100 Years of Service...

Blue Summit Baptist Church was established as a church in 1925 and has consistently served the homeless community since its inception. Situated in one of Kansas City’s most challenging neighborhoods, recognized for its historical issues with crime and violence, the church has worked hard to address the needs of this vulnerable population effectively.

        In 2017, Blue Summit Baptist changed its name (DBA) to Summit Point Church. This strategic realignment has enabled the expansion of programs and the establishment of new campuses. Notably, in 2021, the merger with Carlisle Baptist Church and subsequently launched our new Sterling campus.

        Since late 2018, Summit Point Church has witnessed a significant increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness and those affiliated with the justice system attending services. This trend can be attributed to the pastor's established relationship with the City Union Mission. Within just one year, the congregation evolved to consist predominantly of men from local shelters. Notably, approximately 80 percent of Summit Point Church members have had prior incarceration experiences, distinguishing them as a unique community within our outreach efforts.

New Era of Ministry

As a result of the unique gathering, the ministry's focus and priorities underwent a significant change. The church started providing meals for attendees on Sundays, investing in leadership development, and actively engaging with justice-involved individuals. The establishment of a transitional housing project was a deliberate effort to support homeless men with limited incomes, offering them safe and affordable housing options in response to the challenges posed by legal residency restrictions.

        The church's decision to establish a 501(c)(3) organization in 2023 marked a significant turning point in its efforts to serve justice-involved individuals within the community. This move demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting a particular affinity group, showcasing the ministry's dedication to addressing the needs of this marginalized population. By creating a separate entity specifically focused on advancing this mission, the church was able to streamline its efforts, raise awareness, and secure funding to further support its initiatives. 

        Through this organization, the church was able to provide a range of services, including counseling, job training, housing assistance, and legal support, all aimed at helping individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. This bold step not only allowed the church to expand its reach and impact within the community but also exemplified its core values of compassion, justice, and inclusion.

New Frontier

Upon the establishment of the Sterling campus, the church transitioned from its previous Blue Summit facility. Although we currently utilize the old building to accommodate a select number of residents, there remains considerable potential for further development and utilization of this space. The objective is to undertake renovations that will transform the facility into the Summit Bound Reentry Program Facility.

       Program collaboration involves offering resources to local probation and parole agencies, as well as the court system, to facilitate the transition of Justice-Impacted Individuals. This initiative includes providing access to recovery options and safe housing arrangements.