IBSA News

Illinois Baptist State Newspaper

State reopening plans a concern for religious liberty, churches

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Editor’s note: Updated May 13 with court ruling. Illinois Baptist pastors are expressing concern that governmental restrictions on reopening the economy might unduly impact churches. In Illinois and in other states, some churches have launched legal challenges to shelter-in-place orders they say are unfair to places of worship. IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams said many […]

LifeWay announces budget cuts and staff reductions amid COVID-19

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In response to a sudden and steep decline in revenue and amid uncertainty over the near future, LifeWay Christian Resources announced plans for budget cuts of $25-30 million — approximately 10 percent of its budget — including spending freezes and staff layoffs. LifeWay CEO Ben Mandrell said the cuts were necessary because of the onset […]

Floyd to host online SBC prayer gathering on Good Friday

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As Southern Baptists navigate the crisis resulting from the COVID-19 global pandemic, Ronnie Floyd, president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee, has called for a special time of prayer. The SBC Good Friday Online Prayer Gathering will take place at 12 p.m. CDT April 10. While plans are still being finalized, led by Floyd […]

2020 Southern Baptist Convention canceled due to Coronavirus

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting has been canceled for the first time in 75 years. Citing authority provided by the SBC Constitution “in the case of grave emergency,” the decision was made March 24 in a unanimous vote of a body composed of SBC officers, the SBC Executive […]

Baptists to celebrate missionary on annual ‘George Liele Day’

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Pastor Marshal Ausberry uses a basketball analogy to describe the late missionary George Liele: triple threat. The evangelist, missionary, and church planter also ministered under extremely different circumstances, Ausberry said. “If George Liele had a basketball jersey I think we would all be wearing it. He rightfully stands along with the missionary giants (Adonirum) Judson […]