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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

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

SBC: Three takeaways from Orlando

Eric Reed

Orlando | What could have been a divisive annual meeting proved to be unified in three ways: Messengers voted by large margins on big issues. They approved two measures bringing new attention to gospel ministry for disabled people. Rejecting a slew of efforts to study secondary issues, the convention kept missions and missionaries at the […]

News

Nominees

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 […]

SBC: Illinoisans join Crossover outreach

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

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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