It is hard to believe I have been in my role at the MBC for almost a year now. I could not be more excited about how the Lord is working in and through Missouri Baptists to make disciples. The Making Disciples group’s overarching objective is to assist Missouri Baptists in developing biblical strategies and processes to make disciples who make disciples. Our areas of expertise in making disciples include evangelism and age-graded ministries such as children, students, and Sunday school. … [Read more...]
MBF, LifeWay resources available to churches for online giving
EDITOR'S NOTE: Missouri Baptist Foundation (MBF) President Neil Franks is offering daily updates for MBF clients on the MBF Facebook and Twitter feeds. As our global community navigates the personal and business implications of COVID-19, the Missouri Baptist Foundation (MBF) wishes to help Missouri Baptist churches. We want to serve your church’s needs while you are caring for the ministry needs of your congregation. Knowing that with the restrictions on sizable gatherings you will … [Read more...]
‘Be alert, on your guard’
I accidentally made a wondrous discovery a few years ago. I forgot about the coffee pot and left it on all day. I didn’t have a coffee maker with an auto shut-off back then, so when I finally noticed it, the entire pot of coffee had been reduced to a layer of coffee-tar. It was kind of fascinating—black and chewy-looking. I sniffed it, just out of curiosity, and I think it gave me a little bit of a caffeine buzz. That’s when it hit me that this might be one of the best discoveries ever. … [Read more...]
Don’t ditch the church
Too often, people try to accomplish the task of discipleship apart from the local church. I believe this is impossible because God’s work of personal transformation is intended to take place within the community of God’s people. Discipleship doesn’t happen apart from the context of the local church because God has chosen the local church as His instrument to fulfill the Great Commission. There is no such thing as a solo discipleship. In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul says that … [Read more...]
A new perspective on the ‘interim’ status
I just completed my very first interim pastorate. Well, I guess all of my pastorates have been interim, since I am no longer serving at any one of those churches. Come to think of it… I suppose all pastors are interim if you factor in enough time, and all church members too, including deacons. But, I think you know what I mean. I had the privilege of serving a local congregation during the “in between” time the church had a “permanent” pastor. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and I can … [Read more...]
What to do about the coronavirus
The spread of the coronavirus continues to affect many – and concern many more. While your state missionaries are not medical professionals, we are suggesting some steps Missouri Baptist churches may take to protect their people when they gather to worship. Jim Misloski, director of developing leaders for the MBC, shared the following with one of our church leaders, and you might consider this information helpful in your local church’s decision-making process: “At this time (at our … [Read more...]
Could we be eating, drinking aborted babies?
It is shameful for an institution like Washington University, which is so highly regarded for its academics, to be up to its eyeballs in our nation’s abortion industry. Washington University medical faculty have been doing abortions for Planned Parenthood in St. Louis for years. If that were not bad enough, they also train physicians on abortions before they disperse across the nation. Related: ‘A culture of death’ - Wash U could face stiff penalties for abortion ties. It is abhorrent … [Read more...]
For every dry place
Is there anything better than a really good hand cream on a dry day? I love me some high-quality lotion. I can almost hear my hands: glub, glub, glub. My husband though? His hands could be sparking from the friction. They could be a mere half a degree from kindling and he would still snub my hand cream. I say snub, but spurn would be more like it. Maybe “repulsed repugnance” is closer. Is that redundant? If so, I still think it still fits because he doubly-triply-quadruply despises all … [Read more...]
Showing kindness to our children
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind;…” I Corinthians 13:4 (KJV) Most parents would probably respond, “Of course I do!” if asked if they love their children. They may even feel a little indignant that they were asked. However, when we apply the Biblical standards of love, it is doubtful that many parents truly love their children. As an example, take the verse that says that love suffers long and is kind. Unfortunately, there are many parents who may resent being interrupted by a child … [Read more...]
Great works require faithful support
John Thornton was the wealthiest businessman in England. He also loved Jesus. A friend said of Thornton, “I never knew a person that lived so near to God.” Thornton had a preacher/friend who wrote hymns. Many of these songs moved Thornton so deeply that he decided to pay to have a hymnal published. The most known song in the book, Hymn #41, was “Amazing Grace”, which became the most famous hymn in world history. Just think, we would have never known of Rev. John Newton’s wonderful song had … [Read more...]
Delusions, illusions, better conclusions
Opinions. I have them. Oh, how I have them. Loud ones and high ones. Colorful and wry ones. I try to make sure I come up with three or four good opinions to have on standby—just in case somebody asks for one. I’m not at all talking about “informed” opinions. Those are in an entirely different category. Informed opinions require research and contemplation. Reason and thinky stuff. Probably charts and graphs. That sounds like work. Plus, if you get too informed on a topic, seems to me you no … [Read more...]
Preventing abuse in the Body of Christ
I just returned from the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee meeting in Nashville. While there was much significant business to conduct, the issue of sexual and physical abuse continues to be a significant part of the conversation. On the first day of our meeting, Monday, Feb. 17, yet another story appeared on USA TODAY’s front page. This is not just a national issue. As Missouri Baptists, we are waking up to the truth that our 1,800 affiliated churches are not immune from … [Read more...]
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