Springfield, IL | Nine newly cooperating churches were welcomed into the Illinois Baptist State Baptist Association on Tuesday evening at the November 4-5, 2025 Annual Meeting by the 381 registered messengers and 111 visitors who were present.
In the months and weeks prior to the meeting, their leaders completed paperwork to become “cooperating churches” and provided information to the IBSA Credentials Committee on their congregation, including their adherence to the Baptist Faith and Message, planned financial support for Cooperative Program, and evidence of democratic processes in the selection of church leaders.
Alex Melton, vice chair of the IBSA Credentials Committee, and pastor of Heartland Baptist Church in Alton, presented the churches to messengers.
The churches were:
● Anchor Church Berwyn, Berwyn
● Gospelife, Washington
● Hammer and Flame Church, Bushnell
● Iglesia De Cristo, Milan
● Metro Tabernacle Comm. Church, Lansing
● New Vision Community Church, Mt. Sterling
● River of Life Church, Urbana
● Shepherd Reformed, Joliet
● Village Baptist Church, Alexis