By Staff
JEFFERSON CITY—The Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Executive Board voted July 13 to take approximately $175,000 from reserves to finish funding the Missouri Baptist Chair of Partnership Missions at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS).
The move takes the fund beyond $1 million and gives the seminary its first endowed chair.
“I am absolutely thrilled with the decision of the Missouri Baptist Convention to vote this support for the Chair of Partnership Missions,” said MBTS President R. Philip Roberts. “It is absolutely essential that we are strong cooperative partners together impacting the heartland of America as well as the world for the cause of Christ. My thanks and appreciation go to (MBC Executive Director) David Tolliver and all the Executive Board for their willingness to help us in this strategic and important manner.”
On campus Aug. 16, Tolliver presented Roberts with the big check. Roberts called it “very fitting that Southern Baptists in Missouri provide the avenue to accomplish the first endowed chair in MBTS history. I believe it shows a true understanding of the direction MBTS is headed in providing Bible- and Christ-centered education.”
Meanwhile, the MBC has also expressed its intention to assist Midwestern with the construction of its new chapel.
“I would look toward our staff going to Kansas City and participating in that project through sweat equity—helping to build,” Tolliver said.
He added that it is possible that some Executive Board members could be a part of that work crew.