Midwestern Seminary Seeks Volunteers For Chapel Project
January 2010
MIDWESTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary leaders are in the midst of planning one of the largest projects in school history.
A new chapel complex that will include a welcome center, increase capacity to over 1,000 seats, connect current administration and classroom buildings, and create additional classroom space was approved by the school’s trustees in October.
An integral aspect of the planning phase includes enlisting a large volunteer effort to offset costs associated with the venture. It is estimated that the volunteer need for the nearly 40,000 square foot chapel complex will be more than 1,500 people.
“To accomplish the construction during this extensive undertaking, we’re going to need the assistance and support of as many volunteers as we can get,” said Dr. Phil Roberts, MBTS President. “It doesn’t matter what level of skill is possessed, we’re looking for churches and individuals from across the Southern Baptist Convention who are willing to commit their time and energy into making this project a reality.”
Another key element in highlighting Midwestern’s dedication to seeking volunteer labor for the chapel project is teaming up with Builders for Christ, a group based in Birmingham, Ala. According to its leadership, BFC is a network of volunteer teams who assist Southern Baptists with building churches in locations that appear to be in significant need of evangelism.
“Through our network of construction missionaries, we will provide a number of skilled laborers to lead volunteers from all walks of life in accomplishing the task of building this new chapel complex at MBTS,” said Lawrence Corley, coordinator for BFC. “We don’t require anyone to possess a particular skill set, but we seek everyday folks who are willing to sacrifice a week of their life to make a difference in God’s Kingdom.”
“Most of the volunteers for this project will network with other church groups for their 29th year of ministry together,” Corley said. “More than 60 church teams from 25 states will come to Kansas City for this ‘church raising.’ Volunteers pay for their travel, lodging and food, and they give of their vacation time to expand God’s Kingdom through construction missions.
The groundwork and foundation preparation phase for the chapel project begins in early 2010, and the BFC volunteer construction effort begins on May 26, 2010, and runs through Labor Day.
“As churches, families and friends around the country plan their mission efforts for the upcoming year, we ask them to prayerfully consider joining Midwestern in making an eternal, world-changing difference through this chapel project,” Roberts said. “Above everything else, we covet your prayers. To complete this God-sized task will be a true testimony to the power of prayer. Thirdly, in the area of finances, we’ll need further assistance so we can complete this project and be debt free.”
“Greater efficiency and effectiveness in training students for the completion of the Great Commission is our goal in this undertaking,” Roberts added. “We are praying for the Lord to move among His people to see this chapel built for the glory of God!”
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