BRIDGETON – Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (MBCH), a Cooperative Program supported entity of the Missouri Baptist Convention, selected a new president at the January 2024 board meeting. On January 23, 2024, the MBCH board selected Dr. Juston Gates to lead, guide, and steward this ministry. During this search process, it became clear to the MBCH board that Dr. Gates possessed the strength and leadership to guide us into the future.
In January of 2023, Russell Martin, MBCH President, announced his plans to retire on June 1, 2024, thus launching a nationwide search for the right person to take up the mantle of leadership. Martin expressed his approval, “I am pleased with the decision of the search committee to recommend Dr. Juston Gates as the next president of MBCH. I believe he has the leadership skills that are needed at this time to lead the agency to fulfill its mission. I say this because I have observed Dr. Gates in his role on the executive board particularly as he serves as chair of the administrative committee. His experience and background along with his sense of God’s call to serve Him in an executive position should serve him well in this role. I will also add that I highly recommended him to the Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Services of Illinois earlier when it was seeking a chief executive officer, but he did not feel led to accept that position when it was offered him.”
Dr. Gates will begin his transition as president on May 1 in preparation for the full transition by July. Dr. Gates is not new to Missouri or the ministry of MBCH. He has been Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Forsyth, Missouri, since August 2012, with deep ties to Missouri Baptist Convention life and the ministry of MBCH.
Dr. Gates has been married to his wife Amanda for 25 years. They are the proud parents of three children: Elizabeth, Caleb, and Leah. Dr. Gates has pastored churches in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas since 2000, and in Missouri since 2012. Before Dr. Gates entered the pastorate, he worked law enforcement with police departments in Memphis, TN, Tupelo, MS, and Allen, TX, while also serving as a Federal Agent with the United States Border Patrol. His pastor’s heart mixed with his desire to serve and protect the defenseless in difficult situations equips him with a unique skill set to lead with a shepherd’s heart and a servant mindset.
Dr. Gates earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky and his Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Luther Rice Seminary in Georgia. His previous roles, experiences, and education have prepared Dr. Gates to lead MBCH as the organization fulfills its mission through direct service to children, youth, and families, and by supporting local churches in their efforts to do the same.
“I anticipate maintaining the great work already being carried out by MBCH and its affiliates, and building on that solid foundation as we enter into new and exciting areas and aspects of ministry to children, youth, and families across our state.” – Dr. Juston Gates, DMin
Missouri Baptist Children’s Home is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing hope, healing, and restoration to children, youth, and families through foster care, residential therapeutic care, pregnancy services, church education and support, and anti-trafficking services. For more information about this, the ministry of Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, or for general inquiries about our mission and ministry, call 1-800-264-6224 or visit our website at www.MBCH.org.
