• Contact
  • Return to IBSA
  • Advertise Through Us
  • Subscribe
  • E-Reader

IBSA News

Illinois Baptist State Newspaper

  • Quick Links
    • E-Reader
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Resource
  • News
    • IBSA
    • SBC
    • Culture
    • Illinois Churches
  • Stories
    • Thriving
    • Church Planting
    • Mission
    • Next Step
  • In Focus
  • Columns
    • Nate Adams
    • Eric Reed
    • Meredith Flynn
    • Table Talk
    • Reporter’s Notebook
    • Encouraging Words

A ‘real’ welcome

February 10, 2022 By Brad Lovin

Leslie Lovin (center right) and Hasinah with each of their families

Even before Ali* and his family escaped Afghanistan in August 2021, Brad and Leslie Lovin were planning a reunion with their friends. Ali had served as Brad’s translator for a year when he was deployed with the U.S. Army in 2011. Eventually the Muslim translator immigrated to the U.S. Last year, as Ali and his […]

Escaping Afghanistan: A veteran and IBSA missionary prays for his friend

August 18, 2021 By Brad Lovin

IBSA Missionary and veteran, Brad Lovin, with his translator and friend, Ali.

I served in Afghanistan. I was there for a year in 2011, one of several deployments while I was in the U.S. Army. Watching the withdrawal of the U.S. forces and the almost immediate takeover by the Taliban has been emotional for me in many ways. The seizure of power by Taliban forces does not […]

Featured Columns

Meredith Flynn

My rooftop vision

Meredith Flynn

If seasons had titles, this one would be “the summer of new roofs.” Hailstorms on consecutive Sundays last spring gave way to early morning hammering across our neighborhood this summer, as home after home received a brand-new roof. We hadn’t given much thought to the hail or its fallout until we started seeing the “approved” […]

Eric Reed

Leaders object as ethnic staff cuts sink in

Eric Reed

The story of David and the little ewe lamb comes to mind, as staff cuts at the SBC Executive Committee sink in. Among the five full-time staff and two contract workers terminated to save money, two were heads of ethnic ministries. For a denomination that has seen significant growth among ethnic groups and language ministries […]

‘But not here’: Illinois’ cry one year after Roe ended

Lisa Misner

“A new and vibrant culture of life is being established in our nation after decades of death caused by Roe v. Wade,” the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission’s Brent Leatherwood said at the one-year anniversary of overturning Roe in June. “That is worth celebrating.” Culture of life? In other states perhaps, but not here. Not […]

More Columns

Mattoon church marks 75th

Illinois Baptist Staff

First Southern Baptist Church of Mattoon celebrated 75 years in a special service Sept. 10. Pastor John Coin preached and also provided smoked meats for the anniversary dinner. IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams was on hand to present a plaque honoring the milestone. Also present were John and Julie Calio who served the church for […]

News

New officers were elected at the 2023 ERLC Trustees’ meeting in Nashville on Sept. 12-13. (Left to right) Kevin Smith will serve as chairperson; Amy Pettway will serve as secretary and Tony Beam will serve as vice chair. ERLC photo

Illinois trustee aids ERLC bylaw change

Illinois Baptist Staff

ERLC trustees approved bylaw revisions focused on the relationship between the president and the board, simplifying access to financial information and clarifying areas of decision making that require full board participation. Some of the issues were raised during the administration of former president Russell Moore and at the time of his departure. A workgroup including […]

Awbrey joins IBSA Growth Team

Peters joins IBSA as zone consultant

More News Stories

Mission

Metro East church plant hosts multiplication meeting

Metro East church plant hosts multiplication meeting

Ben Jones

Pastors and church leaders from around the Metro East area gathered in Collinsville May 17 for the second Multiply Illinois Hub. These quarterly regional events are designed to encourage and equip those interested in church multiplication. Heights Community Church, planted in 2016, hosted the gathering in their newly renovated home. With the St. Louis skyline […]

Sallateeska baptism demonstrates SBC connections

A first-time ministry to migrant workers is very fruitful

More Mission Stories

  • News
  • Mission
  • In Focus
  • Columns

Copyright © 2023 · Website by Megaphone Designs