IBSA News

Illinois Baptist State Newspaper

Illinois Churches

Churches start ‘ReFocus’ journey toward revitalization

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Seven IBSA churches gathered in November for a three-day meeting focused on revitalization. The churches are the first to engage in a ReFocus process designed to help churches rediscover their purpose and take new steps of obedience. IBSA has made church revitalization a key priority for 2020. The Association is partnering with Rob Peters and […]

Growing church breathes new life into historic building

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Grace Fellowship is a new church with a lot of history. Their building was constructed in 1858 and launched as a Baptist church. Billy Graham even preached there in the 1950s. But to its current congregation, it’s brand new. At a building dedication in October, the Grace Fellowship congregation was bubbling with excitement. “God opened […]

Churchgoers say they can go it alone, but they also need others

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A LifeWay Research survey uncovered contradictory info about modern churchgoers and biblical community: 65% say they can walk with God without other believers, but an even larger number–75%–say they need other believers to help them grow in their faith. The findings are at odds with each other, says Southwestern Seminary’s Kenneth Priest, and the issue […]

Stitchin’ time: Quilters on a mission to support Illinois families

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“Each one of us has got some adopted grandchildren.” In a Sunday school classroom at Marshall Missionary Baptist Church, Alberta Siverly explains why she and her sisters meet here every week. Along with their friend Karen Wallace, the sisters are assembled to work on quilts for an annual auction held by Illinois’ Baptist Children’s Home […]