IBSA News

Illinois Baptist State Newspaper

Illinois Churches

Associational leaders talk partnership, revitalization at annual meeting

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At their annual roundtable meeting this month, leaders of local Baptist associations in Illinois learned what churches around the country value most from their own associations. They also discussed revitalization, an urgent need at a time when many churches across the country are plateaued or declining. Revitalization is one of three key areas in which […]

Mission Illinois: Hearts for tomorrow

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I recently learned of the passing of Mary Lou Cameron at age 99. Mary Lou was the widow of Harold Cameron, who was state missions director and a church planting leader at IBSA for many years. I didn’t know Mary Lou personally, but her passing reminded me of the only time I remember meeting her […]

Was I in a prison cell or at the throne?

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Many times in ministry, I have been called on to do something not because I wanted to, but because I knew I should or it was in my job description. Often these “acts of obedience” make me uncomfortable, but I’ve noticed when I am obedient in these hard things, I receive a blessing and satisfaction […]

Pastor urges prayer for churches in Illinois

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Recent abortion-expanding legislation, high-profile pastoral failures, and a pending statewide “exodus” are a few of the concerns cited by Chicago pastor Nathan Carter. “Yet Christians must not despair or retreat,” Carter writes in his call to prayer on ERLC.com. “Ours is not the first age to have rulers who ‘frame injustice by statute’ (Ps. 94:20). […]

Churches take on tech issues

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Just a few years ago, teaching worship leaders and teams about technology was one part of Steve Hamrick’s job. Now, it’s a key focus area for IBSA’s director of worship and technology. “Five or six years ago, we went from having technology as part of our worship conference, to offering an entire conference on church […]