You need help, MBC staff can deliver it
On the occasion of my graduation from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, I contacted Dr. Timothy Trammell. Dr. Trammell was my favorite college professor and I wanted to give him the news. He had been a spiritual counselor and an encourager to me in college days, and I just wanted him to know that I made it. I thought he might be surprised. But again, he was encouraging and insightful. He wrote a note to me that I have kept from the day I received it. Periodically, I read it again and remind myself concerning importance or the lack of personal importance. The note said simply:
“Dear David, Congratulations on this latest achievement. Your education will serve you well. You will also be well served to remember that lots of letters behind your name or the title “Dr.” in front of your name, is sort of like the curl in a pig’s tail – pretty to look at, but not much use really.”
That’ll put you in your place when you most need it.
I want to always stay useful! I especially want to remain useful to the Lord as I serve Him in Kingdom work. And I love serving the Lord by serving Missouri Baptists. And I am privileged to work with 69 other servants of the Lord who are YOUR servants as well – we are called the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Executive Board Staff. We are also called denominational servants. And I once heard that title misstated and we became denominational “serpents,” at least in the mind of one man. That was a misstatement, wasn’t it? Surely it was. Actually it was a joke – funnier to some than to others. But I really like the title denominational servant, because that is who and what we are.
And what are the characteristics of a true servant:
Selfless – self giving; they will literally give you the shirt off their backs
Energetic – in their service; they don’t wear out easily
Responsible – they take responsibility for their words and actions
Volunteers – you don’t have to cajole them into service
Affable – simply friendly; easy to get along with
Nameless – not looking for recognition
Thoughtful – caring more for others than for themselves
Sincere – they’re for real; they just want to be used by God
I am pleased to report to you that those words describe your MBC Executive Board Staff. It is important to me, for you to know that we – the servants of God called the Executive Board Staff work for you. Did you know that? We know it. And we’re glad to serve you!
I was recently in a relatively small church in one of our Missouri cities. By the way, one of the joys of my present ministry is that I am privileged to worship and minister in all kinds of churches throughout the Show-Me state. And I was honored to be a guest in a south St. Louis city on Wednesday night a couple of weeks ago. I was there for the Wednesday evening services. To begin, we enjoyed a wonderful fellowship meal. Of course, we had “Baptist Bird” – chicken and all kinds of other fixins’.
And then it was time for me to speak to the church. But as the pastor began to introduce me, I actually became embarrassed because of his comments. Not because of a poor introduction. Quite the contrary. If I were half as good as the pastor said I was – well, I might get big-headed if that were the case. But Pastor Nick poured on the praise! And I soon realized that this pastor and the people of this great Missouri Baptist church were somewhat impressed, but even more surprised, that I would come to “…their little church” (their words, not mine). Immediately I knew that I needed to communicate to you – to all Missouri Baptists, that the MBC Executive Board Staff is HONORED to come to YOUR church, to ANY Missouri Baptist church, ANYwhere, ANY time! When you need assistance in any area of church life, please, please, please call us. We want to serve you!
Spencer Hutson is the highly acclaimed MBC stewardship specialist. Here’s what one Missouri Baptist layman said about Spencer. Doug Austin, from Bethany Baptist Church, Cape Girardeau, described the help they received as “…a great example of Cooperative Program dollars at work.” He went on to say that “…our church will be better equipped to influence HIS Kingdom because of Spencer Hutson and our Missouri Baptist Convention.” Thanks for the encouraging words Doug.
Would you like to talk to someone about help with evangelism?
Why not talk to Gary Taylor, the “prime minister” of Missouri Baptist pastors and now evangelism specialist for the MBC.
Vivian McCaughan is experienced on the home mission field as well as the foreign mission field. Ask her to come to your church. She’ll gladly come. And if you are lucky, she’ll tell you her famous African snake story.
Could you use a marriage retreat? Perhaps a parenting conference? MBC Family Ministries Specialist Joe Ulveling is anxious to come to your church. Joe’s “Hooked For Life” marriage materials have helped Missouri Baptist couples all over Missouri and he is ready to assist you. Or, he can call on any one of several Missouri Baptist couples who make up an army of MBC Marriage and Family Counselors that are ready to come to your church and lead a marriage retreat or parenting conference.
Call Karla Schaefer, receptionist and the live voice of the MBC. Tell her what you are looking for. She’ll tell you who you are looking for. Karla will graciously point you in the right direction.
The space I have for this article will not allow me to tell you about all the ministers and the ministry that is available to you through the Missouri Baptist Convention.
We are here to serve our Lord as we serve you. Help us stay useful!
I Love Serving Missouri Baptists!