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Evangelism matters

March 31, 2026 By Doug Munton

Stock photo

Once, some years ago, our family drove to the mall. Do you remember malls? When we arrived at the parking lot, our kids piled out of the minivan. Except one didn’t. My wife gasped, “Where is Rachel?” Somehow, in the confusion and mayhem of loading the family of six into the vehicle, we left our […]

3 reasons to improve connections

October 7, 2025 By Doug Munton

Stock art

I’ve said this sentiment frequently in recent days as I’ve spoken to other pastors and Christians and churches around the Illinois Baptist State Association and the Southern Baptist Convention. With the spiritual brokenness of our generation and culture, believers need each other more than ever. At the same time, pastors, Christians, and churches seem less […]

Navigating a season of change

July 8, 2025 By Doug Munton

Doug Munton

Nothing is scarier than change. (Well, maybe spiders are scarier, but I digress.) But here is the reality we face. Change is happening all the time, whether we like it or not. The real issue isn’t whether things will change, but how we deal with the change that is inevitable. So, let’s talk about navigating […]

Celebrating partners in ministry

April 9, 2025 By Doug Munton

Doug Munton

I look forward to meeting Tychicus in heaven one day. Do you remember Tychicus? Outside of having a great name (something for you expecting parents to consider!) Tychicus had an important role in the Bible. Let’s note a couple of things the New Testament tells us about Tychicus. (Could we call him “Ty” for short?) […]

Let’s get connected

February 19, 2025 By Doug Munton

Blocks

Do you remember playing with Legos as a child? They snap together to make all kinds of wonderful things. They are made for connections! Christians are made for connections as well. We work best when we work together. All kinds of wonderful things happen when we connect. I can’t help but notice that Christians and […]

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Featured Columns

Scott Foshie

Two ways shared service works

Scott Foshie

This month, thousands of messengers and guests from around the SBC will converge in Orlando for our annual time of celebration, prayer, and family decision making. There will be lively debates, nomination speeches, and votes on multiple issues. However, the part I look forward to the most about our family meetings is the fellowship, worship, […]

Blackabys

Less produces more

Eric Reed

Richard Blackaby challenged the IBSA staff at our annual Spiritual Focus Day. “If glorifying God is the goal of life, how do I increase that each year?” For all of us in ministry, especially those who set goals and count results and live by metrics, that’s a tough question. Can we always do more than […]

SBC ’26: What we’re watching

Illinois Baptist Staff

The question at the Illinois Baptist each spring is “What do you think will come up at the convention?” Some things are obvious, because they’re on the agenda—such as the presidential election. Pastors Josh Powell and Willy Rice are in the ring. There have been no surprise announcements so far, unlike 2024 when we had […]

More Columns

Nominees sought for IBSA Boards & Committees

Illinois Baptist Staff

The Illinois Baptist State Association is seeking recommendations to fill positions on its boards and committees. To submit a name, complete the Nominating Form found at IBSA.org/about/organization or click here to go directly to the form. IBSA’s Nominating Committee recommends people to serve on the Association’s three boards: IBSA, the Baptist Foundation of Illinois (BFI), and Baptist Children’s Home and Family […]

News

Uptown Crossover

SBC: Illinoisans join Crossover outreach

Kayla Houchin

Orlando | More than 50 churches from across the country joined forces in and around Orlando, Fla. for the annual Crossover event June 1-6. Crossover takes place the week before the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting. It focuses on an evangelistic effort in the city and surrounding area where the meeting is taking place and […]

Mohler narrows amendment to preaching, resolution addresses women’s roles

New regional consultant named

More News Stories

Mission

“While we have not yet arrived at the destination we envision, I believe we are clearly headed in the right direction,” said IMB President Paul Chitwood to trustees in the May 22 plenary session. IMB Photo

IMB trustees appoint new missionaries, elect first woman chair

Leslie Caldwell

Richmond | International Mission Board trustees approved 65 fully funded missionaries for appointment during their May 21-22 meeting near Richmond, Virginia. The missionaries approved for appointment will be recognized during a Sending Celebration on Tuesday, June 10, at 10:08 a.m. CDT in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Dallas. The event will […]

Metro East church plant hosts multiplication meeting

Sallateeska baptism demonstrates SBC connections

More Mission Stories

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