HANNIBAL – After growth that led to two building additions, attendance tapered off here at Calvary Baptist Church. “I’ve been Southern Baptist all my life,” said Jeff Anderson, Calvary pastor. “I think we too quickly measure success by buildings, budgets and baptisms. When you measure by the number of people dunked, you have the reality of false conversions.” Attendance hovered at the 400 mark in 2004 and 2005, and fell to under 300 by 2010. Attendance now is 325-350. As attendance … [Read more...]
Layman finds satisfaction in vibrant library ministry
ST. PETERS – For many people, a career that spans decades starts to look like the one they will retire in … or certainly not move far from in another role. For James Stull, more than 20 years of teaching experience was simply a prelude to a marketing position for a Christian library. Last fall Stull—a member at First Baptist Church, Fenton—did not return to the private school where he had taught for 20 years. Instead, he began a role as the development director for The Family Vision … [Read more...]
‘Black sheep’ pastors care for those in need
SEDALIA — Sheep are white. Shepherds know this. But some sheep are black. Shepherds at Olive Branch Baptist Church know this. Pastor Jason McClain and Associate Pastor Donnie Hayworth enjoy being called to a different type of flock in a different kind of place—a setting that is known for its rock n’ roll, bikers, tattoos, bandanas, blue jeans, and black sheep. “We wanted to reach a community of people where they’re at—where they live every day,” McClain said. “The community I’m talking … [Read more...]
Missouri layman lead counsel in religious liberty / Obamacare win
JEFFERSON CITY – A Missouri-based plumbing products manufacturer, whose lead legal counsel is a Missouri Baptist layman, has won the opening legal battle over whether the company must comply with the ObamaCare mandate and provide abortion-inducing drugs in its health care coverage to its employees, even though it violates the conscience of the company’s owners. Kansas City-based Sioux Chief Manufacturing Co., does not have to immediately comply with the ObamaCare mandate until the 8th U.S. … [Read more...]
Pastor, lawmaker recalls impact of Air Force days
MURPHY – Born in Columbus, Miss., to a father serving in the Air Force, state Rep. John McCaherty, R-Murphy, spent many of his formative years in proximity to some form of military influence. After completing his enlistment in the early 1970s, his father moved the family to Bossier City, La., near Barksdale Air Force Base. Graduating from Airline High School in 1983, McCaherty began attending Centenary College, but left after completing only one semester. “Like many kids that age,” he … [Read more...]
Pro-life pastor, lawmaker stands strong
JEFFERSON CITY – Rep. John McCaherty, R-Murphy and pastor of First Baptist Church, Murphy, and 41 other members of the Missouri House of Representatives believe that a mother should not be coerced into having an abortion simply because she wants a child of the opposite sex. They have joined together to sponsor House Bill 386 (HB 386) which would also protect unborn babies who have been diagnosed with possible physical or mental disabilities. “We are trying to stop the sales process,” … [Read more...]
First Branson pastor offers 2-minute resource
BRANSON - Neil Franks, pastor, First Baptist Church, Branson, is into “The 2.” That is his rank among Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) officers right now as he serves as first vice president. That is also his smartphone identity. Thanks to an innovative app creation, Franks is The 2-Minute Pastor. “We’re not trying to become important or big,” Franks said. “We just think there’s a niche out there. There’s a gap in the market of good, biblical content in short bursts.” As of March 1 … [Read more...]
Freshwater Church, Springfield, celebrates growth
SPRINGFIELD – Multiplication is the goal for Freshwater Church, Bolivar, and the answer is church planting. In the three years since Second Baptist Church of Springfield planted the Bolivar church, they have planted nine churches with two more in progress. “God is blessing Freshwater,” JT Patton, planting pastor of Freshwater Springfield, said. “The Bolivar church looks different than a traditional church. It is a contemporary, gospel-driven church with a mission mind frame.” Within six … [Read more...]
Church reaches youth through sports programs
SPRINGFIELD – Jeffrey Chavez admits his church plant, The Catalyst in Springfield, is not a traditional church. “Many churches start with congregations and develop ministries. We started with church ministries. It was sort of an upside-down funnel approach,” he said. “Ninety percent of our people are unchurched.” In September 2011, the church plant met in Chavez’ home, then moved to an athletic studio. It offers wrestling, track, mixed martial arts, karate, and jujitsu for youth, … [Read more...]
‘Having’ Sunday School or ‘using’ Sunday School
Almost every church I pass as I drive around the great state of Missouri has a sign out front that shows their schedule for worship and Sunday School. Some call it “Bible Study.” Some call it “Life Groups.” But really it is “Sunday School.” I often wonder if all these churches are having Bible study each week, why aren’t we seeing more of an impact on our communities? Why are most Sunday Schools in decline rather than growing? Why are we not seeing the lives of those attending being … [Read more...]
Tree of Life aims to give back love
KANSAS CITY – A Tree of Life grows in Kansas City. The four-year-old church plant is branching out to reach its urban neighborhood for Christ. Pastor Jerry Akins said the church focuses on serving the Lord by serving people – many of whom are scarred by life. “It’s hard for them to trust God,” he said. “If they’ve never had a man they could trust, how can they trust God? Then when they do trust God and something bad happens, they regress.” At Christmas, Tree of Life partnered with Toys … [Read more...]
Motorcyclist loved people, Jesus
GREENFIELD — Sunlight broke through the clouds, reflecting off the chrome of motorcycles arrayed outside Main Street Baptist Church that October day. Harley-Davidsons, Hondas, Kawasaki sport bikes and Yamaha cruisers were primed, their owners ready to show their love and deep loss for a woman who impacted their lives like no other. On Oct. 14, Belinda Esper, 40, died when the Honda motorcycle she was driving was hit head-on on U.S. Hwy 160, about half a mile west of Everton. Family and … [Read more...]