PREVIEW — INSIDE — P. 3 President’s Welcome P. 5 Sandy’s Farewell Reception Great roster of platform guests P. 8 Innovative Partnerships P. 11 Action items & resolutions Churches joining the network P. 12 Breakouts & affinity meetings P .15 Convention schedule Church leaders’ consultations Local restaurants map
Welcome to a fresh start at the 120th gathering of the Illinois Baptist State Association. The first annual meeting under the leadership of IBSA Executive Director Scott Foshie comes with new energy and renewed commitment to the gospel mission before us. Many of our national partners will be represented by their leaders in this unprecedented time of mutual support for our shared mission fields, starting here in Illinois. Read all about the celebration and worship events. And make plans to be there. You’ll want to remember this one.
November 3-4 Starts at 2:00 P.M. Come at noon to register & visit the exhibits. Hosted by
Metro Community Church 3551 Ridge View Road Edwardsville, Illinois
IBSAAnnualMeeting.org
2026 IBSA Annual Meeting
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October 01, 2026
IBSA ANNUAL MEETING
A healthy ‘ecosystem’ P. 8
Plan for growth P. 12
It’s a new day! As Illinois Baptists prepare to gather for the 2026 IBSA Annual Meeting in Edwardsville under the theme “It’s All About the Gospel,” there is a sense that something bright is dawning. There is a growing sense across our state that God is at work among us. Not because of any one thing and not necessarily because of any measurable metric. But there is clearly a growing feeling of expectancy and renewed connection within many pastors and churches. Simply put, it feels like a new day. Over the past year, Illinois Baptists have seen encouraging signs. Reports from churches across the state tell stories of reaching new people and lives being changed. At his first IBSA Board meeting as Executive Director, Scott Foshie highlighted ACP data showing baptisms rising above pre-pandemic levels, while also sharing stories of churches experiencing renewed gospel impact. This momentum is not merely numerical.
Foshie has also described a desire among Illinois Baptists to pursue “Spirit-led momentum,” marked by dependence on God’s Word, prayer, and obedience to his mission. One clear sign of this new day is the renewed direction of the Mission Illinois Offering, and the enthusiastic response from the pastors and the pews. The 2026 emphasis on Kids, Camps, and College Ministries, called Faith Forward, has given churches a compelling vision of a future filled with the next generation of gospel leaders. At the same time, Illinois Baptists are experiencing a growing sense of connectedness.
Throughout 2026, Foshie has carried out a statewide listening tour in local associations, hearing from pastors and church members in every corner of Illinois. The message he heard was consistent: Churches want to partner together to make greater gospel impact than they can accomplish alone. This rising spirit of partnership is the brightest harbinger of what is dawning. And it will be most evident at the Annual Meeting as new partnerships with the International Mission Board, North American Mission Board, and Tennessee Baptists are celebrated. These formal partnerships within the larger Southern Baptist family, as well as the more organic ones that are developing with associations and between individual churches, signal a belief that togetherness is how the gospel will be carried into our Illinois neighborhoods and to the nations. Messengers and guests at the November gathering at Metro Community Church will see that togetherness on display as they hear from SBC entity heads including Paul Chitwood (IMB), Evan Lenow (ERLC), Jeff Iorg (SBC EC), and Sandy Wisdom-Martin (WMU). They will also hear more about the exciting new direction for Send Illinois, the new partnership with NAMB to expand church planting and evangelism efforts in our home state. Edwardsville will also be significant as Illinois Baptists celebrate Foshie’s election to Executive Director with an installation ceremony during the Tuesday evening session. They will also honor native daughter Wisdom-Martin as she retires in January after decades of Southern Baptist women’s and missions ministry. “I believe a new season of cooperation and Great Commission fruit is about to be driven by our Lord,” Foshie said. “We can’t do it by ourselves… It must be a ministry of the Holy Spirit through Illinois Baptists.”
Bring goodies P. 11
Something bigger than ‘us’ The longer I live, the more I value connecting with others. I see that I am part of something bigger than me and that I need the contributions of others in my life and in the work of the kingdom of God. This is why I am excited about joining with other Illinois Baptists at our Annual Meeting. I get to connect with DOUG MUNTON old friends and IBSA PRESIDENT meet some new ones who partner with me in reaching our state with the gospel. I get to see more of what God is doing in different parts of our state and through the many ministries that are connected to IBSA. These connections encourage me and these ministries inspire me. After 20 years of leadership from Nate Adams, this is the first Annual Meeting with Scott Foshie as our Executive Director. Scott is a great encourager and wants to lead IBSA to follow the Lord with boldness. I really look forward to hearing more from him of how he believes God is leading us to work together to impact our state and beyond. I believe we have some exciting days ahead of us under his leadership. This will be my last Annual Meeting as President of IBSA. I get to preach a message from God’s word and that is a super privilege for me. I will have a front row seat to learn more of what God is doing and how I can be part of that work of God. I am very optimistic that we are poised for great days of ministry ahead. I hope to see you in Edwardsville. This is a new era in IBSA and I can’t wait to see what the Lord does next!
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October 01, 2026
IBSA ANNUAL MEETING
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One worthy of celebration I
to a dessert reception honoring Illinois’ own
Sandy Wisdom-Martin on the occasion of her retirement from Woman’s Missionary Union.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 following the evening session of IBSA Annual Meeting in the exhibit hall
llinois Baptists will raise a glass (punch, most likely) in honor of Sandy Wisdom-Martin at the IBSA Annual Meeting. Retiring after 10 years as leader of national WMU, she is capping a ministry dedicated to advancing missions around the globe. Her personal mission led this coal miner’s daughter from Southern Illinois all over the world, with decade long stops leading women in missions in four states, culminating at the national WMU headquarters in Birmingham, Ala. Wisdom-Martin gave her final report at the Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando in June, one of 10 such trips to the platform to report on the auxiliary’s service in the cause of missions. Each year, she held that cause high, urging Baptists to be fully engaged in missions through their local churches, while avoiding any controversy about women’s roles.
Now, Wisdom-Martin says the next season of her life will be as a caregiver. “We are thankful for how God raised up Sandy to be his servant through Illinois Baptists,” IBSA Executive Director Scott Foshie said. “This reception will be a time to thank God for his work through Sandy’s ministry. It will also be a great time for Illinois Baptists to fellowship and connect more deeply as we celebrate Sandy’s legacy.” As a resolution to be presented for messengers’ approval at the Annual
Meeting states, during her tenure, Wisdom-Martin and WMU led Southern Baptists in giving $2 Billion to missions through the Annie Armstrong and Lottie Moon offerings. Illinois WMU President Jill McNicol said Wisdom-Martin’s legacy of service brings to mind Armstrong’s words: “What has been done for the glory of God, will be steadfast as
the stars.” “Sandy has served Illinois and National WMU as a servant to her Father,” McNicol said. “Until she reaches heaven, she will not truly know the difference she has made and the lives she has touched.” Foshie will lead a tribute to Wisdom-Martin in the Tuesday evening session. The dessert reception will follow at 8:30 p.m. in the church foyer. Everyone is welcome to come celebrate without registration.
SBC luminaries coming to Illinois I
f national leaders from the Southern Baptist Convention are the measure, you might say that, pound for pound, this Annual Meeting outweighs any in IBSA history. Our missions partners and sending agencies, senior SBC leadership, and public voices will all be represented. Plus, there is the participation of Illinois Baptist churches and elected officers, all excited to be part of the new day at IBSA. Check the schedule on page 15 and plan to hear these guests.
Randy Davis, TBMB, Tennessee Partnership Randy Davis is Executive Director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. He has led his state convention to join a partnership with IBSA that is expected to bring mutual investment in missions, and encourage needed engagement in Illinois’ vast urban centers from local Tennessee churches. Davis assumed his role after 34 years in pastoral ministry. He holds degrees from William Carey College, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and Southern Baptist Center for Biblical Studies.
Paul Chitwood, IMB, keynote Paul Chitwood was elected president of the International Mission Board in 2018. Before assuming this role, he served as Executive Director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention from 2011–2018. In 18 years in the pastorate, he developed a deep passion for local church ministry and global missions. Chitwood served as an IMB trustee and chairman of the board prior to his electio0n as IMB President. He earned both M. Div. and Ph.D. degrees from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also earned a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from University of Notre Dame.
Jeff Iorg, EC Report Jeff Iorg was elected President and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee in 2024. Previously, he served 20 years as President of Gateway Seminary, leading a campus relocation and expanded global impact. Dr. Iorg also served as Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention and planted Pathway Church. A graduate of Hardin-Simmons University and two Southern Baptist seminaries, he has authored eight books on leadership, evangelism, and church health. He champions the Cooperative Program.
Seth Conerly, Annual Sermon Seth has served as Lead Pastor of Metro Community Church since 2022. Previously he served the church as multi-site director and teaching pastor. His heart for ministry is rooted in helping people encounter the transforming power of Jesus Christ. He is committed to communicating the truth of Scripture in a way that is dynamic, engaging, and practical for everyday life. Conerly holds degrees from the University of Mississippi and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Evan Lenow, ERLC report Evan Lenow is President and CEO of the SBC’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commisson. He leads the Convention’s ministry representing Baptist beliefs in the public square and in Washington. Under his leadership, the ERLC is renewing its ministry by resourcing local churches for pro-life and other ethical issues. Lenow served as professor at Mississippi College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees from Southeastern. Lenow was elected to head ERLC while Scott Foshie was serving as chair of the ERLC Trustees.
CHITWOOD
CONERLY
DAVIS
IORG
LENOW
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Doug Munton, IBSA President’s Address Doug Munton has been pastor of First Baptist Church O’Fallon since 1995. Currently, he is concluding a second one-year term as President of the Illinois Baptist State Association and served previously as 1st Vice President of the SBC. Munton graduated from Wheaton College and earned both M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has authored four books. Sandy Wisdom-Martin, WMU, keynote Sandy Wisdom-Martin is Executive DirectorTreasurer for Woman’s Missionary Union, an auxiliary to the SBC that promotes missions education and support. She is retiring in January after 10 years in that role. An Illinois native, she has served on convention staffs in Illinois, Arkansas, and Texas. She holds degrees in social work from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
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‘Send Illinois’ targets entire state
IBSA, NAMB reach new agreement on church planting, evangelism Late this summer, two churches were launched outside the two major urban centers of Illinois. One was in Athens, the other in Carbondale. They are representative of a new church planting initiative that gives the North American Mission Board (NAMB) a larger footprint in planting statewide. No longer confined to Send Chicago or Send St. Louis (which included Metro East), it now includes Send Illinois. “This new partnership will bring our goals and ministries for church planting, evangelism, revitalization support for existing churches, and support for Illinois’ Hispanic churches into greater alignment,” said Scott Foshie. The agreement typifies partnerships signed in the new IBSA Executive Director’s early days in office. “We are asking God to use this partnership to support Illinois Baptist churches to grow our church planting rate from 10 new churches to at least 30 annually in the coming years,” Foshie said. “What excites me most is the opportunity to strengthen something that’s already been years in the making,” NAMB President Kevin Ezell said. “Pastoring in Illinois early in my ministry gave me a great love for the people there, but it also opened my eyes to how much need there still is for evangelistic churches in the state,” said Ezell, former pastor of First Baptist Church of Marion. “I saw firsthand what
faithful Illinois Baptists are already doing, and I’ve always believed that with more support, that work could multiply. So this isn’t theoretical to me. It’s personal.” Midwest models There were 27 “Send Cities” when the urban centers focus in the northern U.S. was launched with New York in 2011, quickly growing to 32. Chicago and St. Louis were among them. The extra attention and resources for church planting was successful in many major metropolitan areas outside the Deep South. The SBC’s domestic mission-sending board initially concentrated on church planting, and less so on compassion ministries, even in places where it had a long history of homeless shelters and multihousing outreach. Then in 2020, NAMB partnered with the International Mission Board (IMB) to fund Send Relief, incorporating Disaster Relief coordination. And NAMB expanded compassion work, such as the Send Network Ministry Center in Chicago, now housed in the building formerly owned by the Chicago Metro Baptist Association (today called Chicagoland Baptists). And in places where the combination of planting, compassion, and evangelism strategies worked, Send Cities became Send states. In the Great Lakes region, Send Ohio and Send Michigan are frequently cited as states where the expansion worked well. Send Chicago was slower to gain traction. There were several restarts over a decade. Other Send Cities (not yet “send states”) surpassed Chicago in church planting. The Chicagoland team, now led by Wheaton’s Gospelife Church Pastor Scott Nichols and NAMB Church Planting Catalyst John Yi, is on its feet. Send Network’s Ryan Jones is head. He is responsible for Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and now Illinois. Hiring an additional Send Network catalyst in Chicago is a top priority, he said.
The Send Network operation in Metro St. Louis gained greater traction early on. Founding pastor of August Gate Church Noah Oldham quickly emerged as a model planter, then part-time facilitator and leader for church planters in Metro East. Oldham now works for NAMB at its headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia, as Vice President of Operations for Send Network. In terms of Illinois’ planting potential, Ezell agrees with possible comparisons with Ohio. “Since our Send Network agreement started there in 2021, the number of church plants has been consistently higher annually compared to how things were tracking in the last few years before the agreement. But, Ezell says, “it’s not cookie cutter.” “As our Send Network team works closely with IBSA, we will learn the specific and unique needs throughout Illinois. Some of what we have seen work in other states will work well in Illinois, I’m sure.” Keys to success Key to the future success of the IBSA/NAMB partnership will be the “partner” part. IBSA intends to stay fully engaged—with NAMB—and in relationships with new planters and their churches. “Just because NAMB will be leading the way in Church Planting through this new partnership doesn’t mean IBSA is outsourcing it!” Foshie told the Illinois Baptist. “We plan to be deeply involved in building relationships and providing care for our planters from their first day of service.”
Many partners sharing one vision With Illinois Baptist women
With Hispanic pastors
With local association leaders
IBSAANNUALMEETING.ORG
IBSA can point to its relationship with SALT church in helping the Iowa-based ministry launch near the campus of Illinois State University in Bloomington four years ago. And more recently, Marshall Baptist Church has begun planting an “H20 Church” as its pastor, outgoing IBSA Board Chair Paul Cooper has teamed with the growing collegiate church group based in Ohio to plant a church serving Indiana State University in Terre Haute. In both cases, these churches have affiliated with IBSA and become state network ministry partners. As for future Send Network churches, “these planters, we pray, are going to be valued pastors in our IBSA family for many years to come,” Foshie said. Also key to success will be feeding the planter pipeline. Leaders in the movement have often said they had more funds than potential planters or the relational ability to support them. “This agreement means more resources, more training, and more care will be available to the men God is calling to plant (in Illinois),” Ezell said. Cultivating relationships with “sending churches” in Deep South states (such as Tennessee) can put more planters on the field in Illinois. So can calling out men from downstate Illinois who may not know yet that they’re called. Indigenous planters in Metro East and Chicagoland have better records for longevity at this time. NAMB’s work with “Assessment Retreats” regularly helps potential planters, both local and out-of-state, determine if they are right for church planting—and for Illinois. Full circle Back to those two new Illinois churches: Chance Newingham is planting Gospel Community Church in Athens. His home congregation, Delta Church in Springfield, helped them get started. So did Send Network. And Cobden native and Southern Illinois University (SIU) grad, Jacob Clutts, and his wife, Mary, were sent and supported from their church in Henderson, Kentucky to plant a new church in Carbondale. Exodus Church launched near SIU, with the confluence of highways and Carbondale’s recent history as an abortion destination. Exodus Church is also a Send Network church, starting with assistance from NAMB. Both are examples of what can become Send Illinois. ─Eric Reed
With IMB & new state convention leaders
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Building bridges, making partners It’s said that an organization invariably takes on the personality and values of its top leader. Several new partnerships and a growing spirit of collaboration are proving the saying true as Scott Foshie moves past the six month mark in full leadership as IBSA Executive Director. During his words to the IBSA Board at their September 15 meeting, Foshie reiterated his three key priorities: pastoral posture, relational depth, and diligent executive leadership. Through the winter and spring, Foshie set out on a listening tour of the state, working through local Baptist associations to connect with as many pastors and churches as possible. His goal wasn’t to deliver a message or share his vision—it was to connect, listen, and learn. Foshie made it clear he believes that relationship needs to be the driver at all levels of the Southern Baptist ecosystem. “I think God has called Southern Baptists to come together in the way that we have, and we need to cultivate those relationships of cooperation. More relationship helps with that,” he told the Illinois Baptist after his election. “If we just talk at one another instead of with one another, there’s a problem. We need to spend more time together as brothers and sisters.” Words like partnership, cooperation, and together commonly sprinkle his conversations, as well as his weekly “Friday with Foshie” videos that highlight his traveling connections with churches or associations in Illinois, or simply “brag on” churches who have celebrated baptisms, outreaches, or milestones. “When I walk into a church or a group of pastors, I don’t have to tell them what’s happening in the state—they already know,” he said. “They text me back after they watch the videos.” Foshie’s affinity for building relationships is not only about a love for people. It also comes from a belief that God desires autonomous churches to work together to accomplish more for Jesus’s Kingdom than they could do on their own.
Relationships are the driver in our SBC ecosystem. This relational depth is leading to new strategic partnerships outside of Illinois, specifically with NAMB, IMB, and Tennessee Baptists. These partnerships reinforce long-held commitments to the Cooperative Program as the best missions investment Illinois Baptist churches can make. But they also signal that Illinois is a worthy mission field, and IBSA desires partners to help reach its mission field, beginning with those in the Southern Baptist family. This is not new. It’s found in the formation of the Cooperative Program 100 years ago, at the core of the formation of IBSA in 1907, and in the voluntary connections that formed wave after wave of local Baptist associations in the 18th and 19th Centuries. And it’s biblical, uniting the churches of Asia Minor through Paul’s circular letters and their missions giving. The spirit of partnership is found in God’s Word. “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” ─Ben Jones
October 01, 2026
resolutions The IBSA Resolutions and Christian Life Committee will bring four resolutions for messengers’ consideration. The full text will be printed in the Book of Reports. Here is a brief summary.
On the host church This resolution asks for God’s blessing on Metro Community Church, saying “Pastor Seth Conerly along with the staff and members…have reflected the cooperative spirit of the IBSA family by giving of their time, resources, and facilities; and…the church has worked so tirelessly…to ensure a successful and profitable annual meeting.”
On Sandy Wisdom-Martin This resolution recalls the invaluable contributions of the mission advocate from Illinois on her retirement as head of National Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU). It lists a few of her many achievements, including “during her tenure she has helped raise more than $513.5 million for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering and more than $1.4 billion for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering” while guiding the auxiliary through a season of challenges and refocus.
On ending chemical abortion This resolution reviews the current widespread availability of drugs to terminate pregnancy. The resolution says in part “women are often denied full, truthful, and compassionate information about chemical abortion, which is increasingly administered through impersonal and unsafe means like telehealth and mail-order services—methods that can easily be misused or abused—while shield laws in some states enable the mailing of these drugs into states with abortion restrictions, undermining both the rule of law and the protection of unborn life.” It calls on the church to defend both mothers and unborn children.
On ‘Original Commitments’ This resolution cites some of the Association’s founding statements, then, at the beginning of a new administration, encourages “Illinois Baptists look to the new leadership for their direction in cooperative mission moving forward, trusting their God-given calling to these new positions… and focus on the lostness surrounding us in the state of Illinois and allow this to reignite in our hearts a passion for the lost and a renewed commitment to the gospel.”
Resolutions
Vote to rescind urged on constitutional amendment
A second reading on changes to the IBSA Constitution will be presented, however, messengers will be urged to vote against it. Chair of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Jared French, reported, “Legal counsel helped us see that the language in the second reading does not actually accomplish our intentions, and in fact, it could add confusion about how IBSA ministries relate. Taking a strategic pause in revising our documents will ensure the Constitution Committee has time to work with legal counsel to present the most accurate and functional bylaws in upcoming years.” In the Book of Reports, the language in red will be the portion messengers are urged to rescind. It involves 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. After their meetings in March and August, the Constitution Committee recommends that messengers vote to rescind all language up for second reading in all documents this year.
Churches to join IBSA When messengers meet at the IBSA Annual Meeting in November, they will be asked to vote on inclusion of new congregations in the state association. A broad swath of Illinois geography and ethnicity is represented. Churches include Vietnamese, Romanian, Spanish, Korean, and Japanese, congregations in many counties, plus one in bordering Indiana. The Credentials Committee has vetted the following nominees, and will bring the recommendation. Other churches are in process. Their names may be brought to messengers during the meeting. ● Agape International Ministries, Lynwood ● Bethel Romanian Baptist Church, Park Ridge ● Community Baptist Church of Montgomery ● Cross of Christ Fellowship, Naperville ● Exodus Church of Carbondale ● Harvest Worship Center Ministries, Chicago ● H2O Church, Terra Haute, Indiana ● Japanese Christ Church, Schaumburg ● Living Water Christian Church, Franklin Grove ● Savoy Cornerstone Korean Church, Savoy ● Shepherd’s Gate, Peoria
IBSA ANNUAL MEETING
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Let’s bring goodies for campus ministry.
Supplies for college care packages With a renewed focus on the next generation for the Mission Illinois Offering, IBSA invites you to share the love of Christ by blessing college students. “Collegiate care packages are a way that we get to love the 650,000 college students throughout Illinois while they prepare for finals,” explained Daniel Good, IBSA’s Collegiate Ministry Catalyst. “These packages will open doors for the local churches that distribute them to meet and minister to students during one of their most high-stress times of year.” Contributions for the care packages can be most anything from snacks, soda, personal care products, and $10 gift cards. Please bring donations to the IBSA Annual Meeting. Look for the donation spot in the exhibit hall at Metro Community Church.
12 IBSA ANNUAL MEETING
IBSAANNUALMEETING.ORG
Plan your growth opportunities
Choose two breakout sessions to sharpen your leadership skills The Annual Meeting isn’t just worship, preaching, and business. Participants also have opportunity to grow their ministry skills and have ministry questions answered. The second day of the meeting will again feature two time slots for breakout trainings. Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. offers nine options covering ministry topics including Sunday school and small groups, worship leadership, Next Generation ministries, Illinois missions, global missions, and soul care. The 10:30 a.m. session offers 9 trainings encompassing evangelism, longevity in leadership, raising up leaders, child protection, financial stewardship, compassion ministries, worship, and more. Breakout ministry trainings were first introduced to the 2024 Annual Meeting as part of a streamlined two-day conference schedule. Illinois Baptists have responded enthusiastically to the expert teaching that sharpens ministry skills. Here’s the list. More info on speakers is available at IBSAAnnualmeeting.org/ breakouts.
Wednesday | 8:45 a.m. From Drift to Discipleship –
Re-engage women through connection and discipleship. Jill Finley, Director of Women’s Ministry/Director of Administration
Wednesday | 9:00 a.m. How to Have Local Impact
Create gospel momentum within your community. Eric Marquez, Associational Mission Strategist
Partnering with the International Mission Board
Connect your church with global missionaries. Lane Jones and Chris Martin, IMB staff
You Can’t Lead Alone
Build and sustain effective worship teams. Jason “Bubba” Stewart, Worship & Music Ministry Consultant
Designing the Handoff: The Healthy Transition Between Kids and Student Ministry Strengthen transitions between children and student ministries. Matt Flanagan, Children & Student Ministry Consultant
Women’s connections And a preview of IBSA ministries
Women who would like a preview of 2027 ministry opportunities can get an insider’s look by arriving early for Wednesday’s breakouts. Starting at 8:45 a.m., Carmen Halsey-Menghini will host a sampler update on what’s happening in the Illinois Baptist Women community. For attendees, “there’s a special takeaway waiting for you,” Halsey-Menghini said, one of IBSA’s Discipleship Directors. Her presentation will be followed by the breakout “From Drift to Discipleship: Practical Tips to Re-engage Women in the Local Church.” Leading the session will be Jill Finley, Director of Women’s Ministry and Director of Administration at Bethel Baptist Church in Troy. Finley’s breakout will discuss how women don’t always make a conscious decision to disengage from church life. Often, life transitions, busy schedules, and a lack of meaningful connection can gradually lead to drift. Participants will explore why women may be disconnecting and hear practical strategies for strengthening relationships, increasing Bible engagement, and creating discipleship environments where women feel known, connected, and challenged to grow.
Shepherding the Shepherd: Caring for Your Soul in Ministry
No Sweat Evangelism
Bringing Jesus into the Conversation
Endurance: Leading for the Long Haul
Cultivate healthy, sustainable ministry soul care. Jared Pryer, LCPC, Pathways Counseling Therapist
Start natural and effective gospel conversations. Dr. Jeff Iorg, SBC Executive Director
Tune Up Your Teaching: Practical Ways to go from Good to Great How to sharpen your teachers. Ken Braddy, Lifeway
Tune-up time
Evaluating your worship Robert Ward, Redemption Church, Johnston City; John Odle, Immanuel, Benton
Beyond the Campus: Every Church’s Role in Reaching College Students Equip churches to reach college students. Daniel Good, IBSA Collegiate Ministry Catalyst
Disaster Relief 101
Learn disaster relief ministry fundamentals. Glen & Sharon Carty, Disaster Relief Training Coordinators
Wednesday | 10:30 a.m. Share your faith with greater confidence. Mark Emerson, IBSA Associate Executive Director
Develop habits for lasting leadership. Dr. Jeff Iorg, SBC Executive Director
Small Church, Strong Worship: Leading Well with What You Have
Lead meaningful worship with limited resources. Jason “Bubba” Stewart, Worship & Music Ministry Consultant
One Minister, Many Hats: How to Manage Multiple Roles
Manage multiple ministry responsibilities effectively. Matt Flanagan, Children & Student Ministry Consultant
Calling Out the Called – Raising Up the Next Generation of Ministry Leaders Identify and mentor future ministry leaders. Rob Millman, Follow the Call Ministries
The Great Commission and Child Protection: Why it Matters
Build effective child protection ministry programs. Jeff Dalrymple, Director of Abuse Prevention & Response
You Can’t Take it With You, But You Can Send it Ahead! Apply biblical stewardship and estate planning. Doug Morrow, BFI Executive Director
What is Compassion Ministry and How Do We Identify Needs
Assess community needs for gospel-centered compassion. Q Mahmud, Director Send Relief, Chicago
Meant for the Mission
Discover your unique role in God’s mission. Sandy Wisdom Martin, WMU Executive Director
How to Ask Great Questions and Lead Engaging Discussion Use questions to deepen Bible discussions. Ken Braddy, Lifeway Director of Sunday School & Strategic Partnerships
For your calendar
During the Annual Meeting, messengers will have opportunity to attend a variety of ancillary gatherings. If one of these is especially for you, mark your calendar.
Evangelism Dinner
This year’s Evangelism Dinner will take place on Tuesday, November 3 starting at 4:45 p.m. at Metro Community Church. SBC Executive Committee President, Dr. Jeff Iorg will challenge those in attendance to take the gospel to the millions across Illinois who haven’t heard and responded to the good news of Jesus. The event is open for anyone who wants to enjoy fellowship, encouragement, and renew their passion for reaching the lost. However, preregistration is required and is limited to 100 people.
Hispanic Pastors & Leaders BBQ Lunch
This meal will take place Wednesday, November 4 at 11:45 a.m. at Metro Community Church. Hispanic pastors and ministry leaders are invited to connect, encourage one another, and discuss how to practically mobilize Hispanic churches to engage their cities and communities with the gospel. Preregistration is required.
Disaster Relief Dinner
The Disaster Relief Dinner will take place on Tuesday, November 3 starting at 4:45 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Edwardsville. Come and meet Mike Young, IBSA Mission Director, who rejoined the team in August. And celebrate the men and women who have served this year. Those already serving on Disaster Relief and anyone interested in joining is invited to attend the dinner. Pre-registration is required. Young will speak about the past, present, and future of Disaster Relief in Illinois, including his plans to regrow the volunteer numbers to pre-Covid numbers.
Sandy’s Dessert Reception
Sandy Wisdom-Martin will be honored during a Dessert Reception on Tuesday, November 3 starting at 8:30 p.m. at Metro Community Church’s foyer. Everyone is welcome to celebrate her, without registration. See more on page 5.
YOUR FIELD OF STUDY. HIS MISSION. The Tom Elliff Center for Missions equips OBU students to take the gospel to nations, regardless of their field of study. Mission Fellowships. Mission Forums. Mission Fields.
Visit our exhibit at the IBSA Convention November 3 - 4
Tom Elliff Center for Missions okbu.edu/elliff-center
REAL VALUE. REAL COMMUNITY. SBUniv.edu
EQUIPPING
ENCOURAGEMENT
CONNECTION
RESOURCES
www. BSCLN .net
Accurate. Readable. Shareable. That’s the Christian Standard Bible®. lifeway.com/csb
October 01, 2026
IBSA ANNUAL MEETING
Schedule highlights Tuesday, November 4 12:00 p.m. Registration / Exhibit Hall opens 1:55 p.m. 2:15 2:25 2:30 2:40 3:25 3:35 3:40 4:10 4:45
Session 1 Worship Call to Order Credentials Committee Report 1 Adoption of Program Entity Reports (IBSA, BCHFS, BFI) Election of President/ Recording Secretary Worship Annual Sermon - Seth Conerly Announcements/ Closing Prayer Meal Events IBDR Appreciation Dinner Evangelism Dinner
6:30 p.m. 6:45 7:00 7:15 7:30 7:35 7:45 8:25 8:30
Session 2 Worship Partnership Message - NAMB Credentials Committee Report 2 Installation of Exec. Director Scott Foshie Worship Partners for the Gospel - TBMB Keynote - Sandy Wisdom-Martin Announcements/Closing Prayer Dessert Reception Honoring Sandy Wisdom-Martin – Foyer
Wednesday, November 5 7:30 a.m. Association Leaders Breakfast
8:45 a.m. 9:00 10:30 11:45
Breakout Sessions Women’s ministry breakout Breakout session 1 Breakout session 2 Lunch Events Hispanic Leaders Lunch Resolutions Committee Lunch
1:45 p.m. 2:05 2:10 2:35 3:00 3:10 3:25 3:35 4:05
6:15 p.m. 6:30 6:35 6:45 7:00 7:30 7:45
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Session 3 Worship Call to Order Partnership Message - SBC EC IBSA Committee Reports Miscellaneous Business Partnership Message – ERLC Worship President’s Message - Doug Munton Announcements/Closing Prayer
Session 4 Worship Call to Order/Announcements Election of Vice President/ Assistant Recording Secretary Partnership Message – IMB missionaries Keynote - Paul Chitwood, IMB Special Recognitions Closing
Let’s talk
Easy dinner plans
Meet with our teams about fueling your church’s growth
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If your Sunday school feels stuck, IBSA’s Sunday School Blueprint can help. Discover biblical strategies to reenergize groups, develop new leaders, start new classes, strengthen discipleship, and reach more people in your community. Learn timetested principles built around reaching, teaching, and caring. Connect with your IBSA staff at the Annual Meeting to learn more.
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Try Sugo’s huge, perfectly cooked meatballs, served by themselves or over a bed of classic pasta.
6 *Moussalli’s Prime!
is closest to the church
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Downtown restaurants 1. Sacred Grounds Cafe 2. Foundry Public House 3. Cleveland-Heath 4. Dewey’s Pizza 5. Wasabi Sushi Bar 6. Taqueria Z 7. *Moussalli’s Prime!
Business district 1. Zapp Thai 2. Pantera’s Pizza 3. El Maguey 4. Sugo’s Spaghtteria 5. Oriental Spoon 6. Moussalli’s Prime 7. Chick-fil-A
Other restaurants in the area include: • American Kolache • Chicken Salad Chick • Imo’s Pizza • Peel Wood Fired Pizza • Twisted Biscuit Brunch • Wang Gang
Pastors want their people to share Christ but struggle to find a simple, reproducible approach. “No Sweat Evangelism” offers a practical, biblical method that helps believers overcome fear and confidently share the gospel in everyday conversations. Make plans to speak with your IBSA staff at the Annual Meeting to learn how they can help equip your church to spread the Gospel.