About Us

"I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."           Matthew 25:35-36

The Council of Churches of the Ozarks was born from the union of two Biblical themes:  Matthew 25:35-40, which compels the followers of Jesus to recognize that we are serving Him when we care for the vulnerable, the "least" among us; and John 17:20-23, in which Jesus prays for us to "be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." 

Our experience is that when we practice the former, we begin to experience the latter.  Working and serving together, in the name of Jesus Christ, builds relationships and unity of spirit.

These shared relationships, values and vision give traction to the work of the Council of Churches.  Today our nine service agencies are highly focused and specialized communities that are networked together in order to improve the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable people in our region, regardless of their age, gender, race, or religious background. 

Through our unified service, the Council of Churches continues to be the hands and feet of ministry that expands the capacity of our congregational, individual and business partners to make a real difference in the quality of life for the most vulnerable in the Ozarks.

The Council of Churches of the Ozarks is where common ground is higher ground, the sort of higher ground that offers a vantage point from which we can begin to see the face of God in, with and through our community.

Mission Statement

"The mission of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks is to improve the quality of life in our region through collaborative outreach in the name of Jesus Christ, by doing together what can best be done together."

Today 82 ministry partners, representing 19 different denominations form the membership of the Council of Churches. Our mission is advanced further by the partnership of individuals and businesses

from the surrounding areas.

Serving 54 Counties in Missouri

Partnership Support Makes it Possible to Serve More than 100,000 of our Most  Vulnerable Neighbors Annually

  Pictured below is the main office building for the Council of Churches located at 627 North Glenstone, Springfield MO.  In the courtyard is a fountain with the scripture above inscribed on its four corners dedicated in loving memory to Rosanna Bradshaw for 20 years of ecumenical service.