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When tragedy strikes

April 3, 2020 By Pat Pajak

Encouraging Words

Unexpected tragedy comes in many forms. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, droughts, and most recently, the Coronavirus pandemic. We are left to deal with the physical, emotional, and spiritual aftermath, as the world asks, “Where is the God of love? Why are innocent people suffering? How come God didn’t prevent this?” As believers, we understand that God […]

Pat’s Playbook: Time to evaluate

December 4, 2019 By Pat Pajak

Question: I think my church is shallow. Answer: Shallow can have many different definitions! However, if the church you attend isn’t preaching the word of God, and isn’t committed to evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, missions, and worship, it’s time for you to find a new church. Finding a church that meets those needs may not be […]

Pat’s Playbook: Shift the focus

October 25, 2019 By Pat Pajak

Question: There’s change coming to our church, and while it doesn’t affect me directly, I find I’m not handling it well. Do you have any spiritual advice? Answer: The key to accepting change is often to put aside our own preferences and focus on the real reason for the change. Churches often make changes to […]

Pat’s Playbook: Christ over all

September 19, 2019 By Pat Pajak

Question: People keep talking about unnecessary ministries and using one I really like as an example. Should I speak up, or are they right? Answer: Some types of ministries come and go. Something that was popular a few years ago may outlive its usefulness or even its effectiveness. Remember that genuine ministry is built on […]

Pat’s Playbook: Be safe, always

July 22, 2019 By Pat Pajak

Question: I’m uncomfortable that two of our staff members are related to our deacon chairman. Nepotism is a problem, right? Answer: Today’s churches are doing more and more in-house hiring for various ministry positions. If the person being hired is capable and able to do the job as expected, he or she should be judged […]

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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

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