"The mindset of collaboration with local churches to assist them with effective gospel ministry is our way of thinking."

As with all organizations, the Missouri Baptist Convention needs to ask the question, “Why?” Why are we an important part of what the Lord is doing among a network of Bible-believing, evangelistic, mission-minded churches located in the center of the Heartland?

What is the value of a human life? We could use terms like priceless, immeasurable. Look into the eyes of a newborn. Do you see the vast potential of a precious life measured not by U.S. currency but in the Creator’s currency of love, hope, joy, grace, purposefulness, and future generations?

By now, you know the story of how Lottie Moon humbly, faithfully served, fell sick, and after much persuasion was sent home for treatment. On her journey home, she passed. Her life blazed the trail of sacrificial service for future missionaries, who are called of God to share the gospel of the Lord Jesus to the unreached peoples of the world. 

As we conclude another year by celebrating the birth of Jesus, America’s future seemingly hangs in the balance. Whether we become one thing or another may well depend on how we react in the days ahead. Our decisions are sure to impact generations to come.

During the probation time, every SBU degree program is fully accredited. SBU’s faculty members are leading scholars in their fields of study, and they are champions of integrating faith and learning. Every year, SBU programs win accolades for excellence.

While they are autonomous organizations, the Southern Baptist Convention and the state conventions are linked together by the common thread of the Cooperative Program, which has created the most formidable, multi-generational, multi-ethnic missional force in Christian history.

Above all else—love one another. Loving is a choice we make. It means we give one another, including those we disagree with, the benefit of the doubt. It means we work at trying to care for those who are wounded among us. It means we care for those who have been mistreated or those who mistreat us. Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-44, “You have heard it said, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies [those you disagree with] and pray for those who persecute you...” (CSB).

Whatever your church does to express appreciation to your pastor, remember to give “double-honor” (1 Tim. 5:17) to spiritual leaders who handle their duties as servants of the Lord.

Of late, I have been stricken once again by how valuable words are. My wife Sharon thinks that hearing from my lips the words, “I love you,” are very important to say at the start of the day.