Springfield | In church life, some summers are marked by a slump—in giving, attendance or attitude. But not this year, and especially not for IBSA.
With the new administration now entering its second quarter, there are notable signs of positive attitudes in the network of churches. Some observations are anecdotal, with stories coming from the mission field about enthusiasm for the new season, and some observations are based on upticks in attendance and missions support.
“I’m moving into the second half of 2026 encouraged by the unity, support, and the desire to impact lostness that Illinois Baptists are expressing as I spend time with them,” Scott Foshie said.
Elected in December with a transition overlapping Executive Director Nate Adams’ April 1 retirement. Foshie has officially held office three months. In that time, Foshie has held listening sessions with leaders in every corner of the state. And his preaching schedule is full through the end of the year.
“There is a palpable desire among our churches to reach their communities and the world with the gospel,” Foshie said.
IBSA Board Chair Paul Cooper shared Foshie’s assessment. “He has travelled the state to listen to others; he’s communicated well with the board and other leaders, and we’ve seen some early signs of growth,” Cooper said.
IBSA President Doug Munton cited Foshie’s personal interactions as a positive. “He is a great listener and encourager. He has helped us connect with each other and seek God’s direction for our work together. I am delighted that we can join together in the important mission God has for us in Illinois.”
All five regions have consultants in place now, IBSA’s collegiate contractors are at work, and the missions, growth, communications, and operations teams are fully staffed for the first time in three years.
Attendance at IBSA camps was strong this year, as it was at Priority Women’s Conference, which expanded to three locations. Coming out of the SBC Annual Meeting, reports about increases from 300 to 1,600 missionary candidates in the pipeline to global mission fields buoy support from local churches. There is a sense of unity around mission, even as the denomination works through constitutional issues and attitudes related to women’s roles in ministry.
Foshie is strengthening Illinois Baptists’ partnerships with the International Misson Board, North American Mission Board, and other state conventions.
Giving follows vision
If people vote with their feet and their wallets, then early balloting appears positive. Attendance numbers won’t be official until Annual Church Profiles are filed in September and tallied for a January report. However, compared to the same period last year, Illinois Cooperative Program giving is on the increase. Slight, but up.
For January 1 through June 30, the 2026 total was $2,692,691.07, compared to $2,690,422.05 for the same period last year. That is an increase of almost 1% ($2,269.02). While the shift may seem small, it is an uptick. Ministry experts say that giving in churches follows other numerical trends by six months to two years. So, any upward movement is a good sign.
Foshie is obviously hopeful the trend continues. He inherited a budget plan for $6 million in 2026, but IBSA historically does not spend as much as it budgets. A spending plan more in line with the 2025 giving total of $5.2 million is more likely going forward. A staffing plan based on that projection is in place.
In contrast to the Illinois story, CP giving to the national SBC through June was below the budget goal. Total national CP giving remains a little more than 3% under budget for the year.
“I am especially excited to see an uptick in CP giving and a renewed optimism that God has great plans for Illinois,” Cooper said. “I can’t wait to see what God is going to do next!”