August 18, 2014 Illinois Baptist

The high cost of following the Nazarene

IB Insider

Briefing: 5 important global stories page 2

Chicago planters: A week in the life page 4

The 4-14 window: Our best Gospel opportunity page 7

On the new release wall page 12

Are you really ready to worship? page 15

Square zucchini page 16

News and updates

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An unfamiliar symbol began showing up on social media pages late last month The curved line under a single dot is the Arabic letter “Nun,” reportedly used by militants in Iraq to mark the homes of Christians in the country

“Nun” stands for Nazarene, or Jesus

Extremists with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have forced Christians from their homes under threat of death The Iraqi believers and other religious minorities joined millions of Syrian refugees already displaced by civil war In a region rich with Christian history, many have noted, very little evidence of Christianity is left

The onslaught of persecution this summer has awakened many in the Western church to the needs of Christians around the world Many pastors and Christian organizations in July changed their Twitter avatars and Facebook profile photos to include the letter “Nun ”

They also used the hashtag #WeAreN as a show of solidarity with the persecuted believers

“The Islamic militants mean it for evil when they mark homes with ‘N’ for ‘Nazarene,’” wrote Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission “They as-

the Arabic letter “Nun” in their social media presence to show solidarity with persecuted Christians in the Middle East

sume it’s an insult, an emblem of shame Others once thought that of the cross

“But in that intended slight, we are reminded of who we are, and why we belong to one another, across the barriers of space and time and language and nationality We are Christians We are citizens of the New Jerusalem We are Nazarenes all ”

In Iraq, “There are no Christians left in Mosul ”

That’s how religious freedom advocate Nina Shea described conditions in Iraq’s second largest city in July

Shea, director of the Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom, told CBN News that Islamic militants have eradicated virtually every trace of

Continued on page 2

Community planting

ChicaGO

By Meredith Flynn

C h i c a g o | It’s unseasonably cool on this Monday morning in July, as a group of teenagers assembles in the courtyard of a north side school

They cross their jacketed arms to stay warm, and pull on work gloves while church planter Dave Andreson lays out the plan for the day. The team will clear out the flowerbeds

and raise the tree canopy drooping down over the cars parked in front of Carl Von Linne Elementary

The volunteers are here for IBSA’s first-ever ChicaGO Week a chance for junior high and high school students to see up-close what church planting really looks like Today, it looks like landscaping

Continued on page 11

The statewide mission offering and prayer emphasis is coming soon in September:

– Look for the kit in your church’s mailbox

– Download materials at IBSA org/MIO

– Preview stories, videos and mission study planning tips in our special section on pages 7-10

WHITE HOUSE RALLY – Rob Schenck (front, red scarf), president of Faith in Action and the National Clergy Council, prays Aug 7 for the Yazidis (also spelled Yezidis) and Christians suffering in Iraq (IMB photo) In July, Christians and ministries incorporated

Christians around the world face heightened persecution

Americans called to pray for persecuted church

Continued from page 1

Bae’s family pleas for release

Kenneth Bae, an American Christian imprisoned in North Korea since 2012, feels “abandoned” by the U S government, a pro-North Korea newspaper reported in July Bae was arrested in 2012 for “hostile acts” against the government and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor

“With Kenneth’s health continuing to deteriorate, we cannot afford to wait any longer,” Bae’s family said in a statement “Please do whatever it takes to bring Kenneth home It is long past time This is our desperate plea ” Bae, who had organized several tours to North Korea prior to his arrest, has been referred to as a missionary in some of the news coverage about his imprisonment

Ibrahim freed, returns to U.S.

Meriam Ibrahim arrived in New Hampshire with her husband and children on July 31, after several months of imprisonment in Sudan The 27-year-old who refused to recant her Christian faith was convicted of apostasy, sentenced to death, and forced to give birth in prison with her legs in chains Her baby, Maya, survived, but it’s unknown what effects the circumstances might have on her future. “I don’t know in the future whether she’ll need support to walk or not,” Ibrahim told CNN

Abedini’s children speak out

The family of Pastor Saeed Abedini released a video from his children in August, asking President Obama to help bring their dad home “I don’t want him to miss another birthday or Christmas or Father ’s Day,” says Jacob Abedini “Please help bring him home,” adds his sister, Rebekka Abedini, an American citizen, has been held captive in Iran since 2012

Sudan famine ‘worst in the world’

The food shortage in South Sudan is now the worst such situation in the world, the United Nations Security Council said in July Tim Cearley, a senior International Mission Board strategy leader, said missions personnel must balance meeting physical needs and meeting spiritual needs “Pray that the South Sudanese followers of Jesus would be faithful to share their faith and ready to show His love as the church tries to respond to the hunger that will come ”

Leaders see hope at border

In July, Southern Baptist leaders visited facilities on the U S /Mexico border helping the tens of thousands of unaccompanied children detained while trying to cross into the United States

“I was struck as we were walking through the facility with two things: a sense of fear and a sense of hope,” said Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission “A sense of fear when I asked the kids why they made the trek up to the United States. And a sense of hope: I saw many crosses and Bibles Many people are desperately hoping for an end to the violence where they come from ”

Christianity from Mosul, the center of Iraq’s Christian community for 2,000 years Mosul is located on the site of the ancient city of Nineveh

In June, militants with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) extended an offer to let Christians in Mosul practice their Christian faith behind closed doors, after they paid a hefty tax and agreed not to proselytize However, multiple sources in the region said that offer was later withdrawn and all Christians were told to leave or face execution

Members of Assyrian Christian and Chaldean Catholic groups left empty handed, Shea said Militants confiscated all of their possessions, including homes, cars, clothes “and even their wedding rings, sometimes with the finger attached if it would not come off ”

Christians aren’t the only religious minority targeted by ISIS. On August 3, militants seized the city of Sinjar, forcing the Yazidi Kurdish population to flee Many escaped to the nearby Sinjar Mountains, a barren heap of rock where daytime temperatures can top 120 degrees

More than 150 Yazidi immigrants rallied in front of the north lawn of the White House August 7 to plead for American involvement in the growing crisis (President Obama announced that evening he had authorized military airstrikes on Iraq ) The protestors came from across the U S to rally on behalf of the Yazidis, who do not practice Islam but instead follow an ancient religion ISIS equates to “devil worship ”

Christians and religious minorities in other nations also

have faced recent persecution due to war and religious hostilities:

Syria: The recently released International Religious Freedom Report included a daunting sentence about the country that shares Iraq’s northwestern border: “In Syria, as in much of the Middle East, the Christian presence is becoming a shadow of its former self.”

A three-year-old civil war has resulted in millions of refugees and increasingly persecuted religious minorities, including Christians caught between the regime currently in power and militants fighting against it The report, released annually by the U S State Department as a picture of the state of international religious freedom the previous year, found that in the city of Homs, only 1,000 Christians remain There were approximately 160,000 Christians there before the war

Nigeria: Approximately 1,505 Nigerian Christians have been killed for their faith this year, as the Boko Haram terrorist group and other extremists continue their campaign of religionbased violence in the West African nation Boko Haram and other groups have killed nearly as many Nigerian Christians in the first seven months of this year as were killed in all

of 2013, the advocacy group Jubilee Campaign reported July 29 Christians killed to date include seven fathers of the 223 Chibok school girls still missing after Boko Haram kidnapped more than 300 students in mid-April (Boko Haram is dedicated to fighting the influence of Western education ) The fathers were killed July 20 when Boko Haram attacked the city of Damboa and hoisted their flag there, the Associated Press reported

Response from the West

David Curry is president and CEO of Open Doors USA, which offers assistance to persecuted Christians around the world and lobbies repressive governments to cease religious persecution In July, he called the plight of Christians in Mosul and the remainder of northern Iraq “unprecedented in modern times ”

“This latest forced exodus of Christians further shows why Western governments and the people in the West need to cry out in support for religious freedom in the Middle East and elsewhere,” Curry said in a statement “If this does not

Continued on page 3

LEAVING HOME – Syrian refugees cross the border into Jordan IMB photo by Jedediah Smith

Continued from page 2

move us concerning the near extinction of Christianity in the Middle East, it’s likely nothing else can ”

Since the United States invaded Iraq in 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein, nearly one million Christians have fled the country for safer surroundings

In an August editorial for The Christian Post, Curry expressed doubt that the persecution of Christians would ever be treated as “a major humanitarian crisis” by governments and secular media. “However, we should be able to count on our own family,” he wrote

ILLINOIS BAPTIST

“The persecution of Jesus followers should be preached from every pulpit and prayed for at every kitchen table One day soon it may be your faith that is under attack and you will be hoping that others will be praying for you or even notice that it is happening ”

The International Mission Board and its ministry partner Baptist Global Response are coordinating relief efforts among Iraqi refugees For more information about how to help, go to www IMB org

From Baptist Press and IMB reports

Pew Research measured the percentage of countries in each world region where religious groups were harassed for their faith, including Christians (numbers below):

Scripture’s encouragement for the persecuted church

As a missionary with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board, I served among people groups in which genuine Christ-followers made up a very low percentage of the population, and where governments did not support evangelical churches or the public proclamation of the gospel The level of persecution, while not extremely severe, was certainly more intense than what the majority of evangelical churches in America are facing Still, it doesn’t take much of a spiritual barometer to sense the cultural storm building towards those who preach and apply Scriptural standards

At a recent meeting of pastors and Christian leaders in our area, we discussed how many politicians and governing bodies in our nation and state are taking a strong stance against Christian values – such as biblical marriage The pastors and ministry leaders did not express fear or panic at the awareness of growing persecution, but there was concern that we must be better prepared to respond correctly to mounting attack

darker in our society, but if we are “blameless and innocent” we have the opportunity to “shine as lights” (Phil 2:14-15) The distinctions of our Christian worldview, values and morals certainly draw attack, yet this persecution will result in a purer church God does his best work through clean vessels

In seasons of persecution, it is vital that genuine believers and true churches draw closer together and be in partnership (Phil 1:6) Persecution will sadly reveal that the majority of members on church rolls are phony professors Likewise, persecution will expose the startling number of false prophets currently serving as church leaders

When it costs everything to follow Christ, many will deny the gospel and join the ranks in assailing the saints As church attendance wanes and income falls, it will be imperative to pool our resources and draw encouragement from one another

30

In countries, heads of state must have a particular religious affiliation

Pew Research, 2014

Pew Research, 2014

Authentic followers of Christ Jesus that “desire to live a godly life” will be persecuted for their faith (2 Tim 3:12) Since the New Testament was written to believers and local churches in a sensual society similar to that of modern America, we can appreciate the relevance of the Word in an era of mounting persecution:

First, we should be prepared Jesus forewarned of persecution by saying that his disciples would be “delivered up” by their relatives and close friends (Luke 21:12-16). So, let us “not be surprised” at the fiery trials that come our way, and we should “rejoice and be glad” to suffer for the name of Christ (1 Peter 4:12-16)

As Christians facing inevitable persecution, we also should be prayerful. Our human nature is to desire revenge and retaliation, but Jesus commands that we “pray for those who persecute you” (Matt 5:44-45)

Remember that the weapons at our disposal are “not of the world” (2 Cor 10:4) Trials develop spiritual maturity in intercession Suffering for the faith increases our empathy and specifies our prayer

Christ has set us free; and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” —GALATIANS 5:1—

It is important that we be proactive. We need to sharpen our skills in strategically and fearlessly going on the offense with the gospel Churches are feeling threatened by the rapidly changing culture There will be a temptation for churches to react with a “fort” mentality and seek safety behind closed doors

However, similar to the Christians in pagan Rome, we must take the initiative in “blessing those who persecute you” (Rom 12:14) Just like the Father sent the Son into the world, we are sent into the world as salt and light (John 17:18; Matt 5:13-16)

As children of God, we are to be pure. Granted, wickedness is getting

An average of at least Christians are killed every month because of their faith – Open Doors USA, 2013

180

of Middle Eastern and North African countries criminalize blasphemy, and criminalize apostasy

70% 60%

Pew Research, 2012

May we Christians also be positive. The apocalyptic literature in the Bible is there to encourage us Read it and rejoice because God wins in the end! Jesus actually said we are considered “blessed” to be persecuted and that you will receive the “kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:10-11) Even if we “suffer for righteousness’ sake” we should not be fearful or troubled as we positively defend our hope with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:14-15)

Finally, we should persevere in the surpassing power of our Savior If we remain “steadfast under trial” and “faithful unto death” we will receive the “crown of life” (James 1:12; Rev 2:10) As Paul wrote, “When persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat” (1 Cor. 4:11-13).

The first waves of persecution are only beginning to wash across our country Even though the price of proclaiming truth will prove enormous, may we go with our Savior “outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured” (Heb 13:12-15)

Chip Faulkner is pastor of First Baptist Church in Bethalto, and chairman of the IBSA Board of Directors

Chip Faulkner

Nate Adams

A week in the life of Chicago church planters

ast month IBSA hosted a pilot mission project at Judson University in Elgin, one that linked student groups from all over Illinois with church planters in Chicago. We called the experience “ChicaGO,” and welcomed to it over 60 students from 11 IBSA churches For a couple of the days, the IBSA AllState Youth Choir joined us, bringing our total to over 100 that helped a half dozen church planters

After leading a brief devotion with the larger group each morning, I was able to follow individual groups to their work sites Here’s a brief journal of what I saw:

It’s Monday, and I pull in to Transformation Church in South Chicago Heights. Alex Bell is the planter of this restart in a church building that has been there for years The property had been somewhat neglected under the previous, older congregation, and Alex has the students hard at work sprucing up the grounds for their first outreach Vacation Bible Schoo

Alex is cutting down small tr I join in with a group hau branches to the curb The bu IBSA All-State Youth Choir pulls in, and I walk over to i

Alex and listen as he hop aboard and quickly gives the new arrivals their instructions I’m impressed with his concise, passionate

orientation to their mission field, and the people’s most pressing needs there

He tells the students that, for today, they are missionaries from his church out into its community, and asks them to represent them well He sends them out with invitations to Vacation Bible School, and asks them to pray as they deliver them, and to return with any prayer requests they discover

It’s Tuesday, and I follow a group out to the Avondale neighborhood, where Dave Andreson is the planter There is no church building, except the rented flat where Dave and his wife and their toddler and baby live

After orienting the group to his mission field, he leads us down the street three blocks to the school where he is seeking to build relationships Politics and budget shortages have kept the school grounds from receiving any major maintenance for three years

We cut tree branches so the school’s sign can be en We pull weeds from the cracked asphalt playound We trim bushes and drag away debris

The Gospel is urgently needed in the city’s 77 neighborhoods, and in more than 200 towns and communities surrounding it

Reporter’s Notebook

A recent visit with exchange students was like a crash course in geopolitics

“This group doesn’t get along with these people,” they explained before a dinner of sloppy joes Our new friends, both from former Soviet republics, told us about the precarious dynamics in their homelands

“That’s a closed border ”

Giving by IBSA churches as of 8/8/14:

Budget Goal: $3,934,615

Received to date in 2013: $3,887,969

“They’re extremists ”

Their voices were matter-of-fact, unflinching about the hostilities that are, for them, the way things have always been.

It’s hard to imagine being so used to war in your own country On the other side of the world, however, it’s too easy to adopt that kind of nonchalance

Take the recent rash of violent conflict sweeping across the Middle East War, unrest, and religious persecution are such big parts of what we know about the region Many of us are desensitized, disengaged, and even disinterested in who’s fighting who now

staff

Until a tweet or Facebook post puts a face on the issue Or until you remember someone you know like my friends at the dinner table who understands and has possibly experienced this kind of personal war that sends families running for the mountains to escape almost certain death

We all know someone who has been persecuted

It’s Wednesday, and I follow a group out to Garfield Park, a neighborhood second only to Englewood in its annual murder rate Heroic planter Jamie Thompson has been seeking to establish a church there, though it is really an urban ministry center as well They meet in a rented building that used to be a Chicago fire station

Our group is helping Jamie host a weeklong Bible club for the neighborhood’s kids While they clean up from the previous day’s club and get ready for the kids to arrive, Jamie tells me how hard it is to build a church in the midst of violence and poverty, and how hard it is to disciple new Christians when they need jobs and freedom from addiction.

It’s Thursday and I don’t get to visit a work site Instead I help interview a prospective new staff member, to fill a position that’s been vacant for over two years He will help us start new African-American churches in Chicago I leave the interview excited that we’ve finally found the right guy Friday the groups head back home Later we will learn that the Friday night we departed, 11-year-old Shamiya Adams, who attended the Garfield Park Bible Club that week, was shot and killed by a stray bullet that entered her apartment and passed through two rooms to strike her Pastor Jamie tells us she knew Jesus as her Savior.

Nate Adams is executive director of the Illinois Baptist State Association Respond to his column at IllinoisBaptist@IBSA org

SOUND OFF

Jimmy Draper’s encounter with a Chinese Christian informed how the former president of LifeWay Christian Resources thinks about persecution abroad and at home

As militant groups in Iraq continued their assault on religious minorities, including Christians, leaders in the U S urged the western church to remember that. These fellow Christians are our family, Open Doors USA President David Curry wrote this month We ought to “pray fervently” for them, Southern Baptist ethicist Russell Moore said

We all know someone, because we’re family

But when the problems seem distant, how do Christians pray fervently? The International Mission Board is leading the way by including prayer requests at the end of their news articles about the unrest in the Middle East

“Beg the Lord to awaken the world to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Iraq and provide pathways for Christians and others to respond,” they posted after a story on the Yazidi Kurds forced to flee their homes

“Ask God to miraculously protect the Yazidis and other Kurds who fled into the mountains; ask Him to provide a means of rescue and temporary homes for the refugees ”

And for militants with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS): “Pray that ISIS leaders and soldiers would experience the love of Jesus Christ and that their lives would be transformed ”

We all know someone, so let’s pray

The interview was wrapp i n g u p w h e n t h e r e p o r t e r asked a prominent leader in t h e r a p i d l y e x p a n d i n g C h in e s e h o u s e c h u r c h m o v em e n t h o w A m e r i c a n Christians could pray for believers in China

“ S t o p p r a y i n g f o r p e r s e c u t i o n i n C h i n a t o e n d , ” t h e l e a d e r r e s p o n d e d , “ f o r i t i s t h r o u g h persecution that the church has grown ”

What astounding faith he demonstrated My admiration of his faith was quickly tempered by what he said next “In fact, we are praying that the American church might taste the same persecution, so revival would come to the American church like we have seen in China ”

Once I recovered from the shock of such a d i s t u r b i n g y e t p r o f o u n d s t a t e m e n t , I t h o u g h t about the irony We in America keep praying for God to bless us, while persecuted Christians in other nations are praying God will dismantle our arrogance through suffering so that we will become the vibrant and significant blessing God made us to be

R e s e a r c h s h o w s t h a t t h e m a j o r i t y o f “ u n c h u r c h e d ” p e o p l e a r e n o t a n t a g o n i s t i c t oward the church but have simply never heard the Gospel or been invited by a Christian to attend church We’ve mobilized the church to flex i t s p o l i t i c a l m u s c l e , b u t w h e n i s t h e c h u r c h going to flex its missional muscle and become J e s u s t o a s e l f - d e s t r u c t i n g c u l t u r e ? M o r e plainly, when are you going to become Jesus to your next-door neighbor?

We as believers have to make a choice Do we continue on our present trajectory of selfabsorbed arrogance, confined to our self-cont a i n e d l i t t l e w o r l d s a n d r e a p t h e i n e v i t a b l e consequences, or do we humble ourselves and p l e a d w i t h G o d f o r r e v i v a l , a s k i n g H i m t o “strengthen what remains” so that we can be the blessing we were made to be?

When Christians are persecuted, we all know someone

$3,726,023

Voices

The power of praying for other churches

If you attended the Southern Baptist Convention in Baltimore or watched online, you know prayer played a big role in this year ’s annual meeting Messengers spent time praying together in the convention hall, and also adopted a resolution on praying for other churches that are struggling, “so that together we can more effectively reach our neighbors and our nation with the Gospel ”

The resolution was a response to a growing number of churches taking action and praying for local sister churches Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carlinville, Ill , is one such church

Noticing the need for unity among local churches, Emmanuel began praying for sister churches in its local Baptist association on a weekly basis The church prays for three churches and their pastors each week, rotating the list to pray for all 27 churches in the association multiple times each year

Church members and leaders alike began to observe a noticeable, positive impact from this prayer focus Taking note of the cause/effect relationship of the power of praying for local churches, Emmanuel recently expanded its regular prayer list to include two church plants outside of the association.

The church prays a specific, scripted prayer for each church and their pastor each week: for “the physical and spiritual protection of the pastor so that he would deliver the message that God has given them and to lead the people with passion to reach the lost in their community ”

This scripted prayer addresses an eternal need for each church, according to Cliff Woodman, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church: “I wanted it to be a specific prayer that could apply to any church The mission of every church is to reach the lost and make disciples ”

If more Southern Baptist churches take this kind of initiative to pray for each other and unify under the banner of Christ, then communities will come together spiritually and the Kingdom of God will expand as a result, Woodman said, citing Jesus’ words from His high priestly prayer: “I in them and you in me May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:23)

“Let’s ask Harold to lead the new Bible study He’s always wanting to start something ”

How religious are people in Illinois?

Daniel Woodman, an entering freshman journalism major at the University of Missouri, is a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carlinville His column first appeared on Baptist Press as part of the Southern Baptist Convention’s call to prayer

Very religious

Moderately religious

Non-religious

π A slice of life From breakdown to breakthrough

For the last eight years, I have been working in churches that were in need of revitalization, or breakout I know this doesn’t make me an expert, but it has given me field experience In addition, for the last three years I have been intensely studying the condition of the American church and her impact in contemporary culture

I have come across many success stories of pastors who led their church to positive breakout But it seems that for every story of success, there are nine stories of struggle and heartache In all honesty, leading a church to breakout is like trying to climb Mount Everest It’s daunting and extremely difficult

In my last column on Nehemiah, I explained how his breakdown laid the foundation for the breakout of his people But that’s not the end of the story Nehemiah also faced many obstacles in leading the breakout. The king (his boss) had already stopped the rebuilding of the wall years earlier Nehemiah hadn’t led this kind of work before He faced a long, dangerous journey to get to the people, and once he arrived, he met a discouraged people in need of motiva-

tion and organization

Just like Nehemiah, those who want to lead a church to breakout will face a variety of obstacles As leaders, we face obstacles of perceptions, practices, poor theology, and people’s resistance to change For many, the perception is that the church is fine we’re paying the bills and ministries are still running When it comes to practices, over time churches tend to focus on insiders, not outsiders, which can lead to neglecting the building, failing to create hospitable environments, and lacking a defined process for connecting new people

Poor theology also can be an obstacle Without being aware, a congregation can lose their passion for the centrality of Jesus and his gospel, their urgency to call people to repentance and salvation, and their missional posture towards the community and the nations

One of the toughest obstacles is leading people to embrace change I have found many church members want growth (or, at the very least, they don’t mind it), but don’t want things to change In short, leading breakout isn’t easy, especially in light of the various obstacles Nehemiah knew this as well He navigated through the obstacles by way of breakthrough an “aha moment ”

His prayer, starting in Neh 1:4, gives us at least three principles of breakthrough that have implications for our ministry today:

God is the breakthrough power. Immediately after hearing the condition of the people, Nehemiah went to the Lord “Let Your eyes be open and Your ears be attentive to hear Your servant’s prayer,” he says in verse 6 “…I confess the sins we have committed against You ”

39.4% 30.5%

This is paramount for church and denominational leaders to understand, especially given the fact that we live in a self-help culture where there is no shortage of books, conferences, leadership podcasts, and workshops about how churches can breakout from their unhealthy condition While there’s nothing wrong with many of these resources, I have to constantly remind myself that these are supplements to breakout, not the source.

Humility is the breakthrough position Nehemiah’s prayer reflects his understanding of God’s position and power, and that he and Israel are His servants (Neh 1:5, 6,10) Our prayers

should reflect God’s transcendent position in relations to us how great, gracious, awesome, faithful, and powerful he is In addition, our prayers should reflect our humble position to God a position that’s here to serve him and be used by him to do what he has put in our hearts

When it comes to leading our churches to breakout may we never confuse our role with God’s we are simply conduits by which He works to bring his people where He wants them to be

Faithfulness is the breakthrough pattern. In Nehemiah’s prayer, we see that his going to the Father wasn’t a one-time deal; he did this “for days ” Scholars note that four months passed between chapter one and two

Thus, for over four months, Nehemiah faithfully goes to the Lord, humbling and submitting himself to God’s will and leading His continued faithfulness reflects both the seriousness of leading a breakout and his belief that only God could do it

If we desire to lead our churches to breakout, not only must we have a breakdown, but we must have a breakthrough an “aha moment” were we realize God is the only one who can breakthrough the obstacles we face.

Josh Laxton is lead pastor of Western Oaks Baptist Church in Springfield His first column on Nehemiah appeared in the July 28 issue of the Illinois Baptist

Table Talk: Theology, ministry, and things that matter

In leading our churches toward revitalization, may we never confuse our role with God’s.

– From Gallup’s 2013 “State of the States” report; based on how important people said religion is to them, and how often they attend church

Josh Laxton

Daniel Woodman

The BIG Picture All-State Choir on the road again

Most of the people waiting to hear IBSA’s All-State Youth Choir on their annual summer tour knew they were coming But for some diners in fast food restaurants between Illinois and Oklahoma, a concert from the 43-voice choir was unexpected

The “flash mob” performances at Chick-Fil-A and McDonald’s, where the choir broke into song unexpectedly, were opportunities for the young musicians to sing for an audience they wouldn’t encounter otherwise

“Every year when I plan the trip, I pray about opportunities to share with a nonchurched crowd,” said Steve Hamrick, IBSA’s director of worship and music ministries Along with several churches in Illinois and Oklahoma, the choir also performed at a retirement center, a theme park, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial, where park rangers and visitors were moved by their impromptu concert, Hamrick said

The students also engaged in handson mission projects in Oklahoma and in Chicagoland, where they joined IBSA’s ChicaGO Week

“‘Music evangelism’ is mentioned several times throughout the Bible,” Hamrick said “Psalm 96:3 says ‘Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples ”

On tour, “That was what we did ”

SOUND CHECK – Directed by Don Scott of Nicoma Park, Okla , IBSA’s All-State Youth Choir rehearses at FBC Litchfield during their annual summer tour

mission illinois

Offering & Week of Prayer

September 14-21, 2014

How will you encourage support for missions in Illinois?

Please encourage your church to pray and give to support missions through the Illinois Baptist State Association After all, missions in Illinois are our responsibility Churches received the MIO promotion kit in August to begin planning their mission studies and prayer events All the materials can also be downloaded at IBSA org/MIO

2014 Planning Guide and DVD

Special pull-out section for mission studies, prayer events, and the Week of Prayer

The 2014 Mission Study has stories about

Reaching college students

Overcoming the odds

See it happen right before your eyes

September 14-21, 2014

These young artists draw our mission field in 17 seconds

So many Gospel opportunities with young people

It’s called the “4-14 window ” Not that latitude window on the globe where most of the world’s unevangelized people live, this window is about age And research shows it’s the best opportunity for effectively sharing the gospel

Between the ages of four and fourteen, 43% of people who will become Christians make their decision And by age 21, 77% of all Christians will have professed Christ. That leaves only 23% of all adults who will come to Christ after age 21

The pre-teen and teenage years represent our best opportunity to share the gospel with people, while they are young and especially open to a faith relationship with Jesus Christ

By they time they reach adulthood, many young people leave the church After high school or col-

lege, they don’t stick around The number of Americans who claim “none” as their religious affiliation has grown to one-in-five And among young adults, it’s one-inthree

That’s why some strategists say evangelicals should redouble their efforts at reaching young people and their families And that’s why the 2014 Mission Illinois Offering & Week of Prayer focuses on ministry to kids and families. In these articles and videos, we see missions and church planting through their eyes

The Mission Illinois Offering supports IBSA’s work in missions, evangelism, and discipleship much of it involving children Children’s Ministry Day, Missions Spectacular, Super Summer camp for teens, and missions camps are just a few examples And there’s

Youth Encounter and Summer Worship University and All-State Youth Choir and more

And IBSA missionaries and staff help equip local leaders to do ministry in their own mission fields

“When I give through the Mission Illinois Offering, I am giving to the health and strength of local churches right here in Illinois,” said IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams “When churches need help, or training, or simply connection with other churches for missionary purposes, my MIO dollar is there to help the Baptist family work together I want my missions dollar to support the missions effectiveness of local churches ”

The statewide goal this year is $475,000 We can do it together

New rural churches

Getting kids off the streets

And into the word at Christian Activity Center

East St. Louis | Marcus Jefferson was still a preschooler when he found the Christian Activity Center (see Day 3, far right) It’s just down the street from where he lived in East St Louis Navigating past gangs and crime scenes, Marcus ventured every day to the only safe place he knew

“The street in front of us was the Sixth Street Stroll,” CAC Director Chet Cantrell said “It was the center of prostitution, and the tavern it operated out of was right across the street from us In the early days our mission was to keep kids alive, but our mandate was bigger than that We want to help them thrive, so they can be what God intends them to be ”

The tavern eventually closed, and kids flooded the center “I did it for 365 days a year for 15 years in a row,” Marcus said “That’s a hard habit to break, you know ”

a new living situation Marcus finished high school, started college, and later joined the U S Navy

Today, Marcus visits CAC when he’s home on leave The Navy shirt he wears on this day asks, “Got freedom?” Because of their ministry to him, Marcus can truly answer yes

This bustling, noisy, raucous hive is still home to him, although he says, “this place has changed a lot ” Volunteers from Illinois churches have helped renovate the Center There are new classrooms for arts and a greater focus on afterschool tutoring

In one class, “Miss Ali” is teaching the kids to sing “I will make you fishers of men,” while next door volunteers from Greenville College lead a spelling game using flashcards “A lot of the things kids learn at home from mom and dad, the alphabet and basic skills, our kids don’t know that,” Sakas said The CAC’s goal is to get children in kindergarten through third grade up to grade level

“Kids don’t decide to drop out in the 10th grade,” Cantrell said “Their ability to succeed is determined by third grade ”

In the gym, there’s a pick-up game of basketball between several teens and coaches “They know you by name,” Marcus said of the ministry team caring for 150 or more kids every day

It’s also a good habit At CAC, Marcus met Cantrell and many caring people When Marcus was 17, his father died

“He was a sad kid at times,” teacher

Ali Sakas said “Like so many of our kids, seeing things at 5 and 6 that children shouldn’t see that no one should have to see I prayed for him a lot ” And eventually, Marcus came to faith in Jesus Christ He remembers fondly the Bible studies that challenged him to be a man, a godly man

Chet took Marcus in for a while after his father ’s death and helped him find

Tracy Windham would agree “CAC is the ‘go-to’ place,” she says, describing her years at the Center “All I did was play basketball I w real tomboy but then I start going to the computer lab ”

Now a graduate of Greenville College, Windham teaches girls who remind her of herself as a child “One of my favorite kids to work with is Zaria At first she just wanted to hang out with me, but now we do her homework every day

Every day I love it ”

Play and pray: A missions study

It’s time to plan missions studies for children, youth, and adults (Expanded studies for children and youth are available online )

Since the 2014 MIO is about kids, decorate with toys and play board games such as the Illinois version of Monopoly Or assemble a jigsaw puzzle featuring Illinois scenes A scrapbooker could easily turn the “2014 Mission Illinois” poster into a jigsaw puzzle Serve kids’ favorite desserts

Give each participant a copy of this special section You can download extras at IBSA org/MIO

Solicit two testimonies: one from a person who accepted Christ as a child, and another who followed Christ as an adult. Ask the group to compare the testimonies What makes them alike and different?

Read: Matthew 18:1-6; 19:13-15

Discuss: What are the characteristics of child-like faith that you think

are important to Jesus?

Read the statistics about the “4-14 window” on the front of this special section Why do you think it is easier for some people to come to faith in Christ while they are young?

From these biblical scenes, how would you describe Jesus’ feelings toward children?

Show the videos: Depending on the time you have available, you may show the “MIO Overview Video” (8:03); or you may show the three missions stories individually Another alternative is to have volunteers read and summarize the three missions stories included in this special section

Discuss the following questions: Overcoming the Odds

(Chet Cantrell and Christian Activity Center):

Marcus struggled to answer the question “Where would you be if not

for CAC?” Considering the crime and gang activity in East St Louis, what do you think was his probable future?

Marcus succeeded because of the influence of caring people at CAC If you were to try to do a similar ministry in your community, what aspects of Chet Cantrell’s work would want to focus on?

Reaching College Students

(Scott Kelly and campus ministry):

The years between “driver ’s license” and “marriage license” are when many young adults stop attending church Why?

If Henry and Kathy in the mission story were your children or grandchildren, what would you want a local church to do for them?

Ask someone to share about making a stranger welcome, either a personal story or an account from the Bible. How does God feel about welcoming strangers?

There’s a buzz about CAC, and it’s not only from word of mouth There’s an actual buzz. The ministry has purchased several nearby blocks with plans to create a large recreation center and park Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers, accustomed to felling trees with chainsaws, are clearing the lots Architect’s drawings of future facilities show ball fields and bleachers, walkways and fountains, and expansive green space where dilapidated houses long ago collapsed They’re redeeming East St Louis from decades of decay, and leading children and families to Christ. With missions giving through IBSA, Baptists in Illinois are helping too, bringing hope where it’s most needed “God is doing amazing things here,” Cantrell said “God shows up if we d

The Kelly family makes outreach to international students a particular emphasis of their ministry How are they fulfilling the biblical instructions for hospitality toward strangers?

New Rural Church (Brad Pittman, Grace Fellowship in Davis Junction):

Much of our church planting focuses on our major metropolitan cities, because that’s where the majority of people in Illinois live Yet, four million people live in non-urban communities in our state Does that surprise you?

From your understanding, what are the characteristics of rural communities that make church planting there different from planting in the cities?

Education is strongly emphasized at the CAC, with a computer lab, afterschool tutoring and classes for the arts

New faith, new family

For students away from home

Evanston | When Henry Petrash moved to Chicagoland four years ago, he knew practically no one. Today he knows lots of fellow students at Northwestern University, his church family at Evanston Baptist Church (EBC), his wife Kathy whom he met at church, and Jesus

“I thought Baptists made up ‘born again,’” Henry said When he arrived at Northwestern, the former Episcopalian decided to make exploration of religion part of his college experience “In a Bible study I really encountered the claims of Christ and considered them for myself,” Henry said, “not because it’s what my parents did, but I wanted this ”

That led to his conversion, to Kathy who was already a Christian, and to the church

“I’ve been involved at EBC the whole time I’ve been in

Henry and Kathy’s story can be told time and again, just changing some details Rahardhika

Utama is from Jakarta, Indonesia

He’s studying at Northwestern, too As a fairly new Christian, he wanted to get connected to a church when he arrived Through a ministry on campus, he contacted pastor Scott Kelly

These three students are just a few of the people Scott Kelly is reaching out to

Called as pastor of EBC two years ago, Kelly also leads campus ministry at Northwestern, a work that involves his whole family They live just across the street from the university campus

“We’re thankful that God put our family in this house,” Kelly says of his century-old Victorian situated between a frat house and a dorm filled with international students “We’re located in a place where students can walk over and have dinner with us, or come for prayer meeting on Sunday nights ”

Scott’s wife, Megan, takes seriously her role as both witness and hostess “Have you been to one of my parties?” she asked a guest at church. It’s kind of an odd question, unless you understand the Kellys’ technique

Pray for the missionaries

Day 1: Scott Kelly

Pastor, Campus Minister

Evanston,” Kathy said on the sidewalk outside the theater where the church meets “It has been a really great experience for me to have a really close community to sing with the band and now we attend the married couples’ Bible study And we participate in outreaches that go into the community ”

Thinking of the Pittman children, how does the presence of children make a new church more inviting? How might kids have a bigger role in our church life?

Let’s make some applications: How does our church support ministry in distant places? (Consider the Mission Illinois Offering and missions giving through the Cooperative Program )

What do we need to do now in order for young people and new Baptists to continue these means of supporting missions?

How committed is our church to children and their salvation? What is the evidence of that? What could we do better to reach children and their families?

Is there a place or people group in our region that needs a church? How can we get involved?

Bonus video: If time allows, watch “Good News from IBSA”

“Evanston Baptist is a family for me,” Utama said “Because I am an international student, I don’t have anyone here, but within two weeks, I feel like home ”

Troy Lewis is a missionary kid

He lived for 11 years in Zambia with his parents who are serving as International Mission Board missionaries “When we came to the U S on furloughs, I’d come to Chicago sometimes to visit my grandparents,” Lewis said “It was quite a change, especially getting used to the city ”

Lewis found another significant difference when he returned to attend Northwestern University fewer Christians “When I lived in Zambia I was surrounded by Christians all the time; it was kind of a bubble So it’s been kind of an adjustment ” The young film major found only a couple of Christians in his dorm But EBC “has provided a good foundation, something to lean on,” he said

which shows our churches’ Cooperative Program dollars at work

For Prayer Time

Sing children’s songs: As the Mission Illinois Offering & Week of Prayer is about missions from a kids perspective, start with songs from childhood Consider

“Jesus Loves the Little Children,”

“Jesus Loves Me,” or any of the great songs from Sunday school or VBS

Read: Matthew 18:1-6; 19:1315 Offer a few thoughts about these verses, as time allows

Show the video: “MIO

Overview” which includes all three missions stories

Review the statistics: Explain the “4-14 window,” and how many people become Christians before age 21 Ask, “Why is sharing the Gospel with young people especially important?”

The family, including Sophia, 15, and Anna, 13, and 6-year-old Drew, use every occasion at their home to share their faith with their guests

“The students I meet are open to speaking with me about Jesus and what the Bible says, as we meet in the dorm or over Dunkin coffee at the student center,” Pastor Kelly observed, “but the best conversations I have with students are when they are around my family ”

Sometimes it’s for dinner or a cookout Holidays are especially opportune At Thanksgiving one Asian student “wanted to know if mashed potatoes were made from white beans,” Megan said In addition to an explanation of gravy, they received a good helping of God’s salvation plan

The witness and the welcome are appreciated by students such as Troy Lewis “Pastor Kelly, the Kellys, they really care about everyone in the church And they’re willing to give you whatever time you need ”

For kids far from home, that feels like family.

Make a list: Name children in the church or community who haven’t yet come to Christ Pray for them Pray for our church’s involvement in missions and ministry that involves children

Share: Ask people to share a quote or bit of information from the video/missions stories that touched them

Photocopy the prayer lists on these pages 9-10 titled “Pray for the Missionaries” or download them at IBSA org/MIO Distribute the missionaries’ info among the participants in your study Pray for them individually, in pairs, or as a group

Or distribute the Prayer Guide/ bulletin insert that was mailed to the churches Also downloadable at IBSA org MIO

Pray for more churches to give generously to reach (and surpass) the goal of $475,000

Day 2: Tim Sadler

IBSA Evangelism Director

IBSA churches baptized just over 5,000 people last year, but more than 400 of our churches baptized no one Tim says, “Generous giving through the Mission Illinois Offering allows me to assist churches taking the Gospel to their mission fields I can provide resources such as Gospel tracts and training to churches who want to reach their communities for Christ It allows me to do customized training and strategy development for IBSA churches ”

Pray for Tim and for renewed evangelism in IBSA’s 1,000 member churches

Day 3: Chet Cantrell

CAC Director

Pray for Chet, the ministry team at the Christian Activity Center in East St Louis, and the hundreds of young lives they touch each year (Read story, far left)

Day 4: Carmen Halsey

Mission Mobilization

There are 13 million people in Illinois, and at least 8 million of them do not know Christ Carmen sees tremendous opportunity for the Gospel “Our lives begin to make sense when we realize that they are a platform for God’s word to be demonstrated to others Illinois Baptist Women are embedded into society all across our state With our resources, we are developing women to recognize and seize everyday opportunities to share the gospel ”

Pray for Carmen and Illinois Baptist Women who are mobilized to share Christ Pray for spiritual awakening in Illinois

Pray for Pastor Scott as he leads Evanston Baptist Church and the campus ministry at Northwestern University (Read story, left)

Day 5: Brad Pittman

Church Planter

where new churches are needed (Read their story, right)

Day 6: Chase Abner

Collegiate Evangelism Strategist

“God changed my life through a college ministry supported by IBSA,” Chase says His salvation as a young adult at SIU Carbondale urges him forward “Generous giving by Illinois Baptists helps me to assist churches as they reach out to students on campuses across Illinois These campuses are home to nearly one million students Before they leave school, we must share Christ with them ”

Pray for Chase and the campus ministries he helps start and facilitate

Day 7: John Mattingly

Church Planting Catalyst

24 new churches were started in Illinois last year And 13 are in progress in the northwestern region “Our new church plants in northwest Illinois are building relationships that help bridge the gap of misunderstanding of who Southern Baptists are in the North,” John says “They are also enjoying a harvest of souls that is due to the on-going relationships between planters and our established rural churches It is a testimony of the power behind steady giving and praying ”

Pray for new ministries to reach the four million people who live in non-urban settings in Illinois

Day 8: Rex Alexander

Rex is one of 85 IBSA missionaries, ministry staff, and church planters This offering makes it possible for all the team to represent Christ wherever and whenever needed “We provide opportunities for Disaster Relief workers to bring help, healing, and hope to victims of natural disasters in Illinois and North America,” Rex says “God uses their skills, and the additional training IBSA provides, to help people physically and spiritually as they attempt to rebuild their lives ”

Pray for all the IBSA team, including staff and volunteers Pray that we will reach the $475,000 goal to keep them serving on our Illinois mission field

OFFERING 2014

Planting new rural churches

This family has a vision for their not-so-nearby neighbors

Davis Junction | Two young boys are standing by the door of a small metal building, formerly an electrician’s workshop, handing out bulletins Their older sister, age 8, is inside in the children’s classroom playing with several preschoolers who live nearby Their mom slices a spice cake in the kitchenette, while their dad tunes his guitar before he leads worship

They are the Pittman family.

Each Saturday evening, they drive about 45 minutes from their home in Ashton to Davis Junction, a mix of farms, mobile homes, and newer houses

This area is beginning to grow Some people who live here work in Rockford or the far west suburbs of Chicago Yet, until recently there was only one small church to serve over 3,000 people in the immediate area

“It’s very clear that the people here don’t have a clear understanding of what the Gospel is,” said planter Brad Pittman, “that we need a relationship with Jesus Christ ”

This is the third location for Grace Fellowship After 13 years as a member of the Ashton location, Pittman eventually joined the staff with pastors Jeremy Horton and Brian McWethy, and he joined in their vision

“The Lord really laid on our hearts first to plant in Amboy, and he has really blessed there

with people being baptized and then in Davis Junction,” Pittman said “We want to be an Acts 1:8 church that not only plants here locally, but we’re going into our state, that we’re going into our nation, we’re also going into our world ”

The Pittmans’ commitment involves the whole family Brad’s wife, Jennifer, went back to work full-time so he could serve fulltime as a church planter and pastor They also found ministry partners in Illinois Baptists “IBSA was super-supportive in what we’re doing, because that’s what they’re all about as well,” Pittman said

“Because of Illinois Baptist’s faithful commitment to missions giving, the IBSA Church Planting Team is able to partner with smaller rural churches,” John Mattingly said “We presently have 13 ongoing new works in Northwest Illinois ” This is a region where active church involvement is not part of the fabric of life

So the need is great So is the potential

“This is a part of the state where Southern Baptists have had little presence,” said Van Kicklighter, head of IBSA’s Church Planting Team “When Baptists moved from the south, they settled primarily in the metropolitan areas of the north to work in industry They did not come to Illinois to

buy farms so we have few churches in these kinds of settings ”

There are about 8,000 multi-site churches in the U S now, mostly in cities As a multi-site congregation, Grace Fellowship is taking the strategy to rural areas “There are over four million people living in the non-urban context in Illinois,” Mattingly said. “I believe God has prepared many more churches like Grace Fellowship to step out in faith and do something remarkable ”

“This is not the typical multisite church plant,” said Kicklighter, “but a commitment to reproduction and, even more importantly, sending people who will impact another place with the Gospel ”

For the Pittmans, it’s worth the drive. Every Sunday, Jennifer said, “the kids ask, ‘Are we going to Amboy, Ashton, or our church?’ I say, ‘We’re going to our church!’”

Playing with new friends in the little metal church building, it’s clear they wouldn’t want to be anywhere else

You can lead the Offering & Week of Prayer in 10 simple steps

Get social media talking. Post the Promo Video on your Facebook page, tweet it, show it in worship

Show the videos. Use one per week in several worship services, or plan one big mission study event and show all the videos

Pray. Pray in worship services Plan a special prayer meeting for Illinois missions Encourage attenders to use the printed MIO Prayer Guide

Set the goal The need is greater than ever Consider $10 per resident member, or 10% above last year’s offering The statewide goal is $475,000

Publicize, publicize Starting four weeks before the offering, in bulletins, newsletters, e-mail, and with posters

Distribute the MIO Prayer Guide and offering envelopes on the first Sunday of the emphasis week (The envelopes are enclosed for participating churches )

Collect the offering And keep on until you surpass your goal

Pray for The Pittman family and all church planters in Illinois Pray for the 322 places and people groups

Disaster Relief Coordinator

BLESSING – Pastors Brian McWethy, Brad Pittman, and Jeremy Horton lead the core team in prayer on April 5, just before the newest location of Grace Fellowship holds its first public service in Davis Junction

‘GO’ students get up-close look at planting

Continued from page 1

Students from all over Illinois –from Chicago to Harrisburg – participated in the inaugural ChicaGO project July 13-18 Using Judson University in Elgin as a home base, they went out from there every day to different work sites Over five days, they rotated around the locations, working with planters in the city and the suburbs on a variety of projects: a Bible camp for kids, Vacation Bible School promotion, prayer walking, community clean-up, and this landscaping endeavor in the north side neighborhood of Avondale

The different locations and projects were designed to give students a “broad overview” of planting, said Dennis Conner, IBSA’s church planting director in northeast Illinois

“Church planting in Garfield Park is very different than church planting in Ravenswood, or church planting in a suburban – or really ‘exurban’ – community like South Chicago Heights,” Conner said, naming a few of the communities where the GO-ers worked during the week

In Avondale, Andreson calls the landscaping project a “Gospel doorknob,” something that clears the way for people to hear about and respond to Jesus. The phrase is his way of explaining what the apostle Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 16:9, when he said he was going to stay in Ephesus because God had given him a “wide door to ministry ”

The courtyards and common areas at Carl Von Linne Elementary haven’t been touched for three years because

cleared by lunch These students share a name with Andreson’s church they are part of Resurrection House Baptist Church, 25 miles south of here They also share a church planting connection: RHBC was planted in 2009 by Pastor Marcus Randle.

“I’m still on a mission to make sure that we don’t get too far away from church plant life and missions,” Randle says “We’re five years old We remember what it feels like to just start out ”

Projects like this may help develop future leaders, Randle notes on the walk to the school from Andreson’s home, where the team met for orientation “Maybe in 10, 15 more years, we’ll have a young group of church planters and missions-minded people, 20-somethings, 30-somethings, with that as their focus ”

‘What are you good at?’

IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams challenged the students with a church planting themed-devotion each morning

“You are coming alongside some entrepreneurial, sacrificial, young men and women who are seeking to establish a new church in a place where it is dark, and where most people around them are lost,” he said on day one

In the devos, Adams answered five basic questions (why, where, who, how and when) using examples from his own experience as part of a planting team several years ago in St

community, impacting a community, building relationships and that happens in different ways ”

And through all different kinds of people Ken Schultz introduced students to the lighter side of church planting during an evening worship service The professional juggler (with the stage name “The Flying Fool”) made balloon animals, rode a unicycle, and threw sharp knives into the air All while telling his audience how he and co-pastor John Stillman (a nuclear engineer) came to plant Crosswinds Church in Plainfield

“What are you good at?” Schultz asked the students “Can God use that to build his church?

“He can You just need to give it to him ”

Only the beginning

Sixteen-year-old Kayla Washington sits on the jungle gym as she lunches on a sandwich made by Kirsten Andreson She and her friends from Resurrection House talked last night about what the kids who go to this school will think when they come back in the fall

“They might not even recognize that this is the same school, if it comes out like we plan for it to come out,” Washington said

of disagreements about who’s responsible for outside upkeep Andreson and his wife, Kirsten, and their kids live just half a mile from the school For three years, they’ve been praying about how to engage people in Chicago with the Gospel through their new church Resurrection City

The Andresons’ church planting team is small Not wanting to damage the relationships they’re building in the community, they’re wary of overpromising or over-committing The landscaping project would be impossible without help

But the team of teenagers from the other side of Chicago have the flowerbeds in this courtyard mostly

Charles, Ill His voice broke as he talked about Tom and Alice, a couple who came to know Christ because they were invited to the new church that met at their daughter ’s elementary school

Remembering how Tom and Alice prayed to receive Christ one evening in their living room, Adams said, “That happens because a bunch of people worked hard months in advance to put a new church close to people who were far from God That is the hard work of church planting that we do even today ”

“It’s not just, ‘Put up a sign and start preaching and people come,’” said Dennis Conner “It’s about serving a

As she and her teammates worked in the courtyard, a few members of the school staff came out to admire their progress They weren’t the only ones to take notice

Andreson is continuing to talk to the principal about how Resurrection City Church can help her school With volunteers from around Illinois, the church is providing hundreds of backpacks full of school supplies, and just last weekend, more volunteers worked on behalf of Resurrection City to do landscaping at the school

God gave his church “beyond a wide door” for ministry during ChicaGO Week, Andreson said

“We believe He kicked the door wide open ”

CLOWN WITH A MISSION – Let this generation be “bold as lions,” worship speaker Ken Schultz prayed at the end of his message “If You can use a silly guy who juggles, You can use anybody "

ALL-STATE – Members of Illinois’ youth choir took a day of their annual tour to participate in ChicaGO Week They worshiped, worked, and performed a concert before heading west

TILLING THE SOIL - Church planter Dave Andreson (above, center) explains the landscaping work that needs to be done at Carl Von Linne Elementary School Andreson’s church plant, Resurrection City Church, is seeking to make a positive difference in Avondale

PEOPLE & CHURCHES

New Roles

Brian McWethy joined the IBSA staff in August as a parttime zone consultant in Zone 4 McWethy is senior pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Amboy

“Brian has a church planting background, a strong evangelistic passion, and good administrative skills,” said IBSA’s Pat Pajak “We are excited about the abilities, gifts and talents he is bringing to this position ”

Helen Williams, 99, died August 10 in Springfield Beginning in 1961, Williams worked on the IBSA staff in the areas of Woman’s Missionary Union and Church Extension She served as Associate WMU Director from 1970-1973, and in 2003, Williams received the Illinois WMU Legacy Award She was preceded in death by her husband, Freeland, and is survived by two daughters, Jane Stockton and Janet Craynon; two grandsons; and four great-grandchildren

Ministry Positions

Dixon Springs Missionary Baptist Church seeks a bivocational pastor Send resumes to Pastor Search Committee, 978 State Highway 146W, Golconda, IL 62938

First Baptist Church, Coal City, seeks a bivocational pastor who is fully supportive of the Southern Baptist Convention, Cooperative Program, and The Baptist Faith & Message (2000) Send resumes to First Baptist Church, P O Box 39, Coal City, IL 60416

First Baptist Church, Le Roy, seeks a bivocational pastor who supports the Cooperative Program and embraces The Baptist Faith & Message

Send resumes to: FBC, P O Box 21, Le Roy, IL 61752

Milestones

First Baptist Church, Valier, will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Sunday, Oct 5, with services at 10:45 a m and 1:30 p m All previous pastors, music and youth leaders and members are invited to attend the special celebration Call (618) 5276410 for more information

Pastor Adron Robinson and his wife, Veronica, celebrated five years of ministry at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Country Club Hills on Aug 8 The anniversary banquet featured guest speaker Fred Luter, a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention

Coming to a video store near you

“God’s Courtroom” film now available at national chain

S h e r m a n | Bruce Kugler produced “God’s Courtroom” with help from his church, Living Faith Baptist in Sherman Now, the video presentation of the Gospel set in some of Illinois’ most historic courtrooms is available through more than 770 Family Video stores across the country

“Bruce Kugler ’s analysis of the biblical and judiciary intersection is very powerful, and we are pleased to offer this DVD,” John A Furton, the retailer ’s vice president of purchasing, said in a statement And, in keeping with Kugler ’s commitment to offer the film free of charge, the video is a free rental

The evangelism tool’s reach also is extending outside the U.S. “God’s Courtroom” was dubbed in Arabic this summer by Nashat Filmon, executive director of the Palestinian Bible Society, who traveled to Illinois from his home in Jerusalem to give voice to the project His organization will give the DVD’s to judges and lawyers in Palestinian territories, and also make it available on their web-

Affiliation with IBSA Churches that wish to apply for affiliation with the Illinois Baptist State Association must submit an application for membership by Sept 15 To request a packet that explains the application process, contact Sandy Barnard at (217) 391-3107 or e-mail SandyBarnard@IBSA.org.

Zone news

Zone 4: Grace Fellowship Church in Amboy has baptized 21 people so far in 2014, and several more baptisms are scheduled, reported Pastor Brian McWethy “Praise God that He works in little rural church plants!”

IBSA staff members serve as zone consultants working with directors of missions and churches across Illinois For more info, go to www IBSA org/zone

site and in bookstores

“When Bruce gave me the video ‘God’s Courtroom,’ I went and I watched it, and I liked it very much,” Filmon said “I thought, ‘This is a straightforward message that’s coming from a lawyer, and it explains in a court setting what is to be expected ”

The one-hour film also is dubbed in Spanish, and plans are in place for a Chinese version Filmon said he would like to dub it in Hebrew

The team behind the film probably would have been hard-pressed to imagine these recent open doors, when they began production on “God’s Courtroom” a few years ago

Kugler, an attorney, first had the idea in the late 1980s when he was representing defendants in criminal cases before a northern Illinois judge known for his fairness and precision

The experience made Kugler wonder what it would be like when people one day stood before God, the ultimate judge He began creating a Gospel presentation based on principles and terminology used in the legal system

He gave the presentation at local churches, and it was at a Dairy Queen meal after one of those messages that the idea came to film “God’s Courtroom” in Illinois courthouses

The film has since been shown on TV in the U S , and Kugler, a member of the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists, has shared the presentation in Nicaragua, Argentina, India, Taiwan and China

He gives God the credit for every outlet he finds to showcase “God’s Courtroom ”

“How is it possible that we could get a film aired on major networks around the nation, speak in different parts of the world, and have it in 770 video stores?

“We can’t,” Kugler admitted

“This is a good example of taking a small project and really bathing it in prayer and fasting, and trying to do this the right way with the right motives, for the glory of God ”

Now that same-sex unions are legal in Illinois, what’s the local church to do?

Strengthening biblical foundations In today’s shifting culture

An Issues & Answers presentation from IBSA and the Illinois Baptist newspaper

Registration

The latest on changing laws and cultural values

Andrew Walker SBC Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission

Creating role models in church

Jill Finley

Women’s Ministry, Bethel Baptist Church of Troy, Illinois

Thursday, October 16

The prophetic role of the pulpit

Dr Kevin Smith Pastor, professor, and member of SBC’s Resolutions Committee

The

NEW RELEASE - “God’s Courtroom” is now available at Family Video stores, and at www godscourtroom org

Kugler

What is your priority as you arrive at church on Sunday? Is it to assure your child has two matching shoes?

To lead a great small group class? Greet guests? Enjoy Christian friends?

Oh, those are all quite important, but our TOP priority must be to truly worship God How can we do that?

Try these simple tips:

Anticipate. Look forward to Sunday’s worship service Faithfully commit that time to God weekly Pray for God to bless each person there, and to speak to you personally Quote Psalm 69:9 (NLT): “Zeal for your house consumes me ”

Arrive early No exceptions! You have an important appointment with the King of Kings, so don’t allow anything or anyone to make you even a split-second late

Engage in the worship service

True worship is not routine It doesn’t involve making a grocery list or checking e-mails Intentionally keep your eyes and heart focused on worship It may help to sit near the front

Participate in every part of the worship service, with joy and enthusiasm. For a Christian, true worship is no spectator sport! Stand when it’s time to stand Worship by giving your tithe Greet during greeting time Sing every word of every song, with joy

and enthusiasm, directly to God

There’s no true worship in singing words with a rote, artificial, businessas-usual attitude Off-key is fine; closed lips are not

Listen to every word that’s spoken. During Scripture reading, open your Bible or Bible app to follow along Listen expectantly to the sermon, anticipating a word from God through His preacher Take sermon notes Nod your head Say “Amen ”

Eagerly anticipate life-changing decisions during the invitation time, praying fervently that God will change hearts and touch lives Don’t even think about gathering your belongings or slipping out early.

Leave slowly and joyfully. A race to the exit seems to state, “I’ve put in my check-mark for God ” Instead, linger a moment Keep your mind on God Smile at a child Meet a guest Encourage a fellow believer

There’s nothing humdrum about the priority of worship And there’s a huge bonus: That worshipful heart will carry over into our actions and service to God throughout the entire week

©Diana Davis This column is a revised excerpt from Diana’s book, “Deacon Wives” (B&H Publishing) Visit her website, dianadavis org

DAVE Says Financial advice from Dave Ramsey

Hands off the 529

make about $100,000 combined from when we each got our masters’ degrees Our son is 6 years old, and we have $18,000

A: I wouldn’t do that if I were you You’ll get destroyed with penalties, because if you take money out of a 529 for anything other than college, you’ll be taxed at your current tax rate and hit with a 20% penalty The other thing is you’ll have this weird feeling that you took money away from your kid Technically, it’s your money You put it there But when you did, it was in your child’s name Plus, that doesn’t really solve your problem You’ve got a ridiculous amount of debt, and that

little bit won’t move the needle very much Having more money in your hands isn’t the big answer here What you both need is a behavior change when it comes to money

My advice is to leave the 529 alone Stop adding to it for the time being Put any retirement saving you’re currently doing on hold, too You guys need to start living on a budget, working a debt snowball plan and looking for extra income Even tutoring would bring in some additional cash I’ve got a feeling, too, that those masters’ degrees can provide you with more money than you’re currently making It can be done, but it’s going to take a lot of hard work and discipline It may even take four or five years to get this mess cleaned up, but you can’t keep living without a plan!

Dave Ramsey is a prolific author and radio host For more financial advice from Dave, go to IBSA org

Training Oppor tunities Training Oppor tunities

Aug 23: TRANSFORM

Training for class and group leaders

Where: Parkway Baptist, Creve Coeur, Mo , 8 a m -2:30 p m

Cost: $25 per person

Web: www lifeway com/transform

Sept. 4, 18, 25: Prime Conferences on biblical manhood

Where: Sept. 4 Bread of Life, Chicago; Sept 18 Chatham Baptist; Sept 25 FBC Herrin; conferences begin at 6 p m

Web: www IBSA org/Evangelism

Sept. 6: Tri-State Music Conference

Where: NorthWoods Church, Evansville, IN

Cost: $10 per person Web: www scbi org

Sept. 13: Living Proof Live simulcast Beth Moore Bible study event for women

Where: IBSA Building, Springfield; 8:30 a m -3:15 p m

Cost: $10, includes lunch Web: www IBSA org/WomensMissions

Sept. 14-21: Mission Illinois Offering Web: www IBSA org/MIO

Sept 20: BCHFS Fall Festival

Where: Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services, Carmi

Contact: rhiannon storm@bchfs com

Sept 26: Youth Ministry Worker

Connection

For staff and volunteer leaders

Where: Marion-area restaurant

Contact: (217) 391-3127, JennaNickelson@IBSA org

Sept 27 & 29, Oct 11: Churches of Strength

Where: Sept. 27 Second, Marion, 8 a m to noon; Sept 29 Chatham Baptist, 6-9 p m ; Oct 11 Armitage, Chicago; 8 a m to noon Web: www IBSA org/cst

September 27: IBSA Church Library

Conference

Where: FBC Salem; 8 a m -2 p m

Cost: $20, includes lunch

Contact: DebbieMuller@IBSA org

Oct 3-4: Girls’ Missions Celebration

For girls in grades 1-6

Where: IBSA Building, Springfield

Cost: $15 per person

Contact: (217) 391-3138, BarbTroeger@IBSA org

Oct. 4: BCHFS Golf Scramble

Where: Green Hills Golf Club, Mt Vernon Contact: rhiannon storm@bchfs com

Oct 10-11: Disaster Relief Training

Where: Lake Sallateeska, Pinckneyville

Cost: Lodging, plus $30 for new trainees and $10 for renewals

Web: www IBSA org/dr; register by 9/26

Oct 16: Elevate Marriage Event

Prepare for the shifting culture

Where: IBSA Building, Springfield; 10 a m -2 p m

Contact: (217) 391-3124, CathyWaters@IBSA org

Oct 17-19: Illinois Changers

Missions-focused weekend for teens

Where: Lake Sallateeska, Pinckneyville

Cost: $25 per person

Contact: (217) 391-3138, BarbTroeger@IBSA org

Oct. 24-25: Marriage Retreat

Where: Lake Sallateeska, Pinckneyville

Contact: (217) 391-3127, JennaNickelson@IBSA org

Oct 24-25: Kids’ Ministry Toolkit

Featuring new resources and the 2015 VBS Preview

Where: IBSA Building, Springfield Contact: (217) 391-3124, CathyWaters@IBSA org

POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE

Clip and save in a prayer journal, your Bible, or stick on the fridge

Missionaries: Steve & Rhonda Griswold

Planting: Starting Point in Cisne, Ill

Focusing On: Forming a core group of young families that can launch a new church

Pray: That the church would identify families looking for a loving church home; for equipment and signage; an nit

On the Nightstand

The Bumps Are What You Climb On: Encouragement for Difficult Days, Warren Wiersbe

The Sixth Shotgun, Louis L’Amour

Handle With Prayer: Unwrap the Sourc of God’s Strength for Living, Charles Stanley

Singularity: A Jevin Banks Novel, Steven James

The Original Home Schooling Series, Charlotte Mason

– From Brent Snyder Sons of the Father gospel trio

Potluck Blogger

Ingredients

Zucchini Squares

3 c thinly sliced, unpeeled zucchini (about two)

1 c biscuit mix

½ c onion, finely chopped

½ c grated parmesan cheese

2 T chopped parsley (fresh or dried)

½ tsp salt

½ tsp seasoned salt

½ tsp dried marjoram or oregano leaves

⅛ tsp pepper

1 garlic clove, finely chopped (or ½ T garlic powder)

⅓ cup vegetable oil

4 eggs, slightly beaten

Optional: Bacon crumbles

Preheat oven to 350° and grease bottom and sides of 9x13 baking dish Stir together all ingredients, and spread mixture in pan Bake about 25 minutes or until golden brown Cut into squares or triangles

Kendra Jackson of Western Oaks Baptist Church in Springfield adapted this recipe from BettyCrocker com Send your favorite recipes to MeredithFlynn@IBSA org

Trending

The head and not the t ail

“The Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you will only move upward and never downward if you listen to the Lord your God’s commands I am giving you today and are careful to follow them ” –

Deuteronomy 28:13

Speedy Bible study:

4 ways to glorify God at work

1 Believe that all legitimate work is holy or unholy before God based on our faith, not the nature of the work itself

Romans 14:23

2 Be prayerfully dependent upon God, pouring contempt on selfsufficiency

Psalm 127:1

3 Grow in your skill-set, work hard, and strive for excellence

Proverbs 22:29

4 Focus on the work you’ve been given

Proverbs 28:19

– See all “12 Ways by Josh Etter at www DesiringGod org

but as You will ”

-word response we hear these days is ften uttered with an attitude of “I don’t on’t bother me with that ” Frequently, it is accompanied with the palm of the speaker ’s hand directed toward the other person in the conversation

The message is clear: I’m unhappy with my circumstances or your instructions And I will do my own thing

Sometimes that’s how we respond to God But there is a better way to say “whatever” to Him with a spirit of surrender Knowing that He has a purpose for our life and He shapes the circumstances we encounter, we can confidently trust Him Jesus, of course, is our example with His words of submission in the garden of Gethsemane

So the next time life gets hard (and it will) let’s not shake our spiritual fist at God Instead, let’s submit ourselves to His loving care

PRAYER PROMPT: Help me, God, to not be defiant in the midst of my hurts Instead, I choose to devotedly serve You

Odis Weaver is pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Plainfield and is currently serving as president of IBSA Pastors are invited to join the online “IBSA Pastors’ Prayer Room” by e-mailing oweaver7307@gmail com