Church Relations
MATTHEW 20:28
“. . . just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
How may SBU serve your church?
Since its founding in 1878, Southwest Baptist University has enjoyed a vital relationship with not only the Baptist churches across Missouri, but also with those in neighboring states and across our great country. The local Baptist church continues to be the life-blood of the University, since approximately two-thirds of our current students come from such churches, and much of the prayer and financial support for SBU is derived from these churches.
In the spirit of thanksgiving, the information provided to inform our Baptist churches and their pastors and staff of the resources available at SBU. Explore the Church Relations options to discover the resources of the University that can serve your church.
Helping students in need
- Southwest Baptist University offers the Church-Matching Scholarship program to give local churches the opportunity to participate in their students’ higher education. The University will match up to $500 per school year ($250 fall, $250 spring) per student from the student’s home church. Funds from the church must be from the general operating budget and must meet IRS regulations. Please contact Shirley MacLaughlin, Office of Financial Aid, at 417-328-1820 or email smaclaughlin@SBUniv.edu for more information.
- The Church-Related Vocation Scholarship is an annual award of $2,000 for students preparing for a church-related vocation (i.e., church music, missions, the pastorate, children’s ministry, or youth ministry). Recipients must have a major in the Redford College or in Church Music. Students must submit applications and other required supporting documentation. Recipients are expected to participate in the in-service training program of the University and must complete THE 3023: Baptist Denomination. Please contact Dr. Mike Fuhrman, Director of In-Service Training at 417-328-1760 or email Redford@SBUniv.edu for more information.
- The Dependent of Church Minister Scholarship is an annual award of $1,000. In order to qualify, the student must meet one of the following criteria:
- be the spouse or unmarried dependent son/daughter of a person conncted in a church-related vocation professional; or
- be the spouse or unmarried dependent son/daughter of a retired or deceased church-related vocation professional (if the surviving spouse has not re-married); or
- be the spouse of a church-related vocations major enrolled at SBU. Please contact Dr. Mike Fuhrman, Director of In-Service Training at 417-328-1760 or email Redford@SBUniv.edu for more information.
Resources in Estate Stewardship
The University provides a no-cost and no-obligation estate planning seminar that is Bible-based to help church members understand their Christian responsibilities of estate stewardship. A free workbook entitled “Estate Planning from a Christian Perspective” and a complimentary estate analysis is available to each seminar family in attendance. Please contact Cindy Rice in the Office of Estate Planning at 417-328-1838 or email estateplanning@SBUniv.edu for more information.
Students on Mission
- T.E.A.M. represents Theatrical Evangelism and Missions, a student-led drama troupe. The group travels the region presenting the gospel through dramatic presentations.
- DISCIPLENOW is a weekend discipleship ministry for youth. Our DiscipleNow ministry can provide the local church with a team of trained college students for a weekend of intense discipleship and activities geared for young people. The DiscipleNow weekend takes place in church members' homes.
For these groups and for all other inquiries about the activities and programs within the scope of University Missions and Ministries, please contact this office by telephone at 417-328-1900 or by email at missions@SBUniv.edu.
Students on Tour & Other Music Resources
The Department of Music serves area churches by providing training for future full- and part-time music ministers through the curriculum which leads to the Bachelor of Music in Church Music degree. The Coordinator of Church Music assists local churches by placing graduates and current students into full- and part-time music ministry in local churches.
- Choral and instrumental ensembles regularly schedule tours to churches to provide music in worship and concert settings, and at other special events, such as DiscipleNow.
- The annual Church Music Workshop in early February provides training and assistance to full- and part-time music ministers and keyboard musicians from across the state of Missouri.
For more information, please contact Dr. Jeffery Waters, Chairman, Department of Music at 417-328-1644 or email at music@SBUniv.edu.
Student in Ministry Leadership
The In-Service Training Office coordinates student-led revival teams that minister on weekends in area churches, as well as Ministerial Education Days during which students preach in participating churches of associations in the area.
If interested in inviting a student-led youth revival team or Ministerial Education Day speaker for your church or association, please contact Dr. Mike Fuhrman, Director of In-Service Training at 417-328-1760 or by email at for Redford@SBUniv.edu for more information.
Coaches & Student-Athletes in Service
The entire coaching staff and players offer their services during the spring and summer of each year. From sharing testimonies to holding free youth clinics or camps on Saturdays to “football talk” with fathers and coaches of YMCA teams, our staff and players desire to serve the local church members through the youth sports program in any way possible.
For more information about these services, please contact Keith Allen, Head Football Coach at 417-328-1927 or by email at football@sbuniv.edu.