The 2022 Annual Church Profile (ACP) paints a picture of churches reclaiming some of the ground lost during the pandemic and fighting to weather the challenges of economic inflation. After two years of significant decreases in almost every church category, the 2022 ACP data showed that Illinois churches are experiencing renewed strength after the Covid-induced […]
Tomorrow’s leaders need mentors
If the church is going to have leaders tomorrow, it’s going to take a new wave of mentoring from existing leadership today. This reality drove organizers of the 2023 Illinois Leadership Summit (ILS) to ask those coming to the annual event, “Which younger leader will you bring with you?” The evidence that many pastors took […]
Fall events build teen disciples
Hundreds of students gathered for discipleship events led by IBSA this fall. Youth Encounter (YE), IBSA’s annual one-day student event, featured a clear presentation of the gospel and practical evangelism training for teens. YE was staged at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur and Cornerstone Church in Marion. “We really saw God move,” IBSA’s Kevin Jones said. […]
A first-time ministry to migrant workers is very fruitful
One of the migrant workers lingered for a few minutes after the meal. Juan Carlos wanted to talk with a pastor. “My hometown was attacked,” he said, holding out a cell phone. “My parents escaped,” the young man said in Spanish, “but my wife and children are trapped there, and my brothers are missing.” The […]
Changing demographics in Illinois call for ministry across people groups
“Why would you live in Chicago?” It’s a question Sean and Lydia Stevenson are regularly asked. For those familiar with Chicago, and by extension, Illinois, it’s a reasonable question. Fair or not, Chicago has a reputation. Carl Sandburg wrote about it over a century ago. “Come and show me another city with lifted head singing […]
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