Our Ministries

Briarwood is a church which loves to be in God’s Word! The Adult Sunday School Class and Wednesday Evening Bible lessons are filled with doctrinal and applicational truths and draw people in as they create a hunger for a more serious grasp of who God is, and what He is teaching us in His revealed Word. Traveling systematically through the Bible, one book, and one verse at a time, we learn to dig far deeper into the Scripture than we otherwise might have on our own and come away with the true fruit of hearts changed by the Holy Spirit as a result.

Sunday School is at 9:45 AM, and Wednesday Study Time is at 7:00 PM.

The heart of our men's ministry is built upon the idea that the head of the church is Jesus Christ, and the biblical head of each family in the church is the husband and father. Recognizing that the family unit is one of the biggest areas that is under spiritual attack in this age, we seek to strengthen our men through sound biblical teaching and equip them to lead their families into an ever greater understanding of the Gospel.

Our men's Bible Study meets every other Friday evening at the church building, from 6:30 - 8:30, and is currently studying through Sam Waldron’s book, "The Regulative Principle of the Church.” 

Contact Lin Bishop at 573-578-2405 for details.

Our women's ministry centers on building each woman in our Church up in their faith, strengthening them to use their unique gifts in their lives. By encouraging our ladies to build strong friendships, a sense of community, faithful study habits, and a love for the Lord and His Word, our families and congregation are continually blessed. 

Our Ladies Bible Study is held in various ladies' homes, every other Tuesday evening, at 6:30 PM. We are currently journeying through the Book of James.

Contact Candice Hunt at 573-937-9402 for details.

Briarwood is a family-integrated church, where children are loved and desired, and encouraged to come and grow in Christ along with their parents. We have Sunday School for children who are able to read, with teachers who have a true passion for exploring the depths of God’s Word with young people, and all other children (reading or not) are welcome in the Adult Sunday School class. We have an outdoor playground and toddler room in the lower level of the building, as well as a semi-private play area for young children inside the adult Sunday School classroom, which allows parents to watch their children while still participating in the lesson being taught. During the corporate time of Public Worship at 11:00 AM, all children are welcome, and encouraged to sit as a family with their parents in the service. There is a cry room available for infants and toddlers, and many helping hands in and out of the sanctuary who are always willing to aid families with lots of small children! 

Briarwood encourages family ministry (activities which engage the entire family) wherever possible, and various families host events for the church throughout the year. Hymn Sings, Ice Cream Socials, Wally-Ball Tournaments, Bonfires, Roller Skating, Hayrides, Fishing Parties, and Picnics are some of the things we’ve enjoyed doing as a church over the years. 

One of the most foundational and rewarding experiences in the life of a believer is the personal way in which they feel called by God through His Word to minister for His Kingdom. Briarwood is a church which strongly encourages the individual believer to look for ways to minister to others around them, both inside the church body, and outside as well. One of our core beliefs is that a life transformed by the Gospel and edified by daily interaction with God through the Word and prayer produces a heart that desires to carry out the Great Commission and to reach people, in season and out, with a heart that yearns to be as Christ to them. Each person in our body has a unique ability to reach those within their sphere of influence, and no two people’s ministry endeavors looks exactly the same. It is in these personal life experiences that we often find the strongest elements of growth in our church, as people forge connections in an intimate way that the church at large may not and gives us each the opportunity to serve others by caring and sharing of the wonderful joys and blessing that we each possess as believers in Christ.

As a member of the Pulaski County Baptist Association, Missouri Baptist Association, and the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), Briarwood cooperates through giving and prayer with other like-minded churches for the purpose of local, national, and global outreach. This covers everything from supplying local food pantries in our county, supporting the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home for foster children, Disaster Relief efforts, local and global church plants, and supporting over 4,000 international missionaries around the world.