Caldwell seeks to promote Pacesetter partnerships

Caldwell seeks to promote Pacesetter partnerships

By Allen Palmeri
Staff Writer

February 22, 2005

JEFFERSON CITY – There were 85 fewer baptisms in the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) from 2003 to 2004, dipping from 13,325 to 13,240.

“Our baptisms are flat-lined,” MBC Evangelism Director Bob Caldwell said. “In this state, we’re not breaking any records. I believe if we see 10,000 people commit to pray for three things daily—revival, spiritual awakening and 26,000 souls baptized—because of God’s power in prayer, we’re going to see it happen.”

Caldwell said that he wants to encourage those churches that barely missed making the list of 2004 Pacesetter Churches, which is based on the number of baptisms per average Sunday School attendance.

“We have some great pastors represented here in these Pacesetter churches, but I also know we have some tremendous pastors that were close to being a Pacesetter church,” he said. “I would love to see some of these Pacesetter pastors tuck under their wing some of the pastors who are getting the job done and really encourage them.”

The complete list of Pacesetter churches with associational affiliation and baptisms is as follows, with average Sunday School attendance determining the category:

Average 1-50: Pilot Grove, Lamine, 31; Union, North Grand River, 27; Cantwell, Mineral Area, 24; LaBelle First, Mt. Salem Wyaconda, 23; New Life, Fellowship, 22; and Calvary Temple, Blue River/Kansas City, 21.

Average 51-100: College View, Spring River, 56; Hurley First, Tri-County, 37; Sulphur Lick, Twin Rivers, 34; Clarkston First, Black River, 33; and Cabool Second, Texas, 28.

Average 101-150: Friendship, Black River, 63; Harmony, Pulaski, 61; Allen Street, West Central, 53; Perryville First, Cape Girardeau, 47; and Splitlog, Shoal Creek, 47.

Average 151-200: Calvary West Missionary, St. Louis, 42; Harmony, Greene County, 35; Memorial, Concord, 30; Fellowship, Jefferson, 28; and Calvary, Spring River, 27.

Average 201-300: West County Com-munity, St. Louis, 108; New Harmony, Dent, 73; Garden City First, Blue River/Kansas City, 60; Savannah First, St. Joseph, 51; and Highview, Harrison, 51.

Average 301-400: Miner, Charleston, 86; Oak Grove First, Blue River/Kansas City, 65; Wentzville First, Twin Rivers, 55; Maywood, Blue River/Kansas City, 34; and Sedalia First, Harmony, 28.

Average 401-500: Woodcrest, Little Bonne Femme, 90; Westside, Pulaski, 77; Frederick Boulevard, St. Joseph, 54; Dexter First, Cane Creek Stoddard, 51; and Kimberling City First, Tri-County, 47.

Average 501-750: Warrensburg First, West Central, 140; Troy First, Twin Rivers, 59; Poplar Bluff First, Cane Creek Stoddard, 55; Concord, Concord, 54; and Cassville First, Barry, 53.

Average 751-above: Pleasant Valley, Clay Platte, 260; Raytown First, Blue River/Kansas City, 205; Arnold First, Jefferson, 184; Springfield Second, Greene County, 124; Forest Park, Spring River, 122.