BELTON—In a surprise announcement, Brian Baker announced his departure from First Baptist Church here this past week after more than 16 years of service.
Baker, a former Belton city councilman, former state representative for the 123rd District, and current associate commissioner of Cass County, announced that after much prayer and consideration it was time for him to move on from the ministerial position and look to new opportunities.
From 2000 to today Baker both served as an associate pastor and as an elected official. He served on the Belton City Council and then in 2002 was elected to the Missouri House. In 2008 he was elected to the Cass County Commission.
Baker has served as youth pastor and coached and taught at Heartland High School & Academy, the Christian school sponsored by First Belton. He also was interim superintendent of the school as well as a counselor.
Early on, he organized more than 15 youth camps that served hundreds of students and led concerts with Christian recording artists like Rebecca St. James and the Imperials.
In 1999, he became minister of education & missions leading the church Bible study ministries and mission programs. The following year he took a men’s basketball team to Scotland for a two-week tour of schools. At that time he was awarded the Highland Service Shield from members of the Scottish Highland council. He also led two mission trips to Romania.
In recent years, Baker has focused on helping the church be more involved in the community. From entering parades to promoting community programs in the church, Baker felt it was important for church members to go to fairs, community festivals and other similar events.
Baker will remain a member of First Belton and a volunteer as well.
BY STAFF