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Meredith Flynn

Christian community from your couch

February 6, 2020 By Meredith Flynn

It won’t surprise you to read that strong relationships are integral to the growth and health of a church. People are more likely to stay connected to a church when they’re connected to the people there, especially among younger generations. A 2013 Barna study of twentysomethings found those who stayed active in their faith after […]

‘Don’t do nothing’

October 24, 2019 By Meredith Flynn

“Right now, you’re way over here,” attorney Kimberlee Norris said in Dallas, swinging her arm to one side. “You think there’s a pedophile under every rock.” The alternative, Norris said, swinging her arm to the other side, is to stay unaware and unprepared for the potential for sexual abuse in churches and ministries. In a […]

Following God’s odd road map

October 3, 2019 By Meredith Flynn

On my last Sunday at my southern California church ten years ago, my pastor surprised me by calling me up to pray for my upcoming move. Friends surrounded me as his voice echoed across the school gym. “Lord, be with Meredith as she moves to Indiana.” My head still bowed, I cracked open one eye […]

LifeWay stores: losing a trusted source

May 10, 2019 By Meredith Flynn

The announcement that LifeWay Christian Resources will close its brick-and-mortar stores by the end of the year dismayed many Southern Baptists who have long shopped the shelves for books, music, and Lord’s Supper wafers. The reaction was predictable—it’s sad to lose a trusted source of information and resources. What some seem to be missing even […]

Greear walks the line

September 21, 2018 By Meredith Flynn

One day after he attended a dinner for evangelical leaders at the White house, J.D. Greear tweeted a 136-word statement explaining why he was there. The statement noted that “witness in the public square requires some presence in it,” but reiterated Greear’s commitment to “decoupling the church from partisan politics.” Some responders lauded Greear for […]

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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 […]

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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

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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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