A Word From the Executive Director
Nearly 190 years ago Missouri Baptists sensed the urgency of the gospel and the value of working together to carry out the Great Commission. As a result, they formed the “Central Association,” a forerunner of the Missouri Baptist Convention, to promote the preaching of the gospel within the state’s boundaries.
It was a simple, compelling mission that still matters today, especially when it bumps up against the well-intentioned busyness of “doing ministry.” Your MBC missionary staff has wrestled with the rediscovery of our historic roots and pioneer mission. As a result, we have restated our vision and mission.
The vision of the MBC staff is both simple and compelling: Transforming lives and communities with the gospel. The mission of the MBC staff explains how your state missionaries strive toward this preferred future: Cooperating with Missouri Baptists to make disciples, multiply churches, and develop leaders.
That’s the reason the MBC was founded in 1835. And it’s the reason Missouri Baptists labor together for this moment in Kingdom history – for our communities, the heartland, and the ends of the earth.


Dr. John Yeats
Executive Director
Our Vision
Transforming lives and communities with the gospel.
This vision statement describes why the MBC exists as an organization and what the missionary staff desires for the Lord to accomplish through them. They are committed to working strategically with Missouri Baptists to be the hands and feet of Jesus on earth until He returns as King.
Our Mission
The MBC’s mission is simple and grounded in the convention’s history:
All MBC staff members are missionaries, cooperating with Missouri Baptists to make disciples, multiply churches, and develop leaders.
The mission statement describes who the state missionaries are, what they do, how they do it, and the value they bring to Missouri Baptists.
The opening words of the mission statement define who the MBC staff members are: Missionaries – called by God to devote their spiritual gifts and talents vocationally to the gospel ministry in Missouri.
Their mission is to cooperate with Missouri Baptists, using the financial, ministry, and human resources entrusted to the MBC staff to foster a cooperative spirit among the people. They are firmly convinced that Missouri Baptists can accomplish more together than any single believer or local church could accomplish alone.
An Executive Board, elected by Missouri Baptists, governs the MBC staff and has endorsed the strategic direction of the convention team. While the vision and mission apply solely to your state missionaries, they believe the vision and mission reflect the heart of all Missouri Baptists.
Our Mission Strategy
L - Leading People to Christ
I - Identifying with Christ
F - Firmly established in Christ
E - Equipped in the commission of Christ
One Team
The MBC missionary staff is one team with six strategic emphases to carry out its vision and mission. A strategic leader, or director, is responsible for each strategic emphasis.