HISTORICAL COMMITTEE REPORT

The Historical Committee met on March 17, 2020, at the IBSA Building, with most members attending via teleconference. Assigned tasks and responsibilities were reviewed.

Susan Full reported on the priorities and efforts of the Archive Ad Hoc Work Group. The work group is tasked with receiving, organizing, and preserving materials about Illinois Baptists, their churches and associations, and the Illinois Baptist State Association.

IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams reviewed the status of the timeline project. A lengthy list of important dates and events in IBSA history has been compiled. To facilitate progress on the timeline, two subcommittees were established, and several committee members volunteered for that work. The Research and Writing subcommittee, chaired by Keith Baker, will more fully develop the descriptions of events. Susan Full chairs the Archives subcommittee, which will identify photographs, documents, and objects to add visual interest to the timeline, which will be placed in the Welcome Center of the IBSA Building.

In recent years there have been inquiries about various monuments and markers related to Illinois Baptist history. To aid in monitoring their physical condition and to answer inquiries more easily, the committee is compiling a list and set of photographs of such monuments.

Respectfully submitted:

Keith Baker

Mark Barber

Marian Blankenship

Harry Boyd

Tom Eggley

Jane Fox-Leininger, Vice-Chair

Susan Full, Chair

Christina Goble, Secretary

Henry Hall

Bill Rossow

Tanja Sedabres

Jerri Titsworth

2021 Officers

Mark Barber, Chair

Keith Baker, Vice-Chair

Christina Goble, Secretary

Nominating Committee Report

The Nominating Committee met in Springfield on August 18 to begin the work of filling open positions on the three IBSA entity Boards. The names in bold type are those recommended for selection as new members. Italicized names are those that have agreed to serve a second term, if elected. Those marked with an * are lay persons.

Illinois Baptist State Association Board of Directors

CLASS A - TERM EXPIRING 2021

CLASS B – TERM EXPIRING 2022

IBSA Board Members for Vote – The following individuals have agreed to serve a second term if elected.

CLASS C - TERM EXPIRING 2023

Strategic Planning Committee

Region

Resource

The following individuals will be placed on an IBSA Board Committee by the IBSA Board Chairperson per the IBSA Constitution Article VII, Section 14.

CLASS B – TERM EXPIRING 2022 Region

CLASS C – TERM EXPIRING 2023 Region

CLASS A - TERM EXPIRING 2021

CLASS B – TERM EXPIRING 2022

BCHFS Board Members for Vote – The following individuals have agreed to serve a second term if elected.

CLASS C - TERM EXPIRING 2023

The following individuals will be placed on a BCHFS Board Committee by the chairperson per the BCHFS Bylaws, Article VI, 1.

CLASS B – TERM EXPIRING 2022

CLASS C – TERM EXPIRING 2023

Baptist Foundation of Illinois Board of Trustees

CLASS A - TERM EXPIRING 2021

CLASS B – TERM EXPIRING 2022

Investment Committee

Ronald Knox Royalton, First Franklin 2017-C

*Dennis Fulkerson Peoria, Woodland Metro Peoria 2020-C

BFI Board Members for Vote – The following individuals have agreed to serve a second term if elected.

CLASS C- TERM EXPIRING 2023

Administrative Committee

*Newlin Wollaston Chicago, Mt. Carmel Children of God Chicago Metro 2017-A

Investment Committee

*David Rochleau Fairview Heights, Winstanley Metro East 2017-A

*Alan Monroe Broughton, New Prospect Goshen Trail 2018-C

The following individuals will be placed on a BFI Board Committee based on committee needs.

CLASS C – TERM EXPIRING 2023

*Julian Williams Chicago, Faith Tabernacle Chicago Metro 2020-C

*Richard Harris Carlinville, Charity Macoupin 2020-C

Darin Peterson Ashland, New Beg. Christian Fellowship Sandy Creek 2020-C

Anthony Richardson Broadview, St. James Community Chicago Metro 2020-C

Respectfully submitted:

Charles Allen

Timothy Bell

Bob Carruthers

Chad Craycraft

Rickey Dorsey

Holly Duckworth

Dan Eddington

Skip Leininger, Secretary

Terry Mathis, Chair

Tom Rains, Vice-Chair

Mark Shipley

West Whaley

2021 Officers

Chad Craycraft, Chair

Tom Rains, Vice-Chair

Bob Carruthers, Secretary

Resolutions and Christian Life Committee Report

The Committee met March 17 to discuss potential resolutions to be presented at the 2020 IBSA Annual Meeting and assigned topics to members. The Committee then reviewed drafted resolutions at its September 17 meeting. Additional resolutions on the topics of racism and churches’ responses to the various circumstances surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic were discussed and deferred until additional time and a greater diversity of perspectives can inform the Committee’s discussions.

The Committee recommends the following resolutions for vote at the 2020 IBSA Annual Meeting. Any additional resolutions by messengers are to be submitted by 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4. The Committee will meet to discuss any newly submitted resolutions, and either prepare those resolutions for presentation and vote at the afternoon session or recommend that they be referred to the 2021 Resolutions and Christian Life Committee for further work and consideration.

On the BCHFS GraceHaven Pregnancy Resource Clinic

WHEREAS the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services of Illinois (BCHFS) has offered God-honoring ministry since 1918, and

WHEREAS BCHFS places high priority on the biblical understanding of the image of God in humanity and therefore seeks to offer needed services to promote life and wellbeing for mothers, children, and the unborn, and

WHEREAS under the exemplary leadership of executive director Denny Hydrick, BCHFS is expanding its services with a new pregnancy resource clinic in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, called “GraceHaven,” providing care for expectant mothers and their unborn children, including pregnancy tests, ultrasound imaging, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, mentoring for expectant mothers and fathers, and resources to empower individuals during a complicated season of life, and

WHEREAS Scripture teaches believers are not to “withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” (Proverbs 3:27) and promises those in God’s service “in due time...will reap if we do not grow weary” and advises “do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10), therefore, be it

RESOLVED that we, the elected messengers of the Illinois Baptist State Association, gathered in annual meeting on November 4, 2020, give well deserved recognition to the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services and its faithful staff for their foresight, dedication, and diligence in establishing GraceHaven Pregnancy Resource Clinic to provide life-giving care to the unborn and those bearing them, and be it finally

RESOLVED that the messengers of this annual meeting commend this work to Illinois Baptist churches for their prayerful support and for the promotion of its services through IBSA churches to families and especially young women in need of biblical, godly guidance in time of such critical life decisions.

On Parental Rights Bill HB4870

WHEREAS Illinois General Assembly House Bill 4870 (HB4870) mandates the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine for all sixth-grade students in public, private, parochial, and home schools, with completion of the HPV vaccines by ninth grade, and

WHEREAS HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, but not a highly contagious childhood disease such as measles, and inoculations against it may be given up to age 26, and

WHEREAS government intervention through HB4870 may result in an increase of sexual activity in adolescents, threaten parents with action by the state’s Child Protective Services if they choose against having their children inoculated for HPV, and ignore the rights of parents to make decisions for their children based on religious freedom and appropriate exemptions, now therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the elected messengers of the Illinois Baptist State Association, in Annual Meeting on November 4, 2020, do respectfully urge legislators of the State of Illinois to refuse this amendment to the Communicable Disease Prevention Act, adhering instead to the preservation of the rights of parents to make decisions for their minor children in keeping with their personal religious standards, and with their Constitutional rights of equal justice and due process, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the messengers of this Illinois Baptist State Association urge adherence to the intentions of the founders of our nation limiting government intervention whenever possible and preserving the rights of Christian parents in rearing their families in ways they believe respect godly standards and biblical practices.

On appreciation to Tabernacle Baptist Church of Decatur WHEREAS

Tabernacle Baptist Church has shown great hospitality in hosting the 114th Annual Meeting of the Illinois Baptist State Association, and

WHEREAS Carlton Binkley, pastor, and the staff and members of Tabernacle Baptist Church have been so kind in offering their facilities and working in cooperation with IBSA officers, staff, and leadership of this meeting, and

WHEREAS due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the venue for the annual meeting needed to be moved from its originally planned location, and Tabernacle Baptist Church graciously accommodated that move and made many arrangements for a safe and healthy meeting, now therefore be it

RESOLVED that we the messengers of the 2020 Illinois Baptist State Association Annual Meeting, on November 4 at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Decatur, Illinois, express our deepest appreciation to this gracious host church, and pray that God grants its leadership and members spiritual wisdom and understanding so this local body might continue to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

On unity in the church, community, and home after the 2020 election

WHEREAS our nation continues in a state of political, moral, and spiritual brokenness which can only be changed through the gospel of Jesus Christ, and

WHEREAS Jesus Christ through his Spirit has united his people under his lordship and has commanded believers to joyfully reconcile, redeem, and restore sinners to their Creator through his gospel, and

WHEREAS Scripture urges unity among believers through a spirit of humility, gentleness, patience, and love (Ephesians 4:3), and

WHEREAS, cooperation of churches in the Illinois Baptist State Association is based not on political beliefs, party affiliation, or support for particular candidates in any election, but on unity in the work of elevating Jesus Christ in the church, community, and home, be it therefore

RESOLVED, that the elected messengers of the Illinois Baptist State Association in annual meeting on November 4, 2020, do hereby seek to set an example of unity, showing the world we are Jesus’ disciples by the way we love each other even in our political differences; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that whatever may be the outcomes of the 2020 general election, we will pursue peace in our nation and denomination, thanking God especially for giving us a convention that celebrates unity and cooperation among autonomous church bodies, respecting others’ autonomy, and, be it finally

RESOLVED, we encourage all Southern Baptist churches in Illinois and nationwide to continue elevating Jesus Christ above all political parties or partisan stances in the church, community, and home, that we may deepen our commitment to cooperate with unity in the mission of advancing God’s kingdom after the conclusion of the 2020 election season.

Respectfully submitted:

Stevyn Bonner

Mitchell Flesch

Jim Hanger, Vice-Chair

Danny Holliday

Jill McNicol

Amy Neibel

Jason Plumer, Secretary

David Stanton

Nathaniel Trowbridge, Chair

2021 Officers:

Jim Hanger, Chair

Amy Neibel, Vice-Chair

David Stanton, Secretary

Board of Directors Section

Chairman of the Board of Directors’ Report

Bob Dickerson

2020 got off to a great start as our association had spent 2019 in the “Refocus” process and was prepared to assist individual churches and associations in using a similar “Refocusing” strategy to assist in developing spiritually healthy habits.Then Covid-19 happened.The ministry of IBSAhad to “Refocus” even more significantly in ways that we at first thought to be temporary, but we have seen the effects linger beyond anything we could have imagined at the start.

In the spring we had our first virtual board meeting, all of our committees had virtual meetings, we had several virtual advisory meetings, and in September, we had our second virtual board meeting. I do want to thank the staff and board members for their cooperation and ability to learn new ways to fulfill the work the board has been called to do. Many thanks to our Executive Director who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep the staff safe, but at the same time has created webinars and virtual meetings that has allowed the staff to keep in touch with the churches during a time when in person meetings were limited.As it was in all of our churches, we have persevered together through this season of challenge.Although we have had to be creative, our Executive Director has led the staff to keep in touch and assist churches safely and effectively throughout the pandemic.

The 2021 goals to engage our God-given Mission and Vision can be summarized by this statement. “Praying for God’s guidance and power, and cooperating with associations and other partners, we will strive to truly assist churches as we develop leaders, inspire cooperation, stimulate church health and evangelistic growth, and catalyze evangelistic church planting and missions.”

For those who are prayerfully led by God to utilize the training and resources that will be made available, Church Revitalization will be a focus in 2021. The IBSA Board has agreed with our Executive Director that Revitalization should be a priority ministry for those churches who choose to take advantage of opportunities that will be made available to assist them in refocusing their ministries to more effectively fulfill the Great Commission in their context.

For months, ourchurches have had to try new things to be relevant to the needs of their members. Now more than ever, it would be advantageous for individual churches to make contact with IBSAto utilize the help available to “Refocus” and “Revitalize” our ministries to achieve in Christ maximum effectiveness in this new era we will be living in.

It has been my privilege and pleasure to serve as Chair of the Illinois Baptist StateAssociation forthe past two years.As of this annual meeting, I will rotate out of this position with the utmost confidence in our Executive Director and staff to assist Illinoischurches and associations to do their work for the Kingdom.The flexibility and creativity of our staff is to be commended as they have utilized this time to further train in areas with outside consultants that will make the ministry even more effective in the years to come.

Please pray for our Executive Director, staff, and board members as they continue the work of the association. As long as there are those without Christ is our state, we have a mission to accomplish. If we agree with God and each other, He can do it through us. So many are discouraged about the future and fear continues to seek an inroad to overwhelm our hope for the future. However, draw some encouragement from every mightyoaktree you see standing tall in the wind.That magnificent creation of God isjust some little nut that held itsground. If enough little nuts hold our ground in God’s firm foundation, a mighty forest of fruitfulness will abound as God accomplishes through us Hispurposes in the ministries of the Illinois Baptist StateAssociation.

For 2020, the IBSA Board of Directors approved four major goals, along with multiple metrics for each goal:

Praying for God’s guidance and power, and cooperating with associations and other partners, we will strive to truly assist churches as we:

1.Develop Leaders: Effectively engage a growing network of church pastors, staff, planters and other leaders in spiritual, relational development processes, striving for breakthrough growth in leaders that helps transform churches into higher levels of effectiveness.

2.Inspire Cooperation: Effectively communicate and consult with IBSA churches and leaders, continually developing excellent relationships and trustworthy services and processes that strengthen Baptist identity, affinity, and cooperation.

3.Stimulate Church Health and Evangelistic Growth: Effectively train and resource churches in the making, maturing, and multiplication of both disciples and leaders, and in the development of new and improved ministries.

4.Catalyze Evangelistic Church Planting and Missions: Effectively facilitate the movement of evangelistic volunteers from churches to their Acts 1:8 mission fields, and the multiplication of evangelistic, cooperating Baptist churches and pastors throughout Illinois.

The IBSA staff has been pursuing each of these goals and corresponding metrics, many of which cannot be fully reported until after year-end 2020 Annual Church Profile data is available from churches in January 2021. The Coronavirus pandemic that has immersed the country and indeed the world throughout most of 2020 has had several negative impacts on these goals and metrics, but some positive.

By the end of 2020, 14 new church plants are anticipated (up from 11 in 2019), and about 70 church plants are in some stage of development. In addition, 10 new churches are being recommended for affiliation at the 2020 IBSA Annual Meeting. Baptisms in IBSA churches were down 3.3% in 2019, after being up 6.8% in 2018. Pat Pajak retired as IBSA’s Evangelism Director at the end of 2019, and his replacement is still being sought.

IBSA’s two camps properties have had a forced sabbatical for most of 2020, due to state-mandated Coronavirus restrictions and safety precautions. Only small groups of volunteers have been able to socially-distance at the camps, but this has enabled IBSA’s two new camp managers (Brock Vandever at Lake Sallateeska and Jacob Kimbrough at Streator) to have a more gradual orientation to their new roles. IBSA appreciates the many faithful years of service by camp managers Philip Hall and Mike Young, both of whom moved on to new ministry opportunities in 2020. At a time when many denominations and Baptist state conventions are selling camp properties, IBSA is pleased to have been able to “double down” its commitment to its camp ministries, both of which were experiencing growth prior to the Coronavirus. We look forward to a great “rebound” in 2021.

In spite of this year’s Coronavirus restrictions, IBSA will reach its goal of having more than 500 pastors and leaders involved in leadership development events and groups. This has been possible because of an early pivot to online delivery that has resulted in 558 pastors or leaders participating in webinars through August, and more than 200 participating in extended online courses or cohorts. In addition to these leadership development efforts, 3599 individuals from 568 churches have participated in one or more of IBSA’s training offerings through August.

The Midwest Leadership Summit, planned by 9 cooperating Midwest Baptist state conventions every three years, was hosted by IBSA in Springfield in 2020, as it was in 2015 and 2018. The MLS will again by hosted by IBSA in Springfield in 2022, with the increased frequency being due to the event’s popularity and effectiveness.

In 2020 IBSA began an intentional Revitalization ministry, under the leadership of Scott Foshie. Our goals in this area involve enlisting both pastors and churches in separate self-assessment processes, and then beginning relationships through trained coaches that may lead to a more intensive revitalization process with certified pathfinders. Enthusiasm was strong among pastors in early 2020, but many found it necessary to postpone their plans for revitalization processes in order to manage challenges such as virtual worship services, online giving, and the requirements of socially distant ministry. We believe there will be a strong renewal of interest in revitalization by pastors, churches, and associations in 2021. But through August, 34 churches have completed a revitalization self-assessment and 11 churches and 3 associations are participating in an in-depth revitalization process.

Year-end measurements of missions giving from churches will not be available until Annual Church Profiles are compiled in early 2021. Through September, however, Cooperative Program giving is down about 10% (it was up 3.1% through the same period last year), again due largely to the impact of the pandemic on churches. Mission Illinois Offering receipts through August are down compared to the previous year by 12.8%. And previously annual financial support from LifeWay Christian Resources was eliminated in early 2020, reducing IBSA’s budget in both 2020 and 2021 by almost $60,000. Nevertheless, because overall expenses are down proportionately, total income over expenses through September 2020 are actually stronger than last year. The proposed 2021 IBSA Budget plans for a return in CP giving to $6.2 million by year-end, with a contingency plan to draw on reserves if necessary.

While face-to-face contact has been a challenge in 2020, IBSA staff have made a concerted effort to connect with and engage pastors and churches in 2020, through phone, e-mail, webinars, town halls, and videoconferencing. As a result, the IBSA staff reached and exceeded its annual goal of having individual connection or consultation with 85% of churches by the end of June. I’m very pleased with the way our staff has stepped up its use of technology and alternate communication methods to actually increase at least virtual service to churches.

The IBSA missionaries, staff, and I appreciate so much the partnership and cooperation of IBSA churches and consider it a joy to serve the Lord through this ministry. We welcome any questions or input that may assist us in serving IBSA churches more effectively.

Illinois Baptist State Association Board of Directors

Online Board Meeting via Microsoft Teams Videoconference

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

10:00 AM

Board Members Present: Josh Bledsoe, Cal Callison, Drake Caudill, Jeanette Cloyd, Andy DeWitt, Robert Dickerson, Danny Donato, Bob Dyer, Terry Foster, Mark Goldman, Don Hannel, Luke Henry, Gerald Higdon, Brent Joy, Barbara Lee, Curt Lipe, Jeffrey Logsdon, John Mancha, LaRue Parr, Kent Renshaw, Tim Rhodus, Amy Rogers, Jacquelin Scott, William Simmons, Kathy Stanford, Darryl Williams, Robert Windes, and Matthew Woodford

Board Members Absent: Alma Bonner, Sherrie Harlow, Mike Jameson, and Jay Simala

Convention Officers Present: Sharon Carty (IBSA Recording Secretary), Sammy Simmons (IBSA President), and Heath Tibbetts (IBSA Vice President)

1. Chairman Bob Dickerson called the meeting to order at approximately 10:00 AM.

2. A motion was made by Kent Renshaw and seconded by Gerald Higdon to adopt the advance, proposed Agenda with one change noted – the Miscellaneous Business item would precede the Board moving into Executive session. The motion carried.

3. Andy DeWitt read from the first chapter of Colossians beginning with chapter 15 and led in prayer.

4. A motion was made by Curt Lipe and seconded by Bob Dyer to accept the minutes of the September 10, 2019 Board Meeting as presented. The motion carried.

5. Chairman Bob Dickerson welcomed new Board Members Drake Caudill, Terry Foster, Don Hannel, Luke Henry, Bent Joy, and John Mancha as well as the rest of the Board and its guests including prospective Board Member Dan Basham to the meeting. Since this meeting is being held online due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Chair noted there would be no need to fill out travel expense forms.

6. Roll Call was taken with Board Members saying Present when their name was called.

7.The Chair recognized Denny Hydrick who brought greetings from the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services. Hydrick spoke of the challenging times in 1918, when IBSA was forced to cancel their Annual Meeting due to the Spanish Flu epidemic. The 1918 Annual Meeting would have taken place in Carmi and would have included a celebration of the work God was doing through the Baptist Children’s Home. Many wondered if Southern Baptists would find the strength to journey on with the ministry to orphans following the Spanish Flu outbreak. Today, a century later, Hydrick proudly announced things are going well with the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services, including their newest ministry called Grace

Haven. This Christ-centered Pregnancy Center will close on the purchase of property within a week and will have a great impact in our state.

8. Chairman Bob Dickerson entertained a motion from the floor for the IBSA Board to consider the following proposed motion, from the IBSA Nominating Committee:

The IBSA Nominating Committee recommends that Rick Layne (Elm Street Baptist Church, Nine Mile Association) fill the vacancy on the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services Board of Trustees (a Class B term expiring 2021).

The IBSA Nominating Committee recommends that Dan Basham (First Baptist, Morton, Metro Peoria) fill the At-large vacancy on the IBSA Board of Directors (a Class A term expiring 2020).

Curt Lipe made the motion which was seconded by Gerald Higdon. The motion carried.

9. The Chair reported that the following individuals will serve on the Board Nominating Committee: Kent Renshaw (Administrative), Luke Henry (Strategic Planning), and Curt Lipe (Resource Development).

10. In the absence of Jay Simala, who serves as the Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, Board Chairman Bob Dickerson directed the Board to look at the proposed 2021 IBSA Goals (pp. 11-12 in the Advance Packet) and asked for someone from the committee to bring the Committee’s motion to accept the 2021 IBSA Goals Draft. Luke Henry presented the Committee’s motion. Executive Director Nate Adams noted there are only minor changes in the 2021 goals from the goals for the previous year. The changes are highlighted in yellow in the document. There is potential that these goals will be further updated before the August meeting, especially in light of the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. The motion to accept the 2021 IBSA Goals carried.

Other Board action within the Strategic Planning Committee’s report was a motion by Jeff Logsdon, seconded by Rob Windes to accept the minutes from the February 24, 2020 Committee Meeting. The motion carried.

11. The Chair recognized Curt Lipe, the Chairman of the Resource Development Committee, to bring the Committee’s report. Lipe reported that the Baptist Foundation of Illinois attained its self-sufficiency goal ahead of schedule which is cause for celebration. He also brought three items to the Board for action.

Item #1 – On behalf of the Resource Development Committee, Curt Lipe recommended the approval of the minutes of the February 25, 2020 Committee Meeting. The motion carried.

Item #2 – On behalf of the Resource Development Committee, Curt Lipe recommended the Board accept the Audit Report from Capin Crouse, giving IBSA a clean/unqualified opinion. The motion carried.

Item #3 – On behalf of the Resource Development Committee, Curt Lipe recommended that the Executive Director prepare a 2021 budget and salary structure based on a Cooperative Program Goal between $6,200,000 and $6,300,000 (to be finalized prior to the August 11 Resource Development Committee meeting), and a Cooperative Program ratio of 56.5 percent/43.5 percent (IBSA/SBC), excluding shared expenses not to exceed 10% of the Cooperative Program Goal, and with Cooperative Program funds received beyond the budget goal to be distributed at a ratio of 50 percent/50 percent (IBSA/SBC). It was noted that there is no change in this Cooperative Program Goal from the previous year. Executive Director Nate Adams informed the Board that due to the current Coronavirus pandemic and its potential impact on giving, the budget in the fall may need to be lower than this projection, and he may need to bring a contingency budget to consider alongside the budget based on the above Cooperative Program Goal. The motion carried.

12. The Chair recognized Bob Dyer, the Chairman of the Administrative Committee, to bring the committee’s report. Dyer brought one matter for the Board’s approval. The Administrative Committee will also have two matters to present in Executive Session.

On behalf of the Administrative Committee, Bob Dyer recommended the approval of the minutes of the February 24, 2020 Committee Meeting. The motion carried.

Dyer further reported that Executive Director Nate Adams will soon complete 14 years of service with IBSA, which entitles him to a 4-week sabbatical. Adams will update the Board as his sabbatical plans develop, though the sabbatical time will probably not be taken until 2021.

13. Executive Director Nate Adams began his report by briefly explaining the Cycle of Key Board Actions by each of the three Board Committees, i.e. how they focus their work in the Spring meetings and the Fall meetings. He then shared seven updates.

Update #1 – Executive Director Adams introduced the five new staff members hired since the last meeting of the Board: Scott Foshie (Revitalization Director), Ben Jones (Leadership Development Director), Steve Neill (Zone Consultant – Zone 9), Butch Porter (Disaster Relief State Coordinator – a part-time position), and Kim Ayers (Ministry Assistant Mobilization Team).

Update #2 – Associate Executive Director Mark Emerson was recognized with great appreciation for his ten years of faithful service to IBSA. He will receive a commemorative clock as a tangible recognition of that accomplishment.

Update #3 – Executive Director Adams shared IBSA’s emerging response to the COVID-19 pandemic starting with March 11, 2020, when the staff was alerted to the potential impact this would have on the work of IBSA. The staff now is working remotely while our state “shelters at home.” IBSA has pivoted its focus to the pandemic needs of churches and a web communication system has been established. The staff has been asked to restrict spending at this time, knowing the pandemic will likely impact IBSA’s 2020 budget.

The new IBSA structure which focuses on processes rather than programs is allowing IBSA the flexibility needed in the midst of this pandemic. Refocus and Denominee strategic planning processes are proving to be very relevant in the midst of these new challenges.

Noting the ever-changing dynamics surrounding the pandemic and its impact on IBSA, Nate Adams will look to the IBSA Board Advisory Committee as a “reflex arc” for quick feedback and guidance between now and August.

Update #4 – Executive Director Adams informed the Board that both of IBSA’s Camp Managers – Mike Young and Philip Hall – are moving to other ministries at the end of the summer. Due to the vital role of these two positions IBSA will seek to fill both of these vacancies; however due to the pandemic and economic slowdown, IBSA will proceed gradually/cautiously in seeking to fill the following three positions: Evangelism Director, Leadership Development Director, and Associate Executive Director.

Update #5 – There is nothing new to report regarding updates on the two litigation matters: The Reproductive Health Act and the Zoning Restrictions in Violation of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).

Update #6 – Executive Director Adams shared some Year-end 2019 Highlights.

According to the ACP reports, worship attendance, membership, VBS, local and state missions involvement, and Cooperative Program and Missions Illinois Offering giving were up while baptisms, Sunday School attendance, national and international missions involvement, and undesignated church giving were down.

IBSA 2019 Goal Metrics in the areas of Developing Leaders, Inspiring Cooperation, Stimulating Church Health and Growth, and Catalyzing Evangelistic Church Planting and Missions showed mostly “green” and “yellow” with only two being “red”.

There was an increased participation in the 2019 Church Needs Survey with some helpful information gleaned.

Update #7 – Executive Director Nate Adams completed his report with an overview of Today’s IBSA Board Actions (the 2021 Goals Draft, the 2019 Audit Report, and the 2021 Cooperative Program Goal and Ratio Recommendation) and a Proposed Motion Affirming Limited Use of IBSA Emergency Account for Emergency Church Relief Related to the Coronavirus Pandemic (facing disastrous consequences) that will be presented during Miscellaneous Business.

14. Following a brief discussion regarding the Executive Director’s Report, Board Chairman Bob Dickerson directed the Board’s attention to a Proposed Motion Affirming Limited Use of IBSA Emergency Account for Emergency Church Relief Related to the Coronavirus Pandemic for consideration during Miscellaneous Business.

Bob Dyer made the following motion: Based on the recommendation of IBSA’s Executive Director and agreement by IBSA’s Board Chair, I move that the IBSA Board affirm the potential use of up to $100,000 from the IBSA Emergency Net Account (3015 000 000) to assist IBSA churches that face disastrous consequences due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The motion was seconded by Curt Lipe.

Executive Director Nate Adams informed the Board that the Emergency Net Account’s balance, as of February 29, 2020 is $971,971.32. IBSA also has other reserve accounts, but they will not be affected by this motion. Upon approval of this motion, IBSA would be empowered to assist churches who experience great trouble due to the current pandemic.

The motion carried.

15. Chairman Bob Dickerson commended Executive Nate Adams for the work being done during these challenging times and the Board prepared to move into Executive Session.

16. At the conclusion of the Executive Session a motion to adjourn was made by Kent Renshaw and seconded by Cal Callison. The motion carried. Chairman Bob Dickerson closed the meeting in prayer.

Respectfully submitted

Jeanette Cloyd

In the absence of Board Secretary Mike Jameson

Illinois Baptist State Association Board of Directors

Online Board Meeting via Microsoft Teams Videoconference Tuesday, September 15, 2020

10:00 AM

Board Members Present: Dan Basham, Josh Bledsoe, Alma Bonner, Drake Caudill, Jeanette Cloyd, Andy DeWitt, Robert Dickerson, Danny Donato, Bob Dyer, Terry Foster, Mark Goldman, Don Hannel, Sherrie Harlow, Luke Henry, Gerald Higdon, Mike Jameson, Brent Joy, Barbara Lee, Curt Lipe, Jeffrey Logsdon, John Mancha, LaRue Parr, Tim Rhodus, Jacqueline Scott, Jay Simala, William Simmons, Kathy Stanford, Darryl Williams, Robert Windes

Board Members Absent: Kent Renshaw, Amy Rogers, and Matthew Woodford

IBSA Officers Present: Sharon Carty (IBSA Recording Secretary), Sammy Simmons (IBSA President), and Heath Tibbetts (IBSA Vice President)

IBSA Staff Members Present: Nate Adams, Jeff Deasy, Scott Foshie, Mark Emerson, Barb Troeger, Eric Reed, Brad Lovin

BCHFS Executive Director Denny Hydrick and BFI Executive Director Doug Morrow were also present.

1. At 10:00 AM chairman Bob Dickerson called the meeting to order.

2. The agenda was declared adopted by chairman Bob Dickerson as no one opposed.

3. Chairman Bob Dickerson welcomed visitors Doug Morrow and Denny Hydrick. There being no announcements, roll call was taken by Secretary Mike Jameson with each member responding with either here or present.

4. Chairman Bob Dickerson recognized Darryl Williams who read and discussed from Scripture Matthew 14:13‐21 and led in prayer.

5. The Chair recognized Doug Morrow who brought greetings from the Baptist Foundation of Illinois. Despite the times, the Foundation is doing very well. They are experiencing much growth. Doug focused his presentation on:

A. Because of Covid, some struggling churches have been forced to close their doors. Currently BFI is working with 4 churches through the Legacy Program. BFI now owns 17 properties and has taken 30 churches through the Legacy Program. BFI is seeing a percentage of these properties being used as new church plants.

B.Properties are being repurposed and those funds are being used for other ministries.

C. Board members were asked to make DOM’s or Coordinators aware of the Church Legacy Program.

D. A series of videos dealing with Biblical financial management is being created. Workbooks will also be made available to accompany the topics below.

 God and Money

 Budgeting and Margin Creation

 Debt Management

 Saving and investing with emphasis on retirement

Last Doug issued a statement of gratitude for IBSA and associated churches.

6. March 24, 2020 and July 14, 2020 Minutes included in the Board’s advanced material were reviewed. A motion was made by Curt Lipe and seconded by Jerry Higdon to adopt the minutes as presented. Motion was approved.

7. 2021 Board Officer Nominating Committee Report. Chair recognized Curt Lipe who in turn acknowledged fellow committee members. The following slate of Board Officers was recommended.

 Andy DeWitt Chairman

 Tim Rhodus Vice Chairman

 Mike Jameson Secretary Chair asked if there was any discussion. No discussion ensued. Slate of Officers was approved.

8. Recommendation from IBSA Nominating Committee. The Chair read the Committee recommendation that Bruce Guebert from First Baptist, Steeleville in Nine Mile Baptist Association fill the vacancy to the Board of Trustees for the Baptist Foundation of Illinois. This is a Class B term expiring 2021. Motion to approve was made by Bob Dyer and seconded by Jeanette Cloyd. Motion was approved.

9. The Chair recognized the Executive Director Nate Adams for his report.

 The Executive Director thanked outgoing Board Members Curt Lipe, Kent Renshaw, Amy Rogers and Matt Woodford for their service and presented them with a token of recognition for their service.

 The Executive Director then thanked Board Officers, outgoing Chairman Bob Dickerson ending his second year as Chairman, Vice Chair Andy DeWitt and Secretary Mike Jameson. The Executive Director presented them with a token of appreciation for their service.

 The Executive Director then introduced new staff members; Brock Vandever and his wife Polly as camp manager at Lake Sallateeska, Jacob Kimbrough and his wife Katie as camp manager at Streator Baptist Camp, Mike Young as part time consultant at both camps, and new zone consultant Ashby Tillery in zone 10 succeeding Stephen Williams.

 The Executive Director then recognized IBSA staff completing milestone years of service; Eddie Pullen 10 years and Debbie Muller 20 years.

 The Executive Director then provided an update on IBSA staff vacancies.

 Covid Response – IBSA staff worked remotely for 16 weeks. Now are back at the office. Traveling has also resumed.

 IBSA leveraged their technology expertise to pivot to remote accessibility for member churches via (videoconferencing, online courses online meetings, webinars, online prayer gatherings and others).

 Some Emergency relief funds approved by Board in March have been used for churches 11 received $24.5K in funds.

 Despite challenges with funding (budgeted giving down), approximately 82% budgeted income has been received with expenses at 71% of budget. Some funding deficit was offset by Paycheck Protection Plan funds received. IBSA reserves have been beneficial given the current climate.

 The new IBSA structure is well positioned to meet these new challenges with the focus on processes in lieu of programs.

 Refocus and Denominee consultations have proved very relevant.

 IBSA Annual Meeting adjustments have been made. Location has been changed to Tabernacle in Decatur only on November 4th. Theme – Pivot and Persevere. There will still be a Presidential message by Sammy Simmons and an annual message by Jacob Gray.

Midyear Ministry Highlight metrics were presented.

 Develop Leaders

496 pastors participated in leadership development. 37 pastors have completed readiness assessments for potential participation in church revitalization. Strong increase in online self‐service leadership development resources (558 pastors/leaders).

 Inspire Cooperation

Accelerated engagement with churches. IBSA has engaged 87% of IBSA churches. IBSA media has held steady. Cooperative giving is down 10% through August.

 Stimulate Evangelistic Church Health and Growth

3599 participants from 568 churches have participated in IBSA training offerings.

34 IBSA churches have completed revitalization assessment.

8 Associations are partnering with IBSA in a training strategy. Refocus processes have slowed because of Covid.

 Catalyze Evangelistic Church Planting and Missions

370 individuals and 115 churches engaged in 20 IBSA coordinated mission projects. 65 IBSA churches trained or using IBSA initiated evangelism strategy.

14 churches have been planted.

Church mission activities have been negatively impacted but church planting has remained relatively strong. 6 associations have plans for a church start. 65 locations have been adopted by IBSA churches for prayer, partnership or planting.

Strategic Planning

Restructuring to Processes has provided nimbleness to meet the current challenges. Staff has adapted well to new organization chart. Refocus/Revitalization has been well received by churches but paused because of Covid. IBSA has been going through their own ReFocus process. For IBSA, trust is high. Culture assessment; Attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, customs vs. culture. Churches need hope. Many churches are more on the backside of the growth curve. Help needed for strategies on how to return to the growth part of the curve.

Key discoveries ‐ longings; Unified spiritual enthusiasm. Trusting, understanding relationships. A spirit of optimism and hope. Pastoral brotherhood.

Denominee a. One year finished of a three‐year process. b. Assessed value of programs. c. Draft of possible new mission statement. d. Core Values: i. Excellence ii.Helpfulness iii. Engagement iv. Advance e. Strategies and Measures. (Under development) i. Goals and Metrics

Unexpected challenges o Accelerated change and adaptation to strategy o Altered goals – technology/communication o Opportunities to develop stronger brotherhood o Lessons learned from working remotely o Delivering network value o Priorities were tested. Next steps/opportunities to engage key audiences and begin executing new strategy and messaging. o Recommendation to pre‐approve Overspends in 2020 Budget

10. The Chair recognized Strategic Planning Committee chair Jay Simala for his report. Nothing to report beyond the committee met to consider 2021 goals which were reviewed and approved by the Board in March.

11. The Chair recognized Resource Development Committee chair Curt Lipe for his Report and Recommendations.

The IBSA Board’s Resource Development Committee recommends that an overspend of up to $35,000 be approved in the Properties department (under the Operations Team budget) of the 2020 IBSA budget. Two specific accounts in this department are projected to be over budget by the end of 2020 – Property and Liability Insurance (6760‐520‐000) and Maintenance and Supplies (6780‐520‐000). o Recommendation to accept 2021 Cooperative Agreement with BFI. No proposed subsidy. The recommendation was approved. o Recommendation of the 2021 IBSA Budget, CP Ratio, and Pay Scale

The recommendation was approved.

The Resource Development Committee recommends that the proposed budget, salary structure, and CP ratio be approved as printed, based on a Cooperative Program Goal of $6,200,000 and a Cooperative Program ratio of 56.5%/45.5% (IBSA/SBC), excluding shared expenses not to exceed 10% of the Cooperative Program Goal, and with Cooperative Program funds received beyond the budget goal to be distributed at a ratio of 50%/50%. In addition, due to the uncertain circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic and its potentially ongoing effects on Cooperative Program giving, the IBSA Board recommends approval to access up to an additional $400,000 in reserves as necessary to support the 2021 IBSA Budget. The recommendation was approved.

12. The Chair recognized Administrative Committee chair Bob Dyer for his Report & Recommendations. Bob Dyer announced there were no new recommendations at this time.

Report on Board Self‐evaluation.

27 members completed the survey. No additional language to add to the Board Handbook. Bob Dickerson offered to informally approach new board members regarding questions they may have about their role.

Possible language for Executive Director Nate Adams to use in consultation with the constitution committee to use for emergency situations. The committee has a recommendation to submit to the Board during the Executive Session.

13. Advisory Committee Chair Bob Dickerson reported the committee met numerous times. Discussions involved annual meeting.

Committee met September 14 to discuss annual meeting.

 What events might change our minds regarding the annual meeting causing the IBSA Board to be brought back together.

 If Covid got so bad Tabernacle stopped meeting in person.

 State Restrictions change which forbid meetings.

 Registration cancellations.

 Whether to have another discussion was left to the discretion of the Executive director.

The Executive Director added ‐ The constitution committee did meet and a recommendation will be presented at the 2020 Annual meeting to overtly add to the constitution language that if an in‐person meeting of the Association is not possible because of an emergency, the IBSA Board would be empowered to make essential business decisions until an annual meeting can be convened.

14. Explanation of Officer Election Meetings Bob Dickerson. Each committee will meet separately to elect new officers. A quorum of each committee is necessary.

15. There was no Miscellaneous Business to discuss.

16. Chairman Bob Dickerson moved the Board into Executive Session.

17. A motion to Adjourn was made by Andy DeWitt and seconded by Jerry Higdon after the Board exited the Executive Session. Motion was approved. Closing Prayer was offered by Chairman Bob Dickerson. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted, Mike Jameson, Secretary

IBSA Board of Directors Recommendations

The IBSA Board of Directors recommends that the proposed 2021 budget, salary structure, and CP ratio be approved as printed, based on a Cooperative Program Goal of $6,200,000 and a Coopera-tive Program ratio of 56.5%/43.5% (IBSA/SBC), excluding shared expenses not to exceed 10% of the Cooperative Program Goal, and with Cooperative Program funds received beyond the budget goal to be distributed at a ratio of 50%/50%. In addition, due to the uncertain circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic and its potentially ongoing effects on Cooperative Program giving, the IBSA Board of Directors recommends approval to access up to an additional $400,000 in reserves as necessary to support the 2021 IBSA Budget.