How it all started...
In January of 2019, God called Jordan and Kasey Cox (professors at MBU) to dig deeper in their calling to minister to college students. In response to that call, the Coxes connected with their current home church (Fellowship of Wildwood), MBU leadership, and the SEND Network of of the North American Mission Board to pursue church planting, unsure of what that would actually look like. Many of their students were seeking discipleship and a local church that would be a safe place for them to struggle and grow in the Word and in surrender to Jesus Christ.
Later that semester, Jordan connected with a friend at Fellowship of Wildwood, Lance Leonard about the idea of a collegiate church plant. From the moment Jordan shared the vision, Lance was hooked (and so was his family). Lance and Sarah quickly linked arms with Jordan and Kasey to plant a church at Missouri Baptist University that would be an authentic, compassionate, and transformative community of believers that lived life together, worshipped Jesus together, and grew as believers.
The vision was propelled forward with the baptism in an apartment pool of one college student in August and in September, Jordan , serving as Lead Pastor, went through assessment and SEND Network training with NAMB and was almost daily encountering affirmations that the St. Louis area saw a need for a local church specifically to reach and disciple college students. Students were sharing their stories of brokenness and transformation and had a shared excitement about living sent right where they were "living" Monday through Friday (and most weekends).
College Park Church is set to launch August 23, 2020 at The Perk on the campus of Missouri Baptist University.
Later that semester, Jordan connected with a friend at Fellowship of Wildwood, Lance Leonard about the idea of a collegiate church plant. From the moment Jordan shared the vision, Lance was hooked (and so was his family). Lance and Sarah quickly linked arms with Jordan and Kasey to plant a church at Missouri Baptist University that would be an authentic, compassionate, and transformative community of believers that lived life together, worshipped Jesus together, and grew as believers.
The vision was propelled forward with the baptism in an apartment pool of one college student in August and in September, Jordan , serving as Lead Pastor, went through assessment and SEND Network training with NAMB and was almost daily encountering affirmations that the St. Louis area saw a need for a local church specifically to reach and disciple college students. Students were sharing their stories of brokenness and transformation and had a shared excitement about living sent right where they were "living" Monday through Friday (and most weekends).
College Park Church is set to launch August 23, 2020 at The Perk on the campus of Missouri Baptist University.
Expanding the vision...
We envision a network of churches in university communities in which people are engaged in their local fellowship, growing in their faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and are living sent.
It is our desire that the students and young adults we send out will believers who are Biblically literate, reflect a Christ-like attitude, are compassionate givers, and quickly engage with a congregation in their local community.
It is our desire that the students and young adults we send out will believers who are Biblically literate, reflect a Christ-like attitude, are compassionate givers, and quickly engage with a congregation in their local community.