IBSA News

Illinois Baptist State Newspaper

SBC

SBC sees attendance, baptism gains amid membership declines

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Brentwood, Tenn. | Southern Baptist churches saw sustained growth in attendance and baptisms, but the two-decade membership decline continued in 2025. Total Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) membership fell by more than 3% from 2024 to 2025, dipping to 12,331,954, according to the Annual Church Profile (ACP) compiled by Lifeway Research in cooperation with Baptist state conventions. While […]

Missouri Baptist Children’s Home president dies from injuries

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Bridgeton, Mo. | The Missouri Baptist Children’s Home announced this morning (April 23) that its president, Juston Gates, passed away last night due to injuries from a hunting accident that occurred a week ago. The MBCH released the following statement this morning: “It is with a heavy heart and great sense of loss that we […]

Lifeway trustees elect Ryan Blackwell as president and CEO

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Nashville, Tenn. | Lifeway Christian Resources trustees elected Ryan Blackwell as the organization’s 11th president and CEO during a special-called meeting April 22 in Nashville. “I’m deeply humbled and grateful to be given this opportunity by the trustees. Lifeway has a long and faithful history of serving churches, and I’m honored to step into this […]

Former SBC President Steve Gaines dies at 68

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Memphis | Former SBC President Steven Gaines died Friday afternoon (March 20) Bellevue Baptist Church announced. “It’s with a heavy heart that we share with you the passing of our beloved Pastor Emeritus, Dr. Steve Gaines. After a two-year long battle with cancer, Bro. Steve stepped into eternity earlier this afternoon, and he is now […]

State Department urges Americans to leave 14 Middle Eastern countries

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As fighting escalates in the Middle East since U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran began on Feb. 28, so has the number of countries Americans are being advised to leave or avoid. The U.S. Department of State released a list of 14 countries on March 2, urging American citizens to depart them immediately on available commercial transportation. […]