2023 IBSA Book of Reports

2023 Book of Reports

IBSA Annual Meeting Cornerstone Church, Marion November 8-9

The 2023 IBSA Annual Meeting is being livestreamed on the ACTS2 app.

Scan the QR code to download the app or stream by visiting ACTS2TV.com.

When it’s time to watch, find the category heading “SOUTHERN BAPTIST LIFE” and scroll through the options – you’ll find our meeting listing there.

Illinois Baptist State Association 117th Annual Session Theme: Thrive ‘23 “Pursuing Health & Hope”

November 8-9, 2023 Cornerstone Church, Marion, IL Table of Contents Order of Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Who’s Who on the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Affinity Group Gatherings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Announcements and Prayer Prompts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Illinois Baptist State Association Officers of the Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Report of the IBSA President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Committee on Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Committee on Order of Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Constitution Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Credentials Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Historical Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Nominating Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Resolutions and Christian Life Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 IBSA Board of Directors Chairman of the Board’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Executive Director’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2024 Proposed Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

63 64 66 67

Baptist Foundation of Illinois Executive Director’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 2024 Proposed Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services Executive Director’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 2024 Proposed Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Illinois Members Serving on Other SBC Boards, Committees, and Agencies . . . . . . . 81

Illinois Baptist State Association 2023 Annual Meeting November 8-9, 2023 Cornerstone Church, Marion Theme: THRIVE ‘23 “Pursuing Health & Hope” Let us not become weary in doing good. For at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10 (CSB) Wednesday Afternoon, November 8 – Afternoon Session 1:15 Pre-session worship Cornerstone Team 1:30 Theme Interpretation #1 – “Pursuing Health and Hope” Video 1:35 Call to Order, Welcome from Host Church, and Announcements Michael Nave 1:45 Opening Prayer Scott Douglas 1:50 Appointment of Parliamentarian Michael Nave 1:55 Credentials Committee report Don Evans Seating of Messengers Churches Seeking Affiliation with IBSA Seating of Messengers from Newly Affiliated Churches Recommendation Concerning Non-Cooperating Churches 2:05 Adoption of Program Corey Menken 2:10 Overview of IBSA Committee Written Reports Michael Nave 2:15 Partnership Message – SBC Executive Committee Brandon Porter and Nate Adams & Cooperative Cooperative Program 100th Anniversary Preview 2:30 Partnership Message – International Mission Board Video and Interview

Shannon Ford 2:45 *Election of President Carlton Binkley 2:50 *Election of Recording Secretary Carlton Binkley 2:55 Miscellaneous Business Carlton Binkley 3:05 IBSA “Mission Illinois” Report and Budget Presentation Jeff Logsdon and Nate Adams 3:20 Offering (Ministers Relief Fund) Carlton Binkley 3:25 Worship through Music Cornerstone Team 3:40 *President’s Message Michael Nave 4:15 Closing Announcements and Prayer Carlton Binkley Wednesday, November 8 – Evening Session 6:30 Pre-session Worship 6:45 Call to Order/Announcements 6:50 Opening Prayer 6:55 Recognition of New IBSA Churches 7:00 Recognition of IBSA Church Plants in Progress 7:05 Partnership Message - North American Mission Board 7:15 Theme Interpretation #2 – Pursuing Health and Hope 7:40 Worship through Music 7:50 Partnership Message – GuideStone Financial Services 7:55 Guest Speaker 8:30 Closing Song and Benediction

2

Cornerstone Team Michael Nave Kathy Stanford Nate Adams Nate Adams Video and John Yi and Jason Stuckey Nate Adams and Guests Cornerstone Team Video Hance Dilbeck Cornerstone Team and Michael Nave

Thursday, November 9 – Morning Session 8:30 Worship through Music Cornerstone Team 8:40 Call to Order and Announcements Michael Nave 8:45 Opening Prayer Vaughn Sanders 8:45 Partnership Message – Woman’s Missionary Union Video 8:50 Partnership Message – Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission Video and Rachel Wiles 9:05 Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services (BCHFS) Danny Hampton and Report and Budget Presentation Kevin Carrothers 9:20 Auditor Selections for Three IBSA Entities Michael Nave 9:25 Constitution Committee Ryan Beck 9:35 Resolutions & Christian Life Committee Jef Williams 9:45 Action on IBSA Committee Written Reports Michael Nave 9:50 Miscellaneous Business Michael Nave 10:00 Baptist Foundation of Illinois (BFI) Report and Budget Presentation Newlin Wollaston, Pam White, and

Doug Morrow 10:15 *Election of Vice President Michael Nave 10:20 *Election of Assistant Recording Secretary Michael Nave 10:25 Special Recognitions Nate Adams 10:30 Worship Through Music Cornerstone Team 10:45 Annual Sermon Josh Crisp 11:25 Closing Song Cornerstone Team 11:30 Benediction Michael Nave *Fixed Order of Business – cannot occur later than time indicated

3

Who’s Who on the Program Nate Adams, Executive Director of the Illinois Baptist State Association (IBSA) Ryan Beck, Chair, Constitution Committee, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Carrier Mills Carlton Binkley, IBSA Vice-President and Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Decatur Kevin Carrothers, Executive Director of the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services (BCHFS), Carmi Josh Crisp, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Bethalto Hance Dilbeck, President and CEO of GuideStone Scott Douglas, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Fairview Heights Bob Dyer, Parliamentarian, Member of Bethel Baptist Church in Bourbonnais Don Evans, Chair, Credentials Committee, member at Wayne City Baptist Church Shannon Ford, IBSA Missions Director Danny Hampton, Chair, Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services (BCHFS), Member of Calvary Baptist Church in Elgin Dustin Keele and the Cornerstone Church Worship Team Jeff Logsdon, Chair, IBSA Board of Directors, Pastor of Island City Baptist Church in Wilmington Corey Menken, Chair, Committee on Order of Business, Director of Operations of Grace Fellowship Church in Davis Junction Doug Morrow, Executive Director of the Baptist Foundation of Illinois (BFI), Springfield and Pastor of Together Church in Springfield Michael Nave, IBSA President and Pastor of Cornerstone Church in Marion Brandon Porter, Associate Vice President for Convention News, Executive Committee of the SBC Vaughn Sanders, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Bolingbrook Kathy Stanford, Member of Liberty Baptist Church in Pekin Jason Stuckey, NAMB, Chicago Ministry Center Coordinator, Send Relief Pam White, Vice-Chair/In-Coming Chair, Baptist Foundation of Illinois (BFI), member of The Ridge Church in Carbondale Rachel Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) Jef Williams, Chair, Resolutions and Christian Life Committee, Pastor of New Christian Fellowship in Fairview Heights and Executive Director of Children’s Activity Center in East St. Louis Newlin Wollaston, Chair, Baptist Foundation of Illinois (BFI), Pastor of Mt. Carmel Children of God Baptist Church in Chicago John Yi, NAMB Church Planting Catalyst

4

Affinity Group Gatherings Tuesday 11:30 a.m........ Young Leaders’ Lunch (Advanced Registration Required) – Room 2 3:30-4:30 p.m........ IBW (Illinois Baptist Women) Sampler – Room 2 3:30....... Pastors’ Conference Prayer Breakout – Room 1 4:45....... Church Planter Dinner (Advanced Registration Required) - Room 3 Wednesday 9:00 a.m........ Credentials Committee Meeting – Room 7 9:00....... Ministers’ Wives Luncheon (Advanced Registration Required) – Room 2 9-11:00....... Disaster Relief 101 Training – Room 1 10:30....... Order of Business Committee Meeting – Room 7 11:30....... Evangelism Lunch (Advanced Registration Required) – Room 3 11:30....... Hispanic Leaders’ Lunch (Advanced Registration Required) – Room 6 4:45 p.m........ Disaster Relief Dinner – Room 3 5:00....... Executive Director Dinner (Advanced Registration Required) – Room 2 5:00....... Resolutions and Christian Life Committee Meeting – Room 7 8:30....... Small Church Pastors’ Dessert Fellowship – Room 3 8:30....... Next Gen Ministry Leaders Dessert – Room 6 8:30....... Worship Leader Connection Dessert – Room 2 8:30....... Dessert Fellowship for All Illinois Baptists – Foyer Thursday 7:30 a.m........ Associational Leader Breakfast (Advanced Registration Required) – Room 2 11:30........ Order of Business Committee Meeting – Room 7 Childcare provided by Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief is available just off the foyer.

5

• •

Announcements

Please silence your phone when in the meeting.

Livestreaming of the meeting is available through the Acts 2 app. App details and other information about the meeting are available at www.IBSAannualmeeting.org.

• At any time during the meeting, if you have questions, you can text IBSA to the number 33777.

• Resolutions may be submitted at the registration desk until the end of the Wednesday afternoon session.

• To nominate a person for office, the IBSA Constitution reads, “All nominators, after obtaining prior consent of the nominee, in their nomination speech shall include but not be limited to (1) the name and role of the nominee, (2) nominee’s history of service to IBSA, and, (3) the history and participation in the Cooperative Program of the church and or nominee.”

• Messengers may make motions following reports and during periods of miscellaneous business. o A messenger may propose: “I move/propose that…” o Motions require a second messenger to agree to consider the motion by stating, “I second…”

If no one seconds, the motion fails. o If the motion has been seconded, messengers will then have an opportunity to speak in favor or

against the motion before a vote is taken.

• Offerings during the Annual Meeting will go to the IBSA Minister’s Relief Fund. These gifts help IBSA ministers who love and serve the local church, and are experiencing hard times and unexpected transitions. You can give digitally at www.IBSAAnnualMeeting/ministersrelief or by scanning the QR code below.

IBSA Annual Meeting Prayer Prompts

“In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6) • • • • •

As we gather and worship, ask the Holy Spirit to unify our hearts.

As we make decisions, ask for “Spirit-guided” collective wisdom.

As reports are made, give thanks, and ask for increase next year.

When we are challenged to pursue health and hope, pray for courageous obedience.

When we return home, challenge your church to “pray continually.”

6

Illinois Baptist State Association Officer and Committee Reports PRESIDENT Michael Nave Marion, IL mnave@cornerstone.team

RECORDING SECRETARY Charlene Moe Chatham, IL cedmi1@uis.edu

VICE PRESIDENT Carlton Binkley Decatur, IL carlton@tbc.church

ASSISTANT RECORDING SECRETARY Matt Philbrick Ramsey, IL philby08@yahoo.com

IBSA President’s Report Michael Nave Welcome to the Annual Meeting.

I have the unique honor to serve as both president and host pastor for this year’s gathering.

Thus, it is my privilege to say, “Welcome to our old Wal-Mart building.” This has been our renovation project since 2012, and we are truly grateful for the special place God has provided for us to gather each week! In the nineties, Wal-Mart commercials claimed this building to be the “Savings Place.” By God’s grace, we are seeking to give eternal fulfilment to that 30-year-old marketing campaign!

It is also my joy to say, “We gather together this week celebrating our Association’s cooperative ministry.” Most weeks, we are the Church of Jesus, scattered throughout Illinois, gathering diverse churches and communities. This week, we have travelled and gathered in one place to remember and celebrate the unifying purpose of sharing the Gospel and expanding The Kingdom in Illinois!!!

Seeing the diversity of ministry throughout our churches has been my favorite aspect of serving the IBSA during this past year. Both Carol Ann and I grew up in Palestine Associational churches: Island Grove for her, and Olive Branch for me. In my early days of ministry, Tom Marsh, from FBC Casey (Westfield Association) served as my mentor. In those early days, all I knew was rural ministry. Now, 30 years later, I am privileged to have dear friends leading ministries in Metro St. Louis, in Chicagoland, scattered throughout our State, and at the hub of our network in Springfield.

I marvel at the grand diversity of Jesus’ Church. I celebrate how God has gifted and anointed each of you for the unique ministry to which He has called you. To Him Be The Glory!!!

In my early years of ministry, I pastored First Baptist Church of Shelburn, Indiana. I have many fond memories of serving with those believers across the state line. In that congregation was a man named O.P. Woodsmall.

He was a retired machinist, in his 90s at the time and with corresponding wisdom. My favorite of his pithy phrases was this one: “The day you stop learning is the day you start dying.”

Thirty years later, I’m still challenged by that phrase. To be candid, there are times I wish it weren’t true. I don’t 7

always want to keep learning. Some days, I just want to do what I already know. Some days, I simply want to know that what worked in the past will keep working. And then I again hear O.P. say, “The day you stop learning is the day you start dying.” Today, God is inviting us to keep learning living!

Good News: we will spend all of Eternity discovering the limitless wonder and grandeur of our God! We will not get bored. It will be an Eternity of ceaseless wonder and discovery!

Good News: as we continue to learn how to effectively engage ministry in our rapidly changing world, we know that the Gospel remains unchanging and unfailing!

Good News: as we experience genuine concern about our State and our Nation, we know that Jesus is on The Throne, and we are already seated with Him. Our future is secure! We will reign with Him! We gather for this Annual Meeting to remember and celebrate our Gospel Partnership in preparation for being sent out, still together, to declare and share The Kingdom of God in Illinois. It is my pleasure and joy to serve with you to that End!

8

Committee on Committees The committee met on August 15 and September 29 for the purpose of nominating individuals to fill IBSA Standing Committee positions for 2024. The names below in bold are recommended to serve a complete term.

The names in italics and bold are being recommended to complete an unfulfilled term of a previous member.

Those marked with an asterisk (*) are laypeople. The date in the third column indicates the year each person began service or will begin service if elected.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE CLASS A – Term expiring 2024 Mark Minor Whittington Ken Sharp Creal Springs, Fairview Andrew Kim Schaumburg Edwin Harris Harvey, St. Mark Missionary

2022 2022 2022 2022

Franklin Williamson Chicago Metro Chicago Metro

CLASS B – Term expiring 2025 Chris Hottensen Sesser, First Clark Killingsworth Normal, Journey Will Ferguson Canton, Temple Harold Birch Medora, Mt. Pleasant

2022A 2023 2023 2023

Franklin East Central Metro Peoria Macoupin

2024 2024 2024 2024

Antioch Central Three Rivers Williamson

CLASS C – Term expiring 2026 Larry Hammer Chris Merritt Jeff Logsdon Ashby Tillery

Golconda, Sulphur Springs Decatur, Tabernacle Wilmington, Island City Marion, Second

COMMITTEE ON ORDER OF BUSINESS CLASS A – Term expiring 2024 Ben Hottel Grand Chain, Hillerman Missionary Nate Mason Effingham, First Charles Peck Karnak, First *Glen Carty Carlinville, Emmanuel

2022 2022 2024A 2024A

Union Rehoboth Union Macoupin

CLASS B – Term expiring 2025 Jeff Downard Coulterville, Winke *Corey Menken Davis Junction, Grace Fellowship *Jeanette Cloyd Fairfield, North Side Rick Dorsey Chicago, Beacon Hill

2023 2023 2023 2024

Nine Mile Sinnissippi Greater Wabash Chicago Metro

CLASS C – Term expiring 2026 Christian Lewis Wilmington, Island City Lawrence Haskin Markham, Household of Faith *Jon Montgomery DuQuoin, First Will Bynum Rochester, First

2024 2024 2024 2024

Three Rivers Chicago Metro Nine Mile Heartland Network

9

CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE CLASS A – Term expiring 2024 Bob Ward Chris Huff Ryan Beck Terry Walters

Effingham, Calvary Nokomis, Grace Carrier Mills, First Pana, Celebration Community

2022 2022 2022 2024A

Kaskaskia Rehoboth Saline Rehoboth

CLASS B – Term expiring 2025 Vaughn Sanders Phil Nelson *Dale Shaeffer Roger Carlson

Bolingbrook, First Carbondale, Lakeland Canton, Temple Sterling, New Hope of Como

2023 2023 2023 2023

Three Rivers Nine Mile Metro Peoria Sinnissippi

CLASS C – Term expiring 2026 Jared French Mark Staton John Newby *Robert Semanik

Bartonville Brownfield Orchard Valley Staunton, Net Community

2023A 2024 2024 2024

Metro Peoria Antioch Fox Valley Macoupin

RESOLUTIONS AND CHRITIAN LIFE COMMITTEE CLASS A – Term expiring 2024 Tom Gray Dewayne Taylor Tom Rains Cliff Easter

Vienna, Fellowship Harrisburg, Dorrisville Quincy, First Metropolis, First

2022 2023B 2022 2024A

Clear Creek Saline Bay Creek Union

CLASS B – Term expiring 2025 Jef Williams *Debbie Giacomo Rich Barnett Allen Boland

Pinckneyville, Oak Grove Macomb, University Elizabethtown, Peters Creek

Fairview Heights, New Christian Fellowship

3/2021B 2023 2023 2023

Metro East Nine Mile Metro Peoria Antioch

CLASS C – Term expiring 2026 *Barry Sink Joshua York John Howard Jason Webb

Benton, Immanuel Mt. Vernon, Second Marion, Second Mt. Vernon, Pleasant Hill

2024 2024 2024 2024

Franklin Salem South Williamson Salem South

10

HISTORICAL COMMITTEE CLASS A – Term expiring 2024 *Susan Full Skip Leininger *Sharon Carty Frank Forthman Jr.

Greenview, First O’Fallon, First Carlinville, Emmanuel Metropolis, New Hope

CLASS B – Term expiring 2025 *Judy Rinkenberger Doug Bell *Walter Kant Carl Dillow

Washington, Roland Manor 2023 Mulberry Grove, First 2023 Sublette, Grace Fellowship Amboy 2023 Cobden, Immanuel Praise and Worship 2023

Metro Peoria Kaskaskia Sinnissippi Clear Creek

Peoria, Journey Mattoon, First Southern Riverton, First Virden, Grace Southern

2024 2024 2024 2024

Metro Peoria Westfield Heartland Network Macoupin

2022 2022 2022 2022

Heartland Network Metro East Macoupin Union

CLASS C – Term expiring 2026 *Deb Bier *Walter Philbrick *Mark Barber *Janet Elliott

CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE CLASS A – Term expiring 2024 Ron Closson Andrew Post John Harrell Don Evans

Flora, Strong Tower Oswego, Crosspointe Maywood, Proviso Mt. Vernon, West Side Missionary

2022 2022 2022 2022

Louisville Three Rivers Chicago Metro Salem South

CLASS B – Term expiring 2025 James Shannon David Siere *Raven Fager Reed Tallman

Glen Ellyn, Peoples Community Brookport, First Elkville, First Patoka, First

3/2021B 2022A 2023 2023

Chicago Metro Union Nine Mile Kaskaskia

CLASS C – Term expiring 2026 Ryan Tackett Kyle Kelly Brian Lingle David Auxier

Carterville Sublette, Grace Fellowship Vienna, First Pekin, Liberty

2024 2024 2024 2024

Williamson Sinnissippi Union Metro Peoria

Respectfully submitted: Dan Bentz Nathan Carter Bob Dickerson Kyle Edmiston David Gilleland, Secretary Terry Mathis, Chair Christian McKenzie, Vice Chair Tony Munoz Doug Munton Scott Slone Jerry Weber 11

Committee on Order of Business Report The 2023 Committee on Order of Business met after the 2022 Annual Meeting in Edwardsville to evaluate the 2022 Annual Meeting. They met on March 21 and September 7 to make decisions regarding 2023 meeting plans, to propose the 2026 meeting location, and to confirm and update information to report for the 2024 and 2025 meetings, which are being planned for Ashburn Baptist Church in Orland Park November 13-14, 2024 and Crowne Plaza in Springfield November 5-6, 2025.

The Committee recommends that: 1. Bruce Kirk of Alpha Missionary Baptist Church in Bolingbrook bring the 2024 sermon, and that Doug Munton of First Baptist Church of O’Fallon be the alternate speaker.

2. The 2026 IBSA Annual Meeting be held at Metro Community Church in Edwardsville on Novem ber 3-5, 2026.

Respectfully submitted: Jeanette Cloyd Alex Crain Jeff Downard Ben Hottel, Secretary Nate Mason Corey Menken, Chair Ken Schultz Derrick Taylor, Vice-chair Terry Walters 2024 Officers: Corey Menken, Chair Ben Hottel, Vice Chair Nate Mason, Secretary

12

Constitution Committee Report The IBSA Constitution Committee met on March 30, 2023 to review the IBSA Constitution, the Bylaws for both the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services (BCHFS) and the Baptist Foundation of Illinois (BFI), and the Association’s Officer and Committee Manual as directed in Article VIII, Section 8 of the IBSA Constitution. The committee reviewed the recommended second reading changes regarding the IBSA Constitution and BFI Bylaws and there was no further discussion. There was one proposed change to be presented to the messengers for first reading regarding the addition of the Mission Illinois Offering to Cooperative Program giving as an acceptable criterion to stay in cooperation with IBSA. During its August 22 meeting the Committee discussed the following recommendations for changes to the IBSA Constitution, Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services Bylaws and the Baptist Foundation of Illinois Bylaws. Substantial changes in order to differentiate between IBSA, the 501c non-profit corporation and IBSA, the association of churches are being proposed for all three entity documents.

The Committee made changes to the IBSA Officer and Committee Manual to clarify the role specifications for the Credentials Committee when a charge of doctrinal incompatibility is levied against a church of the Association.

Following are the committee’s recommended changes to the IBSA Constitution, BFI Bylaws, and BCHFS Bylaws which received first reading at the 2022 IBSA Annual Meeting and are now ready for discussion and action at the 2023 IBSA Annual Meeting. Also included are the recommended first reading changes to the IBSA Constitution, BCHFS Bylaws, and the BFI Bylaws, to be voted on by Association messengers at the 2024 IBSA Annual Meeting.

Respectfully Submitted: Ryan Beck, Chair Roger Carlson Jared French Becky Haldorson Chris Huff, Vice Chair Phil Nelson Vaughn Sanders Dale Shaeffer Matt Short Bob Ward Charles Wilson 2024 Officers: Phil Nelson, Chair Jared French, Vice Chair TBD, Secretary

13

RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS FOR SECOND READING (changes noted in red) IBSA Constitution ARTICLE VI OFFICERS Section 1. The officers of IBSA shall be a president, a vice president, a recording secretary, and an assistant recording secretary.

1. Election of the president and the recording secretary shall take place during the first session of the annual meeting. Election of the vice president and the assistant recording secretary shall take place during the final session of the annual meeting.

2. Officers must have been members in residence of cooperating IBSA member churches for at least the twelve months immediately prior to their election, shall continue such membership during their term, and shall not be eligible to serve more than two consecutive full terms. No employee of IBSA or family member of an employee of IBSA, nor any person whose salary is subsidized by IBSA, nor any person whose service shall provide a conflict of interest, shall serve as an officer of IBSA. 3. These officers shall be elected annually by ballot, except that by unanimous consent, any single nominee for an office may be elected by acclamation.

Nominations for officers shall be received from messengers present at the IBSA annual meeting. All nominators, after obtaining prior consent of the nominee, in their nomination speech shall include but not be limited to: 1) the name and role of the nominee, 2) the nominee’s history of service to IBSA, and 3) the history of participation in the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention by the nominee’s church and/or the nominee personally. Newly elected officers shall be installed during the annual meeting and shall assume responsibilities at the conclusion of the annual meeting. They shall serve until the end of the next annual meeting and until their successors assume office.

4. Election of all officers shall be determined by a majority vote, not simply a plurality vote when three or more candidates are considered.

Section 2. The President shall preside at meetings of IBSA. The president shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors with vote. The president shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees of IBSA without vote. The immediate past president shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors for one (1) year without vote, and shall be ineligible for election to the board until one (1) year has elapsed following the year of ex-officio service.

Section 3. The vice president, in the absence of or at the request of the president, shall preside at meetings of IBSA. The vice president shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors with vote. The vice president shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees of IBSA without vote.

Section 4. The recording secretary shall be accountable for recording the proceedings

14

of IBSA in session. A certified copy of the minutes of the IBSA annual meeting shall be submitted to the Executive Director of IBSA for inclusion in the IBSA Annual. The recording secretary shall affix the seal of IBSA to all documents as directed by IBSA. The recording secretary shall convene meetings of IBSA in the absence of the president and the vice president, and shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors with vote. The recording secretary shall serve as an ex-officio member all committees of IBSA without vote.

Section 5. The assistant recording secretary shall perform the duties of the recording secretary in the absence of or at the request of the recording secretary. The assistant recording secretary shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors with vote.

The assistant recording secretary shall serve as an ex-officio member all committees of IBSA without vote.

Section 6. With the exception of the president (see Section 2), immediate past officers of IBSA (vice-president, recording secretary, and assistant recording secretary) shall be ineligible for membership on the board until one (1) year has elapsed.

Section 7. In the event the president is unwilling or unable to complete the term of office, the vice president shall assume the office of president, vacating the office of vice president. Assumption of the office of president by the vice president will be considered a full term providing the major fraction of the term is served.

Section 8. A detailed guideline of the work of each officer of IBSA shall be placed in the IBSA Officer and Committee Manual. Such guideline shall include a particular method for reviewing and dismissing officers for violations of policy which it deems necessary for the effective and ethical service by its members.

ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP Section 1. IBSA, in session, shall be composed of messengers who, as members of cooperating IBSA member churches, are elected and certified by said churches that have voluntarily accepted the nature, purpose, and doctrinal affirmation of IBSA and that have been approved by vote of IBSA messengers in session, based upon the recommendation of the IBSA Credentials Committee (see Article VIII, Section 7).

Section 2. The IBSA Credentials Committee shall receive and review all applications letters petitioning for affiliation, as well as constitutions and bylaws, operative documents, statements of faith, (in accordance with Article III Section 2) and other documents requested by the committee, from those churches seeking to affiliate with the IBSA. The IBSA Credentials Committee shall then make recommendations to the IBSA messengers in session regarding those churches’ requests for affiliation with IBSA. ARTICLE VIII STANDING COMMITTEES Section 7. The Credentials Committee shall enroll all qualified messengers, those

15

affiliation, constitutions and bylaws, operative documents, statements of faith, (in accordance with Article III, Section 2) and other documents requested by the committee from those churches seeking to affiliate with IBSA. The committee shall then make recommendations to the IBSA messengers in session regarding churches requesting to affiliate with IBSA. Section 8. The Constitution Committee shall review the Constitution and the IBSA Officer and Committee Manual at least annually.

1. The committee shall submit a written report to each annual meeting of IBSA, containing an assessment of the work of IBSA in light of the Constitution’s constraints, and any suggestions for adjustments or amendments. The committee shall consider and make recommendations on all proposed amendments to the Constitution. When requested, interpretation of the Constitution shall be given by the committee through its chairperson chairman or a designee of the committee.

ARTICLE X AMENDMENTS 2. All proposed amendments shall be reviewed by an attorney, parliamentarian, and/or financial advisor, at the discretion of the Constitution Committee chairperson chairman or the Executive Director of IBSA, prior to presentation to IBSA for consideration.

RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS FOR SECOND READING (changes noted in red) BFI Bylaws

ARTICLE VII EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

1.

Employment and Duties. The Board of Trustees shall employ one Executive Director to provide executive management of the Corporation, administer its programs and services, and perform all other duties assigned by the Board. The Executive Director shall provide an annual report to the Board concerning the status of the Corporation, and also make any recommendations to the Board concerning the needs of the Corporation. The Executive Director shall have only such authority as has been delegated by the Board.

2.

Personnel. The Executive Director shall have authority to appoint, reassign, and discharge all employees and staff of the Corporation.

3.

Execution of Documents. The Executive Director shall execute all documents on behalf of the Corporation. , provided that all conveyances of real estate must be co-signed as provided herein. The Executive Director shall have the authority to authenticate records of the Corporation.

4.

Conflict of Interest. No member of the immediate family of the Executive Director may serve on the Board.

16

Recommended Amendments for First Reading (changes noted in red) CONSTITUTION Illinois Baptist State Association Complete document approved November 12, 2015 Updates approved November 3, 2022 INTRODUCTION Illinois Baptist State Association received a charter as an Illinois Corporation on November 2, 1907, at Marion, Illinois, and is governed by the Illinois General Not For Profit Corporation Act. ARTICLE I NAME AND ENTITIES The name of this organized body of messengers from voluntarily affiliated Baptist churches organization is Illinois Baptist State Association, hereinafter referred to as The Illinois Baptist State Association or IBSA or the Association.

Through the election of independent boards of directors or trustees, IBSA facilitates ministry to its member churches through three separate entities or corporations: the “mission board” of IBSA (hereafter referred to as “IBSA the corporation”), the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services (hereafter referred to as “BCHFS”), and the Baptist Foundation of Illinois (hereafter referred to as “BFI”).

IBSA the corporation received a charter as an Illinois Corporation on November 2, 1907, at Marion, Illinois, and is governed by the Illinois General Not For Profit Corporation Act. The purpose of IBSA is to assist in establishing and developing effective Baptist churches in their context. IBSA shall engage in other related activities it considers relevant to its corporate fellowship.

BCHFS is a nonprofit agency that is a ministry of Southern Baptists in Illinois established in 1918 and incorporated in 1939 under the laws of the State of Illinois.

The Corporation recognizes the value of children and families and is dedicated to providing Christ centered services to protect, heal, and restore.

BFI was formed under the laws of the State of Illinois in 1965 and is organized to serve and further the development of any religious, benevolent, charitable, educational or missionary purpose, undertaking, institution, or agency operated, sponsored, sanctioned, supervised or supported by the Illinois Baptist State Association.

ARTICLE II NATURE AND PURPOSE Section 1. The Illinois Baptist State Association is an organized body of messengers from Baptist churches cooperating to encourage sound Biblical

1 17

doctrine, cooperative missions, and Baptist fellowship. As an autonomous body, IBSA shall not violate the autonomy of any church or other Baptist body.

Section 2. The purpose of IBSA is to assist in establishing and developing effective Baptist churches in their context. IBSA shall engage in other related activities it considers relevant to its corporate fellowship.

ARTICLE III DOCTRINE Section 1. As IBSA affirms, we adopt the Bible as the basis of all our faith and practice.

Section 2. Illinois Baptists have used various confessions of faith to better explain their understanding of the Bible. As IBSA, we acknowledge the value of all these documents, especially the Philadelphia Confession of Faith (1742), the New Hampshire Confession of Faith (1833), and the Baptist Faith and Message of the Southern Baptist Convention statement of 1925, with revisions in 1963, 1998, 2000, and 200023. We encourage IBSA congregations and associations to use confessions of faith as resources to inform and edify Illinois Baptists concerning the basic tenets of our faith. These documents will thus equip us as we seek to fulfill our historic commitment to evangelism, discipleship, missions, education, godly living, and mutual cooperation in bearing a Baptist witness to the world.

Section 3. The churches of IBSA have historically recognized that there are distinctive doctrines that unify us as Baptists and set us apart from other denominations. Throughout our history, doctrinal statements have been adopted that express the common, but not necessarily universally held, elements of our faith.

Baptists have always cherished the belief that individuals and churches are to study the Bible and form their beliefs as the Holy Spirit leads them. In keeping with this history, IBSA affirms the following statement as a basis of our continued cooperation in sharing our message with the people of Illinois and the whole world: 1. Confessions of faith constitute a consensus of opinion of some Baptist body for the general instruction and guidance of its people and others concerning those articles of the Christian faith which are most surely held among us.

2. We do not regard confessions of faith as complete statements of doctrine, having any quality of finality or infallibility. Baptists should hold themselves free to revise their statements of faith as may seem to them wise and expedient at any time.

3. Any group of Baptists has the inherent right to draw up for itself and publish to the world a confession of faith whenever the group determines it advisable to do so.

4. The sole authority for faith and practice among Baptists is the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Confessions are only guides in interpretation, having no authority over the conscience.

2 18

5. Confessions of faith are statements of religious convictions, drawn from the Scriptures, and as such are not to be used to hamper freedom of thought or investigation into other realms of life.

Section 4. We affirm that the Baptist Faith and Message of the Southern Baptist Convention adopted in 1925, and revised in 1963, 1998, 2000, and 202300, represents a consensus of Baptist beliefs for general instruction and guidance. These documents may be used with confidence by local churches and associations, and contain statements of Christian convictions, drawn from the Scriptures, affirming historic Baptist beliefs including the doctrines of soul competency, the priesthood of all believers, and salvation by grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ. Cooperating churches or other interested parties may be instructed in how they might obtain a current publication of these documents by contacting the IBSA registered offices the corporation.

ARTICLE IV IBSA MEMBERSHIP Section 1. IBSA, in session, shall be composed of messengers who, as members of cooperating IBSA member churches, are elected and certified by said churches that have voluntarily accepted the nature, purpose, and doctrinal affirmation of IBSA and that have been approved by vote of IBSA messengers in session, based upon the recommendation of the IBSA Credentials Committee (see Article VIII, Section 7).

Section 2. The IBSA Credentials Committee shall receive and review all letters petitioning for affiliation, as well as constitutions and bylaws, operative documents, statements of faith, (in accordance with Article III Section 2) and other documents requested by the committee, from those churches seeking to affiliate with the IBSA. The IBSA Credentials Committee shall then make recommendations to the IBSA messengers in session regarding those churches’ requests for affiliation with IBSA. Section 3. An IBSA member church will be considered a cooperating church when it has submitted an annual church profile and has contributed financially to IBSA through the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention, and/or the Mission Illinois Offering the preceding year to fulfill the nature, purpose, and doctrinal affirmation of IBSA. Section 4. Cooperating churches who subsequently fail to fulfill the requirements of cooperation shall be subject to review and possible dismissal.

1. As soon as possible after the close of the annual meeting the Credentials Committee shall check all available records to determine whether there are churches failing to meet all the expectations of a cooperating church.

2. During the course of the year, the Credentials Committee shall make every effort to encourage non-cooperating churches to begin fulfilling all of the expectations of a cooperating church.

3. The Executive Director of IBSA the corporation will assume responsibility for communicating with churches who fail to meet the requirements of a cooperating church. Determination will be made as to the church’s intent/desire to continue as a cooperating church in IBSA. IBSA reserves the

3 19

right to remove churches who do not fulfill cooperation requirements of IBSA. 4. The Credentials Committee shall report its findings and recommendations at the next annual meeting of IBSA. Section 5. Each cooperating church of IBSA shall be entitled to four (4) messengers, plus one messenger for each multiple of fifty (50) resident members, except that no church shall exceed fifteen (15) messengers.

Section 6. Voting privileges are given only to seated messengers.

Section 7. Messengers elected and certified by cooperating churches shall be seated at each IBSA annual meeting, upon verification by and recommendation of the Credentials Committee.

Section 8. Churches seeking affiliation with IBSA may have their messengers seated, upon recommendation by the Credentials Committee and approval by IBSA in session.

Section 9. Any motion charging doctrinal incompatibility against an IBSA member church shall only be presented in writing by a messenger at an annual meeting and will be automatically referred to the Credentials Committee.

1. The Credentials Committee shall seek other information or evidence and, along with the accusing messenger, shall consult with the leadership of the church being charged to determine the validity of the charges.

2. The Credentials Committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the next annual meeting of IBSA. Section 10. Upon recommendation of the Credentials Committee of the Illinois Baptist State Association in annual session reserves the right to withdraw fellowship, by a 2/3 vote of the messengers present and voting, from any IBSA member church for failure to conform to Article IV Section 3 or Article IV Section 9.

ARTICLE V MEETINGS OF IBSA Section 1. IBSA shall meet in annual session at such time and place as it may determine.

Section 2. Special meetings of the IBSA may be called: 1. Upon the request of five (5) messengers at the Annual Meeting of IBSA in writing to the president of the IBSA or by two officers of the IBSA in writing to the chairman of the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation.

2. Approval of a Special Meeting shall require a two-thirds affirmative vote of those present and voting either by the messengers at the IBSA Annual Meeting or by the IBSA Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation.

Section 3. The time and/or place of the annual or special meetings of IBSA may be

4 20

changed upon approval of two-thirds of the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation.

Section 4. If emergency circumstances prohibit an in-person IBSA Annual Meeting, the IBSA Board of Directors of the IBSA corporation shall be authorized to conduct the essential operational business of IBSA and its entities, excluding Constitutional and Bylaw changes, until the time of the next Annual Meeting.

Section 5. In case of the absence of the vice president from the annual or special meetings of IBSA, the president shall appoint an assistant, subject to the approval of the messengers, to serve when IBSA is in session.

Section 6. In case of the absence of the president from the annual or special meetings of IBSA, the vice president shall assume the duties of the president, retaining the position of vice president. The vice president may appoint an assistant, subject to the approval of the messengers, to serve when IBSA is in session.

Section 7. Motions made by messengers dealing with internal operations or ministries of an entity shall be referred to the elected board of the entity for consideration and a report to the constituency and to the next Annual Meeting of IBSA. On all matters referred by the messengers of the IBSA shall respond in writing at the close of their report in the Book of Reports and the IBSA Annual, giving specific information on: 1. How the matter referred was considered, 2. How it was reported to the constituency; and, 3. Any actions on the matter taken by the entity or action proposed to the Annual Meeting.

ARTICLE VI OFFICERS OF IBSA Section 1. The officers of IBSA shall be a president, a vice president, a recording secretary, and an assistant recording secretary.

1. Election of the president and the recording secretary shall take place during the first session of the annual meeting. Election of the vice president and the assistant recording secretary shall take place during the final session of the annual meeting.

2. Officers must have been members in residence of cooperating IBSA member churches for at least the twelve months immediately prior to their election, shall continue such membership during their term, and shall not be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms. No employee of IBSA the corporation or family member of an employee of IBSA the corporation, nor any person whose salary is subsidized by IBSA the corporation, nor any person whose service shall provide a conflict of interest, shall serve as an officer of IBSA. 3. These officers shall be elected annually by ballot, except that by unanimous consent, any single nominee for an office may be elected by acclamation.

5 21

Nominations for officers shall be received from messengers present at the IBSA annual meeting. All nominators, after obtaining prior consent of the nominee, in their nomination speech shall include but not be limited to: 1) the name and role of the nominee, 2) the nominee’s history of service to IBSA, and 3) the history of participation in the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention by the nominee’s church and/or the nominee personally. Newly elected officers shall be installed during the annual meeting and shall assume responsibilities at the conclusion of the annual meeting. They shall serve until the end of the next annual meeting and until their successors assume office.

4. Election of all officers shall be determined by a majority vote, not simply a plurality vote when three or more candidates are considered.

Section 2. The President shall preside at meetings of IBSA. The president shall be an ex-officio member with vote of the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation, the Board of Trustees of the BCHFS, and the Board of Trustees of the BFIwith vote.

The president shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees of IBSA without vote. The immediate past president shall serve as an ex-officio member without vote of the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation, the Board of Trustees of the BCHFS, and the Board of Trustees of the BFI for one (1) year without vote and shall be ineligible for election to the board until one (1) year has elapsed following the year of ex-officio service.

Section 3. The vice president, in the absence of or at the request of the president, shall preside at meetings of IBSA. The vice president shall be an ex-officio member with vote of the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation, the Board of Trustees of the BCHFS, and the Board of Trustees of the BFI with vote. The vice president shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees of IBSA without vote.

Section 4. The recording secretary shall be accountable for recording the proceedings of IBSA in session. A certified copy of the minutes of the IBSA annual meeting shall be submitted to the Executive Director of IBSA the corporation for inclusion in the IBSA Annual. The recording secretary shall affix the seal of IBSA to all documents as directed by IBSA. The recording secretary shall convene meetings of IBSA in the absence of the president and the vice president and shall be an exofficio member with vote of the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation, the Board of Trustees of the BCHFS, and the Board of Trustees of the BFI with vote.

The recording secretary shall serve as an ex-officio member all committees of IBSA without vote.

Section 5. The assistant recording secretary shall perform the duties of the recording secretary in the absence of or at the request of the recording secretary.

The assistant recording secretary shall be an ex-officio member with vote of the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation, the Board of Trustees of the BCHFS, and the Board of Trustees of the BFI with vote. The assistant recording secretary shall serve as an ex-officio member all committees of IBSA without vote.

Section 6. With the exception of the president (see Section 2), immediate past officers of IBSA (vice-president, recording secretary, and assistant recording secretary) shall be ineligible for membership on the board until one (1) year has elapsed.

Section 7. In the event the president of IBSA is unwilling or unable to complete the term of office, the vice president of IBSA shall assume the office of president,

6 22

vacating the office of vice president.

Section 8. A detailed guideline of the work of each officer of IBSA shall be placed in the IBSA Officer and Committee Manual. Such guidelines shall include a particular method for reviewing and dismissing officers for violations of policy which are deemeds necessary by its members for the effective and ethical service by its members.

ARTICLE VII BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF IBSA THE CORPORATION Section 1. The Illinois Baptist State Association is an autonomous body. It shall be solely responsible for its organization. It shall elect a Board of Directors of the IBSA corporation to direct all affairs of IBSA between annual meetings. One third (1/3) of the members of the board of IBSA the corporation shall be elected at each annual meeting of IBSA for a three-year term.

Section 2. The Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation shall determine the work to be performed by and the resources to be apportioned to all related organizations of IBSA except those related entities existing as separate corporations.

1. The Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation shall be composed of thirtythree (33) members. Twenty-four of the members shall be elected from six regions apportioned decennially by the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation and nine of the members shall be elected from the state atlarge.

2. The Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation shall determine its time of meeting, organization, and method of procedures subject to the Constitution of IBSA. The Board of IBSA the corporation may permit any or all directors to participate in a regular or special meeting by, or conduct the meeting through, the use of any means of communication by which all directors participating may hear each other simultaneously during the meeting. A director participating in a meeting by such means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.

3. The Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation shall employ one Executive Director of IBSA of IBSA the corporation to accomplish the objectives the board may determine and shall set policy limits within which the Executive Director of IBSA the corporation shall function.

4. The Executive Director shall form and manage the IBSA staff of IBSA the corporation and shall have only such authority as has been delegated by the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation.

5. The Executive Director of IBSA the corporation shall serve as an ex-officio member without vote on the IBSA respective boards of IBSA the corporation, the BCHFS, and the BFI, but may be excused from executive sessions of the boards unless requested to remain by decision of the boards.

7 23

Section 3. Members of the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation shall be recommended by the IBSA Nominating Committee according to Article VIII Section 6.

Nominees shall be published during the annual meeting and shall assume responsibilities at the conclusion of the annual meeting. They shall serve until the end of their respective terms and until their successors assume office. Terms shall be specified as ending at the conclusion of the annual meeting.

1. Individuals may not serve for more than two consecutive terms or major fraction thereof until one year has elapsed from their last date of service on the board.

2. In the event a member of a board is absent from more than one-half of the scheduled board and committee meetings in a twelve (12) month period, their position will automatically become vacant.

3. If vacancies occur between annual meetings of IBSA, prospective board members shall be nominated by the IBSA Nominating Committee and considered by the board of IBSA the corporation.

4. The primary criteria to be used by the Nominating Committee of IBSA for the selection of nominees to the board of IBSA the corporation are: a. the individual’s ability to make a maximum contribution toward attaining the goals of IBSA the corporation, b. the goal of equitable representation of members from across the state, c. the membership of the board consisting of a minimum of one-third (1/3) laypersons. (A lay person shall be defined as anyone who is not vocationally employed in a ministry position by a church or association.

A lay person who begins ministry employment with a church or association shall be eligible to continue service until the expiration of his/her term), d. the consideration of an individual’s special skills and abilities e. the maintaining of an equal number of Class A (one year remaining), Class B (2 years remaining), and Class C (3 years remaining) members among those serving on the board, f.

the reservation of membership on the board of IBSA the corporation for those persons who are members of cooperating IBSA member churches and who have been members in residence of cooperating churches for at least twelve (12) months immediately prior to their election to any IBSA entity board, and who continue such membership during their term,

g. the prohibition of any cooperating IBSA member church from having more than one (1) member on any one IBSA entity board at the same time or more than two (2) members on all IBSA entity boards at the same time. A member of the board of IBSA the corporation moving to a church which has a member on the board of IBSA the corporation or

8 24

two (2) members on all IBSA entity boards shall resign. Officers of IBSA are excepted from the moving provision. h. the stipulation that the members of the any IBSA entity board must meet the requirements established by any licensing agency applicable to the that IBSA entity board, i.

the courtesy of considering the recommendation of the Eexecutive officer Director and the chair of the IBSA entity board.

5. No employee of IBSA the corporation, or family member of an employee of IBSA the corporation, nor any person whose salary is subsidized by IBSA the corporation, nor any person whose service shall provide a conflict of interest, (other than those disclosed to and approved by the Board of IBSA the corporation), shall serve as a member of the board of IBSA the corporation.

Section 4. During the fiscal year, the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation shall not obligate IBSA the corporation to expenditure nor incur accumulative indebtedness that will exceed its annual budget by an amount greater than three percent of its annual budget.

Section 5. The president of IBSA shall recommend to IBSA in session a firm of certified public accountants to audit the financial records of IBSA the corporation for the ensuing year. The Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation shall submit to IBSA a report of its finances and shall submit to IBSA in annual session a proposed financial program or budget for the ensuing year. Such proposal shall be based on the anticipated gross receipts according to its financial report.

Section 6. Only the properties and assets of IBSA the corporation shall be owned by the corporation. The Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation, by a two-thirds vote of the board members present and voting, may purchase, or otherwise acquire, lease, mortgage, sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any property, personal or real, of IBSA the corporation. The IBSA in annual session must approve the sale, lease, exchange or otherwise disposal of over one-half the fair market value of all of the property of the corporation, other than in the usual and regular course of its activities. The Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation may appoint and delegate the authority to committees to act for them in the interim of their sessions. These committees shall not have authority to mortgage, exchange, or otherwise dispose of the property, personal or real, of IBSA the corporation, unless specifically authorized and directed to do so by a two-thirds vote of the Board of IBSA the corporation.

Section 7. A quorum shall be present for any action of the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation, or any committee of the boards. Fifty-one percent of the members of the board or committees of the board, in office at the time of the meeting, shall constitute a quorum.

Section 8. The officers of the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation shall be a chair, a vice-chair, and a recording secretary. These officers shall be elected annually by the board at its last meeting prior to the IBSA annual meeting. They shall serve no more than two consecutive terms in any one elected board office.

Members of the board whose final term expires shall not be eligible for re-election as an officer. Officers of the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation shall serve

9 25

on the Advisory Committee of the board with vote and shall serve with vote on the board committee to which they are elected, however they shall serve on the other standing committees of the board as ex-officio members without vote.

Section 9. It shall be the duty of the board chair to preside at all meetings of the board, and to perform such other duties as usually pertain to this office. The chair shall be an ex-officio member without vote of all committees of the board.

Section 10. It shall be the duty of the board vice-chair to perform the duties of the board chairman in the absence of the chair. In the event of the death or resignation of the chair, the vice-chair shall serve until a new chair is elected.

Section 11. It shall be the duty of the board secretary to keep an accurate account of the proceedings of each meeting of the board, and to perform such other duties as usually pertain to this office.

Section 12. The chair of the board shall initiate an annual evaluation of that entity’s executive officer, using the forms and processes adopted by the board.

Section 13. The board of IBSA the corporation shall submit for consideration by IBSA in session a budget in keeping with Section 5. The board shall have the authority to change line items, providing the total budget figure remains the same as approved by IBSA in session. The bBoard of IBSA the corporation shall submit for consideration by IBSA any plans for new special offerings or capital fund-raising activities. Authorized offerings for state-wide promotion are: 1) the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions, 2) the Mothers Day’s Offering for the Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services, 3) the Mission Illinois Offering, 4) the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions, and 5) the World Hunger Offering.

Section 14. The board of IBSA the corporation shall be organized into standing committees. Each committee shall have a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and a secretary. At the last committee meeting of the year, officers are elected for the following year. The chairperson of the board, in consultation with the Executive Director, shall appoint each board member to one standing committee each year. The standing committees shall evaluate, approve, and recommend to the board such goals as may pertain to that committee’s area of responsibility.

Section 15. The standing committees of the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation are: 1. The Administrative Committee will review board policy and recommend adjustments to insure efficient operations of the board and the IBSA staff of IBSA the corporation, in order that the various segments of IBSA the corporation may effectively work together to achieve the mission, vision, and goals of IBSA the corporation.

2. The Strategic Planning Committee will work directly with the Executive Director to assess the needs of churches and associations, to establish and recommend to the Board of Directors mission, vision and goal statements, to assist the Board of Directors in identifying end results that are desired from IBSA activities and ministries of IBSA the corporation, to assess the effectiveness of IBSA the corporation’s delivery of services, to recommend effective communication channels, and to recommend special ministry projects

10 26

that will assist IBSA the corporation to in accomplishing its mission, vision, and goals.

3. The Resource Development Committee shall assist the Executive Director to in gathering and recommending the distribution of resources to meet the mission, vision, and goals of IBSA the corporation. It will assist in budget development, allocation of Cooperative Program resources, long range financial planning, and management of all IBSA facilities of IBSA the corporation.

4. The Advisory Committee shall consist of: 1) the chair of the board, as Advisory Committee chair, 2) other officers of the board, and 3) the chair of each of the other standing committees of the board. The Advisory Committee will act as counsel for the executive officer. In the event of the death, incapacity, or prolonged absence of the executive officer, the Advisory Committee shall assume responsibilities for day-to-day operations until the next meeting of the board and shall report to the board at each regular and special meeting any actions it has taken in the interim.

Section 16. Regular meetings of the board of IBSA the corporation and the committees of the board shall be held at least semi-annually. The board shall fix the dates, times, and places of its meetings. Special meetings may be called by two officers of the board. At least seven days written notice of the date, time, and place shall be given to each member of the board by the person(s) calling the meeting. The notice shall state the nature of the business to be considered at the special meeting, and no business other than that stated in the notice shall be considered at such meeting.

Section 17. A detailed guideline of the work of the board of IBSA the corporation will be placed in the Policy and Procedures Manual of the entityboard. Such guideline shall include a particular method for reviewing and dismissing members for violations of policy which itare deemeds necessary by its members for the effective and ethical service by its members.

ARTICLE VIII STANDING COMMITTEES OF IBSA Section 1. The standing committees of IBSA shall be: 1) Committee on Committees, 2) Committee on Order of Business, 3) Nominating Committee, 4) Credentials Committee, 5) Constitution Committee, 6) Resolutions and Christian Life Committee, and 7) Historical Committee.

Section 2. The standing committees of IBSA shall consist of twelve (12) members each. One-third (1/3) of the members shall rotate off annually. Any person having served three (3) years, or major fraction thereof, shall be ineligible for re-election to the same committee until at least one (1) year has elapsed. Committee membership shall be reserved for those who have been a member in residence of cooperating IBSA member churches for at least twelve (12) months immediately prior to election, and who continue such membership during their term.

1. No employee of IBSA the corporation or family member of an employee of IBSA the corporation, nor any person whose salary is subsidized by IBSA the

11 27

corporation, nor any person whose service shall provide a conflict of interest, shall serve as a member of any standing committee of IBSA. 2. No person may serve simultaneously as a member of the board of any IBSA entity and as a member of an IBSA standing committee.

3. In the event committee members absent themselves from two (2) consecutive committee meetings that appear on the IBSA calendar, their positions shall be automatically vacant.

4. A quorum shall be present for any action of the standing committees. Fiftyone (51) percent of the members of the committee in office at the time of the meeting shall constitute a quorum.

5. The IBSA Committees may permit any or all members to participate in a regular or special meeting by, or conduct the meeting through, the use of any means of communication by which all members participating may hear each other simultaneously during the meeting. A member participating in a meeting by such means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.

6. If a person has been elected to a standing committee or an ad hoc committee of IBSA and then is later elected to the position of an officer of IBSA, such person shall vacate the committee role in order to fulfill the role of an officer. Such vacancies shall be handled in the same manner of committee vacancies that may occur for any other reason.

7. No church shall have more than one (1) member on an IBSA standing committee at the same time, with no more than two (2) different members from one church on all IBSA standing committees. A member of a standing committee moving to a church which has a member on that same committee or two (2) members on all standing committees shall resign. Officers of IBSA are excepted from the moving provision.

8. If vacancies occur on a standing committee between annual meetings, nominations of prospective members for said vacancies shall be made by the Committee on Committees to the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation for approval.

Section 3. Upon assuming office, the newly elected president of IBSA shall appoint members to fill vacancies on the Committee on Committees.

Section 4. The Committee on Committees shall nominate at each annual meeting of IBSA persons for membership on all standing committees and all ad hoc committees authorized by IBSA, including all committee vacancies, with the exception of the board cCommittees of the IBSA entitiesBoard of Directors. While serving on the Committee on Committees, members shall be ineligible for nomination to other standing committees and all ad hoc committees of IBSA. Section 5. The Committee on Order of Business shall suggest a program including an order of business for the IBSA annual meeting. It shall provide time for the introduction of matters requiring a vote not scheduled on the agenda, and shall fix a time for the consideration of the same. The committee shall recommend the time and place for the IBSA annual meeting three (3) years in advance. The committee shall

12 28

recommend a speaker for the annual sermon for the succeeding IBSA annual meeting.

Section 6. The Nominating Committee shall nominate members for the boards of IBSA entities to IBSA in session. If vacancies occur between annual meetings of IBSA, prospective board members shall be nominated by the IBSA Nominating Committee and considered by the board of IBSA the corporation. While serving on the Nominating Committee, members shall be ineligible for nomination to the boards of IBSA entities.

Section 7. The Credentials Committee shall enroll all qualified messengers, those elected and certified by cooperating churches, at each annual meeting and special meetings of IBSA. 1. The committee shall monitor the enrollment of churches at the meetings of IBSA and dispense all official materials.

2. The committee shall receive and review all letters petitioning for affiliation, constitutions and bylaws, operative documents, statements of faith, (in accordance with Article III, Section 2) and other documents requested by the committee from those churches seeking to affiliate with IBSA. The committee shall then make recommendations to the IBSA messengers in session regarding churches requesting to affiliate with IBSA. 3. The Credentials Committee shall also review information regarding churches which may fail to fulfill the requirements of cooperation and shall make recommendations to IBSA in session regarding the cooperating status of said churches, including but not limited to issues of doctrinal affirmation. (See also Article IV Section 3) 4. It shall also be the responsibility of the Credentials Committee to count all ballots at the annual meeting.

Section 8. The Constitution Committee shall review the Constitution and the IBSA Officer and Committee Manual at least annually.

1. The committee shall submit a written report to each annual meeting of IBSA, containing an assessment of the work of IBSA in light of the Constitution’s constraints, and any suggestions for adjustments or amendments. The committee shall consider and make recommendations on all proposed amendments to the Constitution. When requested, interpretation of the Constitution shall be given by the committee through its chairman or a designee of the committee.

2. In conjunctionconsultation with the IBSA Executive Director of IBSA the corporation, the committee shall make updates and changes to the Officer and Committee Manual.

Section 9. The Resolutions and Christian Life Committee shall prepare and submit to IBSA in session, all resolutions, which it deems appropriate for adoption, and report on all matters submitted to it by IBSA messengers, with or without recommendations or amendments. All proposed resolutions shall be referred to the Resolutions and

13 29

Christian Life Committee no later than the end of the first session of the annual meeting of IBSA. Section 10. The Historical Committee shall procure and preserve historical records.

In addition, the committee shall seek to keep the churches and messengers of IBSA informed of those items which it deems of historical significance to the life and ministry of IBSA. Section 11. The Executive Director of IBSA the corporation shall serve as an exofficio member without vote on all IBSA standing committees. The standing committees shall assign to the Executive Director of IBSA the corporation such work as they may require. Allocated resources shall be prescribed in the annual budget of IBSA the corporation for all standing committees of IBSA. Section 12. A detailed guideline of the work of each standing committee of IBSA shall be placed in the Officer and Committee Manual of IBSA. Such guideline shall include a particular method for reviewing and dismissing members for violations of policy which it deems necessary for the effective and ethical service by its members.

Section 13. IBSA shall create such ad hoc committees as it may require. The nomination of committee members shall be made by the Committee on Committees. The allocated resources of each ad hoc committee shall come from available funds of IBSA the corporation with the recommendation of any limitations of funds coming from the Executive Director of IBSA the corporation and approvaled by the Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation or IBSA in session.

ARTICLE IX RELATED ENTITIES OF IBSA Section 1. The Illinois Baptist State Association is the sole member and controlling entity of IBSA the corporation, of the Illinois Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services (BCHFS) and of the Baptist Foundation of Illinois (BFI), all of which are corporations governed by the Illinois General Not For Profit Corporation Act. Section 2. A Coordinating Council shall: 1) coordinate the work of IBSA the corporation, BCHFS and BFI to facilitate harmony and unity, 2) decide matters of dispute between the entities, and 3) give direction to the boards of each entity in matters not clearly defined in this Constitution, written policy, bylaws or law. The Coordinating Council shall be comprised of the president of IBSA, the vice-president of IBSA, the chair and the vice-chair of each entity’s board, and the executive officer of each entity operating under the direction of each entity’s board.

1. Each member of the council shall be a voting member.

2. The president of IBSA and the vice-president of IBSA shall serve as the chair and the vice-chair, respectively, of the Coordinating Council.

3. The Coordinating Council shall meet at least semi-annually and report to IBSA during each annual meeting.

4. The president of IBSA shall be empowered to call additional meetings of the Coordinating Council as necessary.

14 30

Section 3. The IBSA alone in annual session shall authorize new entities set apart by IBSA and the composition of the board to govern such separate entitiesy. The IBSA alone in annual session shall authorize the dissolution or merger of any of the IBSA entities.

Section 4. The president, vice president, recording secretary, assistant recording secretary of the IBSA, and executive director of the IBSA staff shall serve as exofficio members of the boards of the IBSA the corporation, BCHFS and BFI. The executive director of the IBSA staff the corporation shall serve without vote. The president, vice president, recording secretary and the assistant recording secretary of the IBSA shall serve with vote.

Section 5. No cooperating IBSA member church shall have more than two (2) members on the collective boards of the IBSA the corporation, BCHFS and BFI at any one time.

Section 6. The president of the Association shall report to IBSA in annual session the firm(s) of certified public accountants selected by IBSA the corporation, BCHFS and BFI to audit the financial records of the respective each entity for the ensuing year.

IBSA the corporation, BCHFS and BFI shall both each submit a financial report to IBSA in annual session, and a proposed budget for its approval.

Section 7. The Nominating Committee of IBSA will nominate board members for IBSA the corporation, BCHFS, and BFI board members for election by the IBSA in annual session, with consideration given to suggestions from board members and executive director of the respective entities.

ARTICLE X AMENDMENTS All proposed amendments to the Constitution must be submitted in writing to the Constitution Committee no later than three (3) months prior to the Annual Meeting for possible presentation and first reading at the Annual Meeting. All motions to amend the constitution presented at the Annual Meeting will automatically be referred to the Constitution Committee by the Presiding Officer for review and recommendation to the messengers at the next annual meeting.

1. Such proposed amendments which may be recommended by the Constitution Committee shall be presented at two (2) consecutive IBSA annual meetings, the first for reading only, the second for reading, consideration, and vote.

2. All proposed amendments shall be reviewed by an attorney, parliamentarian, and/or financial advisor, at the discretion of the Constitution Committee chairman or the Executive Director of IBSA the corporation, prior to presentation to IBSA for consideration.

3. Such recommendations shall be considered by messengers during the first session of the IBSA annual meeting.

4. No vote is required at the time of first reading. Following the second reading

15

31

and the subsequent consideration, a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of those messengers present, and voting is required for approval of such recommendations.

5. Amendments shall become effective at the close of the IBSA annual meeting in which they are properly presented and approved, unless otherwise provided in the amendment.

ARTICLE XI PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY The IBSA president shall appoint a parliamentarian, subject to the approval of the messengers, to serve when IBSA is in session. Parliamentary rulings shall be governed by the current edition of the Robert’s Rules of Order.

ARTICLE XII INDEMINIFICATION Section 1. Indemnification in Actions other than by or in the Right of the Corporation. IBSA tThe Corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the Right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, or conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, that the person had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

Section 2. Indemnification in Actions by or in the Right of the Corporation.

IBSA tThe Corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the

16 32

Corporation, provided that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue, or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his or her duty to the Corporation, unless, and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court shall deem proper.

Section 3. Right to Payment of Expenses. To the extent that a director, officer, employee, or agent of IBSA the Corporation has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any action, suit, or proceeding referred to in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article, or in defense of any claim, issue, or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

Section 4. Determination of Conduct. Any indemnification under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by IBSA the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case, upon a determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Sections 1 or 2 of this Article. Such determination shall be made (a) by the Board of Directors of IBSA the Corporation by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of trusteesdirectors who were not parties to such action, suit, or proceeding; (b) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or even if obtainable, if a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion; or (c) by the members entitled to vote, if any.

Section 5. Payment of Expenses in Advance. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit, or proceeding may be paid by IBSA the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit, or proceeding, as authorized by the Board of Directors of IBSA the Corporation in the specific case, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director, officer, employee, or agent to repay such amount, unless it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article.

Section 6. Indemnification Not Exclusive. The indemnification provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of members or disinterested directors, or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of such a person.

Section 7. Insurance. IBSA tThe Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation, or who is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article.

17 33

(Article XII was approved for insertion 11-2-16.)

ARTICLE XIII MERGER/DISSOLUTION The Illinois Baptist State Association alone in annual session shall authorize the dissolution or merger of the IBSA.

18 34

Recommended Amendments for First Reading (changes noted in red) BYLAWS OF ILLINOIS BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME AND FAMILY SERVICES an Illinois Not For Profit Corporation (herein called the "Corporation") Adopted November 5, 2014 Changes approved November 3, 2022 ARTICLE I NAME AND PURPOSE 1.

Name. The name of the not for profit corporation is the Illinois Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services (BCHFS).

2.

Purpose. The Corporation is a nonprofit agency that is a ministry of Southern Baptists in Illinois established in 1918, and incorporated in 1939 under the laws of the State of Illinois. The Corporation recognizes the value of children and families, and is dedicated to providing Christ centered services to protect, heal and restore.

ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP The Corporation has a sole member, being the Illinois Baptist State Association (“IBSA” or the “Association”). IBSA the Association refers to the governing body of churches through its messengers. IBSA the Association is also sole member of a separate entity governed by a separate Board of Directors, and this entity is referred to hereafter as “IBSA the corporation.”

ARTICLE III BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1.

General Powers. The Board of Trustees will carry out and effectuate the purposes of this Corporation and manage the business and affairs of the Corporation, with full authority to determine the service and operating programs of the Corporation and to take whatever action it may deem advisable to achieve the Corporation’s objectives. The Board is accountable to the Association.

2.

Number, Election and Term. The Board shall consist of 21 trustees, and each trustee shall serve a term of 3 years, with one-third of the trustees elected annually by the Association in its annual session. Trustees may be elected for no more than two consecutive terms, and will not be eligible for reelection to the Board until at least one year has lapsed. The president, vice president, recording secretary, and assistant recording secretary of the Association, and the executive director of the IBSA the corporation shall serve as ex-officio members of the board of the BCHFS. The president, vice president, recording secretary and the assistant recording 1

35

secretary of the Association shall serve with vote, while the executive director of the IBSA staff the corporation shall serve without vote.

3.

Qualifications. The primary criteria to be followed for selection of BCHFS Board members shall be: A.

An individual’s ability to make a maximum contribution to attaining the goals of the Corporation.

B.

An individual’s understanding of or sympathy for the mission and purpose of the Corporation.

C.

An individual’s high level of emotional and spiritual maturity in the way they conduct their own business and in the way they relate to their own local churches.

D.

An individual’s possession of a reputable and responsible character, and who has not been convicted of a felony or indicated as a perpetrator of a child abuse or neglect report.

E.

An individual’s ability to commit to attend at least 50% of the regularly scheduled Board meetings and invest the time necessary to fulfill assigned responsibilities.

F.

An individual’s active membership in a cooperating church of the Association.

G.

Individuals that reflect a diversity of strengths and perspectives, possess appropriate skills and experience, and reflect the community being served (i.e. demographically, culturally, pastors and laity).

H.

A minimum of 2/3 of the Board members shall be individuals not ordained to the Gospel ministry or do not derive the major portion of their income from church related employment.

I.

Directors, officers, and employees of the Association, or entities or corporations related to the Association, or any such person whose salary is subsidized by a corporation of the Association, shall not serve as members of the Board.

J.

No church shall have more than one member on the Board at the same time. A member of the Board moving to a church, which has a member of the Board, shall resign from the Board. No church shall have a Board member if such church already has a church member on the board of both the Association IBSA the corporation and the Baptist Foundation of Illinois.

K.

The Nominating Committee of the Association will nominate Board members for election by the Association in accordance with the rules of the Association, with 2 36

consideration given to suggestions for trustees from the Executive Director of the Corporation.

4.

Resignation. Any Trustee may resign at any time by delivering a resignation in writing to the Chairperson or Secretary of the Board. The acceptance of any resignation, unless required by its terms, shall not be necessary to make the resignation effective. The resignation shall be effective when the notice is received unless the notice specifies a later effective date.

5.

Removal. Any Trustee may be removed at any time in either of the following manners: A. Upon the recommendation of the Board of Trustees, the Association may remove a Trustee prior to the expiration of the Trustee’s term in accordance with its own governance and rules. Such removal may occur only upon the Association’s finding that the removal of such Trustee is in the best interest of the Corporation and one or more of the following causes for removal are deemed by the Association to exist: breach of trust; neglect of duty; diminished physical or mental capacity; immoral, fraudulent or dishonest conduct; or breach of loyalty or conflict of interest.

B. In the event a member of the Board is absent from more than one-half of the scheduled Board and committee meetings in a twelve (12) month period, such Board member shall be automatically removed from the Board and their position shall become vacant.

6.

Vacancies. If vacancies occur between annual meetings of the Association prospective board members shall be nominated by the IBSA Nominating Committee and considered by the IBSA Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation. A trustee elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office.

7.

Conflict of Interest. No member of the Board may derive or appear to derive any personal profit or gain, directly or indirectly, by reason of his or her membership on the Board or because of services provided to the Board. Each Board member must disclose to the Board any personal interest, which he or she may have in any current or potential matter before the Board and refrain from participation in any decision on such matters.

No employee of BCHFS or family member of an employee of BCHFS, nor any person whose salary is subsidized by BCHFS nor any person whose service shall provide a conflict of interest (other than those disclosed to and approved by the Board), shall serve as a member of the Board of BCHFS. ARTICLE IV MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1.

Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be held four times each year. The Board shall fix the date, time and place of its meetings.

2.

Special Meetings. The Chairperson, Executive Director or at least twenty percent of the Trustees then in office may call a special meeting of the Board of Trustees. At least 7 days written notice of the date, time and place shall be given to each member of the Board by the 3

37

person(s) calling the meeting. The notice shall state the nature of the business to be considered at the special meeting, and no business other than that stated in the notice shall be considered at such meeting.

3.

Quorum and Voting. At all meetings of the Board of Trustees, a majority of the entire Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Except as otherwise provided by law or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority of the trustees present at the time of any vote shall be the act of the Board. The Board may permit any or all trustees to participate in a regular or special meeting by, or conduct the meeting through, the use of any means of communication by which all trustees participating may hear each other simultaneously during the meeting. A trustee participating in a meeting by such means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.

4.

Action by the Board. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board or by any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee are polled and the action evidenced by one or more written consents describing the action taken, signed by each trustee, and included in the minutes filed with the corporate records reflecting the action taken. Such action shall be initiated by the Chairperson over his or her signature and also requires the consent of the Vice Chairperson, or, in the absence of the Vice Chairperson, the Secretary.

5.

Records and Minutes. Written records and minutes of all Board meetings and committee meetings shall be maintained and made available for review. Such records reflect the official actions of the Board and at a minimum contain the date of each Board meeting, any committee reports made to the Board, and all actions taken by the Board.

6.

Procedures. The meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order.

7.

Access. Meetings of the Board of Trustees and committees thereof shall be open to the general public; provided, however, that the Board of Trustees may hold a closed meeting at a specified future date or close a portion of a meeting to the public upon a majority vote of a quorum of the trustees present. Such vote must be taken in an open meeting, and meetings may only be closed for certain issues and discussion in the closed meeting limited to the cited issue(s). Minutes must be taken of the closed meeting. The issues that may be discussed in closed meetings of the Board of Trustees include: 1) personnel and employee compensation matters, 2) hearing of testimony on a complaint against the Corporation or employee to determine the validity, 3) pending or threatened litigation against, affecting, or on behalf of the Corporation, 4) real estate transactions, or 5) the sale or purchase of securities and investments.

ARTICLE V OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1.

Officers. The officers of the Board of Trustees shall be a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson and a Secretary.

2.

Election, Term of Office and Removal. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected for a one (1) year term at the Fall meeting of the Board of Trustees. Any officer of the 4

38

Corporation may be removed as an officer, with or without cause, by a vote of a majority of the entire Board. When a vacancy occurs, the vacant office will be filled at the next meeting of the Board.

3.

Chairperson: Powers and Duties. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Trustees and perform such other duties as usually pertains to this office or as the Board of Trustees shall from time to time proscribe. The Chairperson shall serve as a voting member of one of the standing committees and an ex-officio member of all other committees of the Board without vote.

4.

Vice Chairperson: Powers and Duties. The Vice Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson in the absence of or at the request of the Chairperson, and all other duties the Board of Trustees shall from time to time proscribe. The Vice Chairperson shall serve as a voting member of one of the standing committees and an ex-officio member of all other committees of the Board without vote.

5.

Secretary: Powers and Duties. The Secretary shall record the proceedings of the Board of Trustees and provide a copy of the minutes to the Executive Director after each meeting, and shall perform all other duties the Board of Trustees shall from time to time proscribe. The Secretary shall serve as a voting member of one of the standing committees and an ex-officio member of all other committees of the Board without vote.

6.

Delegation. In case of the absence or disability of any officer or of any person authorized to act for such officer, the Board may from time to time delegate the powers and duties of such officer to any other officer, trustee, or person whom it may select during such period of absence or disability.

ARTICLE VI COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1.

Standing Committees. The Board of Trustees shall be organized into four standing committees. The Chairperson of the Board, in consultation with the Executive Director, shall appoint each Board member to serve on at least one standing committee each year. Each committee shall have a chairperson, vice chairperson and a secretary that are elected at the Fall Board meeting. The standing committees of the Board are: A. Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee consists of all officers of the Board of Trustees and the chairpersons of each of the other standing committees. The Advisory Committee will act as counsel for the Executive Director. In the event of the death, incapacity, or prolonged absence of the Executive Director, the Advisory Committee shall assume responsibilities for day to day operations until the next meeting of the Board, and shall report to the Board at each regular and special meeting any actions it has taken in the interim. The Advisory Committee will meet with the Executive Director prior to the Fall Board meeting to discuss and develop a slate of nominees for Board officers for the next year.

5

39

B. Administrative Committee. The Administrative Committee is responsible for the general areas of properties, personnel, policy and procedures. The committee shall study, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board regarding: 1) maintenance of current facilities, 2) planning for new construction, 3) long-range planning for the modernization and improvement of the facilities and physical needs of the Corporation, 4) personnel practices, 5) employee compensation and benefits, 6) staffing standards, 7) manual of procedures, 8) all client and employee grievances, and 9) approval of new positions and job descriptions.

C. Program Committee. The Program Committee is responsible for the general areas of programs and services of the Corporation, and strategic planning. The committee shall study, monitor, evaluate and make recommendations to the Board regarding: 1) the program philosophy of the Corporation, including the needs of society and the distinctive role of the Corporation in meeting those needs, 2) program objectives and annual goals including the strategy most appropriate to meet objectives, 3) ongoing program services and recommend changes if needed, 4) new programs, 5) the strategic plan with regular updates to the Board of Trustees, and 6) the residential care behavior management system according to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) licensing standards.

D. Finance and Development Committee. The Finance and Development Committee is responsible for the general areas of financial and investment policies, budgeting, fundraising, and public relations. The committee has the responsibility to monitor, evaluate, establish and make recommendations to the Board regarding: 1) measurable outcomes and goals for specific fundraising efforts, 2) the communication and public relations efforts of the Corporation, 3) approval of internal audit staffing, procedures, and reports, 4) the annual external audit to ensure financial integrity of the Corporation, 5) investment policies regarding designated gifts and long-term endowment funds, 6) financial reports, 7) annual budget, and 8) financing of all current needs and capital projects approved by the Board.

2.

Meetings. Each committee shall meet as frequently as may be needed to accomplish its business at the call of its chairperson, the chairperson of the Board of Trustees or the Executive Director.

ARTICLE VII EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 1.

Employment and Duties. The Board of Trustees shall employ one Executive Director to provide executive management of the Corporation, administer its programs and services, and perform all other duties assigned by the Board. The Executive Director shall provide an annual report to the Board concerning the status of the Corporation, and also make any recommendations to the Board concerning the needs of the Corporation. The Executive Director shall have only such authority as has been delegated by the Board.

2.

Personnel. The Executive Director shall have authority to appoint, reassign, and discharge all employees and staff of the Corporation. Any new position shall be approved by the Administrative Committee of the Board prior to being filled by the Executive Director. With the 6

40

advice and consent of the Board, the Executive Director shall also appoint and be responsible for all Program Directors as deemed necessary. Program Directors shall perform such administrative duties as are assigned by the Executive Director, and shall be responsible to and under the supervision of the Executive Director.

3.

Properties. The Executive Director shall have responsibility for the physical properties of the Corporation and shall cause to make any needed repairs or minor improvements to such properties as he or she deems necessary and appropriate.

4.

Execution of Documents. The Executive Director shall execute all documents on behalf of the Corporation, provided that all conveyances of real estate must be co-signed as provided herein. The Executive Director shall have the authority to authenticate records of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VIII COORDINATING COUNCIL The Association is the sole member and controlling entity of the Corporation, and of IBSA the corporation, and of the Baptist Foundation of Illinois (BFI), all of which are corporations governed by the Illinois General Not For Profit Corporation Act (herein together the “Entities”).

A Coordinating Council shall: 1) coordinate the work of the Entities to facilitate harmony and unity, 2) decide matters of dispute between the Entities, and 3) give direction to the Boards of the Entities in matters not clearly defined in the governing documents of the Entities or law. The Coordinating Council is comprised of the president and vice president of the Association, the chairperson and the vice chairperson of boards of the Entities, and the Executive Director of each of the Entities. The governing documents of the Association provides for all terms governing and controlling the Coordinating Council.

ARTICLE IX FISCAL YEAR The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin January 1 and end December 31.

ARTICLE X USE AND MANAGEMENT OF FUNDS The Board of Trustees shall maintain all funds, such as trust funds, endowment funds, and current and capital funds, separate and inviolate as to the cause for which the funds were received. Such funds are not to be used for any other purpose, even temporarily, except as specified by the donors. The Board of Trustees shall determine and manage the investment policy, guidelines, and objectives for the assets of the Corporation in order to meet the current and future expenses of the agency and to insure it continues its ministry.

ARTICLE XI PURCHASE AND SALE OF PROPERTY

7

41

All conveyances of real estate shall be authorized by the Board of Trustees. The Board, by a twothirds vote of the members present and voting, may purchase, or otherwise acquire, lease, mortgage, sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any property, personal or real, of the Corporation. The Association must approve the sale, lease, exchange or otherwise disposal of over 40 acres of real property or any combined sale of over one-fifth (20%) of fair market value of the property of the Corporation, other than in the usual and regular course of its activities. The Board of Trustees may sell any donated real property that has been donated subsequent to January 1, 2018 with the intent for said property to be sold and where said property is not given to be used for direct ministry operations. All instruments conveying real estate shall be executed by both the Executive Director and the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees.

ARTICLE XII BUDGET AND REPORT The Corporation shall submit to the Association for its consideration in annual session a financial report and a proposed budget for the ensuing year. The Board shall have the authority to approve over-expenditure of line items, providing the total budget figure remains the same as approved by the Association in session. The Board shall submit for consideration by the Association any plans for new special offerings or capital fund-raising activities, with the presently authorized offering for state-wide promotion being the Mother’s Day Offering. During the fiscal year, the Board shall not obligate the Corporation to expenditures nor incur accumulative indebtedness that will exceed its annual budget by an amount greater than three percent of its annual budget.

ARTICLE XIII AUDIT PROCEDURES The Board of Trustees shall appoint a firm of certified public accountants to examine the books and records of the Corporation for the ensuing year. Upon completion of the audit, a copy of the audit and management letter will be provided to the Executive Director and each member of the Board of Trustees. The Finance and Development Committee will make a report to the full Board regarding the audit. Upon request, a representative of the auditing firm shall personally appear before the Board of Trustees to make a summary presentation of the audit report and answer any questions of the Board. The choice of auditing firm and sSummary audit information shall be presented to the Association.

ARTICLE XIV SERVICES AND ADMISSIONS Application for services or admission to a Corporation program shall be made to a designee of the Executive Director. The designee shall gather the facts related to each application and act upon them in his or her discretion. All children and families who can benefit from the services of the Corporation shall be considered for admission without regard to race, sex or religious preference.

ARTICLE XV INDEMNIFICATION 8

42

1.

Indemnification in Actions other than by or in the Right of the Corporation. The Corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the Right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, or conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, that the person had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

2.

Indemnification in Actions by or in the Right of the Corporation. The Corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action or suit by or in the Right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation, provided that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue, or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his or her duty to the Corporation, unless, and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court shall deem proper.

3.

Right to Payment of Expenses. To the extent that a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any action, suit, or proceeding referred to in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article, or in defense of any claim, issue, or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

4.

Determination of Conduct. Any indemnification under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case, upon a determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Sections 1 or 2 of this Article. Such determination shall be made (a) by the Board of Trustees by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of trustees who were not parties to such action, suit, or proceeding; (b) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or even if obtainable, if a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion; or (c) by the members entitled to vote, if any.

9

43

5.

Payment of Expenses in Advance. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit, or proceeding may be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit, or proceeding, as authorized by the Board of Trustees in the specific case, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director, officer, employee, or agent to repay such amount, unless it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article.

6.

Indemnification Not Exclusive. The indemnification provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of members or disinterested directors, or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of such a person.

7.

Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation, or who is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article.

ARTICLE XVI DISSOLUTION Only the Association in annual session shall authorize the dissolution or merger of the Corporation. As a wholly owned, single member organization of the Illinois Baptist State Association (IBSA), if dissolved, all net assets and all contractual or fiduciary obligations of the Corporation become the property or responsibility of IBSAthe Associaiton.

By passing this Article, the IBSA Association agrees to accept, direct, or dispose of all assets and all contractual or fiduciary obligations of the Corporation upon dissolution of the Corporation by the Association.

ARTICLE XVII AMENDMENTS These Bylaws may be amended by a vote of the Association in annual session, and the submission and approval of any amendments shall follow the same procedures required to amend the governing documents of the Association. The Bylaws may contain any provisions for the regulation and management of the affairs of the Corporation not inconsistent with law or the Articles of Incorporation.

10

44

Recommended Amendments for First Reading (changes noted in red) BYLAWS OF THE BAPTIST FOUNDATION OF ILLINOIS an Illinois Not For Profit Corporation (herein called the "Corporation") Approved November 12, 2015 Updates approved November 3, 2022 ARTICLE I NAME AND PURPOSE 1.

Name. The name of the not-for-profit corporation is The Baptist Foundation of Illinois.

2.

Purpose. The Corporation was formed under the laws of the State of Illinois and is organized to serve and further the development of any religious, benevolent, charitable, educational or missionary purpose, undertaking, institution, or agency operated, sponsored, sanctioned, supervised or supported by the Illinois Baptist State Association.

ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP The Corporation has a sole member, being the Illinois Baptist State Association (“IBSA” or the “Association”). IBSA the Association refers to the governing body of churches through its messengers. IBSA the Association is also sole member of a separate entity governed by a separate Board of Directors, and this entity is referred to hereafter as “IBSA the corporation.”

ARTICLE III BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1.

General Powers. The Board of Trustees will carry out and effectuate the purposes of this Corporation and manage the business and affairs of the Corporation, with full authority to determine the service and operating programs of the Corporation and to take whatever action it may deem advisable to achieve the Corporation’s objectives. The Board is accountable to the Association.

2.

Number, Election and Term. The Board shall consist of 21 trustees, and each trustee shall serve a term of 3 years, with one-third of the trustees elected annually by the Association in its annual session. Trustees may be elected for no more than two consecutive terms, and will not be eligible for reelection to the Board until at least one year has lapsed. The president, vice president, recording secretary, and assistant recording secretary of the Association, and the executive director of the IBSA the corporation shall serve as ex-officio members of the board of the BFI. The president, vice president, recording secretary and the assistant recording secretary of the Association shall serve with vote, while the executive director of the IBSA the corporation shall serve without vote.

1

45

3.

Qualifications. The primary criteria to be followed for selection of BFI Board members shall be: A. An individual’s ability to make a maximum contribution to attaining the goals of the Corporation.

B. An individual’s understanding of or sympathy for the mission and purpose of the Corporation.

C. An individual’s high level of emotional and spiritual maturity in the way they conduct their own business and in the way they relate to their own local churches.

D. An individual’s possession of a reputable and responsible character, and who has not been convicted of a felony or indicated as being involved in any financial malfeasance or breach of fiduciary obligation.

E. An individual’s ability to commit to attend at least 50% of the regularly scheduled Board meetings and invest the time necessary to fulfill assigned responsibilities.

F. An individual’s active membership in a cooperating church of the Association.

G. Individuals that reflect a diversity of strengths and perspectives, possess appropriate skills and experience, and reflect the community being served (ie. demographically, culturally, pastors and laity).

H. Board members shall be a mixture of ordained and non-ordained persons who are committed to Christian Stewardship principals.

I. Directors, officers, and employees of the Association, or entities or corporations related to the Association, or any such person whose salary is subsidized by a corporation of the Association, shall not serve as members of the Board.

J. No church shall have more than one member on the Board at the same time. A member of the Board moving to a church, which has a member of the Board, shall resign from the Board. No church shall have a Board member if such church already has a church member on the board of IBSA the corporation and the Illinois Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services (BCHFS).

K. The Nominating Committee of the Association will nominate Board members for election by the Association in accordance with the rules of the Association, with consideration given to suggestions for trustees from the Executive Director of the Corporation.

4.

Resignation. Any Trustee may resign at any time by delivering a resignation in writing to the Chairperson or Secretary of the Board. The acceptance of any resignation, unless required by its terms, shall not be necessary to make the resignation effective. The resignation shall be effective when the notice is received unless the notice specifies a later effective date.

5.

Removal. Any Trustee may be removed at any time in either of the following manners: A. Upon the recommendation of the Board of Trustees, the Association may remove a Trustee prior to the expiration of the Trustee’s term in accordance with its own governance and rules. Such removal may occur only upon the Association’s finding that the removal of such Trustee is in the best interest of the Corporation and one or more of the following causes for removal are deemed by the Association to exist: breach of trust; neglect of duty; diminished physical or mental capacity; immoral, fraudulent or dishonest 2

46

conduct; or breach of loyalty or conflict of interest.

B. In the event a member of the Board is absent from more than one-half of the scheduled Board and committee meetings in a twelve (12) month period, such Board member shall be automatically removed from the Board and their position shall become vacant.

6.

Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring between annual meetings of the Association, prospective board members shall be nominated by the IBSA Nominating Committee and considered by the IBSA Board of Directors of IBSA the corporation. A trustee elected to fill a vacancy shall be elected for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office.

7.

Conflict of Interest. No member of the Board may derive or appear to derive any personal profit or gain, directly or indirectly, by reason of his or her membership on the Board or because of services provided to the Board. Each Board member must disclose to the Board any personal interest, which he or she may have in any current or potential matter before the Board and refrain from participation in any decision on such matters.

No employee of BFI or family member of an employee of BFI, nor any person whose salary is subsidized by BFI nor any person whose service shall provide a conflict of interest (other than those disclosed to and approved by the Board), shall serve as a member of the Board of BFI. 8.

Ex-Officio Membership. The president and vice president, recording secretary, and assistant recording secretary of the Association and the executive director of the IBSA staff the corporation shall serve as ex-officio members of the board of the BFI. The president, vice president, recording secretary and the assistant recording secretary of the Association shall serve with vote, while the executive director of the IBSA staff the corporation shall serve without vote.

ARTICLE IV MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1.

Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Trustees shall be held at least twice each year. The Board shall fix the date, time and place of its meetings.

2.

Special Meetings. The Chairperson, Executive Director or at least twenty percent of the Trustees then in office may call a special meeting of the Board of Trustees. At least 7 days written notice of the date, time and place shall be given to each member of the Board by the person(s) calling the meeting. The notice shall state the nature of the business to be considered at the special meeting, and no business other than that stated in the notice shall be considered at such meeting.

3.

Quorum and Voting. At all meetings of the Board of Trustees, a majority of the entire Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Except as otherwise provided by law or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority of the trustees present at the time of any vote shall be the act of the Board. The Board may permit any or all trustees to participate in a regular or special meeting by, or conduct the meeting through, the use of any means of communication by which all trustees participating may hear each other simultaneously during the meeting. A trustee participating in a meeting by such means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.

3

47

4.

Action by the Board. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board or by any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee are polled and the action evidenced by one or more written consents describing the action taken, signed by each trustee, and included in the minutes filed with the corporate records reflecting the action taken. Such action shall be initiated by the Chairperson over his or her signature and also requires the consent of the Vice Chairperson, or, in the absence of the Vice Chairperson, the Secretary.

5.

Records and Minutes. Written records and minutes of all Board meetings and committee meetings shall be maintained and made available for review. Such records reflect the official actions of the Board and at a minimum contain the date of each Board meeting, any committee reports made to the Board, and all actions taken by the Board.

6.

Procedures. The meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order.

7.

Access. Meetings of the Board of Trustees and committees thereof shall be open to the general public; provided, however, that the Board of Trustees may hold a closed meeting at a specified future date or close a portion of a meeting to the public upon a majority vote of a quorum of the trustees present. Such vote must be taken in an open meeting, and meetings may only be closed for certain issues and discussion in the closed meeting limited to the cited issue(s). Minutes must be taken of the closed meeting. The issues that may be discussed in closed meetings of the Board of Trustees include: 1) personnel and employee compensation matters, 2) hearing of testimony on a complaint against the Corporation or employee to determine the validity, 3) pending or threatened litigation against, affecting, or on behalf of the Corporation.

ARTICLE V OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1.

Officers. The officers of the Board of Trustees shall be a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson and a Secretary.

2.

Election, Term of Office and Removal. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected for a one (1) year term at the Fall meeting of the Board of Trustees. Any officer of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of a majority of the entire Board.

3.

Chairperson: Powers and Duties. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Trustees and perform such other duties as usually pertains to this office or as the Board of Trustees shall from time to time proscribe. The Chairperson shall serve as a voting member of one of the standing committees and an ex-officio member of all other committees of the Board without vote.

4.

Vice Chairperson: Powers and Duties. The Vice Chairperson shall perform the duties of the Chairperson in the absence of or at the request of the Chairperson, and all other duties the Board of Trustees shall from time to time proscribe. The Vice Chairperson shall serve as a voting member of one of the standing committees and an ex-officio member of all other committees of the Board without vote.

4

48

5.

Secretary: Powers and Duties. The Secretary shall record the proceedings of the Board of Trustees and provide a copy of the minutes to the Executive Director after each meeting and shall perform all other duties the Board of Trustees shall from time to time proscribe. The Secretary shall serve as a voting member of one of the standing committees and an ex-officio member of all other committees of the Board without vote.

6.

Delegation. In case of the absence or disability of any officer or of any person authorized to act for such officer, the Board may from time-to-time delegate the powers and duties of such officer to any other officer, trustee, or person whom it may select during such period of absence or disability.

ARTICLE VI COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1.

Standing Committees. The Board of Trustees shall be organized into five standing committees. Each committee shall have a chairperson, vice chairperson and a secretary that are elected at the Fall Board meeting. The Chairperson of the Board, in consultation with the Executive Director, shall appoint each Board member to at least one standing committee each year. The standing committees of the Board are: A. Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee consists of all officers of the Board of Trustees and the chairpersons of each of the other standing committees. The Advisory Committee will act as counsel for the Executive Director. In the event of the death, incapacity, or prolonged absence of the Executive Director, the Advisory Committee shall assume responsibilities for day-to-day operations until the next meeting of the Board, and shall report to the Board at each regular and special meeting any actions it has taken in the interim. The Advisory Committee will meet with the Executive Director to discuss and develop a slate of nominees for Board officers for the next year.

B. Administrative Committee. The Administrative Committee is responsible for the general areas of personnel, policy, procedures, and development.

C. Scholarship Committee. The Scholarship Committee is responsible for the general process of awarding scholarships from various scholarship funds managed and controlled by the Corporation.

D. Investment Committee. The Investment Committee is responsible for the oversight of the Corporation’s investment program and its cash management service.

E. Audit Committee. The Audit Committee, composed of the members of the Advisory and Investment Committees, is responsible for scheduling, reviewing and disseminating the audit in conjunction with the auditors and management.

2.

Meetings. Each committee shall meet as frequently as may be needed to accomplish its business at the call of its chairperson, the chairperson of the Board of Trustees or the Executive Director.

ARTICLE VII EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 1.

Employment and Duties. The Board of Trustees shall employ one Executive Director to provide executive management of the Corporation, administer its programs and services, and 5

49

perform all other duties assigned by the Board. The Executive Director shall provide an annual report to the Board concerning the status of the Corporation, and also make any recommendations to the Board concerning the needs of the Corporation. The Executive Director shall have only such authority as has been delegated by the Board.

2.

Personnel. The Executive Director shall have authority to appoint, reassign, and discharge all employees and staff of the Corporation.

3.

Execution of Documents. The Executive Director shall execute all documents on behalf of the Corporation, provided that all conveyances of real estate must be co-signed as provided herein.

The Executive Director shall have the authority to authenticate records of the Corporation.

4.

Conflict of Interest. No member of the immediate family of the Executive Director may serve on the Board.

ARTICLE VIII COORDINATING COUNCIL The Association is the sole member and controlling entity of the Corporation, and of IBSA the corporation, and of the Illinois Baptist Children’s Home & Family Services, all of which are corporations governed by the Illinois General Not For Profit Corporation Act (herein together the “Entities”). A Coordinating Council shall: 1) coordinate the work of the Entities to facilitate harmony and unity, 2) decide matters of dispute between the Entities, and 3) give direction to the Boards of the Entities in matters not clearly defined in the governing documents of the Entities or law. The Coordinating Council is comprised of the president and vice president of the Association, the chairperson and the vice chairperson of boards of the Entities, and the Executive Director of each of the Entities. The governing documents of the Association provides for all terms governing and controlling the Coordinating Council.

ARTICLE IX FISCAL YEAR The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin January 1 and end December 31.

ARTICLE X USE AND MANAGEMENT OF FUNDS The Board of Trustees shall maintain all funds, such as trust funds, endowment funds, and current and capital funds, separate and inviolate as to the cause for which the funds were received. Such funds are not to be used for any other purpose, even temporarily, except as specified by the donors. The Board of Trustees shall determine and manage the investment policy, guidelines, and objectives for the assets of the Corporation in order to meet the current and future expenses of the agency and to insure it continues its ministry.

ARTICLE XI PURCHASE AND SALE OF PROPERTY All instruments conveying real estate may be executed the Executive Director without assignment to other personnel.

6

50

ARTICLE XII BUDGET AND REPORT The Corporation shall submit to the Association for its consideration in annual session a financial report and a proposed budget for the ensuing year. The Board shall have the authority to approve over-expenditure of line items, providing the total budget figure remains the same as approved by the Association in session. The Board shall submit for consideration by the Association any plans for new special offerings or capital fund-raising activities. During the fiscal year, the Board shall not obligate the Corporation to expenditures nor incur accumulative indebtedness that will exceed its annual budget by an amount greater than three percent of its annual budget.

ARTICLE XIII AUDIT PROCEDURES The Board of Trustees shall appoint a firm of certified public accountants to examine the books and records of the Corporation for the ensuing year. Upon completion of the audit, a copy of the audit and management letter will be provided to the Executive Director and each member of the Board of Trustees as facilitated by the Audit Committee. Upon request, a representative of the auditing firm shall personally appear before the Board of Trustees to make a summary presentation of the audit report and answer any questions of the Board. The choice of auditing firm and sSummary audit information shall be presented to the Association.

ARTICLE XIV INDEMNIFICATION 1.

Indemnification in Actions other than by or in the Right of the Corporation. The Corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the Right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, or conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, that the person had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

2.

Indemnification in Actions by or in the Right of the Corporation. The Corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, 7

51

pending, or completed action or suit by or in the Right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation, provided that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue, or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his or her duty to the Corporation, unless, and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court shall deem proper.

3.

Right to Payment of Expenses. To the extent that a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any action, suit, or proceeding referred to in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article, or in defense of any claim, issue, or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

4.

Determination of Conduct. Any indemnification under Sections 1 and 2 of this Article (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case, upon a determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Sections 1 or 2 of this Article. Such determination shall be made (a) by the Board of Trustees by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of trustees who were not parties to such action, suit, or proceeding; (b) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or even if obtainable, if a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion; or (c) by the members entitled to vote, if any.

5.

Payment of Expenses in Advance. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit, or proceeding may be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit, or proceeding, as authorized by the Board of Trustees in the specific case, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director, officer, employee, or agent to repay such amount, unless it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article.

6.

Indemnification Not Exclusive. The indemnification provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of members or disinterested directors, or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of such a person.

7.

Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation, or who is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against such 8

52

person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article.

ARTICLE XV DISSOLUTION Only the Association in annual session shall authorize the dissolution or merger of the Corporation.

As a wholly owned, single member organization of the Illinois Baptist State Association (IBSA), if dissolved, all net assets and all contractual or fiduciary obligations of the Corporation become the property or responsibility of IBSAthe Association.

By passing this Article, the IBSAAssociation agrees to accept, transfer, or dispose of all assets and all contractual or fiduciary obligations of the Corporation upon dissolution of the Corporation by the Association.

ARTICLE XVI AMENDMENTS These Bylaws may be amended by a vote of the Association in annual session, and the submission and approval of any amendments shall follow the same procedures required to amend the governing documents of the Association. The Bylaws may contain any provisions for the regulation and management of the affairs of the Corporation not inconsistent with law or the Articles of Incorporation.

9

53

Credentials Committee Report The Credentials Committee first met on March 14 to review responsibilities and to preview the application and interview processes for considering new churches for IBSA affiliation. Throughout the year, members of the Credentials Committee received completed applications for IBSA membership from 6 churches and conducted interviews with a leader from each of the churches. The Credentials Committee met on September 26 to review applications and recommends the following to be accepted into membership with the Illinois Baptist State Association at the 2023 IBSA Annual Meeting: Anchor Church, Palos Heights Empowerment Community Church, Chicago Life Community Church, Hillsboro New Nazareth Baptist Church, Chicago Oreana Baptist Church, Oreana Transformation Church, South Chicago Heights The Committee further recommends the Association withdraw fellowship from and disaffiliate the following churches that have not been cooperating for at least five (5) years, in accordance with IBSA Constitution Article 4, Sections 3, 4 and 10: Original Wings of Faith Missionary, Chicago Ridge House of Praise, Chicago Perfecting Faith Ministry, Swansea The Body of Christ, East St. Louis The committee discussed the importance of continuing to try and reclaim the non-cooperating churches.

This is being done by IBSA staff through multiple letters each year, and through attempts at personal contact and reclamation by the IBSA staff and associational leadership.

Respectfully submitted, 2024 Officers: Glen Carty Chair – Don Evans Ron Closson Vice Chair – Andrew Post Don Evans, Chair Secretary – Reed Tallman Raven Fager John Harrell Tracy Jaggers Jon Montgomery Andrew Post James Shannon David Siere Barry Sink, Secretary Reed Tallman

54

Historical Committee Report The Historical Committee met on March 21, 2023. Assigned tasks and responsibilities were reviewed.

All the historical items are now back in the archives as part of the cleanup process from the sewer backup in 2020.

IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams reviewed the status of the timeline project. We currently have a nice brochure available that has a timeline of Illinois Baptists. Progress is being made on completing a display area on the first floor of the IBSA Building in the welcome area of the Resource Room.

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: Doug Bell Mike Brockmeier, Chair Sharon Carty Carl Dillow Tom Eggley Frank Forthman, Jr., Vice Chair Susan Full Maryland Gess, Secretary Walter Kant Skip Leininger Judy Rinkenberger 2024 Officers: Frank Forthman, Chair Doug Bell, Vice Chair Judy Rinkenberger, Secretary

55

Nominating Committee Report The Nominating Committee met in Springfield on August 14 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 asterisk (*) are lay persons.

Illinois Baptist State Association Board of Directors CLASS A - TERM EXPIRING 2024 Administrative Committee Region 2 *Kathy Stanford Pekin, Liberty Region 4 Andy DeWitt Salem, First Region 6 LaRue Parr Anna, Big Creek At Large *Bob Dyer Bourbonnais, Bethel

2018-C 2018-C 2018-C 2018-C

Metro Peoria Kaskaskia Clear Creek Three Rivers

Strategic Planning Committee Region 1 Jonathan de la O Chicago, Starting Point Region 3 Paul Cooper Marshall At Large *Jill McNicol Patoka, First

2021-C 2021-C 2021-C

Chicago Metro Westfield Kaskaskia

Resource Development Committee Region 5 *Barbara Lee O’Fallon, First Region 3 Josh Bledsoe Monticello, Calvary At Large Curt Lipe Galesburg, Faith Region 5 *Tanja Cook-Sedabres Granite City, Second

2018-C 2018-C 2021-C 2022-B

Metro East East Central Metro Peoria Gateway

CLASS B – TERM EXPIRING 2025 Administrative Committee Region 4 Drake Caudill Carmi, First Murphrysboro, Elm Street Region 6 *Jesse Barge Region 6 *Carrel Starkey Steeleville At Large *Mike Thomas Pleasant Hill, First

2019-C 2022-C 2022-C 2022-C

Greater Wabash Nine Mile Nine Mile Bay Creek

Strategic Planning Committee Region 1 Mitchell Johnson Country Club Hills, Hillcrest Region 2 Noah Lee Tremont Region 5 Rob Schneider Edwardsville, Calvary At Large Jay Loucks Wayne City At Large Tracy Smith Mt. Zion, First

2022-C 2020-B 2022-C 2022-C 2022-C

Chicago Metro Metro Peoria Gateway Greater Wabash Central

Resource Development Committee Region 3 Ben Foxworth Vandalia, Bethel Region 4 *Chris Howton Mc Leansboro, Ten Mile

2022-C 2022-C

Rehoboth Goshen Trail

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

CLASS C - TERM EXPIRING 2026 Administrative Committee At Large *Jim Hanger Mt. Vernon, Logan Street

2021-B

Salem South

Strategic Planning Committee Region 6 Mark Goldman Herrin, First

3/2019-B

Williamson

Resource Development Committee Region 1 *Rene Escalante Bolingbrook, Cristo es Rey

2020-C

Three Rivers

56

Region 2 Joel Newton At Large Bruce Kirk At Large *Jeff Miller

Peoria, Woodland Bolingbrook, Alpha Marion, First

2020-C 2020-C 3/2023-A

Metro Peoria Chicago Metro Williamson

If elected, 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 C – TERM EXPIRING 2026 Region 1 Mike Young Streator, New Beginnings Region 2 *Jennifer Damotte Morton, First Region 3 *Sue Walker Jacksonville, Lincoln Avenue Region 4 Chris Marsh Norris City, Ditney Ridge Region 5 Scott Douglas Fairview Heights, First

2023-C 2023-C 2023-C 2023-C 2023-C

Three Rivers Metro Peoria Sandy Creek Goshen Trail Metro East

Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services Board of Trustees CLASS A - TERM EXPIRING 2024 Administrative Committee *Chris Slusser Bethalto, First

Gateway

18-A

Finance and Development Committee Doug Haile Keenes, Ten Post Oak *Marilyn Vaughan Fairfield, Pleasant Grove

Greater Wabash Greater Wabash

19-C 21-C

Program Committee Sarah Bordewick Jason Plumer

Central Macoupin

3/23-B 21-C

CLASS B - TERM EXPIRING 2025 Administrative Committee *Tina Grooms Marshall Brian Fuller Woodlawn, First

Westfield Salem South

20-C 22-C

Finance and Development Committee *Rick Layne Murphysboro, Elm Street * Wendee Turner Columbia, First

Nine Mile Metro East

3/22-A 22-C

Program Committee *Cheryl Dorsey *Steve Richard

Franklin

Mt. Zion, First Litchfield, First

Chicago Heights, Beacon Hill Miss. Chicago Metro

Royalton, First

20-C 22-C

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

CLASS C – TERM EXPIRING 2026 Administrative Committee *Eric Bramlet Mt. Carmel, First *Brad Burzynski Immanuel Benton

Greater Wabash Franklin

Program Committee *Ron Daniels

Salem South

Missionary, Belle Rive

21-C 22-A 3/22-B

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

57

CLASS A – TERM EXPIRING 2024 Ron Philpot Moline, Northcrest Calvary Quad Cities Steve Nyberg Eldorado, Union Grove Missionary Saline

23-A 23-A

CLASS B – TERM EXPIRING 2025 *Sarah Ruhe Benton, North Benton

Franklin

23-B

CLASS C – TERM EXPIRING 2026 *Larry Pearson Mt. Vernon, East Salem *Frank Bateman Marion, First *Saeward Mattox Whittington *Christina Goble Clarksville, Marshall

Salem South Williamson Franklin Westfield

23-C 23-C 23-C 23-C

Baptist Foundation of Illinois Board of Trustees CLASS A - TERM EXPIRING 2024 Administrative Committee Scott Andrews Decatur, Emmanuel Southern Brent Cloyd Fairfield, North Side

Central Greater Wabash

21-C 21-C

Scholarship Committee *DeWanna Oliver *Greg Kyrouac

Crystal Lake, First Ashland, New Beginnings

Fox Valley Sandy Creek

21-C 21-C

Investment Committee *Pam White *Bruce Guebert

Carbondale, The Ridge Steeleville

Nine Mile Nine Mile

3/2021-A 9/20-B

CLASS B - TERM EXPIRING 2025 Administrative Committee Dan Ahlenius Ellis Grove, First

Nine Mile

22-C

Scholarship Committee *Mihaela Sexton Greg Gomez Bob Carruthers

Petersburg, First Troy, Bethel Jacksonville, Lincoln Avenue

Heartland Network Gateway Sandy Creek

20-C 22-C 22-C

Investment Committee *Dennis Fulkerson *Thomas Van Horn

Peoria, Woodland Marion, Second

Metro Peoria Williamson

20-C 22-C

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

CLASS C – TERM EXPIRING 2026 Administrative Committee *Paul Stanford Pekin, Liberty

Metro Peoria

21-B

Scholarship Committee Anthony Richardson

Broadview, St. James Community

Chicago Metro

20-C

Investment Committee *Julian Williams *Richard Harris

Chicago, Faith Tabernacle Carlinville, Charity

Chicago Metro Macoupin

20-C 20-C

58

If elected the following individuals will be placed on a BFI Board Committee by the chairperson per the BFI Bylaws, Article VI.I. CLASS A – TERM EXPIRING 2024 *Steve Wright Waterloo, First

Metro East

23-A

CLASS B – TERM EXPIRING 2025

_______________________________________________ CLASS C – TERM EXPIRING 2026 *Christine Miller Fairview Heights, Sterling *Kyle Edmiston Springfield, Delta *Sheila Walker Brown St. Louis, New Life Respectfully submitted: Harold Birch Will Ferguson Edwin Harris Chris Hottensen John Howard, Chair Clark Killingsworth Andrew Kim Mark Minor Ken Sharp David Sutton Jason Webb, Secretary 2024 Officers: Ken Sharp – Chair Chris Hottensen – Vice Chair Edwin Harris - Secretary

59

Metro East Heartland Network Metro East

23-C 23-C 23-C

Resolutions and Christian Life Committee The Committee met March 14 to discuss potential resolutions to be presented at the 2023 IBSA Annual Meeting and assigned topics to members. The Committee then reviewed drafted resolutions at its September 7 meeting.

The committee held a special-called online meeting October 17 to discuss adding “A Resolution on Peace in the Middle East and Support for Israel” to the 2023 IBSA Book of Reports. After a brief discussion, the committee unanimously passed the resolution to be submitted to messengers.

The Committee recommends the following resolutions for vote at the 2023 IBSA Annual Meeting. Any additional resolutions by messengers are to be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8. The Committee will meet to discuss any newly submitted resolutions, and either prepare those resolutions for presentation and a vote at the Thursday session or recommend that they be referred to the 2024 Resolutions and Christian Life Committee for further work and consideration.

Resolution on Appreciation to Cornerstone Church of Marion WHEREAS, Cornerstone Church has clearly demonstrated the gift of Biblical hospitality in hosting the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Illinois Baptist State Association; and WHEREAS, Lead Pastor Michael Nave and the incredible staff and members of Cornerstone Church have so generously offered their facilities to the Illinois Baptist family; and WHEREAS, the Cornerstone Church worked so tirelessly in full cooperation with IBSA officers, staff, and leadership of this meeting to ensure a successful and profitable annual meeting; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the messengers to the 2023 Illinois Baptist State Association Annual Meeting, November 8-9 at Cornerstone Church in Marion, Illinois, express our deepest appreciation to this gracious host church, and pray God’s richest blessing on their leadership team and church family as they continue to share the light of the gospel throughout Southern Illinois and points beyond.

Resolution on Peace in the Middle East and Support for Israel WHEREAS, God initiated a covenant relationship with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7-8; Genesis 15), established his Godhead over his people in the covenant with Moses (Exodus 19:3-6; 20:1-3), and in covenant promised David that his progeny would reign over Israel forever (Jeremiah 33:14-17); and WHEREAS, God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of that promise, grafted the Church, His Body on earth, into that divine relationship and has expressed the desire to bring all Israel unto Himself (Romans 11:22-27); and WHEREAS, God has throughout history demonstrated his concern for his people, Israel, across more than three millennia, with the distinct admonition that all his people are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6-9); and WHEREAS, Southern Baptists, as a people of the Book, united in prayer, take God’s directions seriously and responsibly, as evidenced by the response from Southern Baptist Convention entities, including the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, to the recent and ongoing terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas and other militants, prompting military response from the Israeli government, and resulting in civilian deaths in the 60

thousands on both sides of the armed conflict; and WHEREAS, the Southern Baptist Convention has historically stood in support of the modern-day nation of Israel, both in their right to exist and in their response to previous attacks from neighboring states and militant groups; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the messengers to the Illinois Baptist State Association Annual Meeting, November 8-9 at Cornerstone Church in Marion, Illinois, urge all Illinois Baptists to make peace in the Middle East an urgent matter of prayer and a regular part of their private intercession, including the cessation of armed conflict with its mutually destructive devastations, and with the goal of long-term resolution of geopolitical issues unresolved since the advent of Isaac and Ishmael and the Hebrews’ entry into the Holy Land; and be it further RESOLVED, that Illinois Baptists are urged to honor, support, and uphold in prayer the work of Christians in Israel and the Middle East, both Messianic Jews and Palestinian believers, to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with their unbelieving relatives, neighbors on all sides of the conflict, and those who would consider themselves adversaries to the Gospel, that by conversion to the Christian faith and a personal, living relationship with God through Jesus Christ, Himself the Prince of Peace, that true peace may be achieved in that region, first in the hearts of humanity, then among the nations; and be it further RESOLVED, that Illinois Baptists, through their State Association, join together with the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention in urging national lawmakers and policy makers to sustain support for modern day Israel, even as the Church upholds spiritual Israel before God Almighty.

Resolution on Prayerful and Peaceful Citizenship WHEREAS, Illinois Baptists believe the biblical truth that there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time; and WHEREAS, it is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:1-6), that we pray for all people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the messengers to the Illinois Baptist State Association meeting at Cornerstone Church in Marion, Illinois, November 8-9, 2023 will make entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, on behalf of all people, for elected leaders and all who are in authority (1 Tim. 2:1-6); and be it further RESOLVED, that we will endeavor, as aided by the Holy Spirit, to lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

Resolution on Supporting Pro-Life Ministries in Illinois WHEREAS, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade returned to individual states the responsibility to determine abortion restrictions within their borders; and WHEREAS, Illinois lawmakers previously codified Roe v. Wade into law, ensuring abortion would remain an option in the state regardless of Supreme Court action; and WHEREAS, an increase in abortion services in Illinois has made our state a “destination” for people from 61

other states now seeking an abortion; and WHEREAS, advocates for abortion rights are urging women to seek abortions in “safe haven states” like Illinois by funding travel and accommodations; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the messengers to the Illinois Baptist State Association meeting at Cornerstone Church in Marion November 8-9 celebrate the life-affirming reversal of Roe v. Wade, while acknowledging the responsibility to embrace a holistic perspective on the sanctity of life; and be it further RESOLVED, that we affirm the work Southern Baptist agencies do to promote a sanctity of life ethic, and will support, through our resources and through prayer, the Illinois Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services as they work to change the cultural tide that would choose abortion over other alternatives; and be it further RESOLVED, that IBSA churches will seek to partner with pregnancy resource centers and other local organizations, providing help and support to those on the front lines of the pro-life movement; and be it finally RESOLVED, that we will bathe every effort in prayer, convicted that only God can transform our current culture into one that values all life.

Respectfully submitted: Rich Barnett Allen Boland Debbie Giacomo Tom Gray Tom Rains Dewayne Taylor Claude White Jef Williams, Chair 2024 Officers: Jef Williams, Chair Tom Rains, Vice Chair Debbie Giacomo, Secretary

62

IBSA Board of Directors’ Reports Chairman of the Board of Directors’ Report Jeff Logsdon This year the Board has given attention to the first full year of operation following the three-year strategic planning process IBSA has undertaken. Initial reports on goals and measures have been encouraging, and several churches are seeing results in their ministries.

IBSA continues to promote the understanding that every church is a missionary in their community or context. IBSA has more intentionally focused on equipping our churches to fulfill that purpose. While IBSA has continued to provide some expertise, there has been a shift toward more effectively using the human and entrepreneurial resources contained in our member churches. By mobilizing all the resources of IBSA, both those headquartered in Springfield and those scattered in churches throughout the state, it is our hope that the partnerships produce measurable Kingdom results.

The Board continued a format developed last year of hosting an expanded meeting in August. During that meeting, the Board has an opportunity to hear more of Nate’s heart and leadership focus than time usually allows. It was also an opportunity to hear how churches throughout the state are benefiting from our new strategy. This is also a valuable time to better connect with our fellow Board members, which is nurturing an environment of greater collaboration within the Board.

The Board also had an opportunity to hold our August Committee meetings in the newly renovated office space on the first floor of the IBSA office building. The layout of the new space seemed to promote greater discussion and collaboration which will benefit the work of the Board going forward.

I want to personally thank the 2023 IBSA Board of Directors for their commitment to providing oversight of the IBSA with wisdom and integrity. I want to especially thank Paul Cooper for his service as Board Secretary during the past year and Bruce Kirk for serving alongside me as Board Vice Chair for the past two years. The commitment this Board has to Illinois Baptists and to the Kingdom of God as a whole is inspiring. It is an honor to serve alongside these men and women. It is also an honor to serve with the IBSA staff. Nate and the entire team at IBSA provide thoughtful, God honoring leadership for Illinois Baptists throughout the year.

Please continue to pray for Nate Adams, our IBSA Executive Director, the IBSA staff, and the IBSA Board for 2024. Vice Chair Bruce Kirk will assume the role of Board Chair. I have valued serving alongside Bruce for the past two years. I have benefitted greatly from his wisdom and compassion. Josh Bledsoe will assume the role of Vice Chair and Paul Cooper will continue as Board Secretary. Both these men have already provided valuable leadership within the IBSA Board. I have appreciated the opportunity to serve Illinois Baptists these past two years. It is an honor to serve Illinois Baptists and to partner with you to serve our Lord.

63

Executive Director’s Report Dr. Nate Adams Our devoted IBSA staff continues to passionately pursue the mission of “delivering network value that inspires each church to thrive, in health, growth, and mission.”

We pursue that mission with five specific strategies. Three are “church-facing” strategies: Health, Growth, and Mission. And two are “network-facing” strategies: Engagement and Partnership. Each strategy has statements of measure, and from those more general statements of measure flow specific, annual goals and metrics, approved by the IBSA Board and monitored throughout the year.

While year-end data from the 2023 Annual Church Profile will not be available until January 2024, below are a few highlights of IBSA’s ministry outcomes thus far in 2023: • Through September, 10 new churches have been planted in Illinois, with the possibility of more by the end of the year. About 50 church plants are currently in some stage of development, from planning to gathering, to launching, to constitution and affiliation.

• In addition to those new church plants in progress, 6 new churches are being presented for affiliation with IBSA and celebrated at this year’s IBSA Annual Meeting.

• 96 churches have been trained in developing intentional evangelism strategies, and 428 students thus far have been trained to share their faith, with fall Youth Encounter events soon to be added to that total.

IBSA’s annual goal is to train at least 1,000 students in personal evangelism. We were encouraged to see baptisms bounce back by 41% in 2022, and we continue to hear anecdotal evidence of continued increases in baptisms in several churches this year.

• Through August, 1,257 volunteers from 112 churches had participated in IBSA-coordinated mission projects. In partnership with NAMB’s Send Relief and Chicagoland Baptists, IBSA churches participated in the August 4-5 Chicago Serve Tour, drawing more than 700 volunteers from 67 churches to 46 projects that saw 982 Gospel conversations and 26 salvations.

• Our 2023 goal of increasing from 100 to 150 the number of IBSA churches engaged in an intentional, Next Step consulting process is well underway, with 136 churches engaged through August.

• Through September, 618 pastors and leaders have participated in leadership development processes, and 1,992 workers from hundreds of churches have been trained in various church ministry skills.

• Throughout 2023, IBSA has been diligently planning to host in Springfield more than 1,000 leaders from 12 Midwest states at the January 23-25 Midwest Leadership Summit. More than 300 leaders are expected from IBSA churches.

• As of the end of August, IBSA’s Health Team and its trained pathfinders and coaches are now engaged in an intentional revitalization process with 84 churches and 15 Associations. 32 new pastors have entered coaching relationships, adding to the total of 128 who were coached during the previous two years. 17 churches are utilizing the Church Renewal Journey as a strategy, with 8 churches having completed a weekend and another 9 scheduled.

• Through August, IBSA staff have directly trained or assisted 30 IBSA churches in their pastor search processes.

64

• While gatherings and face-to-face contact have continued to be a challenge for many in 2023, IBSA staff have made a concerted effort to connect with and engage pastors and churches through phone, e-mail, webinars, and videoconferencing. Through August, our staff had direct contact with 69% of IBSA churches, and we continue to pursue a goal of reaching at least 85% by the end of the year.

• Participation at our two IBSA Camp properties continues to resurge in 2023. Through August, 93 groups from 204 unique churches have used one of IBSA’s two camps, for a total of 3,786 campers. And Streator Baptist Camp recorded another new high in camper participation this year, hosting 1,756 campers through August, compared to a 2022 year-end total of 1,182.

• 2023 Cooperative Program giving from churches through September is similar to the same period in 2022. Some churches have been reporting concerns about issues at the national SBC level that may be affecting CP giving, but we are hopeful that these will continue to resolve, and that the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program in 2025 will give churches a renewed passion for and confidence in Cooperative Program giving.

• Renovation of the IBSA Building’s first floor was completed early this year. Visitors and IBSA’s many committee and board members now enjoy a new café and meeting area just inside the building’s primary entrance.

As 2023 draws to a close and we prepare to enter 2024, IBSA is beginning a “For the Pastor” emphasis, designed to deliver practical care, encouragement, and forward momentum for IBSA pastors. Included in the emphasis will be surveys and focus groups to better understand pastors’ deepest needs, resources, retreats and other encouraging gatherings for both pastors and spouses, and partnership with local associations and others to further expand IBSA’s capacity for delivering more intentional and consistent pastor care.

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.

65

Income and Expense Summary September 30, 2023 Annual Budget

INCOME Cooperative Program Income Church Planter Funding - NAMB Evangelism Funding - NAMB Other Income Baptist Foundation Revenue - Restricted Cost Recovery - Revenue Baptist Building Tenant Lease Revenue Draws from Investment Income1 Total Income APPROPRIATED NET ASSETS Mission Illinois Offering Revenue Net Asset Reserves Net Asset Reserves by Designation Total Appropriated Net Assets TOTAL INCOME PLUS APPROPRIATIONS EXPENSES CP to National SBC Illinois Missions: Church Facing Administration Health Growth Mission Network Facing Administration Operations Communication Executive Team Total Expenses

6,000,000 650,000 239,000 58,000 48,000 284,350 197,000 170,000 7,646,350

Y-T-D Budget Variance $ Variance % (375,646) (8,000) (5,000) (32,231) (7,419) (20,461) (12,744) (90,982) (552,483)

91% 98% 98% 26% 69% 92% 91% 20% 90%

262,500 0 134,000 396,500

(30,787) 0 (14,345) (45,132)

88% 100% 89% 89%

8,496,350

5,396,236 5,993,851

(597,615)

90%

2,349,000

1,532,966 1,680,031

(147,065)

91%

34,000 116,975 516,500 1,173,700 25,000 1,874,944 200,600 2,205,632 8,496,351

14,134 26,000 64,084 104,000 367,836 472,795 726,809 906,890 15,702 19,100 1,176,218 1,449,785 133,075 158,300 1,535,040 1,660,022 5,565,864 6,476,923

(11,866) (39,916) (104,959) (180,081) (3,398) (273,567) (25,225) (124,982) (911,059)

54% 62% 78% 80% 82% 81% 84% 92% 86%

350,000 366,000 134,000 850,000

INCOME PLUS APPROPRIATIONS OVER (UNDER) EXPENSE Net Cost Recovery Income Expense Net

Y-T-D Actual

3,915,622 4,291,268 479,500 487,500 234,000 239,000 11,269 43,500 16,581 24,000 230,539 251,000 135,006 147,750 22,351 113,333 5,044,868 5,597,351

231,713 0 119,655 351,368

(169,628) YTD Budget YTD Actual 251,000 230,539 389,700 287,259 (138,700) (56,720)

DESIGNATED SBC MISSION GIFTS SBC (CP to SBC EC) Lottie Moon Annie Armstrong World Hunger

Comparison to Previous Year 2022 2023 Variance % Change 1,537,206 1,532,966 (4,239) -0.3% 662,887 781,904 119,016 18.0% 679,292 690,596 11,304 1.7% 40,291 30,467 (9,824) -24.4%

COOPERATIVE PROGRAM Cooperative Program Goal Cooperative Program Goal to Date Cooperative Program Receipts to Date

Comparison to Previous Year 2022 2023 Variance % Change 6,200,000 6,000,000 4,672,899 4,291,268 3,983,806 3,915,622 (68,184) -1.7%

2023 MISSION ILLINOIS Received to Date 1

126,882

120,272

(6,610)

-5.2%

Draws from Investment Income are planned withdrawals from investment earnings designed to support the operating budget.

66

ILLINOIS BAPTIST STATE ASSOCIATION 2024 Proposed Budget

2023 Annual Budget 6,000,000 650,000 239,000 170,000 197,000 284,350 48,000 58,000 7,646,350

2024 Proposed Budget 6,100,000 650,000 240,000 198,000 182,000 264,150 48,000 58,000 7,740,150

Change 100,000 0 1,000 28,000 -15,000 -20,200 0 0 93,800

1

Appropriated Net Assets Previous Year Mission Illinois Offering Budgeted Allocation from Reserves (as Needed) Net Asset Reserves by Designation Total Appropriated Net Assets

350,000 366,000 134,000 850,000

340,000 400,000 0 740,000

-10,000 34,000 -134,000 -110,000

5

INCOME PLUS APPROPRIATIONS

8,496,350

8,480,150

-16,200

2023 Annual Budget 2,349,000

2024 Proposed Budget 2,388,150

39,150

34,000 116,975 472,000 1,218,200 25,000 1,874,943 200,600 2,205,632 8,496,350

33,000 175,475 323,250 1,104,900 24,000 1,877,062 198,700 2,355,613 8,480,150

-1,000 58,500 -148,750 -113,300 -1,000 2,119 -1,900 149,981 -16,200

SUPPORT AND REVENUE Cooperative Program Church Planter Funding - NAMB Evangelism Funding - NAMB Investment Income IBSA Building Lease Revenue Cost Recovery Revenue Revenue from Restricted Gifts - BFI Other GENERAL BUDGET INCOME

EXPENSES Cooperative Program to SBC Illinois Missions: Church-Facing Teams Administration Health Growth Mission Network-Facing Teams Administration Operations and Staff Benefits Communications Executive Office and Staff Salaries GENERAL BUDGET EXPENSE Cooperative Program Goal 6,100,000

Distribution: 10% shared items, then 56.5% IBSA and 43.5% SBC Footnotes: 1. 2023 year-to-date CP giving has been 6% higher than 2022. CP100 Campaign coming.

2. Higher 2024 return rates projected from a recently adjusted investment portfolio.

3. Landmark Real Estate is no longer a tenant and Baptist Foundation of Illinois reduced its rented space. Both spaces redeployed for conference and IBSA staff use.

4. More conservative event attendance estimates, and utilizing more NAMB partnership funding to reduce cost to participants.

5. Reduced based on 2022 MIO giving of $308,000.

6. Intentional, limited use of reserves ($100,000 less than 2023).

7. Contract workers now fewer and moved to “Executive Office and Staff Salary” line.

8. Now includes contract workers; also includes cost of living increases for staff.

2024 Salary Structure

Pay Grade Base Midpoint Maximum 1. Part-time Assistant 14.00 21.00 28.00 2. Part time Professional 17.86 26.80 35.73 3. Assistant 28,007 35,009 42,011 4. Coordinator 36,041 45,051 54,061 5. Manager 52,423 65,528 78,633 6. Part time Zone Consultant 1 11,388 16,990 22,592 7. Part time Zone Consultant 2 22,778 34,244 45,710 8. Director 62,298 77,873 93,448 9. Administrative Director 75,060 93,599 112,139 10. Associate Executive Director 80,795 101,053 121,310 2% increase over 2023 Part-time pay grade maximum is 50% higher than base and full-time pay grade maximum is 33% higher than base Minimum wage brought to $14.00 for Part-time Assistant due to Illinois Law

67

2 3 4

6 6

1

7 7 7

8

2024 Proposed Department Budgets

Church-Facing Teams Administration Total Expenses

34,000 34,000

2024 Proposed Budget 33,000 33,000

Health

Total Expenses

116,975 116,975

175,475 175,475

58,500 58,500

Travel and Office Training Children's Ministry Training Student Ministry Training Women's Leadership Development Total Expenses

153,000 62,000 100,000 81,000 76,000 472,000

63,000 48,500 98,250 59,500 54,000 323,250

-90,000 -13,500 -1,750 -21,500 -22,000 -148,750

Travel and Office Missions Church Planting Evangelism Total Expenses

67,000 280,700 666,000 204,500 1,218,200

70,000 103,900 691,000 240,000 1,104,900

3,000 -176,800 25,000 35,500 -113,300

Network-Facing Teams Administration Total Expenses

25,000 25,000

24,000 24,000

-1,000 -1,000

72,100 1,237,469 443,074 122,300 1,874,943

61,500 1,256,062 445,600 113,900 1,877,062

-10,600 18,593 2,526 -8,400 2,119

200,600 200,600

198,700 198,700

-1,900 -1,900

2,161,832 43,800 2,205,632

2,304,563 51,050 2,355,613

142,731 7,250 149,981

6,147,350

6,092,000

-55,350

2023 Budget

Growth

Mission

Operations and Staff Benefits Operations Administration Personnel Services Properties Information Services Total Expenses Communication Total Expenses Executive Offices and Staff Salaries Executive Director & Staff Salaries IBSA Board and Association Total Expenses

Grand Total

68

Change -1,000 -1,000

2024 Proposed Department Detail Budget Church-Facing Teams Administration

Health

Growth

2023 Budget

2024 Proposed Budget

Travel Office Expense Associational Partnership Associational Leadership Development Sub-total Total AED Ministries

15,000 3,000 8,500 7,500 34,000 34,000

15,000 2,500 8,500 7,000 33,000 33,000

Travel Travel - Zone Consultants Office Expense Office Expense - Zone Contultants Church Renewal Journey Health Events and Retreats Health Processes for Churches - was Refocus for Churches Refocus for Networks Pastoral Assessment and Coaching Pathfinders and Coaches Sub-total Total Health

16,000 0 2,500 0 2,500 5,000 32,475 17,500 10,000 31,000 116,975 116,975

16,000 67,500 2,500 3,000 2,500 5,000 32,475 17,500 10,000 19,000 175,475 175,475

Travel and Office Travel - Administrative Director Travel - LD Director 1 Travel - LD Director 2 Travel - LD Director 3 Travel - Zone Consultants Office - Administrative Director Office - LD Director 1 Office - LD Director 2 Office - LD Director 3 Office - Zone Consultants Sub-total

14,500 14,500 14,500 14,500 80,000 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 5,000 153,000

13,500 13,500 13,500 13,500 0 2,500 2,500 2,000 2,000 0 63,000

Training Online Training / Webinars Illinios Leadership Summit Lending Library Regional Training Events Men's Ministry Training Worship & Technology Training Stewardship Discipleship Leader Training Sub-total

10,000 18,000 1,000 16,000 2,000 11,000 1,000 3,000 62,000

5,000 7,500 3,000 30,000 0 0 0 3,000 48,500

Children's Ministry Training Vacation Bible School Summer Camps (Plus $33,500 from NAMB) Kids Ministry Training Sub-total

10,000 83,000 7,000 100,000

5,000 86,250 7,000 98,250

Student Ministry Training Student Ministry Training (Plus $7,500 from NAMB) Super Summer (Plus $5,000 from NAMB) Sudent Ministry Contract & Expenses Sub-total

14,000 53,000 14,000 81,000

11,500 48,000 0 59,500

Women's Leadership Development IBW Events - Priority Conference (Plus $17,000 from NAMB) Ministry Wives IBW Women's Ministry Awsom Sub-total Total Growth

57,000 2,000 7,000 10,000 76,000 472,000

35,000 2,000 7,000 10,000 54,000 323,250

69

2023 Budget

Mission

2024 Proposed Budget

Travel / Office Travel - Administrative Director Travel - CP Director 1 Travel - CP Director 2 Travel - CP Director 3 Partner Travel Office - Administrative Director Office - CP Director 1 Office - CP Director 2 Office - CP Director 3 Sub-total

15,000 14,000 14,000 14,000 0 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 67,000

16,000 13,500 13,500 13,500 3,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 70,000

Missions Acts 1:8 Strategy IL Mission Projects Mission Leadership Development Hunger Funds Families on Mission (Plus $15,000 from NAMB) Christian Activity Center Ministry Support Christian Activity Center Ministry Support (NAMB) BCM Collegiate Contracts (Moved to Executive Area) BCM Properties (Use $10,000 Net Asset) Hispanic Missions (Moved to Executive Area) Youth Encounter (Plus $12,000 from NAMB) Disaster Relief Contracted Leadership Sub-total

5,000 5,000 6,000 3,000 6,000 40,000 20,000 66,700 11,000 28,000 72,000 18,000 280,700

5,000 5,000 6,000 1,000 0 24,000 0 0 1,000 0 40,000 21,900 103,900

Church Planting Partnership Recognitions New Church Affiliation Advocacy Development Church Planting Training Events Church Planting - Training and Materials Church Planting Subsidies (NAMB) Go Chicago Sub-total

2,000 1,000 7,000 3,000 3,000 650,000 0 666,000

2,000 1,000 10,000 4,000 4,000 650,000 20,000 691,000

Evangelism Summer Camp (NAMB) Pastor Care (NAMB) Student Ministry Training (NAMB) Super Summer (NAMB) Families on Mission (NAMB) Youth Encounter (NAMB) Evangelism Training (NAMB) ($17,000 to Priority) Evangelism Conference (NAMB) Evangelism Practical Network (NAMB) CP Evangelism Grants (NAMB) Evangelism Events (NAMB) Bless Every Home (NAMB) Everyone Hears (NAMB) Collegiate Evangelism (NAMB) Sub-total

32,000 0 7,500 5,000 14,000 0 50,000 20,000 15,000 20,000 15,000 6,000 20,000 0 204,500

33,500 20,000 7,500 5,000 15,000 12,000 50,000 20,000 15,000 20,000 15,000 6,000 20,000 1,000 240,000

1,218,200

1,104,900

Total Mission

70

2023 Budget

Network-Facing Teams Administration

Travel Camp Manager's Travel - Lake Sallateeska Camp Manager's Travel - Streator Office Expense Lake Sallateeska Grant Streator Grant Sub-total Total AED Services

2024 Proposed Budget

15,000 2,500 2,500 3,000 1,000 1,000 25,000 25,000

15,000 1,000 1,000 3,000 2,000 2,000 24,000 24,000

6,000 24,000 1,500 39,600 1,000 72,100

5,000 21,500 1,000 34,000 0 61,500

1,219,469 12,000 6,000 1,237,469

1,240,562 9,000 6,500 1,256,062

60,000 43,000 168,000 123,175 47,000 499 1,400 443,074

62,000 42,000 190,000 110,000 40,000 100 1,500 445,600

5,000 3,000 22,000 2,000 3,000 11,000 4,000 21,000 2,500 2,000 33,000 2,100 775 9,600 1,325 122,300 1,874,943

4,500 3,000 12,500 2,000 3,000 11,000 0 29,000 2,500 2,000 31,000 2,200 360 9,600 1,240 113,900 1,877,062

Operations and Staff Benefits

Administration Travel Office Expense Strategic Initiatives - Safety Training Professional Services Professional Fees - Lease Commissions Sub-total Personnel Services Employee Support IBSA Workers Comp Staff Training Sub-total Properties Property and Liability Insurance Property Taxes IBSA Building Utilities Maintenance and Supplies Custodial Service Deferred Maintenance Reserve New Design Cemetery Maintenance Sub-total Information Services Travel Office Expense Capital Expenditures Technology Expense - Copy Machine Technology Expense - Contracts Technology Expense - Hardware Technology Expense - Building Technology Expense - Software Technology Expense - Supplies Technology Maintenance Conference Rooms Telephone Annual Church Profile Mail & Production UPS Mail & Production Equipment lease Mail & Production PO Box fees Sub-total Total Operations

71

2023 Budget

Communications

Travel Office Expense Cooperative Program Advancement Mission Illinois Offering Multimedia Production Strategic Planning Communication The Illinois Baptist Printing The Illinois Baptist Mailing The Illinois Baptist Services Direct Digital Engagement Sub-total Total Communication

2024 Proposed Budget

11,000 4,800 11,100 39,000 31,000 9,000 36,000 36,000 7,200 15,500 200,600 200,600

11,000 4,500 11,500 26,000 32,500 14,200 36,000 42,600 7,200 13,200 198,700 198,700

Executive Director Travel Travel - Administrative Assistant Office Expense Office Expense - Taxable Expense Strategic Initiatives - Church and Association Strategic Initiatives - IBSA Organizational Resources Strategic Initiatives - Other Strategic Initiatives - ADF Church Protection Benefits Staff Salaries Contracts Staff Tenure and Sabbaticals Staff Development & Special Events Recognitions Miscellaneous Midwest Leadership Summit advance Sub-total

18,000 1,200 5,000 0 3,000 1,000 2,000 6,000 0 2,096,229 0 1,825 10,500 4,000 5,578 7,500 2,161,832

17,000 1,500 4,000 0 1,000 1,000 1,000 6,000 0 2,113,243 134,000 1,700 12,000 4,000 620 7,500 2,304,563

Board and Convention Board & Committee Expense IBSA Board & Committee Insurance Annual State Convention President's Expense Reserves Sub-total Total Executive Offices

25,000 0 18,000 800 0 43,800 2,205,632

30,000 550 20,000 500 0 51,050 2,355,613

Grand Total IBSA General Fund Budget

6,147,350

6,092,000

Executive Office and Staff Salaries

IBSA Board of Directors Recommendations

The IBSA Board of Directors recommends that the proposed 2024 budget, salary structure, and CP ratio be approved as printed, based on a Cooperative Program Goal of $6,100,000 and a Cooperative Program ratio of 56.5%/43.5% (IBSA/SBC), excluding shared expenses not to exceed 10% of the Cooperative Program Goal.

72

BAPTIST FOUNDATION OF ILLINOIS

2023 Report to the Associations Larry Douglas Morrow, Jr. Executive Director

Life Stewardship

BFI’s work in the Life Stewardship area probably, more than any other division, represents the heart of BFI. We provide our most custom, time sensitive work in the area of Christian Estate Planning. This service— often the largest single act of stewardship—is provided without charge. BFI has helped close to 200 families put a Christian Estate Plan in place. Collectively, they will give over $250 million to permanently support Kingdom causes. BFI also continues to see churches and individuals throughout the state utilize the Biblical Financial Management video study to grow in the area of Christian stewardship. This eightpart video series (with downloadable study guides) is available for free under the “Resources” tab of our website.

Church/Ministry Loans The year 2023 marks the 10th Anniversary of BFI investing in church expansion through our bond program.

Sold in $1,000 increments, these bonds provide a low cost loan for the church while returning a stable, low risk return to the investor. In ten years, BFI has written 92 bond issues for churches and ministries in every section of our state. In this same time period, BFI has raised more than $21 million for the loans. To date, BFI has operated our loan and bond program without default.

Custodial Investing BFI offers several ways for Christ followers to save that are designed to honor the Lord both with their object (where the funds are invested) and method (how the funds are invested). In 2023, both our Cash (2.00%) and Bonds account (4.75% for a 5 year maturity) rates hit high water marks. Over the last ten years, the Long Term Fixed Income has produced a steady yield of 4.71% and an average return of 5.60% per year through 2022. The balanced fund is our newest, begun in 2019. It has seen an average total return of 12.5% since the fund began. BFI currently manages 1,715 custodial accounts valued at more than $64 million. In the last ten years, these accounts have generated more than $10 million in interest which returned to Illinois Baptist churches and individuals.

Educational Scholarships Providing educational scholarships is the oldest area of our work. BFI manages 34 scholarship endowments and each year distributes somewhere between $80,000 - $100,000 depending on earnings and the number and type of applicants. In the last ten years, BFI has invested approximately $800,000 in the education of Illinois Baptists students.

Church Legacy The Legacy Program allows closing churches to revert their remaining assets to BFI and then establishes a “missions fund” in the churches name. This fund provides ongoing support for organizations the church selects—in perpetuity—while allowing the church to have ongoing impact long after the doors are closed.

In addition to the “funds” creation, BFI works with church planting partners to attempt to replant a new church start at that location. To date, 38 churches have had their resources maintained through the Legacy Program for an approximate value of $2.24 million. Of this number, 23 have resulted in a church that is either space sharing, re-planted, or now meeting at that location.

217-391-3116

BaptistFoundationIL.org

2024 BFI Board Officers: Pam White, Chair Brent Cloyd, Vice Chair Mihaela Sexton, Secretary

73

2024 BFI Operating Budget

Revenue Projection GL Acct 6050052 6050040-6050043 6050050 6050051, 6050053, 6050054 6050044 6050063 6050066 6050065 6050067

Description Fee Income BFI Bonds Custodial Investing (incl. BFO) Other Loan Interest (Reverted Assets)

BFI Term (short term management fees) Participation, Reserve, Blended Loan Interest IR Taxable Trust Management Other Gift Support Loan Processing Fees Net Asset Interest Production Transfer from BFI Reserves Transfer from BFI Vision Fund Operational Subtotal

2023 Total Budget 2024 Total Budget $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

94,612 208,828 26,000 30,000 19,042 10,000 3,000 2,500 22,174

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

100,000 210,000 26,000 45,000 18,500 10,000 3,000 10,000 20,000

$

416,156

$

442,500

Grand Total Operating Revenue

Expense Projection Description Employee Expense 7070080 7070083 7070082 7070081 7070084 7070074 7070041

Salaries Employer FICA/SSI, Medicare Health Insurance Retirement Contribution Disability & Life Insurance Workers Comp Insurance Payroll Fees (reimb IBSA)

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

259,553 19,466 26,194 22,174 2,690 800 1,740

$ $ $ $ $ $ $

266,270 19,970 20,642 23,182 2,690 800 1,740

7070073 7070075 7070071 7070076 7070072 7070091 7070050 7070060 7070040

Administration IT - Accounting Software D&O Insurance Board Governance Audit Legal Office Rental & Bldg Svcs Travel Promotion Office Expense

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

40,000 1,000 2,250 16,000 15,240 12,000 4,000 6,000

$ $ $ $

40,000 1,000 2,250 18,000

$

429,107

$ $ $ $ $ $

15,240 12,000 4,000 6,200 10,000 443,984

$

(12,951.30) $

(1,484)

Miscellaneous Grand Total Expenses Income (Loss)

74

Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services Executive Director’s Report Kevin Carrothers It is harvest season. Every day I see combines and wagons full of grain. Despite a cool, wet spring and a very dry summer, the Lord has produced a crop for the harvest.

The words of Solomon come to mind. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven” (Eccl. 3:1 ASV).

As I complete my ninth month as Executive Director, I have been reflecting on the seasons that we have experienced during this time. They consist of a variety of seasons that the agency has been encountering: learning, celebration, challenge, faithfulness.

The season of learning is flowing through the ministry of BCHFS. With almost twothirds of the staff being new to the agency or in new roles in the past two years, we are learning together as we grow in the knowledge and understanding of our roles. This also provides us the opportunity to look at things through fresh eyes and imagine what could be. We are also getting to know one another as we work together. Our clients are learning too. Whether it is school work or parenting skills or biblical truth, they receive opportunities to grow in faith and in life skills.

The celebration season is a joyous time. One of the most joyous times happens when a young man or woman professes faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In 2022, we celebrated that occasion 5 different times.

This year we have seen 7 residents come to faith in Christ through the ministry of Angels’ Cove and Baptist Children’s Residential Care. We are pleased to have two cottages open on campus, one for girls and one for boys. (The first time in two years boys have been on campus.)

There have been seasons of challenges. The first half of 2023, we were understaffed in the house parent positions. There are legal issues involving new legislation and litigation that we continue to monitor and navigate. We grieve the death of our board chair, Rebecca Whittington who faithfully served BCHFS for six years.

The season of faithfulness is a testimony to the great and glorious God whom we serve. He has provided staff in His timing and in our need. He blesses us with the resources to serve hurting children and families and individuals in need. His goodness is all around us, as He brings people to us who are looking for help and hope.

This season is one of thanks to you, our churches and donors. Your faithful investment in the lives of young men and women have made an eternal impact. Because of you, the gospel has been shared and souls have been saved. To God be the glory for the great things He has done!

Pending approval at press time.

2024 BCHFS Board Officers: Eric Bramelt, Chair Sarah Bordewick, Vice Chair Cheryl Dorsey, Secretary

75

2022 ANNUAL REPORT

THE OFFICIAL ANNUAL REPORT OF BAPTIST C H I L D R E N ' S H O M E A N D FA M I LY S E R V I C E S

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The changing seasons offer opportunities to experience different aspects of life. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Eccl. 3:1) In The Seasons of God, Richard Blackaby describes the seasons this way: “Spring is the time of beginnings, exciting opportunities, and anticipation for the future. Seeds planted in this time will then take root and mature during summer’s labor, producing a harvest in the fall, a reaping of our efforts. Then everything draws to a close in winter.”

I am excited about the spring season that is upon BCHFS and what God desires to do through this ministry to serve children and families. We are committed to our mission of “providing Christ-centered services that protect, heal and restore.” Over the past year we served more individuals than the previous year. The ministries of Pathways Counseling and Faith Adoptions have experienced growth in counseling sessions and home studies for adoptive parents. GraceHaven continues moving forward with a message of life and hope in Jesus Christ to mothers with unexpected pregnancies. Residential care at Angels’ Cove and Baptist Children’s Home Carmi Campus offer a supportive home environment to their residents. Even the spring season offers turbulent weather at times. The same is true for BCHFS. Cultural challenges offer opportunities to communicate the hope and life found in Jesus Christ. There are continued staffing needs in the development, maintenance and residential areas.

Our investments suffered from the economic decline of 2022. The good news is that our God reigns.

Despite some turbulence, He will continue to provide for all of our needs as we faithfully carry out His mission.

We are thankful for the Lord’s provision in bringing new staff to BCHFS and supplying the material needs to serve our clients and residents. We are also thankful to you our generous churches and donors for your partnership in this ministry.

In Christ Alone, Kevin Carrothers Executive Director, BCHFS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES - 2022 Rebecca Whittington Benton Board - Chair Tom Denton Pinckneyville Committee - Chair Tina Grooms Marshall Committee - Vice Chair Chris Slusser Wood River Committee - Secretary Sarah Ballard Columbia Kevin Hutchison Mascoutah

Eric Bramlet Mt Carmel Sandy Absher Marion Committee - Vice Chair Emily Tynes Mt. Vernon Committee - Chair Rick Layne Murphysboro Danny Hampton Elgin Board - Vice Chair Doug Haile Keenes Committee - Secretary

Marilyn Vaughan Fairfield Committee - Secretary

Jered “Brock” Bauer Maryville Committee - Chair

David Smith Grayville

Leon McClerren Thompsonville

Rick Layne Murphysboro

Jason Plumer Litchfield Committee - Secretary

Ron Daniels Belle Rive Cheryl Dorsey Park Forest Board - Secretary

Andrea Spicer Carlinville

Diana Henry-Aten Oblong Committee - Vice Chair

76

TOP 50 SUPPORTING CHURCHES New Hope General Baptist Church Omaha Oblong First Baptist Church Oblong Ditney Ridge Baptist Church Omaha Logan Street Baptist Church Mount Vernon Elm Street Baptist Church Murphysboro Immanuel Baptist Church Benton Carterville First Baptist Church Carterville East Salem Baptist Church Mount Vernon Highland Ave. Baptist Church Robinson Columbia First Baptist Church Columbia Beaucoup Baptist Church Pinckneyville Lebanon Baptist Church Mount Vernon Carmi First Baptist Church Carmi

Casey First Baptist Church Casey Ten Mile Baptist Church Mc Leansboro Steeleville Baptist Church Steeleville Greenup First Baptist Church Greenup Dorrisville Baptist Church Harrisburg Galatia First Baptist Church Galatia Calvary Baptist Church Monticello Freedom Baptist Church Noble Woodland Baptist Church Peoria Belle Rive Missionary Baptist Church Belle Rive Marion First Baptist Church Marion Whittington Baptist Church Whittington Nashville First Baptist Church Nashville

Harrisburg First Baptist Church Harrisburg Panther Fork Baptist Church Texico Wayne City Baptist Church Wayne City Marshall Missionary Baptist Church Marshall West Union First Baptist Church West Union Albion First Baptist Church Albion Shiloh Baptist Church Bridgeport Bethalto First Baptist Church Bethalto Chester First Baptist Church Chester Pleasant Dale Baptist Church Palmyra Arthur Southern Baptist Church Arthur Summersville Baptist Church Mount Vernon Liberty Baptist Church Harrisburg

Calvary Baptist Church West Frankfort New Hope Baptist Church Vienna Mascoutah First Baptist Church Mascoutah Sesser First Baptist Church Sesser Northside Baptist Church Dixon Wabash Baptist Church Louisville New Salem Church McLeansboro Fairfield First Baptist Church Fairfield Watson Baptist Church Watson New Hope Baptist Church Litchfield Mulberry Grove First Baptist Church Mulberry Grove

FINANCIAL I N F O R M AT I O N 2022 INCOME

$3,207,194FUND- 2022 EXPENDITURES $3,267,951

RAISING INCOME

PROGRAM COSTS

Church Gifts Individual/Corporate Gifts Bequests/Estate Gifts Mother’s Day Offering Fees for Services Royalty Income Farm Lease Miscellaneous Investment Income ‐

35.8% 31.3% 40.8% 5.7% 12.4% 1.4% 1.7% 2.8% -32.1%

(Unrealized Loss In Market Value)

Residential Care (BCH/Carmi) Maternity/Adoption/Foster Care Administration Development & Communications Outpatient Counseling (Pathways) GraceHaven Other

28.7% 16.9% 15.2% 10.0% 14.2% 6.4% 8.6% 100.0%

100.0%

SERVICE DELIVERY BY PROGRAM Baptist Children’s Home Residential Care Outpatient Counseling

18 23

Angels’ Cove Maternity Center 10 Infants/Children Residing w/ Mothers 15

Faith Adoptions Number of Children in Care Individuals waiting for placement

6 22

Pathways Outpatient Counseling Community Ed / Treatment Groups

595 140

GraceHaven

76

Residential Care

Angels’ Cove

Pathways

Faith Adoption

GraceHaven

North 11.1% Central 5.6% South 66.7% Metro E. 11.1% Other 5.6%

North 0.0% Central 30.0% South 70.0% Metro E. 0.0%

Central 49.4% Metro E. 12.6% South E. 38.0%

North 22.0% Central 9.8% South 46.3% Metro E. 22.0%

North 0% Central 3.95% South 93.42% Metro E. 1.32% Other 1.32%

2022 Income - $3,207,194 40.8%

Bequests/Estate Gifts

905 Served!

35.8%

Church Gifts

31.3%

Individual/Corporate Gifts

12.4%

Fees for Services Mother’s Day Offering Miscellaneous Farm Lease Royalty Income

5.7%

2.8% 1.7%

1.4% -32.1%

Invest Income (Unrealized Loss In Market Value)

(618) 382.4164

BAPTIST CHILDREN’S HOME AND FAMILY SERVICES 949 County Road 1300 N, Carmi IL 62821

77

BCHFS.COM

Baptist Children's Home & Family Services Proposed Budget For Year 2024 2024 Proposed

2023

Amount of

Budget

Budget

Change

Revenue: Total Development Revenue

$

2,523,140

$

2,739,019

$

(215,879)

BCH Direct Support

30,000

30,000

Angels' Cove Direct Support

2,000

2,000

0

113,000

138,000

(25,000)

Metro East Counseling Fees

87,900

106,000

(18,100)

Central Illinois Counseling Fees

162,500

164,595

(2,095)

Southeastern Illinois Counseling Fees

189,300

155,800

33,500

Investment Distribution

738,500

455,000

283,500

150

150

0

0

0

0

Royalty Income

30,000

50,000

(20,000)

Farm Lease

55,510

55,510

0

Miscellaneous Income

5,000

5,000

Adoptive Fees

Interest Income Title I Grant Income

0

0

Total Non-Development Revenue

$

1,413,860

$

1,162,055

$

251,805

Total Revenue

$

3,937,000

$

3,901,074

$

35,926

$

1,826,398

$

1,839,160

$

(12,762)

Expenses: Salaries, Overtime, Bonuses & Awards Contractors & Consultants

266,940

233,740

33,200

Retirement

96,700

91,800

4,900

FICA Taxes

139,900

138,700

1,200

Employee Insurance

698,300

705,200

(6,900)

Employee Relocation Expenses

-

-

Workers' Comp Insurance

35,200

55,000

0

Property Insurance

89,500

93,000

(3,500)

Auto Fleet Insurance

14,400

34,300

(19,900)

Professional Liability Insurance

20,600

36,900

(16,300)

Board of Trustees Liability Insurance

10,000

12,250

(2,250)

Board Meeting Expense

7,500

6,000

1,500

Auditor Fees

22,000

22,000

0

Property Taxes

10,200

8,700

1,500

Promotion

152,200

113,600

38,600

Administration Travel

15,000

15,000

0

Administration Professional Development

15,000

17,800

(2,800)

Staff Encouragement

2,000

2,000

0

Administration Maintenance

6,000

6,000

0

Administration Office Expense

17,635

17,635

0

Miscellaneous Expenses

23,500

21,700

1,800

Information Systems Expense

9,100

8,664

436

Administration Telephone

4,052

3,972

80

License & Fees

16,100

13,100

3,000

(19,800)

Administration Utilities

5,150

4,920

230

Development Travel

25,500

27,500

(2,000)

BCH Travel

4,000

4,000

0

BCH Professional Development

3,250

3,000

250

BCH Office Expense

6,000

6,000

0

BCH Information Systems Expense

14,200

12,456

1,744

BCH Telephone

3,450

3,030

420

BCH Utilities

9,410

9,240

170

BCH Maintenance

35,000

32,000

3,000

Activities Program

1,500

1,500

0

Verhines Operation

6,800

5,500

1,300

Otho Williams Operation

7,200

6,300

900

Ballard Operation

6,000

5,500

500 1

78

Baptist Children's Home & Family Services Proposed Budget For Year 2024 2024 Proposed

2023

Budget

Budget

Amount of Change

Garrison Operation

42,000

39,000

3,000

Mathias Operation

42,000

39,000

3,000

Staley Operation

7,600

6,500

1,100

Latreia Expense

-

-

Work Experience - Youth

4,000

3,000

1,000

BCH Marketing & Development

1,650

1,500

150

BCH Miscellaneous Expenses

400

400

0

Angels' Cove Travel

2,000

2,000

0

Angels' Cove Professional Development

2,500

2,000

500

Angels' Cove Office Expense

10,800

10,800

0

Angels' Cove Utilities

3,585

3,460

125

Angels' Cove Telephone

2,000

1,900

100

Angels' Cove Information Systems Expense

8,750

7,068

1,682

Angels' Cove Maintenance

13,000

13,000

0

Angels' Cove Marketing & Development

2,500

1,500

1,000

Angels' Cove Cottage Operation

43,000

40,000

3,000

Faith Adoption Travel

5,000

2,000

3,000

500

500

0

Faith Adoption Office Expense

1,600

1,600

0

Faith Adoptive Family Training

300

300

0

Faith Adoption Telephone

1,150

800

350

Faith Adoption Information Systems

2,000

1,680

320

Faith Adoption Utilities

1,795

1,730

65

Faith Adoption Marketing & Development

5,000

7,000

(2,000)

Faith Adoption Professional Development

Faith Adoption Miscellaneous Expenses

0

500

100

400

GraceHaven Travel

5,400

5,400

0

GraceHaven Professional Development

4,500

4,500

0

GraceHaven Client Training

2,000

2,000

0

GraceHaven Office Expense

6,000

6,000

0

GraceHaven Telephone

2,350

2,230

120

GraceHaven Information Systems

7,900

6,828

1,072

GraceHaven Utilities

6,610

5,740

870

GraceHaven Clinic Operations

6,500

6,500

0

GraceHaven Maintenance

11,000

9,000

2,000

GraceHaven Marketing & Development

11,000

11,000

0

Metro East Office Travel

1,000

1,000

0

300

300

0

1,500

1,500

0

36

36

0

Metro East Office Information Systems Expense

4,900

4,068

832

Metro East Office Utilities

2,400

2,400

0

650

475

175 1,300

Metro East Office Professional Development Metro East Office Expense Metro East Office Telephone

Metro East Office Marketing & Development Metro East Office Miscellaneous Fees

2,100

800

Southeastern Office Travel

1,750

1,750

0

Southeastern Office Professional Development

1,300

800

500

Southeastern Office Expense

1,784

1,784

0

Southeastern Office Telephone

850

850

0

Southeastern Office Information Systems Expense

6,000

5,904

96

Southeastern Office Utilities

2,755

2,725

30

700

475

225

Southeastern Office Miscellaneous Fees

2,850

1,300

1,550

Central Office Travel

1,000

1,000

0

Central Office Professional Development

300

300

0

Central Office Expense

800

800

0

Central Office Telephone

1,750

1,750

0

Southeastern Office Marketing & Development

2

79

Baptist Children's Home & Family Services Proposed Budget For Year 2024

Central Office Information Systems Expense

2024 Proposed

2023

Budget

Budget

Amount of Change

6,000

5,904

Central Office Utilities

600

600

0

Central Office Marketing & Development

650

500

150

Central Office Miscellaneous Fees

2,450

96

850

1,600

Total Expenses

$

3,937,000

$

3,901,074

$

35,926

Excess Revenues

$

-

$

-

$

-

Baptist Children's Home & Family Services Capital Improvements Budget For Year 2024 Description

Amount

Cottage Van New Car for Agency Replace Flooring in Angels' Cove Replace Windows at Faith Adoption Ministry/AC Heating/Air Conditioning Equipment for BCH Heating/Air Conditioning Equipment for AC New Signs for Admin / BCH Devore Admin Building ADA Accessible Window for Dara's Office

$

60,000 40,000 31,000 22,000 15,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 3,000

Total Capital

$ 201,000

3

80

Illinois Members Serving on Southern Baptist Convention Boards, Committees, and Agencies COMMITTEE NAME SBC Committee on Committees Jimmy Fowler, St. Charles SBC Committee on Committees Sean Stevenson, Elmwood GuideStone Financial Resources Michael Allen, Chicago New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary *Dana L. Keating, Harrisburg North American Mission Board David Seaton, Collinsville Executive Committee *Sharon Carty, Carlinville Executive Committee Adron Robinson, Country Club Hills International Mission Board Chris Winkleman, Harrisburg Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary *Sheila Fields, Plainfield Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary *Andrea Powell, Aurora Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission Scott Foshie, Chatham LifeWay Christian Resources Tigelique C. Woods, Boilingbrook Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Scott Nichols, West Chicago Gateway Seminary Kevin Carrothers, Mt. Vernon WMU Executive Board Lindsay Wineinger, Princeville WMU Board-at-Large Carmen Halsey, IL WMU leader *Denotes non-church/denominational-related vocation

81

TERM 2023 2023 2024 2024 2024 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2026 2026 2026 2027

82

• Enjoy a Meal in Marion • CORNERSTONE AREA

6

7

The Hill Ave

8 W De

1

youn

7

d St

I-5

2

3

1

7

3 4

DoublPeizzDaecker

2

5

Home of the

5

S Court St

DOWNTOWN

Halfway Rd

Cornerstone Church

4

W Main St

Cornerstone Restaurants

6

1. Logan’s Roadhouse 2. Mackie’s Pizza 3. Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse 4. 20’s Hideout Steakhouse 5. Cracker Barrel 6. Don Sol Mexican Grill 7. Thai-D 8. Red Lobster

E Main St

S Market St

Serving their double-crusted pie since 1977, Walt’s Pizza is a Marion institution.

Try the toasted ravioli at Bennie’s.

Downtown Restaurants 1. Bennie’s Italian Foods 2. Crown Brew Coffee 3. Granny Puckett’s 4. Tower Square Pizza 5. The Vault Café 6. Walt’s Pizza 7. Triple E. Barbecue

Other restaurants in the area include: • Baan Thai • McAlister’s Deli • Texas Roadhouse • Olive Garden • O’Charley’s Restaurant • and many more

Let us not become weary in doing good. For at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

– Galatians 6:9

3085 Stevenson Drive Springfield, IL 62703

www.IBSA.org