Jesse Moren Bader

Jesse Moren Bader (1886–1963) was a 20th-century evangelist, ecumenist and global leader. He was a significant and visionary leader during the twentieth century, not only within his own communion, helping establish the World Convention of Churches of Christ but also within the wider church. This influence was not limited to the United States of America but extended to the Christian world.

Jesse Bader was born on April 15, 1886 in a log cabin in the small settlement of Bader, Illinois. His family was very involved in the Christian Church (Disciples) in Bader but when Jesse was just four years old his parents moved to Coffey County, Kansas where they bought a farm. Jesse lived on the farm until he was nineteen years old. His childhood and teen years included typical rural family, church and school involvement.

In 1905 he enrolled at the University of Kansas with plans to study medicine but instead he found a calling to ministry - partly as a result of his role as student minister in the nearby town of Perry. After two years of study he moved to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Drake University was related to the Christian Church and provided for preparation for ministry.

It was at Drake University that he met Golda Maud Elam whom he married in 1911, his last year at Drake. They were married for more than fifty years. Mrs. Bader, born September 6, 1885 to Edward E. and Lillie (Jones) Elam, died in February 1981. Their ministries were often very much a partnership but Mrs. Bader shouldered significant responsibilities of leadership of her own in United Church Women (now Church Women United) and the Protestant Motion Picture Council. She was also involved with Japan International Christian University and the American Bible Society. Mrs. Bader was an ordained minister and held associate pastor positions in two of the churches the Baders belonged to. There is no doubt that Jesse Bader's love and respect for his wife was a major reason for his encouragement of women to play a full and equal role in the church.

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