History of the Council of Churches of the Ozarks
 Dorsey Levell - 1987
At its conception in 1969, the Council was a group of area churches united to provide emergency food and clothing to those in need. They believed then, and we still agree today, that we can accomplish more in the name of Jesus Christ by working together in service to our community.
The Council of Churches of the Ozarks is a community of area churches who are joined as partners in ministry to the needy of the Ozarks in the spirit of Matthew 25:35-36
First Executive Director
Rev. Dorsey Levell
“For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes; naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me.”
Crosslines Ministry
Crosslines, our first project, was a humble beginning to one of the major human service ministries in the Ozarks. Today, the congregations of our member churches minister to the needs of thousands of families and individuals in the Ozarks every year through a variety of human service projects.
In 1974, with the addition of the third program Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) the Council moved into two vacant rooms in Drury Stone Chapel. At that time, the space was adequate for the four staff people who occupied the space. In January 1976, Drury granted permission for temporary occupancy of space called the “bride’s room” for a desk and telephone for six months to operate the Refugee Resettlement Program. In 1978, The Council purchased the small building at 518 easts Central, now called “the Annex.”
TODAY
 TODAY, the Council of Churches oversees 9 agencies, with a combined budget of over 5 million. While each project has its own executive leadership, overall management responsibility remains with the administrative office, which includes accounting, communications, development, personnel, record keeping, and insurance. Executive staff in each agency provides the program expertise to deliver the hands on ministry in the name of Council of Churches.
In August, 1993, the Council of Churches and ‘the Annex” programs moved to their newly constructed Ministry Center of the Ozarks located at 627 North Glenstone…truly, a dream come.
Springfield and the surrounding area look to the Council of Churches of the Ozarks for leadership in human service ministry. When new areas of need are identified, the Council is expected by the churches and the donors to ‘pick up the ball and run with it.”
Missouri Counties Served
Together we are A Source of Hope for a Lifetime in 54 Missouri Counties
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