CBF Missouri changes name to CBF Heartland

In a unanimous decision, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Missouri Coordinating Council has voted to change the name of the organization to CBF Heartland.

“The shift from CBF of Missouri to CBF Heartland recognizes the ongoing work of the Spirit prompting and nudging us in this direction,” said Kathy Pickett, moderator of the Coordinating Council and pastor of congregational life at Holmeswood Baptist Church in Kansas City. “The name change frees us as a fellowship to be more inclusive of our partnering congregations not located in Missouri while providing a way to be more inviting and welcoming of others in the future.”

CBF Heartland’s ministry to churches and Christians beyond the borders of Missouri has been growing for several years.

“For over a decade, CBF of Missouri related to churches in neighboring Kansas and Iowa, but church relationships in Illinois and other states helped us realize the need for a more inclusive identity,” said Harold Phillips, who remains as coordinator of the organization.

CBF Heartland will serve churches and Christians in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. The organization will also seek council representation and mission and ministry partnership from these new areas.

“I believe this move by CBF of Missouri, now CBF Heartland, embodies the purpose and mission of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship,” said Pat Anderson, interim executive coordinator for CBF. “Our brothers and sisters in Missouri have responded to the needs and opportunities they have seen in their neck of the woods. Churches and individuals in several states will now find a missional Baptist home if they so desire in CBF. We welcome them, and reach out to them, as the CBF Heartland leads the way for us all.”

As a member of Ashworth Road Baptist Church in West Des Moines, Iowa, CBF Heartland Coordinating Council member Nancy Thompson appreciates the importance of the shift.

“This name change is a very important overture to CBF churches like mine. It’s tangible evidence that CBF wants to support and partner with churches and individuals throughout the region, not just those in Missouri,” she said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how those of us who belong to churches in other parts of the Heartland can now be more actively involved in the work and mission of CBF.”

For more information about CBF Heartland, contact Jeff Langford, associate coordinator, by phone at 800-873-2950 or by email at jeff@cbfheartland.org.