IllinoisBaptistStateAssociation

2019AnnualMeetingMinutes

November6–7,2019

CornerstoneChurch,Marion

Theme:REFOCUS

WednesdayAfternoon,November6,2019

1. Opening worship led by the Cornerstone Worship Team beginning at 1:15 p.m.

2. President Adron Robinson welcomed the guests and messengers to the 113th Annual meeting of the Illinois Baptist State Association. He called the meeting to order, using a new gavel (made from the home of James Smith – the first Baptist to preach a sermon in the new Illinois territory in 1787), and made announcements regarding:

 Registration

 Resolutions

 Election of Officers

 Fixed Order of Business

 Exhibit Hall

3. Opening prayer was given by Cheryl Dorsey from Beacon Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago Heights, Chicago Metro Baptist Association. She mentioned the prayer request cards and after praying, closed the prayer time by singing/leading us to sing “Open the Eyes of My Heart”.

4. Pastor Michael Nave welcomed IBSA, messengers and guests to Cornerstone Church. Executive Director Nate Adams came on stage to thank the church for hosting this annual meeting and presented a plaque honoring the 20 year anniversary of the church to Dr. Nave.

5. The REFOCUS theme interpretation video was played and President Adron Robinson spoke briefly on Hebrews 12:1 & 2; “Fixing our eyes on Jesus” and encouraging us with the reminders:

 Lay aside every hindrance

 Run with endurance

 Fix your eyes on Jesus

6. President Adron Robinson appointed Bob Dyer as parliamentarian for this meeting.

7.Josh Monda, representing the Credentials Committee, moved the seating of the 393 registered messengers and any others who will register later in the meeting. Vote taken. Motion was adopted.

8.Josh Monda, representing the Credentials Committee, moved the 16 churches listed below (and on page 13 in the Book of Reports) be approved for affiliation with the Illinois Baptist State Association:

 Calvary Baptist Church, Granite City

 Christ Church, Carbondale

 Elmwood Park Community Church, Elmwood Park

 First Baptist Church, Collinsville

 Grace Baptist Church, Peoria

 Grace Fellowship Church, Davis Junction

 Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, East St. Louis

 Harvest Bible Chapel, Rockford

 Jesus is the Life Church, Park Forest

 Journey Church, Normal

 Morning Star Church, Rockford

 Net Community Church, Staunton

 Progressive Baptist Church, Chicago

 Road to Freedom Baptist Church, Galesburg

 Second Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon

 Trail of Hope Cowboy Church, Sherrard Vote taken; motion adopted.

9.Josh Monda, representing the Credentials Committee, also moved the messengers from these newly affiliated churches be seated for the 113th Annual Meeting of the Illinois Baptist State Association. Vote taken; motion adopted. The messengers of the newly affiliated churches were asked to stand and were welcomed with applause.

10. President Adron Robinson asked the new pastors, since our last annual meeting, to stand and they were also greeted with applause.

11.Josh Monda, representing the Credentials Committee, recommended the disaffiliation of 8 churches which have been non‐cooperating for at least 5 years. These churches are listed below (and in the Book of Reports on page 13):

 Liberty Baptist Church, Rockford, North Central

 Greater Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago, Chicago Metro

 Victory Christian Assembly, Markham, Chicago Metro

 New Promise Land Baptist Church, Chicago, Chicago Metro

 Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Rock Island, Quad Cities

 New Hope Community Church, Palatine, Chicago Metro

 New Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago, Chicago Metro

 Soul Saving Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago, Miscellaneous Vote taken; motion adopted.

12. Mark Barber, chair of the Committee on Order of Business and messenger from Riverton First Baptist Church, made the motion to adopt the agenda as printed on pages 2 and 3 in the Book of Reports, with the correction of President Adron Robinson taking Vice‐president Adam Cruise’s place on the program. Vote taken; motion adopted.

13. Mark Barber presented the printed recommendations from the Book of Reports, page 9:

 Jacob Gray, pastor of Ten Mile Baptist Church in McLeansboro, will bring the 2020 Annual Sermon, and that Adam Cruse of Living Faith Baptist Church will serve as the alternate.

 The 2022 IBSA Annual Meeting be held at Metro Community Church in Edwardsville on November 2‐3.

 As previously approved, the 2020 IBSA Annual Meeting will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield on November 4 and 5, and the 2021 meeting will be hosted by Broadview Missionary Baptist Church in Broadview on November 10 and 11.

Vote taken; motion adopted.

14. President Adron Robinson requested we read and review the printed reports and resolutions before voting on them tomorrow. The Constitution report, first reading, will be voted on next year. The Constitution report section with the second reading will be voted on tomorrow. Most of these Constitution changes are clarifications needed after the constitutions of all three Illinois Baptist entities were updated three years ago to keep IBSA in compliance with state law.

15. Resolutions may be submitted to the Resolution committee to consider until 4:30 p.m. today.

16. A video report from the SBC Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission was shown. The speaker was Dan Darling, a former Chicagoland pastor who now works for ERLC.

17. President Adron Robinson encouraged messengers to read the statement on the evil of sexual abuse. He explained some of the reasons for the importance of the resolution and timeline regarding sexual abuse issues. Meredith Flynn, Managing Editor of the Illinois Baptist newspaper and news website, was introduced to report on the ERLC’s Caring Well Conference that was held in Dallas last October. President Robinson prayed for churches dealing with this issue and the ERLC’s Caring Well ministry.

18. President Robinson introduced a partnership video from the Executive Committee, SBC. Dr. Ronnie Floyd was speaker on the video.

19. Dr. Jeff Iorg, president of Gateway Seminary, brought a partnership message from the six Southern Baptist seminaries.

20. President Robinson asked for nominations for the office of President of IBSA for 2019‐2020. Doug Munton nominated Sammy Simmons from First Baptist Church of Benton to serve as President. There were no further nominations. Motion was made and seconded to elect Sammy Simmons to serve as our President by acclamation. Vote taken; motion adopted.

21. President Robinson asked for nominations for the office of Recording Secretary for IBSA for 2019‐2020. Cliff Woodman nominated Sharon Carty to serve as Recording Secretary. There were no other nominations. Motion was made and seconded to elect Sharon Cary to serve as our Recording Secretary by acclamation. Vote taken; motion adopted.

22. President Robinson called for Miscellaneous business. There was none.

23. The Cornerstone Worship Team led worship through music.

24. Doug Morrow, Executive Director of Baptist Foundation of Illinois, introduced guest speakers: the Honnen family and Jean Powell. They gave testimonies of how the Foundation had helped them and made a difference in their lives. He also mentioned the new officers of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees for 2020:

 David Grove, chair,

 Newlin Wollaston, vice chair

 David Chumley, secretary.

25. Ted Zimmerman, Baptist Foundation of Illinois Board Chair, presented the budget recommendation found in the Book of Reports on page 41. Vote taken; motion adopted.

26. An offering was received for the Minister’s Relief Fund.

27. Sharon Holmes, from Hillcrest Baptist Church in Country Club Hill, Chicago, brought the special music before the President’s Message.

28. Executive Director Nate Adams introduced President Adron Robinson. He brought his final President’s Message, speaking from Hebrews 12: 1‐2, “Stay in the Race.” 1) encouragement from the saints, 2) examine ourselves, and 3) the example of the Son. Focus your eyes on the prize and the purpose.

29. President Robinson thanked IBSA for the honor of serving the past 4 years (two as Vice‐President) and several members from the Hillcrest Baptist Church for coming to the meeting. He reminded us the evening session starts at 6:45 and Pastor Michael Nave will be preaching. There will be a dessert reception in the main lobby area after the services and all are welcome to attend.

30. President Robinson led in closing prayer.

Wednesdayevening,November6,2019

31. The Cornerstone Worship Team led in the pre‐session worship beginning at 6:45 p.m.

32. President Adron Robinson welcomed us back to the meeting. He thanked the host church for their hospitality and introduced Ruben Raquel, pastor of First Baptist Church of McHenry. Ruben Raquel led the opening prayer.

33. President Adron Robinson and Executive Director Nate Adams welcomed 16 new churches to the IBSA family. Barb Troeger assisted with presenting the certificates to each church as they were introduced. All new churches were gathered for a group picture.

34. Executive Director Nate Adams mentioned the IBSA church plants this year. There are 70 church plants in progress with 16 churches started this year.

35. A partnership video message from the North American Mission Board was shown, featuring President Kevin Ezell.

36. A partnership video message from International Mission Board was shown, featuring President Paul Chitwood.

37. Executive Director Nate Adams introduced two missionaries with the International Mission Board: Cody and Ava. These are not their real names (to protect their identity). They are missionaries to the Middle East. There was an interview session about the work they are doing. Executive Director Adams led in prayer for them and their work.

38. The Cornerstone Worship Team led worship through music.

39. President Adron Robinson introduced Michael Nave, Pastor of Cornerstone Church.

40. Michael Nave delivered the closing message. The text was 2 Timothy 1:3‐7.

41. The session ended with a closing song, led by the Cornerstone Worship Team.

42. President Adron Robinson reminded us that the morning session begins at 8:15 a.m., that Rob Peters who leads the “ReFocus ministry” will bring a message tomorrow, and that the dessert reception is to follow this session.

43. President Adron Robinson led in closing prayer at 8:56 p.m.

Thursdaymorning,November7,2019

44. Worship through music was led by Cornerstone Worship Team – 8:18 a.m.

45. President Adron Robinson welcomed the group to the final session of the 113th annual meeting of Illinois Baptist State Association. He provided a recap of the previous day’s sessions and introduced Carlton Binkley, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur, who led in opening prayer.

46. President Robinson reported the auditors selected by the three IBSA entity boards:

 For IBSA – Capin Crouse

 For BFI – Sikich LLP auditing firm

 For BCHFS – Atlas CPAs Motion to adopt this report was made and seconded. Vote taken; motion adopted.

47. A partnership video from GuideStone was shown.

48. Ben Towell from the IBSA Constitution Committee reported: Pages 10 and 11 in the 2019 IBSA Book of Reports are proposed updates to the IBSA Constitution that the Committee is presenting for a “first reading” only, meaning that they are there for your review without discussion, and will be voted on at next year’s Annual Meeting. These changes are mostly about formatting, and consistency with the use of the word “chairperson.” There is one clarification about committee members’ ineligibility to serve repeat terms on the same committee, until one year has elapsed. Again, this is a “first reading” and the vote will be at the 2020 Annual Meeting.

On pages 11 and 12, you will find proposed changes to the Illinois Baptist State Association’s Constitution, Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services, and Baptist Foundation of Illinois Bylaws that were presented for first reading last year. The purpose of these amendments is to bring the three entities legal documents into alignment, and to clarify eligibility for board membership of BFI and BCHFS, as it pertains to employees or their family members of these entities.

The IBSA Constitution Committee recommends for second reading and vote, the updates to the IBSA Constitution, the Baptist Children’s Home and Baptist Foundation Bylaws found on pages 11‐12 of the Book of Reports. Vote taken; motion adopted.

49. Nathaniel Trowbridge, Resolutions and Christian Life Committee chair, presented the report from the Book of Reports, pages 20 through 24. These were voted on individually. Below are excerpts from his script overviewing each of the resolutions.

1. RESOLUTIONOFAPPRECIATIONTOCORNERSTONECHURCHOFMARION

We would like to recognize the hospitality of our host church, Cornerstone Church of Marion, and their pastor, Michael Nave, and gracious staff. Resolution was adopted by affirmation, and shown by a round of applause.

2. RESOLUTIONONTHEEVILOFSEXUALABUSE

Southern Baptists were met in February with the sad and disturbing news that some churches had sexual abusers in their midst. Of particular concern was the report that some of the accused were church leaders and pastors who had moved from one church to another without being detected. And the survivors of abuse, in many cases, felt unheard when they reported abuse and uncared for in their own churches.

Since that first newspaper report, Southern Baptists have responded with a series of strong statements against abuse, for the protection of children and vulnerable adults, and for pastoral care for the abused. The executive Committee and SBC President J.D. Greear led the way. They urged the national convention, state conventions, local associations, and local churches to adopt a series of statements about abuse prevention and ministry, and a series of actions on preventing abuse in the local church.

This resolution is the Illinois version of the national statement. The IBSA Board expressed its support in the March Board Meeting, while we awaited action by messengers at this Annual Meeting. By adopting this resolution, Illinois Baptists will be taking their stand with Southern Baptists nationwide, with 40 other state conventions, plus local associations and local churches, on the abhorrence of sexual abuse, and the mandate we have as representatives of Jesus Christ to do all in our power to prevent such abuse, cooperate with local authorities, and minister to those who have been hurt.

We move the adoption of the Resolution on the Evil of Sexual Abuse on pages 20‐22 of the Book of Reports. Vote taken; resolution is adopted.

3. RESOLUTIONONABORTION

On the issue of abortion, our committee feels the need to ask Illinois Baptist to make a statement on the value of life, and to repudiate all actions by the Illinois General Assembly that are making our state a haven for abortion providers. This resolution was drafted months ago, even before we knew about the massive new abortion clinic that opened in Fairview Heights a few weeks ago.

We believe Illinois Baptist need to make a bold statement at this time, for a Biblical and God‐fearing response to the liberalization and expansion of abortion regulations in Illinois – as presented on page 22 in the Book of Reports. Vote taken; motion adopted.

4. RESOLUTIONONLGBTQ

Whereas we rely on the scriptures as the foremost and final authority, particularly 1 Corinthians 6:9‐11, the gospel has the power to deliver one who is washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ from the LGBTQ lifestyle and

Whereas the 2019 Illinois House bill HB0217, titled, “The Youth Mental Health Protection Act” did not in fact protect all youth, but rather attempted to “protect” only youth who prefer to stay in the LGBTQ lifestyle from Reparative Therapy, thereby discriminating against minors and adults who might seek to receive Reparative therapy and find it effective, and

Whereas the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, Section 1, stating in part that no state shall “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law, nor deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws” should allow for minors and their parents the right to choose counseling that supports the Biblical view of human sexuality, and

Whereas Dr. Nicholas J. Cummings, President of American Psychological Association, stated that, “With clinical experience my staff and I learned to assess the probability of change in those who wished to become heterosexual. Of the roughly 18,000 gay and lesbian patients whom we treated over 20 years through Kaiser Permanente, most had satisfactory outcome,” and

Whereas, according to Cummings,

(https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/item/11640‐former‐apa‐president‐says=homosexuals‐can‐change), “After the decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder was made, gay lobbyists and their allies gained control over the APA and from then on, all findings were cherry picked in favor of what these people wanted to say to serve their political agenda. The Leona Tyler Principle (that it is possible to leave the homosexual lifestyle) not only ceased to be followed, it was wiped from the APA journal,” thus opening the door for homosexuality to be promoted as a Civil Right, therefore be it

RESOLVED, the messengers to the Illinois Baptist State Association meeting in Marion, Illinois, November 6‐7, 2019 affirm the position that minors have rights under First Amendment to the free exercise of religion, and under the 14th Amendment to the right of Equal Justice Under the Law, including the right to receive counseling that would allow them to be free from unwanted same sex/gender attraction. a. The date should be 2015 (not 2019) b. Nicholas J. Cummings should be Nicolas A. Cummings c. It should read former President (not President) d. The 5th whereas paragraph should be removed e. Add the after rights in the last paragraph, strike would allow and replace with might help

We move the adoption of the Resolution on LGBTQ counseling, which upholds the church and pastor’s rights to share Biblical truth with people seeking redemption and release from same‐sex attraction, as printed on pages 22‐23 in the Book of Reports.

Paul Cooper came to the microphone and thanked the committee for adding the scriptural preface. He moved the following changes be made to this resolution.

Motion seconded.

Parliamentarian Bob Dyer stated each change would be voted on individually by category.

Amendments:

Items a – c Voted taken; motion carried.

Item d Discussion followed. Vote taken; amendment failed. Paragraph will stay as presented.

Item e Discussion followed. It was agreed to leave would allow in the resolution as presented. Only add the in the amendment. Vote taken; motion carried.

Resolution was voted on with the above changes. Motion adopted.

5. RESOLUTIONONAPPRECIATIONOFSMALLCHURCHCONGREGATIONS

Resolution Committee moves the adoption of the Resolution on Appreciation of Small Church Congregations, noting in particular the 525 IBSA churches with 50 or less in worship attendance, which are nevertheless a vital part of Illinois Baptist life and gospel advancement on our mission field. The resolution is on page 23 in the Book of Reports. Vote taken; motion adopted.

6. RESOLUTIONSONREVITALIZATIONANDRENEWAL

In keeping with the theme of this Annual Meeting, we move the adoption of the Resolution on Revitalization and Renewal, as printed on page 24 in the Book of Reports. Vote taken; motion adopted.

50. President Adron Robinson thanked the Resolutions and Christian Life Committee for helping Illinois Baptists address these important issues.

51. President Adron Robinson directed us to look at the remaining committee reports in the Book of Reports:

 The Committee on Committees Report starting on page 6,

 The Historical Committee Report on page 14, and

 The Nominating Committee Report on pages 15‐18. He explained that for the sake of time, we would adopt the reports from standing committees as written, rather than having the chair of each committee bring a motion. Each report comes as a recommendation from the committee submitting it, so a second will not be needed. Vote taken; motion adopted.

52. Miscellaneous Business was called for. There was none.

53. President Robinson introduced a video partnership message from the Woman’s Missionary Union and Executive Director Sandy Wisdom‐Martin. It was shown for the group.

54. President Robinson called Denny Hydrick and Jacob Gray to the platform. Executive Director Denny Hydrick brought the report from the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services. In 2018, 80% of the BCHFS income came from Illinois Baptists. 1953 people have been served this past year. This number includes Angels’ Cove and Pathways ministries. A new challenge for 2019 is a Pregnancy Clinic. Please pray for this new ministry.

55. Jacob Gray, BCHFS chair, presented the budget for 2020 and the officers:

 Wes Hahn, chair

 Rebecca Whittington, vice chair

 Janice Sarlesse, secretary

Motion was made and seconded. Vote taken; motion adopted.

56. President Robinson introduced the partnership video from LifeWay. After the video, Greg Jackson, a representative from LifeWay made comments about the “brick & mortar” stores closing this year. He told us that six stores in Illinois are authorized LifeWay dealers. He presented our President a Bible and book “Suffering is Never for Nothing”.

57. President Adron Robinson asked for nominations for the office of Vice President of IBSA 2019‐2020. Joey Krol nominated Heath Tibbitts, Pastor of FBC Machesney Park to serve as IBSA Vice President. There were no other nominations. A motion was made to elect by acclamation Heath Tibbitts to serve as our Vice President. Vote taken; motion adopted.

58. President Robinson asked for nominations for the office of Assistant Recording Secretary for IBSA for 2019‐2020. Brent Cloyd nominated Brianna Trowbridge to serve as Assistant Recording Secretary. There were no other nominations. Motion was made and seconded to elect Brianna Trowbridge to serve as our Assistant Recording Secretary by acclamation. Motion adopted.

59. Executive Director Nate Adams recognized the 2019 officers and presented them with a gift:

 President – Adron Robinson

 Vice President – Adam Cruise (not in attendance, due to a death in his church family)

 Recording Secretary – Robin Mayberry

 Assistant Recording Secretary – Sharon Carty

Dr. Adams also recognized pastors who had served in their church for 50 + years and presented them with a gift:

 Jack Hall – FBC Shawneetown, 50 years

 Bobby Barnhill – McArthur in Pekin, 51 years

 Edmond Hill ‐ Bayle City Baptist Church in Ramsey, 56 years

Dr. Adams noted that Dale Burzynski, pastor at Ina Missionary since 1968, was also recognized for 50 years of service at the 2018 IBSA Annual Meeting, and that Don Sharp, pastor at Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church in Chicago was recognized at the 2016 IBSA Annual Meeting.

Dr. Adams also recognized Bill Weedman, deceased, and his service to IBSA. Dr. Weedman left a large library to be given to all those who would want the books. They were available in the hallway. Prayer was lifted up for Dr. Weedman’s family and thanksgiving for his life and influence on Illinois Baptists.

Dr. Adams recognized Pat Pajak as he retires from full time service at IBSA. He has been serving IBSA 12 years. He will stay as a Zone Consultant for Zone 3 part time. Dr. Pajak was given a gift also.

60. At this time, the Cornerstone Worship Team came to lead in worship.

61. A partnership message video was shown from Alliance Defending Freedom. IBSA joined with ADF last year to make their services available to Illinois Baptist churches in the defense of religious freedom.

62. Bob Dickerson, IBSA Board Chairman, reported the Financial report is on page 28 in the Book of Reports, the budget recommendation begins on page 29, and recommendations are printed on page 27. IBSA Board of Directors recommend the following:

 A Cooperative Program Goal of $6.3 million for 2020.

 A Cooperative Program Ratio of 56.5 percent for IBSA and 43.5 percent for the national SBC, excluding SBC‐recognized and Board‐approved shared expenses not to exceed 10 percent of the Cooperative Program goal.

 That Cooperative Program funds received beyond the goal will be distributed 50/50 between IBSA and the national SBC.

 That the IBSA budget and salary scale be approved as printed in the Book of Reports, beginning on page 29 in the Book of Reports. Recommendations were voted on and all were adopted.

63. A video about the work of IBSA this past year was shown.

64. Executive Director Nate Adams shared comments and mentioned that our Illinois Baptist Newspaper has now received the “Best Christian Newspaper” award 3 out of 4 years.

65. Executive Director Nate Adams introduced guest speaker Rob Peters from Corpus Vitae. Rob Peters introduced the REFOCUS commitment. Scripture: Ephesians 3:10‐13, 20‐21. Revitalization skills and steps to revitalization were explained. He explained challenges are 1) pastoral competency, 2) church culture and 3) pastor‐church chemistry. Six skills necessary to lead church revitalization: 1) make accurate assessments 2) reposition a ministry 3) answer directional questions 4) lead change 5) redirect leaders and 6) execute a new plan. There are also six steps of revitalization: 1) discovery 2) convergence 3) vision pyramid 4) the path 5) the ladder and 6) the toolkit. CHALLENGE TONIGHT: “What would God have me/my church do regarding revitalization?”

66. The Cornerstone Worship Team sang “I Will Build My Life”, while we prayerfully considered this challenge.

67. President Adron Robinson made closing statements and led in closing prayer.

68. The meeting adjourned at 11:13 a.m.