Scribner resigns pastorate from FBC Branson
By Don Hinkle
Editor
May 31, 2005
BRANSON – Jay Scribner announced his resignation as senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Branson, May 22. It will be effective Oct. 23, 28 years to the day that he accepted the pastorate call to one of Missouri’s most influential Southern Baptist churches.
In reading his letter of resignation to the congregation, Scribner, 56, recalled how he and wife of 38 years, Kay, drove through the beautiful hills of the Ozarks back in 1977 and “knew they were coming to a unique and beautiful location.”
“The journey had been wonderful and I am confident it has received the favor and blessing of the Lord,” he told the surprised throng.
Scribner also commended the congregation for being one of the most faith-demonstrating churches in the Southern Baptist Convention.
He leaves the church — that has grown from about 200 in Sunday morning attendance to approximately 700 — debt-free. Construction of the church’s current scenic location in the heart of Branson was completed in 1986.
The impact of Scribner’s ministry has been felt statewide. He and his wife founded KLFC-FM, a Branson-based Christian radio station in the late 1980s. They began Berean Liberty Christian Academy two years ago. Scribner has also been an influential proponent of keeping the Branson area a family-oriented vacation spot.
A leader in the conservative resurgence in Missouri and Southern Baptist life, Scribner has served as president of the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) and most recently was chairman of the MBC Executive Board’s Administration Committee. He is presently a trustee for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City.
Scribner told the congregation he is not retiring and that he and Kay will be “seeking God’s heart as to how to minister in the remaining chapters of our lives.” The Scribners have two adult sons, Paul and Mark, and three grandchildren.
A business session followed the announcement and the church voted to accept Scribner’s resignation and the time frame he outlined.