Our Story
1967
Koinonia Christian Campus Ministry began in the fall of 1967 when Willard Black, along with the former Atlas Church and Four State Men’s Association, desired to reach the campus of the newly located Missouri Southern State College.
Koinonia began under the eldership of College Heights Christian Church and their minister BA Austin. In the late 70’s College Heights led in establishing a separate board of directors consisting of 12 elders from local Christian Churches to involve more individuals in the ministry.
Connecting Students
to Jesus
Since the 70’s, Koinonia has been an independent outreach of area Christian Churches to the students at MSSU.
From the very beginning we have been filling students with the Word of God, while also filling them up with home cooked meals every Thursday.
We have gone on many retreats and missions trips including places like Florida, Colorado, and even Mexico!
Fast forward…
2018
In 2018, our board of directors and several of our students broke ground for the first two of our student houses just north of Missouri Southern’s campus.
Construction begins!
October 2018
After many years of dreaming and planning, our vision of having student housing available came true when we officially opened our first two houses!
Our Story in The Joplin Globe, November 24, 2018.
October 2020
After borrowing the space generously provided by College View Baptist Church for several years, we officially obtained ownership of the building and were able to call it our home.
Today
Koinonia’s mission to connect Missouri Southern students to Jesus and equip them to serve still rings true. With about 70 students attending any of our events in a given week, we continue to maintain a Christian presence on campus, fill students with scripture as well as good food, take them on trips, house them in our facilities, and much more! This would not be possible without the help from our generous donors, our strong leadership from the board of directors, and especially the students who come through our doors!
We are beyond grateful for the students, staff, board members, and our generous supporters throughout our history for upholding the mission of Koinonia Christian Campus Ministry.
Join us as we continue to connect Missouri Southern students to Jesus and equip them to serve.