Thanksgiving can be a frustrating planning time of worship for the modern worship leader. Our choruses, while full of praise and adoration, don’t exactly have a “thanksgiving” quality; and any theologian will tell you that, while similar, there are differences between “praise” and “thanks.” However, I cannot just beat up on contemporary music; hymnody has its own set of thanksgiving issues. Our most well-known thanksgiving hymns are about the season of thanksgiving, but are not exactly … [Read more...]

EDITOR'S NOTE: James Morrow is vice president for the MBCH Foundation. The Bible makes it clear to us as followers of Christ it is our responsibility to give thanks to God in all the seasons of our lives. We know this is especially true right now. As believers things are changing rapidly before our eyes. Some of the logical and foundational views that we have all held are being challenged and overturned. This process can cause us real discouragement. What do we do as believers when we … [Read more...]

(NOTE: The Missouri Baptist Children’s Home encourages you and your churches to celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month in November.) Back when my husband and I were fostering and the case plans were heading to adoption, I recall thinking, “Things will be easier once the adoption(s) go through.” Boy, was I wrong. Many years removed from the adoptions of our three kids, I now realize that waiting for the Judge to strike the gavel and legalize our adoptions was the easy part. I’ve been … [Read more...]

EDITOR'S NOTE: Joanna Gonzalez-Mendez is a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Springfield, and a member of the Missouri Baptist Convention's Racial Reconciliation Task Force. Being an immigrant is an identity that I have learned to appreciate. It has taken time to grasp the complexity of my immigrant story, the impact that it has had in my life and in the way others see me. It has also shaped and informed my understanding of the gospel. In Scripture, one of the most prevalent themes is … [Read more...]

For years, the MBCH Children and Family Ministries (MBCH-CFM) and The LIGHT House have had access to Missouri state tax credits. These tax credits were approved and continue to be approved by the Missouri state legislature and governor because they are a way for state government to come along side private nonprofits to provide much needed services. Tax credits allow Missouri donors to qualifying nonprofits to give more with a greater tax benefit. Now MBCH-CFM and The LIGHT House have some … [Read more...]

EDITOR'S NOTE: Mike Hubbard, lead pastor of Genesis Church, Eureka, is a member of the Missouri Baptist Convention's Racial Reconciliation Task Force. “And He (Jesus) had to pass through Samaria.” – John 4:4 These word are shocking. At the time of the New Testament, the racial hatred between Jews and Samaritans was significant, so much so that no good Jew would have a conversation Samaritans, much less travel to their territory. Yet Jesus intentionally traveled to Sychar, bringing the … [Read more...]

Sexual abuse has immeasurable impact on the lives of children. According to the CDC, 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 13 boys in the United States experience sexual abuse. The numbers for boys are rising and it is believed that their numbers are now closer to those of girls. Sexual abuse isn’t an easy subject to write about; however, if children are suffering from the soul crushing impact of sexual abuse, this issue needs to be discussed and addressed. Children need to know that they are safe … [Read more...]