From the earliest days of the New Testament, the advance of the gospel was accomplished through the planting of new churches. As Paul and his missionary teams traveled from city to city, they established local congregations where believers could worship, grow in their faith, and reach their communities with the good news of Jesus Christ. That mission has not changed.

 

Today, the need for healthy, gospel-centered churches is as great as ever.

In Missouri, the Missouri Baptist Convention is a family of more than 1,700 cooperating churches serving communities across the state. Yet many neighborhoods and growing communities remain underserved by evangelical churches, while cultural shifts continue to increase the number of people with little or no connection to a local congregation.

 

Across the Southern Baptist Convention, more than 46,000 churches cooperate together to fulfill the Great Commission. In 2024, Southern Baptists celebrated more than 250,000 baptisms, and the North American Mission Board helped plant 684 new churches across North America. These numbers remind us that God is still calling churches to go, plant, and make disciples.

 

Church planting remains one of the most effective ways to reach people who may never attend an existing church. New congregations often connect with growing communities, young families, and individuals searching for hope and purpose. Healthy church plants do not compete with established churches—they complement them, expanding the reach of the gospel and strengthening the witness of Christ throughout our communities.

Research also reminds us that many people remain disconnected from any local church. Every new church planted is another opportunity for people to hear the gospel, experience biblical community, and become devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

 

We are thrilled to introduce the newest church plant in the Tri-County Southern Baptist Association!

This new congregation is the result of faithful prayer, cooperative partnership, and a shared commitment to seeing lives transformed through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their official launch is Sunday, August 2, and we rejoice in what God is already doing to prepare the way.

 

As an association of churches, we believe church planting is a shared mission. When one church is planted, every cooperating church has the opportunity to celebrate, encourage, and participate in what God is doing. This new church is not beginning its journey alone—it is being sent with the prayers and support of an entire family of churches committed to advancing the Kingdom of God together.

 

One of the greatest gifts we can give this new church is our faithful and consistent prayer. We encourage every church, Sunday School class, ministry team, and individual believer across our association to lift this new congregation before the Lord.

 

 

That God will bless the August 2 launch with meaningful connections and open hearts.
That many people who do not know Christ will hear the gospel and respond in faith.
That the pastor and leadership team will lead with wisdom, humility, and boldness.
That volunteers will serve with joy and endurance.
That the church will become a beacon of hope and truth in its community.
That strong disciples will be developed who, in turn, make new disciples.
That God will protect the unity, health, and spiritual vitality of the congregation as it grows.

 

The ministry of church planting is not the work of one pastor or one congregation—it is the joyful responsibility of all of us who are committed to the Great Commission. As we pray faithfully, encourage generously, and celebrate together, we become partners in the work God is accomplishing through this new church.

 

Please join us in praying for MISSION CHURCH throughout the weeks leading up to Sunday, August 2, and continue praying in the months that follow. May God use this new congregation to reach countless lives with the hope of the gospel and bring glory to His name.