Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
— Hebrews 4:16
I am honored to share the report presented to the Missouri Baptist Convention on October 28, 2025. Baptist Homes is one of six entities serving our convention of 1,700 churches across Missouri.
A Legacy of Faith and Provision
The story of The Baptist Home was first captured in print by Ira Hawkins, a beloved saint who cherished this ministry. In her book, she recounts miraculous moments of God’s provision—like the time a truck full of perishable food broke down outside the campus when the pantries were bare, echoing the faith-filled stories of George Müller. She also tells of the post-Depression bankruptcy that led to the Ironton campus being sold on the courthouse steps—only to be bought back the same day for $1.00, a testament to God’s providence.
While I may never match Ira’s eloquence, I pray that one day I might contribute a chapter to this ongoing story. Without question, the events of this past year will stand as a powerful testimony to God’s grace and His faithful response to prayer.
A Ministry Transformed
When The Baptist Home was restored to the Missouri Baptist Convention, it was operating under an unsustainable model of unfunded care. While the leadership of that time rightly prioritized quality care, the absence of Medicare and Medicaid certification made our services inaccessible to most.
Through bold initiatives, the board appointed by the Missouri Baptist Convention sowed seeds of transformation. At times, it felt as though those seeds were planted in the drought of a pandemic, workforce shortages, and bureaucratic resistance. As Gregory Boyle once wrote:
“We constantly lived in the paradox of precariousness. The money was never there when you needed it, and it was always on time.”
These precarious times gave rise to spiritual and organizational renewal. Among the most impactful were:
- Early morning “Hour of Prayer” sessions with our Board of Trustees
- 21 Days of Prayer in July
- Prayer Walks at our home office in Jefferson City and campuses in Adrian, Arcadia Valley, Ashland, Ozark, Shelbina, Smithville, and Vandalia
These gatherings drew enthusiastic participation from residents, staff, local churches, and community members.
A Year of Breakthroughs
This year has been marked by remarkable progress:
- For the first time in 112 years, our audit was completed under accepted accounting practices—a significant milestone considering that just six years ago, our financial records were maintained on a homemade DOS-based system.
- Baptist Homes is now recognized as an industry leader in the ethical and beneficial use of AI and technology, as well as in fiscal transparency.
- We acquired the former Salt River Community Care facility in Shelbina, MO. Today, Baptist Homes of Shelbina offers skilled nursing, memory care, and both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services.
- In April, we received the National Heritage Award for our innovative Field to Fork senior deer hunts, now hosted at all campuses.
- In May, nine team members were honored with the “Ripples of Impact” Award by LeadingAge Missouri for exemplary service.
- In June, our Arcadia Valley campus earned a prestigious five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- On October 16, we celebrated the dedication of the Duke-Nelson Chapel and the opening of the Ashland long-term care facility. This 52,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility currently offers assisted living and will soon provide skilled care, completing our vision for a full continuum of care community in central Missouri.
A Ministry Rooted in Christ
Baptist Homes continues to thrive through community-enriching partnerships with churches, BSUs, WMUs, and Associations. This year, we served more seniors than ever before—a reflection of God’s goodness and our mission to provide Christlike care for the aging.
Supporting this care is our expanding access to services such as:
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Short-term rehabilitation
- Non-invasive wellness monitoring that brings peace of mind to families and loved ones
What Sets Us Apart?
- Our foundation: Biblically informed Guiding Principles and our Articles of Faith, rooted in God’s Holy Word
- Godly trustees: Elected by the messengers of the Missouri Baptist Convention, we enjoy a 21-member board of men and women who are prayerful and engaged
- Our daily practice: Morning meetings at each campus begin with prayer, led by administrators who are committed followers of Jesus Christ
- Our leadership culture: Weekly Scripture and prayer sessions with campus directors, modeling our unwavering trust in God’s truth and provision
A Testimony of God’s Faithfulness
Just a few years ago, Baptist Homes was losing $800,000 per month. Today, we have experienced sustainability that can only be attributed to God’s grace and a commitment to faithfully honor and seek Him. In His response, the LORD has provided:
- A visionary board whose governance empowered necessary change
- An exceptional leadership team, unwavering in their faith and commitment
- The steadfast support of Missouri Baptists, who have blessed this ministry with their gifts, time, and talents
As we look ahead, we do so with confidence—drawing near to the throne of grace, trusting in God’s continued provision, and celebrating the story He is still writing through Baptist Homes.
Together in His service,
Rodney Harrison
