If a scan of the evening news is any indication, we remain a world divided. Divided by nations; divided by faith; divided by politics; divided by race. Sadly, the SBC has previously found itself on the wrong side of the last; prompting many people of color to seek Christian community elsewhere. Over the years, dear brothers have approached me asking, “Why are you still here? Why do you stay?” Rather than express why racial reconciliation – a worthy pursuit – should matter to you, I hope … [Read more...]
Treatment family mentors relative to build competence, provide permanency
At MBCH Children and Family Ministries we work very hard to reunite each child in state custody with his or her biological family. We do this because families are the best place for children to grow and flourish. If the biological family cannot stabilize, we look for other family or kin who want to be family for the child in our care. Many of the children served at MBCH come to us with emotional, behavioral, and physical challenges that prevent them from succeeding in a more traditional … [Read more...]
MBCH hosts conferences for teen girls, women
The past couple of years have been both hard and trying. We have struggled with so many things and not the least of these being what is truth. As I’ve listened to women and teens share their confusion and struggles, Psalm 25:5 began to repeatedly come to mind. “Guide me in your TRUTH and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” This is our theme verse for 2022 for Women’s Ministry in Missouri. Based on that scripture, we are offering a great new 1, 2, 3 … [Read more...]
‘Is cannabis in the Bible?’: MBTS’s Branch debunks interpretive myth
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article first appeared online at www.ftc.co. J. Alan Branch serves as professor of Christian Ethics at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. KANSAS CITY – “The Bible includes cannabis as part of the worship of Yahweh!” Marijuana advocates often repeat this claim in an effort to gain leverage for the moral permissibility of smoking pot. The claim is so strange and peculiar, pastors, church leaders, and parents can be caught off guard and find themselves ill-prepared … [Read more...]
When can churches safely return to the mission field?
EDITOR’S NOTE: Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Multiplying Churches Director Rick Hedger oversees MBC partnership missions efforts. Below, he answers the question, When can Missouri Baptists safely return to the mission field? JEFFERSON CITY – I receive frequent inquiries regarding the activity status of our Missouri Baptist Convention international partnerships in regard to COVID-19. As we all know, even from our own ever changing CDC reports, this has been a difficult situation … [Read more...]
All human life is sacred
In June, my daughter gave birth to twin boys. Less than two months later, my mother-in-law left this earth to begin her heavenly reward just a week before her 91st birthday. Two new lives began their amazing adventure in this world. One completed a lifetime of service and ministry as an international missionary and pastor’s wife who touched thousands with the love of Jesus Christ. All three lives have been ordained by God and are sacred in His eyes. I pray that my new grandsons (and my … [Read more...]
Continuing in faithfulness to racial reconciliation
EDITOR'S NOTE: Jon Nelson, pastor of SOMA Community Church, Jefferson City, is president of the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC). He also serves as chairman for the MBC Executive Board's Racial Reconciliation Task Force. If you know anything about me and my journey with Christ, you know that my passion is for the local church. I have said many times that “the local church is the hope of the world; there is no plan B.” In 2022 there may not be any subject more difficult to talk about … [Read more...]
Creating Christmas memories for hurting children
Christmas is right around the corner. For many, just as Andy Williams used to sing, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Anticipation is building for many children as they contemplate what good things might be in the presents they will unwrap on Christmas day. I know this to be true, as I had the same sense of anticipation and excitement when I was a child growing up. Although my family was as “poor as church mice,” my parents worked hard to ensure that my brothers and I had a good … [Read more...]
Why the pink candle?
By now, many homes and churches are sporting an advent wreath, a greened-wreath typically containing five candles. In a majority of advent sets there are three purple candles, a white candle in the middle, and . . . a pink candle. It is not a mismatch; it has purpose. Before I discuss that purpose, let’s review the season of Advent. Advent means “coming.” The celebration of advent started around the fourth century A.D. in northern Europe in the Gaul area (it didn’t seem to be celebrated in … [Read more...]
Hope always
“As for me, I will always have hope.” (Psalm 71:14a) Hope. Merely reading the word can stir our emotions, inspire positive thoughts and lift our spirit. Hope is what keeps us going, causes us to press forward even in the face of hardship or despair, and prevents us from giving up on ourselves or others regardless of past disappointments or current circumstances. Hope is life-giving and life-sustaining. Human flourishing requires hope. When coupled with the word “eternal,” the two-word … [Read more...]
Grateful for a good night of sleep
Thanksgiving can help you sleep better. We’re not talking about the holiday, although you might think so because many take a nap on Thanksgiving afternoon. Yes, their stomachs are full from a huge feast or because they just downloaded a huge dose of L-tryptophan in the turkey. But, there may be another reason. They paused in their busy lives to stop and reflect on all the good things in their lives and were even peripherally grateful to God for their blessings. No, not only is giving … [Read more...]
Appreciate the gift of pastors
“And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12 (HCSB) The Apostles served as first person witnesses for Christ and were used as leaders and writers of the New Testament. The prophets’ writings still point us toward Jesus. The teachers help us apply biblical truth in the present day. But what about pastors? Pastors oversee the … [Read more...]
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