Springfield | SBC President Bart Barber and his assessment of current issues in the denomination were both well received during the Texas pastor’s visit to Illinois. Coming to the Midwest one more time before the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting convenes in Indianapolis in June, Barber spent about four hours on April 16 meeting pastors and church leaders and answering questions about the big issues. Mostly, he conveyed the tone he hopes will prevail in the Annual Meeting.
“Baptist people are hard to work with,” Barber said, “and some will tell you they are hard to work for.” He laughed a little as he said it. But the rancher urged pastors to be a reconciling people. “Be the kind of people who is willing to go to a person and work something out,” he said, preaching a bit from Matthew 18.
“Heaven is working to bind us together, so we can serve together, so we can glorify God together, that’s encouraging to me,” Barber said. “Heaven backing you, pastor, but Jesus said, ‘I will be by your side.’”
IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams described the timing of Barber’s visit as providential. Adams had invited him before the 2023 convention in New Orleans. “Let’s see how the election turns out,” he joked, before winning a second one-year term. Now, less than two months ahead of his last convention wielding the gavel, Barber’s assessment of the issues appeared well timed. And helpful.
“I’ve really been struck by Dr. Barber’s humility, his desire to see the SBC following the Lord more closely,” said Daniel Good, pastor of Cornerstone Church in Savoy. As a younger pastor, Good was encouraged by explanation of the Cooperative Program as it turns 100 in 2025, and the importance of local churches like his own.
His wife, Hope, agreed. “I think it’s good to provide education on the Cooperative Program, how it’s not just about Illinois… I don’t think many younger people really know about it.”
For many who drove distances to hear Barber, it was his observations on the pending “Law Amendment” on the qualifications for pastor that drew their interest.
“He really helped clarify the issues,” said David Van Bebber, pastor of Meadowbrook Church in Auburn. “I appreciated his spirit, but also his compassion for all the people of out convention. As the pastor of a smaller church, he gives people a sense he cares that their voices are being heard.”
“He’s a servant, that’s clear,” said IBSA Board President Bruce Kirk of Alpha Church in Bolingbook. That’s going to be important in Indianapolis.”
“I think the issues are real. said Bryan Price, an IBSA Zone Consultant in Chicagoland and pastor of Love Fellowship in Romeoville. “The people of my church may not think about it a lot, but I do and the pastors I work with do. I don’t think these issues are something we can brush by.”
“Even in our differences, the Lord will lead us in Indianapolis,” Carlton Binkley, pastor of Tabernacle Church in Decatur, said. “As for Bart Barber, he is a down to earth brother that loves the Lord, and loves people… I really appreciate how he has led us as President.”
Watch the video reel of photos of Illinois Baptists with SBC President Bart Barber