JEFFERSON CITY – The Rheubin L. South Missouri Missions Offering supports 18 ministries in Missouri. This year’s theme is taken from 1 Chronicles 29:9 – “Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord.” Following are two short stories about how the gifts of Missouri Baptists support missions projects throughout the Show Me State. When Inmates Become Missionaries Soon, inmates in the Jefferson City Correctional … [Read more...]
Pastor closes in on six decades of ministry
HOUSTON – Rev. Edward Hamilton understands longevity in ministry. In August he will have been at it for 60 years. A quarter of that time has been as the “interim” pastor of Central Baptist Church. “I had retired from Ozark Baptist (in Houston) after about 15 years. Central Baptist called me to be interim after their pastor died. I’ve been interim since 2005.” Hamilton,78, now lives in St. James, some 60 miles away, but still preaches and ministers at Central Baptist in Houston. Through … [Read more...]
Storm rips down frame of new building at First Baptist, Lathrop
LATHROP – The First Baptist Church here faced a setback in completing their new building when a storm toppled the newly constructed frame of the building, July 1. But, according to Pastor Ron Malott, the church still stands strong. Malott said a nighttime storm likely sent powerful bursts of wind that leveled much of the timber framework, even as construction teams from churches in various states were in the area to work on the building. This was the second time this summer that a burst of … [Read more...]
JESSE JAMES: ‘Baptists did not weep at his funeral’
KEARNEY – Ken Parker, pastor of First Baptist Church, here, told The Pathway that many members of the church in 2020 would rather forget their congregation ever had any connection to Jesse James, even if it was 150 years ago. Though his name has attained a sort of mythical folk hero status in popular culture, there’s no doubt he was still a notorious outlaw. See related story: Jesse James was – at one time – a Missouri Baptist, but his relationship with his church was… complicated The … [Read more...]
Jesse James was – at one time – a Missouri Baptist, but his relationship with his church was… complicated
KEARNEY – Poring over microfiche of Kearney’s First Baptist Church business meeting minutes, one finds the November, 1867 membership list. At the top of the page, in the left-hand column in tight, careful script, lies probably the most famous – or, more rightly, infamous – name in Missouri Baptist history: Jesse James. As one might imagine, the role that an outlaw plays in First Baptist Church’s past is met with mixed emotions. “Some don’t want to admit he was ever a part of the church,” … [Read more...]
Church honors Lesterville’s first responders
LESTERVILLE – The sirens were silent as the emergency personnel arrived at Fellowship Baptist Church of Lesterville on June 27. The group of first responders was invited to enjoy a meal of appreciation. “This dinner was originally planned for March; we wanted to reach out to them,” Daniel Sparks, pastor, said. “Then, when COVID hit, we had to postpone the dinner. Now, first responders are given a black eye and we need to lift them up and care about them and to appreciate what they … [Read more...]
‘We will rise from the ashes’- Leeton church building destroyed by fire, arson suspected
LEETON – The Harmony Baptist Church in rural Johnson County was destroyed by a fire on the evening of Sunday, July 5. The fire is of suspicious origin and fire officials from the offices of the Missouri State Fire Marshall and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the cause and have reason to believe it is the work of an arsonist. They have not identified any suspect at present. Pastor John Phillips said a car was seen leaving the church … [Read more...]
COVID-19 hits four Noel churches, four pastors
NOEL – Even as many Missouri Baptist churches take precautions – some of them extraordinary – to safeguard from the COVID-19 pandemic, interaction with the community and workplace transmission has infected some worshippers. Joshua Manning, pastor of Community Baptist Church in Noel, said his congregation and the community took steps to “flatten the curve,” but transmission of the coronavirus from day-to-day contact at members’ workplaces has touched a large percentage of the … [Read more...]
Foley Baptist Church food pantry continues work despite challenges
FOLEY – There were real reasons for a church to halt a food bank – the COVID-19 situation, the absence of a regular pastor, and last year’s flooding. Despite these challenges, Foley Baptist continued what they had already been doing. In the past, people needing food came to the church the last Saturday of the month, except for November and December holidays. People came in the church, where name, address, and number in the household were taken. There was also a list of the food available … [Read more...]
Risen Ranch’s rodeo camp rides on
CARTHAGE – Little hands stretched high in the air and uninhibited voices sang out like a heavenly choir. Steve Stafford, senior pastor at Risen Ranch Cowboy Church here, couldn’t stop the flow of tears if he tried. “I am so glad we had camp and we experienced the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit so thick around us,” he said. “There were about 80 kids and 30 or 40 adults praising God together with their whole hearts. If being part of something like that doesn’t move you or change your … [Read more...]
After finding new life, Missouri church will host NAMB Replant Summit
GREENWOOD (BP) – Ten years ago, after several years of decline, the future for a 175-year-old Southern Baptist church in Greenwood, seemed bleak. But a sister church in the area embraced the dwindling congregation and helped them recover their place in the community. In August, the reborn and growing church will host the North American Mission Board's Replant Summit to help others learn how to do the same. "The First Baptist Church of Greenwood has an incredible testimony," said Mark … [Read more...]
‘Gospel issue’ – MBC president hosts conversation on race
SPRINGFIELD – Across Missouri and across the nation, a conversation on race, racism, relationship and reconciliation is taking place. Ridgecrest Baptist Church, here, hosted its own conversation June 17 featuring four Missouri Baptist pastors – two black, and two white. Mike Byrd and Jon Nelson joined Ken Parker and Jeremy Muniz for the 90-minute event. Byrd is pastor of Faith Community Bible Church, St. Louis. Nelson pastors Soma Community Church, Jefferson City, and serves as the first … [Read more...]
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