KIRKSVILLE – The Missouri Missions Offering is essential in funding several ministries, including that of the collegiate interns and apprentices who make up much of the staff at Baptist Student Unions across the state. These interns and apprentices are imperative to the mission of the Collegiate Ministries Group, which is to “saturate every college campus in Missouri with the gospel and equip every student to make disciples wherever they go,” according to Britney Hamm, the MBC Collegiate … [Read more...]
FBC Ozark church member, Lacey Shelton, joins Missouri Baptist Apologetics Network
OZARK – The Missouri Baptist Apologetics Network has welcomed Lacey Shelton of First Baptist Church in Ozark, Missouri as part of their team. As a Christian apologist, Shelton’s expertise includes feminism vs. biblical womanhood, Latter-day Saints, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, and the history of the prosperity gospel. Shelton expresses an enthusiastic desire to help women in the church become better equipped in “the training of the powers of their discernment,” and she is … [Read more...]
FBC Carl Junction, Rooted Church merger bears fruit in gospel-centered ministry
CARL JUNCTION – In 2022, the legacy of First Baptist Church Carl Junction was in danger. They’d experienced a slow but steady decline with an aging membership. Their history was rich—the church was founded in 1882—and they had some great resources, such as a large building. However, baptisms and new members were rare. Some members, like Charles Culbertson, sought opportunities for outreach elsewhere due to lack of opportunity in their own church. Charles and his wife, Ann, loved FBC, but it … [Read more...]
Delta, Macon churches revitalized through Resound’s ReFocus program
DELTA/MACON, Mo. – First Baptist Church (FBC) of Delta and Macon FBC encountered long-lasting revitalization through Resound Network’s ReFocus program. This program provides clarity on six imperative aspects of a church’s ministry: vision, mission, values, strategy, goals, and annual plans. While this can be done by forming a cohort that meets over a period of months, these two churches participated in the 3-day intensive workshop. ReFocus, according to Pastor Phil Bray of Macon FBC, … [Read more...]
Resound Network to host ‘Fuel the Movement’ event during MBC annual meeting, Oct. 28
ST. CHARLES – If you’re a leader in your church, don’t be overwhelmed by the bustling exhibit hall at the Missouri Baptist Convention’s annual meeting this year: head straight for Resound Network. Resound aids churches in evaluating their health, often assisting in revitalization and leadership development. However, it’s not only for struggling churches. John Vernon, Interim Director of Resound, says the network is for any church leader with “an interest in seeing their church continue … [Read more...]
‘Faith and art intertwine’: Member of Concord Baptist, Jefferson City, makes art for the glory of God
JEFFERSON CITY – When God called Rhonda Schrage to leave a traditional career and build a new one where “faith and art intertwine,” some thought she was crazy, but she stepped out in obedience and found the Lord walking with her every step of the way. In 2015, Schrage became a full-time artist. While she’d practiced abstract art for a long time, she mostly sold paintings of florals and churches, which “felt safer.” Within the last couple of years, however, abstracts have become her focus. … [Read more...]
Myers shares Christ at community theatre, serves Missouri Baptist churches at MBC
JEFFERSON CITY – Kelly Myers is used to working behind the scenes as Lead Maintenance at the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC). The practical needs of the building and its employees—from taking out the trash to plumbing and the parking lot—fall under his purview, and he and his team take care of the building with efficiency and a smile. While it wouldn’t surprise anyone who knows him that Myers serves and interacts with the people of Jefferson City, some might be surprised to discover one … [Read more...]