How it all started...
In 1963, the Table Rock Lake area was beginning to develop. “...your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28 KJV) came to life in the hearts of Christians in Stone-Taney and Christian County Association; the dreams of establishing a spiritual lighthouse and the vision of a church in the Kimberling City area.
Dreams and visions began to become reality when in June of 1963, in cooperation with the Missouri Baptist Convention, the Association purchased land at the corner of Trailridge and Lakeshore Drives. However, the first worship service wasn’t held until December of 1964, in a storefront in the Kimberling City Shopping Center. This fledgling congregation was led by Ivan Coyle with financial support from Riverdale, Sparta, Pleasant View, Branson, and Billings churches.
June 27, 1965, First Baptist Church of Clever took the young congregation under its wing as a mission and several families traveled each week to Kimberling City to help establish its ministry. In November of that year, the mission called its first pastor.
Dreams and visions began to become reality when in June of 1963, in cooperation with the Missouri Baptist Convention, the Association purchased land at the corner of Trailridge and Lakeshore Drives. However, the first worship service wasn’t held until December of 1964, in a storefront in the Kimberling City Shopping Center. This fledgling congregation was led by Ivan Coyle with financial support from Riverdale, Sparta, Pleasant View, Branson, and Billings churches.
June 27, 1965, First Baptist Church of Clever took the young congregation under its wing as a mission and several families traveled each week to Kimberling City to help establish its ministry. In November of that year, the mission called its first pastor.
As the area grew, so did the congregation. On March 28, 1971, the First Southern Baptist Church of Kimberling City changed its status from mission to church. The first building, which is still in use was dedicated April 2, 1967. In 1973, a two story, 24’ x 36’ addition was added on the back of the original structure.
Within six years, the membership had nearly doubled in size (105 to 203) requiring more space. Visions began for a building which would double the current space. Groundbreaking for that structure was held June of 1979 and the building dedicated in March of 1980.
Changes came to the Ozarks in the late 1980’s and the early 1990’s. As southwest Missouri grew from a lake-centered resort area to a nationally know entertainment center, a tremendous growth spurt resulted in the community and in our church. How to meet the demands of a growing, vibrant congregation again brought dreams and visions to the people.
Additional full time staff was added, more land was purchased and in February of 1991, groundbreaking for a new 800 seat worship center was held. This addition would again more than double the size of the existing facilities. Dedicated in November of 1991, this building had provided not only needed worship space but a drawing place for community betterment classes.
In December, 1998, twenty acres of land were purchased for a new church complex. The land was dedicated on January 31, 1999.
On November 21, 2004, the first building, at the new location was dedicated. This building, called the East Campus, currently houses the Fellowship Hall, Youth Division and the Administrative Offices.
It was the first phase of the multi-building project. The second phase began in 2013 consisting of more classrooms and a family life center, which has a walking track, weight room, and a gym. It opened in May 2014. Its purpose provides a location for a variety of intentional ministries focused on impacting the community for Christ and provides a location where recreation and fitness activities can take place in a Christian environment and atmosphere.
In May of 2024, the church sold the building at 2 Lakeshore Drive to Veritas Enrichment Inc., a homeschool co-op, allowing the coninuation of phase 3 of the building process at 161 Heavens’ Way to move forward. Currently the plans to add on a sanctuary and more education facilities are in the design process.
The church has been served by five pastors: Rev. Leon Beckler (1965-1973), Rev. Wayne Taylor (1974-1983), Rev. Don Johnson (1983-1985), Rev. Randy Johnson (1987-2009) and Dr. Jeff Hardy (2010-curent) and four interim pastors: Rev. P.W. Bryan, Rev. Lawrence Kennon, Rev. Paul Swadley, and Dr. Jim Wells.
It was the first phase of the multi-building project. The second phase began in 2013 consisting of more classrooms and a family life center, which has a walking track, weight room, and a gym. It opened in May 2014. Its purpose provides a location for a variety of intentional ministries focused on impacting the community for Christ and provides a location where recreation and fitness activities can take place in a Christian environment and atmosphere.
In May of 2024, the church sold the building at 2 Lakeshore Drive to Veritas Enrichment Inc., a homeschool co-op, allowing the coninuation of phase 3 of the building process at 161 Heavens’ Way to move forward. Currently the plans to add on a sanctuary and more education facilities are in the design process.
The church has been served by five pastors: Rev. Leon Beckler (1965-1973), Rev. Wayne Taylor (1974-1983), Rev. Don Johnson (1983-1985), Rev. Randy Johnson (1987-2009) and Dr. Jeff Hardy (2010-curent) and four interim pastors: Rev. P.W. Bryan, Rev. Lawrence Kennon, Rev. Paul Swadley, and Dr. Jim Wells.
Expanding the vision...
Here at FBCKC we are simply an ever-growing puzzle where God is bringing the pieces together for His purpose and glory. If you are moving to our area, please be our guest for worship and Life Groups Bible Study.