. There are two other major candidates who have at least some chance at winning the Republican nomination. They are Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee.

While our church cannot endorse a candidate in an election, we can offer advice concerning the issues. Furthermore, I can endorse a candidate; however, I must do so without suggesting that our church does. Therefore, I will not be suggesting a candidate or a party to support here. I will tell you that I will be voting on Saturday (I rarely miss elections), and I will be voting on the basis of the convictions I hold.

What are the issues that matter the most? Here are what I consider to be the major issues which help form an opinion for the best candidate: the Iraq War, immigration, tax reform, health care, same-sex marriage, abortion, court appointments. These issues matter. The values that the candidates hold will affect the way they lead.

I am convinced that God led our founding fathers in establishing our form of government. Ours is the longest lasting democratic government in history. Its foundational principles root in an understanding of God's providence. Turning from those foundational principles will threaten, in my view, the strength we've come to enjoy and appreciate.

We must be resolved to stand against a wave of socialism that could change our nation. In order for that to occur, we must exercise the privilege of the ballot each and every time possible. If you are not registered to vote, do so as soon as possible. If you are registered to vote, don't miss your opportunity to exercise your freedom for which others have made the ultimate sacrifice.

We must also become informed as voters. Don't wait for someone to tell you for whom to vote. Find out what the candidates believe. Remember they will lead like they believe. I've found this tool to be helpful found at http:ivotevalues.org. I've also found another link to be useful. It's an eleven part questionnaire that helps you find the candidate that is most like yo in your thinking. You'll find it at hhttp://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/candidate-match-game.htm/

I hope this helps!

I praying for God's divine leadership.

Mardi Gras and Super Bowl Weekend

Down here in Southeast Louisiana, there's a blurring of events. While the attention of the rest of nation focuses on the University of Phoenix Stadium where the Patriots and Giants will do battle in Super Bowl XLII, people in the New Orleans area make other kinds of plans.

For the past week, communities on both sides of Lake Ponchartrain have reveled in various Carnival parades. Mandeville, Covington, Slidell, and villages on the Northshore have been busy with parades last weekend and this weekend. Parade season will climax with the "big" parades in New Orleans beginning this weekend and culminating on Fat Tuesday.

And all the while, the rest of the country have their eyes on the Big Game. Most everyone I've asked want the Giants to win. Some because of Eli Manning, who hails from New Orleans, and others because they don't want New England to have a perfect season. I suppose I fall into the later category. I remember back in 1972 that I didn't want the Miami Dolphins to win the Super Bowl and go 17-0. But they did, and my life went on. If the Patriots win, life will go on as well.

You know it's not that I don't want any team to go undefeated. It would be okay if it was my team that was going undefeated. My team? In 1972 it was the Dallas Cowboys. After all, I am from North Texas and grew up watching "America's Team" before it was known as "America's Team."

But the Cowboys aren't my favorite team today. No, today my team has to be the New Orleans Saints. That transformation took place since I've lived in Mandeville. Now for the Saints to have perfect season would be nothing short of the biggest football mircale of all time. So I don't suppose I'll be pulling for any team to have a perfect season soon.

I've been asked if I'll be going to any of the parades this weekend. My answer, "No, I've only gone to one parade since I've lived in Mandeville. That was in 1998. I didn't get it. I saw no reason to be cold, stand in a crowd along a street, and catch cheap beads."

So on Sunday, you'll find me at a Super Bowl party hoping that Eli and the Giants can pull the big upset and knock of Tom Brady and the Patriots. On Fat Tuesday, I'll be no where near a parade. But I will be enjoying a holiday that most of the rest of the country will not have. You'll find me at home hopefuly enjoying some spring weather.

Good Day for Louisiana

Monday began what I hope to be a good time for Louisiana. On Monday, our new governor, Bobby Jindal, took the oath of office as he became our state's 55th governor. During the campaign, Jindal ran on promises to reform and literally to reinvent the way Louisiana does business. Obviously, politics in Louisiana has become synonymous with corruption and payoffs. Jindal promised to change that perception.

I've known Gov. Jindal for a number of years. When he campaigned for the first time for the United States Congress, I had the privilege of having lunch with him at one of our local restaurants. Though I cannot remember the details of our conversation, I do remember that he's a genuine individual who wants to make a difference for Louisiana. He had already proven his ability to influence the influencers as he had served in Gov. Mike Foster's administration and in Pres. George W. Bush's administration.

So when invitations came to attend the prayer breakfast and the inauguration on Monday, I responded to both. Though the breakfast was not the intimate lunch Jindal and I shared a few years back, I was still impressed with our young governor. Those who addressed the gathering of about 1,000 spoke of the kinds of issues that will make a difference -- not only in Louisiana, but for our nation as well. Texas governor, Rick Perry, offered his encouragement as well. When Jindal spoke, I welled with pride both from having known him on somewhat of a personal level, but also because I really believe he will make a difference.

Later on Monday I attended the inauguration at the capitol building with my daughter, Kendal. We enjoyed our time taking it all in -- the bands, the singers, the weather, the ceremony. CBS sports announcer, Tim Brando, kept the ceremony light, and we enjoyed the comments he added.

And when Gov. Jindal gave his inauguration address, we cheered along with the crowd as he made clear that his promises during the campaign would be his clear agenda as governor. I have great confidence in him to accomplish his goals because they are rooted in relationship with Jesus Christ.

Here's the conclusion of Jindal's inaugarual address: "Our New Louisiana will be a magnet for the dreamers…the risk-takers…the adventurers…the leaders of America’s new economy.That New Louisiana will give our citizens the opportunities they deserve.That is the kind of reform we will bring.That is our goal.That is our charge.I have said it before and I will say it again…we can change….we must change…we will change.Thank you.God Bless you and God Bless the Great State of Louisiana."

I'm thanking God our governor and will be praying for him.

Geaux Tigers!

I must say that Monday night's BCS Championship Game was fun to watch. Our family has become completely immersed in LSU football, having experienced a transformation that really began with our oldest daughter, Keri Beth, attending LSU. And having a three-year member of the "Golden Band from Tigerland" in our daughter, Kendal, has only added to our fervor.

Ever since the Tigers made the miraculous leap from No. 7 to No. 2 on the last Saturday of the season, the Schroeders have been anticipating the championship game. Though we knew it was only a game and that life would go on whether LSU won the game or not, we couldn't wait for kickoff time.

Following our meal on Monday, our den furniture was re-positioned to allow everyone present to enjoy the best possible view from our "stadium arrangement." Keri Beth and her husband, Phillip; our daughter, Melissa; our son, Travis; Gayla and I -- all of us had our eyes fixed to the pregame proceedings.

Yes, we watched the game, but even during timeouts, we could never take our eyes from the screen for fear of missing a glimpse of our Tiger Band member. We got to see her a couple of times, but you'd think we had seen her multi-million dollar screen debut. When the phone rang shortly after one of those shots, I knew that others in our church family were doing much the same!

Can you believe it? I've got on for some time without really mentioning any details of the game that mattered on the scoreboard. Yes, the LSU Tigers won the game over Ohio State, but the real winners that evening was our family. We enjoyed an evening together -- laughing, fretting, talking, looking for Kendal, and whole lot of fun.