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Articles by Wes Fowler
The Sacredness of Life
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This well-known verse, Genesis 1:27, provides a firm foundation for the sanctity and dignity of human life. God created man. These opening words carry substantial meaning. God is the author of life, He defines life, and He sustains life. In fact, you are reading this very sentence because the God of all creation created you, and He is currently sustaining your life.
October 13, 2026 • Pathway
The Missouri Baptist Foundation (MBF) Board of Trustees met on August 14th, 2026, in the Missouri Baptist Building. The board celebrated significant ministry growth and impact, highlighting the rapid expansion of its church loan program, the success of its capital stewardship initiatives, and positive portfolio results.
Reconsidering the Cooperative Program
Maybe it’s time to reconsider the Cooperative Program. The Cooperative Program is the funding tool that fuels ministry across Missouri, North America, and around the world. To make it all work, more than 1,700 affiliated MBC churches invest a percentage of their undesignated receipts through the Cooperative Program.
A legacy of faithfulness
Recently, I was honored to attend and preach at the 200-year anniversary celebration for Providence Baptist Church in New Bloomfield, Mo. It was a special occasion for multiple reasons, but I was particularly impacted by two observations. I’d like to reflect for a few moments and share about my experience. During the service, Director of Missions Preston Thompson provided a thoughtful historical overview of the ministry and associational involvement of Providence Baptist.
August 13, 2026 • Pathway
Recently, I was honored to attend and preach at the 200-year anniversary celebration for Providence Baptist Church in New Bloomfield, Mo. It was a special occasion for multiple reasons, but I was particularly impacted by two observations. I’d like to reflect for a few moments and share about my experience.
One Great Day! • Pathway
Each October, we gather at the annual meeting of the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) to enjoy fellowship, hear reports, listen to sermons, worship, and conduct business. This year, we’ll be together in St. Charles (Oct. 26-27), and based on who will be preaching and leading in worship, I can assure you it will be a wonderful couple of days!Does that pique your interest?
A decision of great consequence
On Wednesday, June 10, messengers to the 2026 Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) meeting in Orlando, Fla., made a decision of great consequence. This decision involves and impacts every church affiliated with the Missouri Baptist Convention, so it’s more than worthy of our attention. I’m quite certain the decision was not made lightly. In fact, it’s the culmination of years of consideration, discussion, debate, and resolve.
‘To die is gain’
If we’re honest, it’s been a difficult month for Missouri Baptists. The tragic and untimely death of Missouri Baptist Children’s Home President Juston Gates was felt statewide.As Chairman of the MBC Executive Committee, Wesley Vance, so eloquently stated at the memorial service, Juston was a force. A force of compassion and care, a force of grace and goodness, a force of gospel proclamation, and a force of passion and perseverance.
Reasons to Celebrate!
In ministry, it always seems easier to critique rather than celebrate. The sermon might be critiqued, or maybe the song selections for a worship service. Someone may critique the food at a fellowship or the temperature in the sanctuary. I was once told the music was way too loud, only to hear from someone a few rows down that it sounded perfect.
Better Together, Stronger Together
At our annual meeting in Branson this past October, Messenger Cody Harlow, who serves as the pastor of First Baptist Church, Camdenton, made the following motion: “The messengers of the Missouri Baptist Convention request that the Executive Board and Executive Director Treasurer prepare and present in the MBC Pathway and the MBC website, by the end of the calendar year, a statement or report on “Plan B” giving to the Cooperative Program by MBC churches, reaffirming that churches givingthrough...
Let's Worship! • Pathway
As Missouri Baptists gather each week, at least two things happen all across our beautiful state: we worship in song and we worship through the proclamation of the Word. We certainly add other meaningful and scriptural elements to our services, but singing and preaching are foundational. With this in mind, several months ago Brad Newbold and I discussed the possibility of offering a conference specifically focused on musical worship. Why do we sing each Sunday?
Let’s baptize 8,000 across Missouri!
At our annual meeting in Branson, I encouraged Missouri Baptists to baptize 8,000 in 2026. Each year, there are many worthy goals we can, and should, strive towards. We can set goals for new church plants, worship attendance, Sunday School, Cooperative Program giving, Missouri Missions Offering, Annie, and Lottie – these are all good, healthy, and impactful aspects of faithful ministry. The most critical metric, though, is baptisms.
Underestimating Ordinary
Luke 2:8-14 reminds us of a well-known and incredibly interesting story used throughout the Christmas season. Take a moment and re-read the verses below: “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Why we gather • Pathway
Each year, our affiliated Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) churches gather for an annual meeting, and this year we had well over 1,700 registered messengers and guests! It literally takes hundreds of hours of preparation, costs thousands of dollars, and for many, it requires hours of driving to attend and participate. Once we all arrive, we spend countless hours in a room listening to reports, conducting business, raising ballots, listening to preaching, and enjoying worship.
October is pastor appreciation month
Although most churches have a general appreciation for their pastor, October provides a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude in a more tangible way. Why is this important?Well, thank you for asking! Let me provide a few foundational reasons for expressing gratitude and appreciation for your pastor. 1. Your pastor has been called by God to lead, love, and shepherd. 2. Your pastor spends hours in study and preparation to preach – for your benefit, and for your sanctification. 3.
Recovering sanctity
Lately, my heart has been heavy. On Aug. 22, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was viciously stabbed to death on a rail system in Charlotte, N.C. The attack was random, unprovoked, and absolutely senseless. Ironically, Iryna left war-torn Ukraine in 2022 because she wanted to live in peace, but instead she was tragically murdered while simply traveling home after work.
Not worth the gamble
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, 52 percent of Missourians voted to reject Amendment 5. Interestingly, many may not even remember Amendment 5, most likely due to the attention Amendment 3 received (and rightly so!). Simply put, Amendment 5 would have amended the Missouri Constitution to allow for a casino at Lake of the Ozarks. Thankfully, we voted to reject the amendment! So, I suppose the issue is settled? I suppose we can move forward knowing that a new casino won’t be built? Well, not exactly.
Trusting the One who calls us
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine held a press briefing to explain how the United States bombed three nuclear sites in Iran. The general’s description of the planning and execution of Operation Midnight Hammer was fascinating. He detailed how the sites were selected, the training involved to prepare for such a mission, and the anticipated impact of the massive 30,000lb GBU-57 bombs.
The blessing of staying
Oftentimes, I have the blessing of spending time with young men relatively new to pastoral ministry. I love their energy, excitement, and passion. I’m encouraged by their willingness to sacrifice deeply for the sake of the gospel. And I’m thankful for their desire to serve, love and devote their lives to the local church. I leave these interactions hopeful for the future of the church. I believe these young men will steward their ministries incredibly well.
It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it!
Recently, I had the honor of sharing with several pastors and their wives at the “Baptist Building” in Jefferson City. They were attending the New Ministers and Wives Retreat (which was wonderful!), and at the time, we were providing a tour of the building. The goal of the tour is to learn about the ministries that use the building to help MBC churches serve Missouri. As a group made its way to my office, I shared about the value and importance of cooperation.
The simplicity of evangelism
Recently, I took Tara on a “date” to a hardware store. Doesn’t that sound romantic? Although it may not be how most define a date, we enjoy walking around Lowe’s or Menards and simply browsing the aisles, even when we don’t really need anything.
What’s the Mission?
When I served as a pastor, there was always an intense focus on numbers. It seems like we tracked almost everything! We tracked attendance at our worship services, Sunday school, children’s ministry, youth ministry, mission trips, camp registration, and we certainly tracked our tithes and offerings.
What exactly is the Cooperative Program?
I’m well aware that most pastors in the Missouri Baptist Convention can provide a textbook explanation of the Cooperative Program (CP), and I’m certainly encouraged by everyone’s technical knowledge. But, despite our general knowledge of the Cooperative Program, from time to time I hear explanations that are at best inaccurate, and at worst, concerning and/or harmful.
Thank you! • Pathway
On a daily basis, I strive to say “thank you” to someone serving faithfully. Maybe it’s one of our administrative assistants, dedicated to serving with excellence despite very little recognition. Maybe it’s Brooks or Kelly at the Baptist Building, taking care of a thousand matters few will ever notice (unless it doesn’t get done!).
Trusting God’s plan
Recently, my friends and family in Mayfield, Ky., commemorated the third anniversary of the tornado that devastated our little town. As I looked back through my notes, I found the message I shared on Christmas Eve, just two weeks after everything was destroyed.
Reflecting on the Past, Preparing for our Future
About this time last year, I was planning to attend my first Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) annual meeting. Needless to say, I was a bit nervous. For two days, I basically went from one meeting to another, met hundreds of Missouri Baptists, and shook more hands than I can count! It was an amazing experience, and I felt both honored and welcomed. Reflecting on the occasion, I have nothing but gratitude for the warm reception my family and I received from Missouri Baptists.
Abortion costs lives and our culture. Missouri voters should reject Amendment 3
What is the cost of an abortion? Some will read that question and respond, coldly and callously, with a simple dollar amount. To an extent, it's an understandable response and one that illustrates our larger point. For the cost of an abortion cannot be reduced to a mere financial figure. Nor does reducing it to one victim appropriately capture the extent of the real harm that is done by the procedure. No, the actual cost is far wider and deeper than any of us can fully comprehend.
Gratitude for Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief
In the aftermath of a natural disaster people experience many emotions. Initially, there’s a sense of disbelief – an almost unwillingness to admit something terrible happened. Then, for many, there’s also a sense of shock – the realization that everything has changed in a moment. Following these initial emotions, there’s grief – a deep feeling of hurt and loss.
Vote ‘No’ on Amendment 3
It’s well known by now that Missourians will vote on Amendment 3 in November. It’s also well-known that the amendment would change our state’s constitution to allow abortion.
May we never become numb
In the last edition of The Pathway, I shared a story about trying to enjoy a “date night” with my beautiful wife, Tara, shortly after an EF4 tornado devastated Mayfield, Ky. (Read it here). As you might recall, the restaurant we chose that evening was about a 25-minute drive from our home, and I explained how disturbed I was for everyone around us to act so normal. Internally, I questioned how they could be unaware of the devastation just a few miles away, or I wondered if they simply didn’t care.
How can we act so normal?
Shortly after a violent EF4 tornado hit my hometown of Mayfield, Ky., in December of 2021, my wife convinced me to take an evening off and enjoy a “date night.” I realize it sounds awkward to say she had to convince me, but we were living in a rather unique context. Due to the tornado, our staff had been serving the community virtually non-stop for weeks. We helped families with food, water, clothes, shelter, transportation, home repair, and many other necessities.
Pray, give, go, send
My wife, Tara, describes her recent trip to Zambia My beautiful wife, Tara, was recently blessed with an opportunity to serve alongside a few of our International Mission Board missionaries in Zambia. Simply put, the experience was incredible! For this edition of The Pathway, Tara would like to briefly share about her journey. I pray you enjoy her reflections, consider her requests, and always remember our mission to reach the nations.
A Time to Weep
Jesus loved Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the location where Abraham prepared to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. It’s the city of David, the location of Solomon’s Temple, as well as Herod’s Temple, the city spoken of so often by the prophets, where Jesus was brought as a child, where He preached, where He healed, and where He fulfilled the Messianic prophecy of Zechariah by entering the city on a donkey. Jerusalem is where he died, where he rose, and where He ascended.
Tell someone about Jesus today
Since moving to Missouri and being called to this new role (which is such an honor!), I’ve been asked many times what initiatives I plan to emphasize. I think it’s a great question! First, one of my primary goals has been, and remains, to spend time with pastors and ministry leaders across the state to understand the “heart” of Missouri Baptists. A second goal has been to learn about and evaluate the current ministries of the MBC.
Why should the issue of abortion matter to Missouri Baptists?
There’s a great deal of conversation about abortion. As you are likely aware, in June of 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade, ending the federally recognized “right” to abortion. Now, each state determines to what extent, if any, to allow abortion. In Missouri, if the 380,000-plus signatures for the recent initiative petition are verified, we will vote on whether or not to add abortion “rights” to our state constitution. Does this really matter?
Is it worth it?
Is cooperation worth it? Is it worth the sacrifice, the effort, and at times the frustration? Well, thank you for asking! To answer this important question, let me share a brief personal story. After we experienced the destructive tornado in Mayfield, Ky., in 2021, I thought about a few things in life I wanted to accomplish. I suppose it was kind of a “bucket list.” There was one thing I had dreamed about for decades, one thing I always thought would be neat – I wanted to become a pilot.
The church of today
I would graciously disagree with anyone arguing that college students are the future of the church. Instead, I would suggest that college students are the present church, fully capable of leading and serving well!I would further suggest that many college students desire to lead and/or serve, and in the right context will do so with great passion.
Watering dirt
When we moved to Jefferson City, the housing market was rather difficult. Very few homes were available in the price range and size we desired, so we made an offer on a house in the process of being built. The size and layout seemed sufficient for our family, but since the exterior bricks had not been laid yet, we didn’t even know what the finished house would look like.
I've named Rob Phillips MBC Associate Executive Director
In 20-plus years of ministry, I’ve certainly learned the importance, as well as the blessing, of serving alongside a talented staff. I’ve heard it said that a difficult situation can immediately be improved by the right person, and a great situation can immediately be damaged by the wrong person. If you’ve been in leadership any length of time, you know from experience this is true. Surrounding yourself with the right people is essential.
Send Missouri
Recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to fellowship alongside Send Missouri in St. Louis. For those unaware, Send Missouri is in close partnership with the MBC to help churches plant churches in Missouri, and it’s funded by your generous Cooperative Program support. Jason Zellmer leads Send Missouri, and in the short amount of time we’ve spent together, I’ve already been blessed by his enthusiasm for serving the local church.
Let’s support Annie
Each year as we approach Easter, we have the unique opportunity to support the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. As you likely know, this offering helps support 2,900-plus North American Mission Board (NAMB) missionaries serving across the United States and Canada. Every dollar given is used towards evangelism, church planting, and providing relief to those who are hurting. It’s truly an offering worth supporting.
Florida pastor arrested for sexual battery of a minor
Metadata: Topic(s): Sexual AbuseFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: MARATHON, Fla. (BP) – A Florida Keys pastor was arrested Monday (March 4) for sexually molesting a minor. The incident happened on church property. Monte Lavelle Chitty, 62, was charged with sexual battery of a minor, lewd and lascivious conduct and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Chitty is pastor of First Baptist Church of Marathon, Fla., which reported average worship attendance of 15 people in 2023.
FIRST-PERSON: A faithful example
When I think about the Cooperative Program, I oftentimes think about my mom and dad. I know that’s probably unique. As I’ve said before, I was basically born and raised at FBC Mayfield, Ky., then later in life I had the honor of pastoring my home church. Growing up, my parents faithfully attended, served, and contributed to FBC. They were faithful because the church was perfect. No issues. No drama. No disagreements. No disappointments. No bad decisions. No problems at all.
SBC DIGEST: Gaines gives health update; IMB provides Ramadan prayer guide
Steve Gaines provides encouraging health update, preaches on walking with God By BP Staff MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BP) – In a video released Friday (March 1), Steve Gaines shared the Lord has done a great thing in his life, and his family is so glad. Gaines, who announced in November that he had kidney cancer, shared in the video that significant progress is being made against the disease. “The last PET scan that I had showed that there were no more polyps of cancer in my lungs,” Gaines said.
Religious Freedom Restoration Act sees revival of state support
ATLANTA (BP) – Iowa and Utah are the latest states to pass legislation protecting religious freedom from governmental intrusion, with related legislation active in Georgia and four other states. Iowa and Utah passed state versions of the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) Feb. 29 and Feb.
N.C. pastor Quintell Hill accepts role with IMB
Metadata: Topic(s): International Mission BoardFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: MONROE, N.C. (BP) — Quintell Hill, pastor of Multiply Community Church in Monroe and president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, will be joining the International Mission Board as African American church mobilization strategist starting April 1. Hill shared the news with members of his church on Sunday, March 3, during their morning service.
Tips on evangelistic preaching
Metadata: Format(s): Text Articles Share this post: I am not an evangelist, but I am commanded by Scripture to do the work of one. Paul instructed Timothy in 2 Tim. 4:5, “do the work of an evangelist.” Every God-called preacher has an obligation and opportunity to figure out and carry out the work of an evangelist. What do evangelists do? They share Christ with lost people. They equip others to share Jesus with the lost. And they preach the Gospel to the lost.
FIRST-PERSON: A faithful example
Metadata: Series: First PersonTopic(s): Cooperating for the Gospel, Cooperative ProgramFormat(s): Text Articles Share this post: When I think about the Cooperative Program, I oftentimes think about my mom and dad. I know that’s probably unique. As I’ve said before, I was basically born and raised at FBC Mayfield, Ky., then later in life I had the honor of pastoring my home church. Growing up, my parents faithfully attended, served, and contributed to FBC.
A faithful example
When I think about the Cooperative Program, I oftentimes think about my mom and dad. I know that’s probably unique. As I’ve said before, I was basically born and raised at FBC Mayfield, Ky., then later in life I had the honor of pastoring my home church. Growing up, my parents faithfully attended, served, and contributed to FBC. They were faithful because the church was perfect. No issues. No drama. No disagreements. No disappointments. No bad decisions. No problems at all.
Ya están disponibles los informes ministeriales de las entidades de la SBC para 2024
Metadata: Share this post: NASHVILLE (BP) – El Informe Ministerial 2024 de la Convención Bautista del Sur ya está disponible en línea. El informe proporciona detalles organizativos y financieros sobre las entidades de la SBC. Cada entidad responde a una serie de preguntas, que se recopilan en el informe ministerial junto con una carta del presidente de cada entidad en la que se ofrece una breve descripción del ministerio de su organización. Varias entidades facilitan también resúmenes en vídeo.
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