BOLIVAR – The trend of record-setting budgets at Southwest Baptist University (SBU) is continuing with the May 7 establishment of a $53.7 million goal by trustees for the 2013-2014 academic year. SBU President C. Pat Taylor in 17 years has seen a dramatic increase in costs starting from an original budget of around $22 million to last year’s $51.2 million goal. Enrollment growth has been just as robust as evidenced by a record number of 497 graduates with diplomas in the May 18 … [Read more...]
Cat Creek rides wave of growth
GILMAN CITY – There’s life in the Cat Creek community. The church by the creek has been meeting since 1845, which makes it the oldest in Harrison County. The legend lives on about the panthers in the trees by Cat Creek who would drop down on unsuspecting deer. That is the identity of Cat Creek Church, which is formally known as Mt. Pleasant No. 1 Baptist Church. Like many churches in rural Missouri, Cat Creek has seen better days. The young people have left for the city to find work, so … [Read more...]
Missouri Speaker of the House addresses MBC Executive Board
JEFFERSON CITY — For the first time in recent memory, the Missouri Speaker of the House visited the Baptist Building and spoke to the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Executive Board at its April 9 meeting. Speaker Tim Jones, R-Eureka, delivered a 13-minute speech in which he traced current concerns and outlined the healthy condition of alliances, particularly between his Catholic denomination and Missouri Southern Baptists. “There are a lot of common elements we’ve been working on … [Read more...]
MBC sets $14.5 million budget goal
JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Executive Board adopted a Cooperative Program (CP) budget goal for 2014 of $14.5 million with a “40-60” focus during its April 8-9 meeting here at the Baptist Building. MBC Executive Director John Yeats indicated that the MBC has grand goals. One of those goals is to push more funds to the ends of the earth. Practically this will mean embarking on a plan that would balance state and national giving for CP causes in the next seven … [Read more...]
A mother finally finds peace, forgiveness following abortion
COLUMBIA — In 1974, Rhonda Porter got an abortion. It was legal. It was simple. It was done. “I believed there was nothing wrong with it,” she said. Now she is a mother of four and a grandmother of five who has become a Christian. At 59, she is a member of Open Heart Baptist Church who prays for God to save babies at the local abortion clinic. Her ministry to the church uplifts forgiveness, the releasing of pain, and the healing hand of a God who eases sorrow. “I feel that people who … [Read more...]
Worldview event probes impact, spread of pluralism
JEFFERSON CITY — The 2013 Worldview Conference March 28 featured comparisons between “Paul at Mars Hill—Being a Christian in a Pluralistic Society” and the United States of America. The conference, which drew 100 people here to Memorial Baptist Church, was a joint project of the Christian Life Commission of the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) and The Pathway. Andy Chambers, professor of Bible and vice president of Missouri Baptist University, laid a biblical foundation for the … [Read more...]
The Pole Vaulting Pastor: At age 80, he’s still clearing the bar
VERONA — Hubert Conway, pastor, Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, longed to turn 80 years old last August. His agenda was to join the 80-84 age group for the Senior Olympics, which means he has a better chance to become the national pole vault champion. Healthy through and through, he can still vault and preach with the best of them. Hubert Conway is a specimen. He takes no medicine. No pills. “Everything is fine,” he said. “I really think that I probably am as healthy as a lot of … [Read more...]
‘Black sheep’ pastors care for those in need
SEDALIA — Sheep are white. Shepherds know this. But some sheep are black. Shepherds at Olive Branch Baptist Church know this. Pastor Jason McClain and Associate Pastor Donnie Hayworth enjoy being called to a different type of flock in a different kind of place—a setting that is known for its rock n’ roll, bikers, tattoos, bandanas, blue jeans, and black sheep. “We wanted to reach a community of people where they’re at—where they live every day,” McClain said. “The community I’m talking … [Read more...]
Undecided Koster ponders appeal in religious liberty case
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has yet to announce his decision on whether he will order an appeal of a U.S. District Court decision that struck down Senate Bill 749, which has been affirmed by many Christians in Missouri as non-negotiable in the fight to protect religious liberty. Koster has until April 12 to decide, the Associated Press reported. At stake is the status of a new law that is designed to protect the religious liberty of Missouri citizens who do not … [Read more...]
ReFRESH: Encounter with God essential for renewal
BRANSON – Missouri Baptists met Feb. 28-March 1 for ReFRESH, a time for God’s people to come apart from the distractions and chaos of life to seek the face of God during the state evangelism/discipleship conference. Bill Elliff, directional pastor, The Summit Church, North Little Rock, Ark., said the purpose of the gathering here at First Baptist Church was to encounter God much like Moses did in the burning bush. Though it seemed like his life was wasting away, Moses still had his … [Read more...]
First Branson pastor offers 2-minute resource
BRANSON - Neil Franks, pastor, First Baptist Church, Branson, is into “The 2.” That is his rank among Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) officers right now as he serves as first vice president. That is also his smartphone identity. Thanks to an innovative app creation, Franks is The 2-Minute Pastor. “We’re not trying to become important or big,” Franks said. “We just think there’s a niche out there. There’s a gap in the market of good, biblical content in short bursts.” As of March 1 … [Read more...]
SBU looks to future with 7-point strategic plan
BOLIVAR — Southwest Baptist University (SBU) trustees Feb. 19 approved a five-year, seven-part strategic plan with initiatives and goals for the university. The SBU Executive Cabinet, which consists of seven members plus President C. Pat Taylor, spent three days to hammer out the details of the plan that board members wound up passing. “I believe this is the best strategic plan that we’ve had in my 161/2 years at SBU,” Taylor said. “Deans and directors will begin leading their units to … [Read more...]