Two years after committing to embrace the pioneering spirit of their Baptist forebears, modern Illinois Baptists will look to the future at this year’s IBSA Annual Meeting at Cornerstone Church.
The two-day gathering Nov. 6-7 will focus on the strategies and spirit needed to move forward in uncertain times and a challenging focus. Churches and leaders will be invited to “ReFocus” for the purpose of reaching the millions in Illinois who don’t know Christ.
IBSA’s last two Annual Meetings were dedicated to the Pioneering Spirit Challenge, a series of four commitments embraced by more than 250 churches desiring to do more in the areas of church planting, evangelism, missions giving, and leadership development. Born out of the same desire to turn the tide amid declining baptisms and worship attendance, ReFocus will highlight the concept of revitalization within ministry, and introduce a new revitalization process for IBSA churches.
IBSA President Adron Robinson will preach his final president’s message Wednesday afternoon, and Cornerstone’s Pastor Michael Nave will share his church’s revitalization story that evening. Rob Peters, founder of a ministry dedicated to helping churches revitalize, will speak to messengers and guests Thursday morning.
Cornerstone’s worship team will lead throughout the meeting and during the IBSA Pastors’ Conference Nov. 5-6.
Illinois Baptist church members seeking to serve as messengers (voters) at the meeting should be elected by their congregation to serve and registered by the church as messengers. Special meeting rates are available at three area hotels, but the deadline to reserve space at two of the hotels is Oct. 5. Go to IBSAannualmeeting.org for more information about lodging and dining options. IBSA will host a dessert reception Wednesday following the evening session.
Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief’s trained and screened Child Care Team will provide care for children through age 12. Contact Barb Troeger at (217) 391-3138 to RSVP for child care.
For more information about the IBSA Annual Meeting and Pastors’ Conference, go to IBSAannualmeeting.org.