JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) President Wesley Vance called the state’s political leaders to depend on God and walk in wisdom, integrity and humility as they serve Missourians.
Vance was the guest speaker, Jan. 7, for the prayer service for Missouri government leaders that takes place at Concord Baptist Church each year. He called public servants to model their lives after the biblical prophet Daniel, a public servant in his own day, who looked to God as “the way, the truth and the life.”
JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) President Wesley Vance speaks to Missouri’s political leaders during a prayer service at Concord Baptist Church here, Jan. 7.
“Our state and our communities … need good and godly men and women who will stand with boldness and conviction, men and women who will stand with integrity and wisdom,” said Vance, who serves as executive pastor at Crossway Baptist Church, Springfield. “They need you to stand with selflessness and continued sacrifice, not only for this generation, but for the next generation.”
No leader has enough wisdom or power to solve the state’s problems, but they can depend on and “call upon the One, the Lord God Almighty,” who does.
Vance shared the gospel with state leaders, and encouraged them to make Jesus the Lord of their lives. Vance also thanked state leaders for serving the people of Missouri. During the morning prayer service, leaders were recognized, and participants spent time to pray for them.
The prayer event is based on 1 Tim. 2:1-3, which commands that “entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority.” The prayer service has become a Jefferson City tradition, organized each year by Concord Baptist Church, in partnership with the MBC’s Christian Life Commission.
Many statewide officeholders, lawmakers, legislative staff and leaders of Missouri’s judiciary attended the prayer service and/or the breakfast that preceded it.