EASTERN EUROPE – When Erasyl* started university in his hometown in the former Soviet Union, he knew very little about Jesus. Being from a Muslim home, he was most familiar with the Quran, but he also knew the Bible was a holy book. What he did not know was the gospel. An IMB missionary befriended him on campus and led him to the Lord. “Through studying Scripture and reading good books on apologetics and church history, God convinced me of the truth of the Bible, and I put my trust in … [Read more...]
MBTS’s Allen: ‘Five Reasons Why I Enjoy Reading Biographies’
KANSAS CITY – “The history of the world is but the biography of great men,” argued Thomas Carlyle, the proponent of what has come to be known as the “Great Man Theory of History.” This theory suggests that the broader movements and contours of history all go back to the leadership of great individuals who exerted unique influence on their times. Whether or not Carlyle’s theory proves true is debatable, but that certain individuals cast long shadows is not. More than a cultural observation … [Read more...]
Tax credits a great way to increase your support
We are headed into the final quarter of 2020, and quickly approaching the end of the year. Wow! Where has the year gone? It seems like just yesterday we were shaking off the cold of winter and looking forward to Easter. Maybe all of the things that have made this year so unusual have sped up time! This is an important season for Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (MBCH). More than half of our financial support is generously donated in the last quarter of the year. This support helps us … [Read more...]
The love of missionary Lottie Moon
As the days grow shorter, the grandchildren’s Christmas lists on Amazon are getting longer. This is also the time of year when many churches begin preparing for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. Lottie’s love for the people of China is akin to our love for the aging at The Baptist Home. On October 3, 1887, Lottie Moon penned these words from a hut in PingtuThe, China: “The needs of these people press upon my soul, and I cannot be silent.” Just as these … [Read more...]
Thank the minister in your life
For decades now there has been a concerted effort in October to express appreciation for the minister in your life. Perhaps 2020, with its Covid-19 cancel culture, face shields, and social distancing, frames the need for expressing appreciation for your pastor and other ministers more acutely than at any time in history. Plenty of studies are rolling out that speak to the pressures leaders are experiencing with the many facets of Covid-19 and their impact on life as we know it. As Sharon … [Read more...]
MBC to host New Pastors’ Dinner
ST. CHARLES – New pastors in Missouri and pastors new to Missouri, along with their wives, are invited to a New Pastors’ Dinner, which takes place during the Missouri Baptist Convention’s annual meeting. The dinner is set to take place at the St. Charles Convention Center here at 5 p.m., Oct. 26. Directors of Missions are also invited to the event. While this is not an event for children, the Disaster Relief Childcare team has graciously offered childcare and are providing dinner for the … [Read more...]
Give dads, pastors a break
According to a Learn Vest Survey, Americans spend 10% of their income on vacation. Let that sink in. At first, when I saw that number, I felt a little deprived, as I did not spend near that much money on vacation pre-COVID, and I am sure not planning on spending that much money post-COVID. But, on further thought, I reasoned that while most Americans can probably not afford to spend that much money, it may be a whole lot easier to do so if you are not tithing. (In the same survey 74% … [Read more...]
Missouri Baptist apologist develops strategy for reaching Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons
SPRINGFIELD – Jim Schurke has always been interested in people who hold different beliefs than his own. His interest started when a young Catholic friend complained to him in high school that he always had to eat fish on Fridays. He didn’t know why. Schurke knew why and was surprised that a practicing Catholic did not. Catholics used to be forbidden to eat meat on Fridays. Another time Schurke suggested to a friend that they get a cola at a nearby drugstore. She replied she couldn’t … [Read more...]
Models and methods: Replant Summit slated
GREENWOOD – It can feel like events are being scratched from schedules left and right, but those interested in church revitalization and replanting may want to add one to their calendars. The North American Mission Board will sponsor Replant Summit Aug. 24-25 at Fellowship Greenwood in the Kansas City area. Replant Summit is an event in partnership with Lenexa Baptist Church, which helped replant Fellowship Church where the event will be held. Both are affiliated with the Missouri Baptist … [Read more...]
Newton selected as administrator for Baptist Home’s Ozark campus
OZARK (TBH) – The Baptist Home corporate office announced, Feb. 19, that Sonya Newton has been selected to act as the new administrator for its Ozark campus. She assumed the position on Jan. 1, 2020, following the retirement of Vera Cline. Newton comes to The Baptist Home with 29 years of healthcare experience, including serving as long-term care administrator and hospice director for facilities in Springfield, Missouri, and surrounding areas. While serving as the Director of Operations … [Read more...]
Midwestern Seminary announces changes in organizational structure
KANSAS CITY – Noting the growing administrative needs in Academic Services and overall growth at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College, President Jason Allen announced changes in the school’s organizational structure that will provide “greater administrative effectiveness, overall balance, and continued organizational health.” In doing so, Allen named Thor Madsen as dean of doctoral studies and academic initiatives, Rodney Harrison to the position of dean, academic strategy and … [Read more...]
ERLC study task force created
NASHVILLE (BP) – The Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee voted Feb. 18 to create a study task force to "review the past and present activities" of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). The ERLC is tasked with helping churches understand the moral demands of the Gospel and public policy as well as promoting religious liberty on behalf of Southern Baptists. The Executive Committee action comes in response to "ongoing concerns" cited by EC members, state leaders … [Read more...]