Beginning next year, students at public schools in Illinois will study the role of LGBT people in U.S. and state history, after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a controversial measure into law Aug. 9. The new policy, which goes into effect July 1, 2020, affects students of all ages, although the state’s School Code stipulates that […]
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Associational leaders talk partnership, revitalization at annual meeting
At their annual roundtable meeting this month, leaders of local Baptist associations in Illinois learned what churches around the country value most from their own associations. They also discussed revitalization, an urgent need at a time when many churches across the country are plateaued or declining. Revitalization is one of three key areas in which […]
Church hits the ‘Mother Road;’ Red Hill’s outreach aims for a better city through gospel presence
Edwardsville | In a town proud of its Route 66 heritage, thousands gather every year to celebrate what John Steinbeck called “the Mother Road.” For more than 20 years, Edwardsville’s annual Route 66 festival at City Park has offered visitors fun, food, and classic cars. What was missing, realized church planter Rayden Hollis, was a […]
‘Watching God work’ in Kenya
In the hills of western Kenya, 10 volunteers from central and southern Illinois saw hundreds of patients at a medical clinic and witnessed dozens of decisions for Christ. The team, led by IBSA’s Jeff Deasy and his wife, Kathy, camped just steps from the clinic, which they set up in partnership with a local Baptist […]
Was I in a prison cell or at the throne?
Many times in ministry, I have been called on to do something not because I wanted to, but because I knew I should or it was in my job description. Often these “acts of obedience” make me uncomfortable, but I’ve noticed when I am obedient in these hard things, I receive a blessing and satisfaction […]