MBCH Expands Gospel Mission to Serve Senior Adults Through Acquisition of Two Baptist Homes and Healthcare Ministries Campuses
Acquisition of Ashland and Ozark facilities extends MBCH’s legacy of care across generations—serving MBC family, Missouri families, and the broader Baptist community.
BRIDGETON, Mo. (September 18, 2026) — MBCH has agreed to acquire the Ashland and Ozark campuses currently managed by Baptist Homes & Healthcare Ministries (BHHM). Pending approval by messengers at the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Annual Meeting on October 26-27, 2026, in St. Charles, this strategic acquisition expands MBCH’s historic mission beyond children, youth, and vulnerable families to encompass senior adults. By uniting intergenerational care under a single, gospel-centered banner, MBCH is expanding its core mandate to serve the immediate family, the MBC family, the extended Baptist network, and families across all of Missouri.
Under the plan approved by the Executive Board of the MBC, and the boards of MBCH, and BHHM, MBCH will officially assume the MBC’s ministry assignment for senior care as BHHM ceases independent operations. The Ashland and Ozark locations will operate as an affiliated MBCH ministry provisionally titled MBCH Senior Family Ministries, managed by experienced senior-care leaders.
This strategic expansion builds upon the vision of late MBCH President Juston Gates and retired BHHM President Rodney Harrison. Both leaders recognized that caring for vulnerable children and aging adults are complementary expressions of the same biblical calling: honoring the sanctity of human life, preserving personhood, and extending the redeeming compassion of Christ across every stage of life.
“This is a kingdom opportunity to preserve a Missouri Baptist legacy, steward resources wisely, and extend gospel compassion across every season of life,” said Andy Helton, MBCH Executive Vice President and Acting President. “Rooted in James 1:27, our expanded calling joins the care for orphans, widows, and vulnerable families under one mission. By stepping forward to care for our senior adults, MBCH is deepening its commitment to the family—strengthening our local MBC churches, serving our extended Baptist family, and offering a refuge of Christlike care to Missouri families when they need it most.”
While economic headwinds in the senior-care sector required BHHM to authorize the sale of its remaining five facilities, the Ashland and Ozark campuses remain financially strong. Under MBCH’s stable leadership and proven financial stewardship, these two campuses will ensure that Missouri Baptists maintain a high-quality, sustainable senior-care witness for decades to come.
Because the transaction involves updating the governing documents of the MBC, MBCH, and BHHM, messengers will vote on the recommendations at two consecutive MBC Annual Meetings in 2026 and 2027. To engage and inform local congregations, MBCH and BHHM are hosting joint listening sessions at facilities across the state in the coming weeks.
About MBCH
MBCH is dedicated to serving children, youth, and families in crisis by making an eternal impact through Christlike care, supportive family across Missouri.
Media Contact
James Morrow
VP MBCH Foundation
Missouri Baptist Children’s Home
