Brian Koonce Stories

Missouri Baptist task force to clarify pastoral roles as limited to men

Messengers to the Missouri Baptist Convention’s (MBC) annual meeting, Oct. 28-29 here, approved the creation of a task force to aid in the evaluation of a church’s position on certain elements of Baptist identity, especially the office and function of pastoral leaders being limited to biblically qualified men. The motion passed overwhelmingly, with fewer than a dozen “no” votes.

Missouri Baptist resolution urges ‘No’ vote on pro-abortion Amendment 3

Messengers approved a slate of five resolutions during the Missouri Baptist Convention’s (MBC) annual meeting, Oct. 28-29 – most notably urging people to vote “No” on pro-abortion Amendment 3 in the Nov. 5 election.

Ladies’ Sunday school class cooks comfort food for carnival workers

“Carnival food” brings to mind corndogs and funnel cakes, but for the traveling workers of the Sikeston American Legion Cotton Carnival, who visit Sikeston each year, it means a hot home-cooked meal thanks to First Baptist Church, Sikeston.

Abundant Life’s Re:gen ministry offers biblical hope from addiction, brokenness

In a world where opportunities and outlets for sinful dependency swirl, the gospel of Jesus truly is good news, even to those struggling with addiction.

One hundred years later, Olympic runner Liddell’s faith still inspires

If the Opening Ceremonies from Paris left a bitter taste in your mouth that affected your enjoyment of the Olympics, the remedy may just be reliving the athletic prowess – and courageous Christian determination – of Scottish runner, Eric Liddell, from the games 100 years prior. It’s an iconic Olympic story that almost didn’t happen. Liddell was born in China to missionary parents, returning to Scotland to play rugby and get an education. He had a natural ability to sprint, and he soon began training for the 1924 Olympics, which, like in 2024, were hosted by Paris.

Young Oklahoma prayer warrior meets St. Louis church planter

St. Louis church planter Michael Byrd, his wife, Traci, and their church were featured last summer as part of LifeWay’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) curriculum, highlighting North American missions. Byrd said it was humbling to know people were praying for them from all over the nation. And he recently met one 11-year-old Oklahoma Baptist prayer warrior, Bethany Chapin, who still prays for them today.

Lifelong pursuit: Pastor’s passion for sanctification inspires book, ‘The Blueprint of Grace’

Sanctification is a process all believers go through in their ongoing efforts to become conformed to the Lord’s will. It’s an ongoing journey none will ever complete this side of heaven, and Bob Allen is keenly aware of it.

Small church baptizes seven: ‘As exciting as a ball game!’

It’s never too late for a Christ-follower to be baptized, and seven people from Huntsdale Baptist Church didn’t even let the church’s lack of a baptistry stop them from taking that step of obedience.

Joplin church releases ‘Undefiled’ movie

Christian movie-goers are slowly becoming used to more faith-based films being available to watch at home or at the box office, but one Missouri church is taking matters into its own hands to release new films and follow up with resources that point people back to the biblical truths brought up on screen.

From France to Mizzou: Church planter brings missionary mindset to campus ministry

For a mission field as ripe as a college campus, it makes sense to send a missionary. That’s exactly why former missionary and current Missouri Baptist church-planter Colby Corsaut aims to reach college students in Columbia, Mo.

Hymn celebration coming to MBTS on April 8

Instead of a spring concert, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) is inviting Missouri churches to one of the grandest traditions in Baptist life: a hymn sing. Featured guests are Matt Boswell, a modern hymnwriter who has penned hymns including “His Mercy is More,” “Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor,” “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery,” and A.L. “Pete” Butler, a retired Midwestern professor who wrote the tune to the famous Fanny Crosby hymn, “Redeemed.”

‘Sons of Thunder’ ride, disciple, love

Jason Snellen just wanted a way to connect with his three sons. As the boys grew up, he turned to one of his loves, motorcycles. Before many kids learn to ride bicycles, the boys followed his example and were spending time with their father riding motorcycles.

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