JEFFERSON CITY – You won’t find the spiritual gift of hospitality listed in any of gift inventories in Paul’s letters, but if anyone possesses it, it’s Betty Benz Pulliam.
Pulliam came to the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Executive Board staff in 1983 and has worked in nearly every ministry area. She started out helping the different departments in the Baptist Building as they began implementing their first computers into their work. She served as secretary, bookkeeper and event planner in what was the public relationship office, managed the office in what was the church services division, and served as ministry assistant for various teams including student evangelism, prayer and spiritual awakening, evangelism and childhood ministries. Most recently, she has served as the administrative assistant for the strategic partners team of the MBC Executive Board staff, and as the convention’s event coordinator. Events such as the annual meeting bear the unmistakable Pulliam thumbprint through 32 years, six full-time executive directors and five interims.
“I will long remember the many people I have been able to meet, work, and do life with,” she said, “and having the opportunity to be a part of God’s ministry in Missouri. If I had any claim to fame it would be that I assisted or planned the receptions to welcome or the farewell reception for all six of the executive directors. I am thankful for the faith and trust the Missouri Baptist Executive Board and staff have given me to be me and to serve with the gifts God blessed me with.”
Pulliam will officially retire Dec. 31, and though she doesn’t know exactly how she is going to spend her time, she said she’s ready for God’s direction.
“I have enjoyed working for Missouri Baptists and I believe the past 32 years I have served where God wanted me,” she said. “Now, I am waiting for my new assignment from Him. Until that time, I am looking forward to spending time with family and volunteering more time to my church. John and I want to invest in a community ministry together, possibly a military ministry such as Partners in Care, or the Honor Flight team.”