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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

Warning: Deadly serious, but fun

Deadly serious, but fun

Lisa Misner

Last year, Illinois ranked 17th on Wallet Hub’s list of best states to live in based on 51 key indicators. Health and safety were among those factors, of which Illinois ranked 30th. But we’re a fun state. Illinois’ family fun rank was listed at 2nd. Still, there was a catch. A fun state to live […]

Stock image

Trey’s new family

Valarie Veteto

“I’m not religious.” She spoke the words as soon as I pulled a chair beside her hospital bed. “That’s okay,” I replied, unsure if anyone had ever been so direct. I whispered an arrow prayer to the Lord for wisdom: Please help me say the right thing, Lord—Your words, not mine. She reclined in the […]

The real Christmas angels

Melissa Spoelstra

An angel accented the top of our family’s Christmas tree each year when I was growing up. This regal figure featured a golden gown, wings and a halo. Angels have become a common part of Christmas décor, but they are rarely portrayed accurately according to Scripture. Angels are not winged cherubs playing harps and sitting […]

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Streator names new camp manager

Illinois Baptist Staff

Anthony Heathcoat has been named as the next Manager at Streator Baptist Camp. Heathcoat will move north to Streator from southern Illinois after serving as Assistant Professor at SIU Carbondale in the School of Automotive Technology and leading the Men’s Ministry at First Baptist Church of Sesser. “We are excited about Anthony getting started at […]

News

Carole Doom and team

Carole’s short retirement

Lisa Misner

Springfield | After serving IBSA nearly 27 years, Administrative Coordinator Carole Doom retired on January 2, 2026. However, she won’t be missed for long. Doom will return in mid-January to serve with the Operations Team in a part-time role, three-days a week, as a ministry coordinator. During her tenure with IBSA, she’s been part of […]

Reaching ‘Across State Lines’ could save lives

Farewells in Rehoboth, Louisville

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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