While each of our churches has many things we can celebrate, if we’re honest, we know some areas where we have unmet redemptive potential. For instance, if they’re honest, a church that is strong in fellowship may discover that they are much more passionate about welcoming each other than seeing new people join the family. […]
3 essentials for healthy churches
Despite an abundance of evangelism training and gospel-sharing strategies, professions of faith and baptisms continue their decline in Illinois Baptist life. Could it be that our evangelism crisis is a symptom of a heart change needed to impact the culture of our churches? Throughout Scripture, we see God’s model for thriving churches. While Jesus gave […]
‘Change Cycle’ aids leaders in caring for teams in crisis times
When we experience a major crisis, we are often focused on immediate needs for ourselves and for those we are caring for. There is a “panic” reaction that causes us to make sudden adjustments. Many of us have had to make such quick, painful adjustments over the last few weeks as we faced the realities […]
God is inviting his church to her finest hour
“But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15 CSB). Christians across Illinois, America, and the world are reeling from the disruption and heartache the Coronavirus has brought […]
Back to Brazil: 152 accept Christ as medical mission team returns to Rio
Altogether, workers in the clinic served 300 medical patients, helped 1,272 people at the pharmacy, and 152 people accepted Christ as Savior. Read…