Laramie LeQuieu to be nominated for president of ABSC

Paragould pastor Laramie LeQuieu will be nominated to serve as president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) during the Annual Meeting set for Oct. 20-21 in Russellville.   

First Baptist Church in Benton Senior Pastor Clay Cunningham said he intends to nominate LeQuieu, who has been pastor of Harvest Baptist Church in Paragould since January 2022.  

“Laramie has been a trusted friend and encourager for many years, and it is a joy to nominate a leader like him to serve in this season of the ABSC. I first heard of Laramie many years ago when he shared at an Annual Meeting how God was moving in his church while serving at Pickles Gap Baptist Church. I knew that day of Laramie’s deep love for the Lord and his commitment to evangelism,” Cunningham said. “God has utilized Laramie’s leadership abilities in every ministry position he has held.”  

LeQuieu has served in local church ministry in the state of Arkansas for over 25 years. He has served in different capacities, size congregations, and ministry contexts, including on staff with the ABSC Evangelism + Church Health Team. LeQuieu was called to serve as the senior pastor of Harvest Baptist Church on Dec. 12, 2021, and began serving the church in that capacity Jan. 1, 2022.  

“Over the last few years of Laramie’s tenure, God has added to their church family, with average attendance having almost doubled. The church’s strong commitment to the Cooperative Program is reflected in their increased giving during his tenure as well. The strongest parts of Laramie’s leadership are found in his desire to honor the Lord in his pursuit of godliness and holiness,” Cunningham said.  

Under LeQuieu’s leadership, Harvest Baptist gives 8% in undesignated receipts through the Cooperative Program. Last year, that amounted to approximately $144,418.  

“I have seen the benefit of the Cooperative Program from both the local church and denominational perspective. I believe the Cooperative Program implemented by Southern Baptists 100 years ago this year is still the most effective and efficient model for doing missions and ministry together. There is a holy synergy produced when we work together for the sake of the Gospel,” LeQuieu said.  

Cunningham believes that if elected, “God will use Laramie to be a strong leader in our state as we are praying for a new executive director.”  

LeQuieu said he is humbled and blessed by the nomination to serve as ABSC president.  

“I do not come into the role with any axe to grind or predetermined agenda beyond serving the Lord and Arkansas Baptists,” he said. “I have always felt called to serve the Lord in Arkansas. It is both my home and my mission field.”  

LeQuieu was born and raised in Benton. His family moved to Paragould when he was in ninth grade. He has lived most of his life in central and northeast Arkansas. LeQuieu and his wife, Kathy, have been married for 25 years. They have two grown children and one granddaughter.