When we moved to Jefferson City, the housing market was rather difficult. Very few homes were available in the price range and size we desired, so we made an offer on a house in the process of being built. The size and layout seemed sufficient for our family, but since the exterior bricks had not been laid yet, we didn’t even know what the finished house would look like. Regardless, we liked the quiet neighborhood, the trees in the back yard, and the proximity to the office, so we moved … [Read more...]
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Library content contested, summer reading options
Many of my fondest memories involve books—scanning my father’s bookshelves as a boy, perusing the set of print encyclopedias displayed in my family’s living room, growing in faith as a teenager while reading missionary biographies, like Jesse Fletcher’s Bill Wallace of China. My father often took me and my siblings to the local library in the small, western Oklahoma town where I grew up. It was a treat to spend an hour there, letting my mind roam free among so many books. The library was a … [Read more...]
How can we mobilize church members for missions?
Last month, my church hosted an event called “Together for the Nations” put on by the International Mission Board (IMB). The purpose of this event was to introduce churches to the work of the IMB and encourage them to consider ways to join these mission efforts around the world. Several topics were addressed at this event, but the one from which I gleaned the most was about mobilizing God’s people for mission work. For pastors, few things are more exciting than mobilizing God’s people on a … [Read more...]
I have a wonderful life
I have a wonderful life. I mean, I have a wonderful wife. I have both a wonderful wife and a wonderful life. Recently, my son gave her what may be her favorite birthday gift. What was that gift? A set of replacement headphone ear pads; you know, the squishy foam part that goes between the hard plastic electronic parts and your head? Over time, the leathery part began to flake off and lost its softness. The electronic parts still worked well, but the seal needed strengthening from years of … [Read more...]
‘Vacancy’ sign shines bright at Baptist Homes
Several years ago, I was riding through a summer snowstorm on motorcycle in the Rocky Mountains. I was completely unprepared for the weather and progress was much slower than anticipated. As I approached Breckenridge, Colorado, I could only think of a hot bath and a night’s rest. When I entered town, I passed a motel with a “No Vacancy” sign lit up. I was devastated but kept riding. The unforeseen snowstorm seemed to have everyone searching for a room. Imagine my relief when I finally saw … [Read more...]
First-Person: I’ve named Rob Phillips MBC Associate Executive Director
In 20-plus years of ministry, I’ve certainly learned the importance, as well as the blessing, of serving alongside a talented staff. I’ve heard it said that a difficult situation can immediately be improved by the right person, and a great situation can immediately be damaged by the wrong person. If you’ve been in leadership any length of time, you know from experience this is true. Surrounding yourself with the right people is essential. With this foundation in mind, I’m excited to … [Read more...]
God is all Goodness, the Giver of all good things
Only one week before his death in July 1555, English Protestant John Bradford wrote from prison to his mother. “I die not, my good mother, as a thief, a murderer, an adulterer,” he wrote, “but I die as a witness of Christ, His gospel and verity.” Though he would soon become a martyr for his faith, Bradford trusted in God’s goodness. Writing to comfort men and women who likewise faced suffering and death, he described the Christian life as a voyage on a stormy sea. Buffeted and beaten by … [Read more...]
Kids have problems, too!
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6 NKJV In this world of rushing here and there, it is easy to forget that children have problems just as we adults do. Yes, they may be somewhat different from ours, but it is still hard for them to sort out what is expected of them in different environments. Many children live in homes that have been divided and at one place one thing is expected, but something different may be … [Read more...]
Spring is new life
EDITOR'S NOTE: Julie Ball serves as vice president for The LIGHT House, an affiliate of MBCH Children and Family Ministries. I’ve been in my position for 12 years. Twelve years is a long time. In those years I have changed, times have changed, the world has changed, and our clients have changed. After a dozen years, it is easy to get stagnant, easy to enter autopilot mode, easy to take it easy. Residential programming is hard, turnover is exhausting, and burnout is likely. With God’s … [Read more...]
The thread of Scripture leads us to the real Jesus
More than 2 million people flocked to northern Italy in 2015 to take a rare glimpse at the Shroud of Turin, purportedly the burial clothe in which the crucified Christ was wrapped and which now bears His image. Around the same time, CNN featured the shroud in the first of several documentaries attempting to uncover the “historical Jesus” by examining such relics. “Why are we so fascinated with any historical artifact—relics, as some call them—associated with Jesus?” David Gibson and … [Read more...]
How to pastor well during an election year
Presidential election years are a strain for pastors. Pastors cannot escape the God-given responsibility of faithfully shepherding Christ’s flock through every season—including election season. Pastors often weary from political pressures and uncertainties even within the church. If honest, most pastors are ready for the presidential political cycle to quickly conclude so we can move on with ministry life. Pastor, I would encourage you to view this upcoming presidential election season as a … [Read more...]
Send Missouri
Recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to fellowship alongside Send Missouri in St. Louis. For those unaware, Send Missouri is in close partnership with the MBC to help churches plant churches in Missouri, and it’s funded by your generous Cooperative Program support. Jason Zellmer leads Send Missouri, and in the short amount of time we’ve spent together, I’ve already been blessed by his enthusiasm for serving the local church. The gathering in St. Louis was well attended, with nearly … [Read more...]
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