MBC to hold historic prayer service for 93rd General Assembly
By Staff
December 22, 2004
JEFFERSON CITY – A former Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) president will be the featured speaker as the MBC hosts an unprecedented commissioning prayer service, 8 a.m., Jan. 5 for members of the 93rd Missouri General Assembly.
Jay Scribner, senior pastor, First Baptist Church, Branson, will deliver the charge to the General Assembly members attending the event set for Concord Baptist Church, which is sponsoring the event along with the MBC’s Christian Life Commission and The Pathway.
“Scripture instructs Christians to be good citizens of the state for conscience sake because God has ordained government to punish and restrict evil-doers and to reward and protect moral behavior,” said Don Hinkle, editor, The Pathway and a chief organizer of the event. “Christians are also commanded by Jesus to be the ‘salt’ of the earth and the ‘light’ of the world. This involves Citizen Christians in active engagement with the world, preserving as ‘salt’ and illuminating as ‘light.’ Thus, the responsibilities of Citizen Christians include not just obedience to the state, but involvement in society,” he said.
The prayer service will kick-off a full day of activities for the lawmakers highlighted by their swearing-in at the State Capitol.
Boy Scout Troop #2 of Jefferson City will present the colors and a patriotic vocal performance by Bill Shiflett, MBC worship specialist, will be presented before dedication prayers are offered in behalf of the state’s executive, judicial and legislative branches of government.
Another former MBC President, Monte Shinkle, pastor, Concord Baptist Church, will offer a prayer in behalf of Gov.-elect Matt Blunt and Missouri’s judicial leadership.
Current MBC President Mitchell Jackson, pastor, Miner Baptist Church, Sikeston, will pray for the state senators, their families and staffs.
Rodney Albert, chairman of the MBC’s Christian Life Commission and pastor, Hallsville Baptist Church, will pray for members of the House of Representatives, their families and staffs.
The service will culminate with special presentations to Blunt, Lt. Gov.-elect Peter Kinder, and leaders in both the Senate and House by MBC Executive Director David Clippard, who will also serve as master of ceremonies for the event.
The service is open to the public.