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Unique gospel outreach is a winner for new Alton congregation

August 1, 2022 By Eric Reed

The Alton River Dragons bested the Normal Cornbelters 13-2 in the July 17 game which was sponsored by Requiem Church. The new church plant reached out to coaches, players, and local families who host them during the two-month summer season. Photo by Colin Feeney.

In addition to baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie, you might add to the list of America’s favorites this one: evangelistic outreach. Requiem Church has forged a relationship with the Alton River Dragons, a local team that is part of the Prospect League. That’s a summer collegiate level league with 16 teams in Illinois and […]

Illinois Baptists aid after shooting spree

July 11, 2022 By Eric Reed

People gather around a makeshift memorial for victims of the Highland Park mass shooting that occurred on the Fourth of July. Screenshot WGN

“When you ask if they were a victim of the parade shooting, you get several different responses,” Bev Laechelt explained. “Some people are very angry and they say ‘I-am-not-a-victim; I’m a survivor.’ Or they start crying because it’s the first time they’ve talked about it, and I have to get them to a counselor right […]

Medical ministry is part of global engagement for Metropolis church

June 27, 2022 By Eric Reed

14 million people have fled their homes in war-torn Ukraine, and 6.5 million of them have left for neighboring countries.

When Randy Oliver saw news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the doctor from Southern Illinois knew he would be going to the region again. And when he received notice from the International Mission Board that Ukrainian refugees were flooding into nearby countries, the family physician quickly joined a five-person medical mission team that included […]

SBC calls for consistent laws across states on abuse and sharing information

June 16, 2022 By Eric Reed

Newly elected SBC President Bart Barber chaired this year's SBC Committee on Resolutions. Photo by Karen McCutcheon

Messengers to the 2022 Southern Baptist Convention called on lawmakers in all 50 states to enact legislation creating uniform definitions for pastoral sexual abuse, and they gave Baptists in the states a tool for urging the legislation. Resolution 5 “On Consistent Laws Regarding Pastoral Sexual Abuse” was part of a package of actions on the […]

SBC debates Warren, women, and a word

June 15, 2022 By Eric Reed

Pastor Rick Warren

The most surprising moment in Tuesday’s debate over motions (not related to adoption of the abuse-related recommendations) was the appearance of Rick Warren at a floor microphone. The founding and soon retiring pastor of Saddleback Church, 38 miles from the Anaheim convention center, showed up to address a motion about the role of women in […]

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Featured Columns

Meredith Flynn

The whole story

Meredith Flynn

“So, Samson died too?” The question hung in the air as we read a chapter in our new Bible storybook. “Well, yes,” I said, glad for the author’s intro that explained even heroes aren’t perfect. Flawed, foolish Samson died alongside his enemies. Earlier in the collection of stories told by Kevin DeYoung, the children of […]

Nate Adams

Why we’re here

Nate Adams

A consultant assisting IBSA with strategic planning recently challenged us with this question: “Why does Illinois need a Southern Baptist brand of disciple?” He wasn’t downplaying the Great Commission nor disparaging Southern Baptists. He was making the point that there are many other Christian groups in Illinois, in fact many other evangelical groups. Especially in […]

A Brighter Day: The wisdom of ages

Meredith Flynn

A friend recounted her visit to a family member in an assisted living facility. Not only did she spend time with her relative, she also had a long chat with a few other residents and their families. “I don’t think we do that enough,” she said, explaining how the group—varied in age and life experience—simply […]

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Statement from SBC entity leaders on announcement of DOJ investigation

Illinois Baptist Staff

The SBC Executive Committee recently became aware that the Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into the Southern Baptist Convention, and that the investigation will include multiple SBC entities. Individually and collectively each SBC entity is resolved to fully and completely cooperate with the investigation. While we continue to grieve and lament past mistakes […]

News

Lifeway president and CEO Ben Mandrell speaks during the SBC Associational Leaders Conference in Anaheim June 12.

Lifeway targets frontier states

Baptist Press

Illinois native and Lifeway head Ben Mandrell shared the organization’s desire to partner with churches around the globe, including those who have felt underserved. After noting the challenges of leading Lifeway during his first three years as president, Mandrell said he believes the organization’s vision is crystallizing. “We are expanding the boundaries beyond the Southeast […]

Former editor dies at 61

First Person: A statement regarding the Baptist Faith & Message and the word ‘pastor’

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Mission

Annie Armstrong

How SBC missions have been influenced by Annie Armstrong

Sandy Wisdom-Martin

A few years ago, I read the SBC president at the time was considering different gavels for presiding at the SBC Annual Meeting. One of the options under consideration was the Armstrong gavel. I sent him an email with this message: This weekend I did a bit of reading on Annie Armstrong and was inspired […]

On mission again

New partnership targets biblical literacy

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