JEFFERSON CITY – Church planters who desire to cooperate with the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) must maintain a high standard of conduct, MBC Executive Board members insisted during a recent meeting. According to a recommendation approved by the board Dec. 10, church planters “must go through a separate, thorough MBC assessment process including credit and criminal background checks; must affirm the Baptist Faith & Message 2000; and must sign an MBC code of conduct that commits, … [Read more...]
MMO giving reaches 95 percent of goal
ROB PHILLIPS/MBC dir. of communications JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Baptists are outpacing last year’s generous giving to state missions. As of Nov. 20, funds received for the Rheubin L. South Missouri Missions Offering (MMO) totaled $664,010, or 95 percent of the goal of $700,000. A year ago at this time, MMO giving totaled $623,805 but eventually surpassed the goal of $675,000, marking the first time in more than a decade that gifts exceeded the target. “Overflow” is the theme … [Read more...]
First Baptist, Bismarck demonstrates God’s love through EPIC Outreach community project
Bismarck – The congregation of First Baptist Church here has been keeping busy. For the second year in a row, they participated in EPIC Outreach, a four-day community-wide ministry project. As part of Epic Outreach, there were multiple yard projects completed throughout Bismarck, including tree removal, raking leaves and clearing brush. Homes were given face-lifts, with windows washed, gutters cleaned, power-washing performed, steps and hand-rails built. Two families were provided with … [Read more...]
Joplin churches welcome in public schools
JOPLIN – Church and public schools don’t mix? Don’t tell that to Joplin Public Schools. Churches have been partnering with students and classes with dramatic results since 2010 in a school district that has had some ups and downs in recent years. The program is called Bright Futures and it simply connects the community to its schools. Local churches of all faiths are just one aspect of Bright Futures, which also brings together businesses, parents, and social services to benefit the … [Read more...]
Legislative Prayer Service set for Jan. 8
JEFFERSON CITY – As a young, pregnant mother, Gail McWilliams was faced with a decision that would impact her and her baby for the rest of their lives. A rare medical condition forced her to decide between keeping her baby or losing her eyesight. She chose life for her baby and has been blind ever since. McWilliams, a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas, will bring her inspiring story of love, courage and self-sacrifice to Missouri as the Missouri Baptist Convention’s … [Read more...]
MacArthur leads inaugural Spurgeon Lectures
Tim Sweetman/MBTS KANSAS CITY (BP) – More than 1,200 students, faculty and guests packed Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s chapel to be taught by an internationally-known pastor and teacher during the inaugural Charles H. Spurgeon Lectures on Biblical Preaching. John MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif., and president of Master’s Seminary and College, was the guest lecturer and discussed the topic of expository preaching Oct. 29-30. The Charles H. … [Read more...]
Pathway launches new web site
JEFFERS0N CITY – Award-winning news and features Missouri Baptists have grown accustomed to will remain the same, but the look and feel of The Pathway’s website – www.mbcpathway.com – has undergone a dramatic upgrade. “The Pathway has firmly established itself as a Southern Baptist, theologically conservative newspaper known for its colorful and challenging content,” said Editor Don Hinkle. “Our new website will continue to deliver the same content. There will just be more of it … [Read more...]
DR: MBC already on ground in Cebu City, Philippines
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Missouri Baptists are on the ground in typhoon-ravaged islands of the Philippines, and leaders are asking for prayer, future volunteers and funds. Dwain Carter, director of Disaster Relief (DR) for the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) and Mike Beasley, a disaster relief “white hat” from Trimble Baptist Church, left Nov. 13 for the Philippines joining two Southern Baptists from Texas at the request of the United Nations (UN), the Filipino government and Baptist … [Read more...]
Pastor serves as an assistant to Lt. Governor
PERRY – On Sundays, he is in the pulpit at First Baptist, Perry. During the rest of the week he handles phone calls for Missouri’s second highest elected official. Willis Jones is the interim pastor at First Baptist Church, Perry, and is also director of constituent services for Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau. Jones has been involved in political campaigns for 18 years, and in January was named to the government position. “When people call our office, I try to calm them … [Read more...]
Baptist tornado relief continues in Midwest
By Tobin Perry KOKOMO, Ind. – For many exhausted homeowners in Kokomo, Ind., working around the clock to clean up their homes, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) has been a welcome reprieve. SBDR volunteer Karol Jones, a member of Ladoga Baptist Church in Jamestown, Ind., says over and over this week she has talked to worn-out homeowners who can’t believe Southern Baptists would help them—even in the midst of freezing rain—with cleanup, yet not ask anything in return. One … [Read more...]
Because you give … there is family ministry
Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC Family Ministry Specialist Joe Ulveling has been logging ministry miles across Missouri for more than a decade. While his job description includes project management for major campaigns like the Cooperative Program and the Missouri Missions Offering, reflecting skills he gained from the corporate world, one does not venture long into conversation with Ulvelingbefore his passion surfaces – ministering to ministers and their families. Both Ulvelingand his … [Read more...]
SBU computer science students shine in competition
BOLIVAR – Southwest Baptist University (SBU) computer science students recently competed in a programming competition in Fayetteville, Ark. SBU’s A team finished in second place at the local site, claiming a top 20-spot in the entire mid-central U.S. region. Over 130 teams competed in the regional competition. SBU’s B and C teams finished 65th and 66th respectively. “We were happy with the results,” said Tim DeClue, CIS department chair and team coach. “It really came down to SBU and the … [Read more...]