Illinois Baptist

September 8

Why J.D. Greear favors same-day baptism

Table Talk P. 10

State of Illinois

Pritzker signs gay history bill

Parents weigh options ahead of 2020 school year

Springfield | Beginning next year, students at public schools in Illinois will study the role of LGBT people in U.S. and state history, after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a controversial measure into law Aug. 9. The new policy, which goes into effect July 1, 2020, affects students of all ages, although the state’s School Code stipulates that the curriculum be taught before the end of 8th grade.

House Bill 246 passed through the Illinois Senate last spring and was quietly approved May 23 by the House amid a flurry of other legislation, including legalization of recreational marijuana and the repeal of several restrictions on abortion. Pritzker’s signature on the curriculum bill dismayed many Christians and conservatives, with talk online quickly turning to education alternatives.

Beardstown revival

“Reason 157 to home or private school,” one poster wrote on IBSA’s Facebook page. Others expressed resolve to keep their kids in the public school system to shine the light of the gospel there.

“We are very aware that times are changing and more liberal views are entering the classroom,” said Caitlin Konieczka, a Springfield mother of three girls.

The Illinois Baptist staff

Editor - Eric Reed

Managing Editor - Meredith Flynn

Graphic Designer - Kris Kell

Contributing Editor - Lisa Misner

Administrative Assistant - Leah Honnen

The general telephone number for IBSA is (217) 786-2600. For questions about subscriptions, articles, or upcoming events, contact the Illinois Baptist at (217) 391-3119 or IllinoisBaptist@IBSA.org

The Illinois Baptist is seeking news from IBSA churches. E-mail us at IllinoisBaptist@IBSA.org to tell us about special events and new ministry staff.

POSTMASTER: The Illinois Baptist is owned and published every three weeks by the Illinois Baptist State Association, 3085 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62703-4440. Subscriptions are free to Illinois Baptists. Subscribe online at IBSA.org.

Understanding the world where we live and serve

Church needed here...

Location: Thomson

Focus: Residents of this rural river community

Characteristics: Located on the Mississippi River north of the Quad Cities, Thomson is poised for an influx of jobs and people when its federal prison becomes fully operational this year.

Prayer needs: Pray for a church or churches that would catch the vision for a new church to serve the growing population of Thomson and the other river communities in the area.

– IBSA Church Planting Team

Conventional Wisdom

Snapshots from the world of Illinois Baptists

“There is no single lens or identifier Americans use to think of themselves. Ironically, that means the personal identity people have or seek may not be what others see in them.”

– Scott McConnell, LifeWay Research

Who are you?

LifeWay Research asked Americans which markers they consider very important to their identity:

My interests or hobbies What I have endured My religious faith

– See the full list at LifeWayResearch.com

Giving by IBSA churches as of 8/09/19 $3,605,067

Budget Goal: $3,696,154

Received to date in 2018: $3,420,718 2019 Goal: $6.3 Million

NATE ADAMS