IBSA News

Illinois Baptist State Newspaper

MLS Day 2: Lifeway’s Mandrell urges ‘fierce optimism’ at Midwest summit

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“I need some fellowship for sure,” said one pastor on arrival at the Midwest Leadership Summit. Others said they came to the three-day event in Springfield for ministry ideas, for training as leaders, and to be charged up by good preaching. It happened. It all happened. “It’s good to be here, where people drink ‘pop’ […]

MLS Day 1: Litton salutes Midwest leaders at biennial summit

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As nearly 1,000 church leaders from the Midwest convened in Illinois, Southern Baptist Convention President Ed Litton saluted organizers and those in attendance for the unique regional event, before speaking briefly about pressures facing the convention. “You’re a testimony to the nation,” Litton said. “If all our regions would be so united together to perfect […]

Midwest leaders to convene in Illinois

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More than 1,000 leaders from SBC churches in the Midwest are registered for a leadership gathering in Illinois next week. The Midwest Leadership Summit convenes in Springfield January 18-20, bringing together representatives from twelve states and nine Baptist state conventions. “Southern Baptist churches in the north have unique challenges and opportunities,” said Nate Adams, Executive […]

Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief still on scene in Kentucky

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Approaching two weeks after massive tornadoes destroyed much of Mayfield, Kentucky, and other communities and left 78 dead, Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief (IBDR) volunteers remained on scene, providing assistance to victims and families. Three units responded immediately, and since then have been reenforced or replaced by additional units from Illinois. Some 90 volunteers from Illinois […]

Wonder: Is wide-eyed fascination still possible after all these years?

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Grown-ups often say Christmas is for children, especially when they’re surrounded by little ones on a sugar plum rush eagerly reciting their wish lists to anyone with North Pole connections. When our celebrations grow quieter with the passage of time—less about tinsel and toys, more about a few days off and fond memories—we may ask […]