February 1, 2021 Illinois Baptist

Illinois Baptist

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION

Field expands

Four run for president

Nashville, Tenn. | The race for the SBC presidency gained three additional contenders in January in Randy Adams, Ed Litton, and Mike Stone. They join R. Albert Mohler Jr., who announced his intention to run again after a bid in 2020 was stalled due to the canceled Southern Baptist Convention.

The candidates, who announced earlier than previous years’ candidates for president, represent various views on several of the most pressing issues facing the denomination, including social justice, racism and reconciliation, and overall strategy and direction.

Randy Adams, NW convention executive Adams, executive director of the Northwest Baptist Convention, planned to run for SBC president in 2020 before the SBC annual meeting was canceled due to COVID-19.

“Although the 2020 Annual Meeting was canceled, the rationale for my candidacy a year ago has only strengthened,” Adams wrote on his personal website. “The SBC is in crisis. We inherited a cooperative mission system where every church mattered and could contribute to sharing the gospel around the world. We are now destroying much of our mission capacity through failures in accountability, self-dealing, top-down centralized strategies, and broken partnerships.”

Adams said he will confront those issues. “I will push for transparency and

ALSO

Top SBC leaders discuss race and ideology

RELATED:

Nate Adams seeks common ground

IBSA plans town hall Feb. 4

New head at Christian Activity Center

living makes a comeback

CONVENTIONAL WISDOM

Pastors more reluctant to preach on race

74% of Protestant pastors in the U.S. say their congregation would welcome a sermon on racial reconciliation. But that number has fallen from 90% four years ago.

In the last two years, have you received negative feedback for addressing racial reconciliation from the pulpit?

2016 2020

I have not addressed the topic from the pulpit in the last two years.

LifeWay Research, Jan. 2020

CHURCH NEEDED HERE

Location: Chicago’s Chinatown

Focus: Chinese residents

Characteristics: The nation’s secondoldest Chinese settlement, Chinatown’s population continues to grow, including the percentage of internationally born Chinese residents.

Prayer needs: Pray for fresh ideas and strategies for meaningfully engaging Chinatown’s residents, so that the gospel will be preached boldly.

– IBSA Church Planting Team

Giving by IBSA churches as of 1/22/21

$429,692

Budget Goal: $363,462

Received to date in 2020: $335,877

2021Goal: $6.2 Million

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 month by the Illinois Baptist State Association, 3085 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, Illinois 627034440. Subscriptions are free to Illinois Baptists. Subscribe online at IBSA.org.

Common ground

Years ago as my father was leaving his final pastorate and moving to a director of missions role, one of my fellow teenagers told me why he would miss my dad, his pastor, so much. Steve hadn’t grown up in a Christian home but started attending our church with his girlfriend. Not long after he made this statement, he invited Jesus to be his savior and was baptized.

“Your dad always sticks to the Bible, but he shows you multiple sides of an issue,” Steve said. “He doesn’t just say, ‘This is how it is.’ He frames the issue and shows you plenty of Bible verses, and then gives you room figure out what you believe. I like that.”

My dad believed that the Bible, and the summary of its primary doctrines that we call The Baptist Faith and Message, along with the unifying priority of the Great Commission, provide a lot of common ground for diverse viewpoints. Over the 34 years that he wrote a column for The Illinois Baptist, he helped diverse Baptists find common ground on issues ranging from theology and morality to loud music and long hair.

My dad’s example is still my guide as we diverse Baptists continue to navigate difficult and sometimes controversial issues. I, too, believe that, as churches, the Bible and The Baptist Faith and Message, along with our Great Commission priority continue to provide plenty of common ground for our otherwise diverse viewpoints.

What we must guard against, for the sake of our fellowship and cooperation, is the temptation to allow current events, politics, or other lesser things to redefine and reduce the acreage of our common ground.

Making room for diverse viewpoints

We could apply this reminder to any number of current issues, but today let me urge us to guard the breadth of our common ground as Baptists by intentionally seeking empathy and understanding among the racial and cultural diversity of our fellowship of churches.

Over the past year or so in particular, many of our African American brothers and sisters have had their own experiences with racial injustice stirred by news reports of the deaths of men and women such as Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. The riots and violence that ensued in some cities compounded the problems and the emotions. The backlash against police stirred strong reaction among many others. Politics then helped fan the flames of anger and distrust into a wildfire of conflict.

Here’s the thing. Simply writing that last short paragraph took almost an hour. That’s how careful one needs to be today in even trying to describe accurately and objectively the events that contribute to racial tension or division. Still, in trying, it’s possible that I have stirred someone’s anger or displayed my own lack of perspective or sensitivity. That’s how tender the hurts are, sometimes spanning generations, and why great love, humility, and patience are so necessary to pursue understanding and solutions.

Into this discussion that is already so grieved and volatile have entered the controversial subjects of Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality. A year ago, I couldn’t have told you what these were, and I suspect most church members and even pastors would need to look those words up to receive their first orientation to them. Yet for some, these theories risk becoming an ideological wedge that can threaten the larger unity, cooperation, and priorities of our common ground.

Elsewhere in the Illinois Baptist and in other Illinois Baptist media you can read reporting of how this discussion is taking place at the national SBC level, including our SBC seminary presidents and leading African American pastors. With the few words I have here, I wish primarily to underscore the importance of our fellowship, and of our common ground as Baptist brothers, sisters, and churches. From that common ground we denounce racism and injustice. From that common ground we can renew our commitments to dialogue and understanding, and to intentionally battling these evils together. And on this common ground we will find Spirit-filled love and unity that will show the world our savior. That broad but biblical common ground is where my friend Steve first opened his mind and heart to Jesus.

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

NATE ADAMS

From the front: FOUR-MAN RACE

Continued from page 1

accountability at every opportunity and make great effort to crush corruption. The focus will be on the mission, with the Bible as our sole and final authority on all matters.”

Adams, who has served as state executive since 2013, previously led the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma’s church outreach team, and also pastored churches in Oklahoma and Texas.

Baptist Press reported he, along with several other non-South state executives, has been involved in a prolonged dispute with the North American Mission Board over its allocation of funds to states related to church planting and evangelism. In announcing his intention to run, he also claimed the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force Report passed by messengers in 2010 led to “the worst decade for Southern Baptists in our 175-year history.”

“The GCR shifted control to the national body away from the state conventions and your typical SBC church,” Adams told Baptist Press. “Our cooperative strategy is supposed to ensure that every church has a place in that system. When churches lose their place, they lose their voice.”

Ed Litton, Alabama pastor

The pastor of Redemption Church in Saraland, Ala., will be nominated by former SBC president Fred Luter.

“With Ed’s commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, he is what our convention needs to help us refocus and recommit to the biblical principles of what this convention has been known for—evangelism and discipleship,” Luter said.

Litton, who has pastored his church since 1994, previously served at First Baptist, Euless, Texas, and with the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention.

Since the riots in Ferguson, Mo., six years ago, he has been involved in The Pledge Group of Mobile, a diverse group of pastors seeking to further racial reconciliation. He helped author the “Deep South Joint Statement on the Gospel, Racial Reconciliation, and Justice” in October 2020, and also joined a group of Southern Baptist pastors in signing a statement on “Justice, Repentance, and the SBC” in December 2020.

Litton’s wife, Kathy, was elected SBC registration secretary in 2019, but sent her letter of resignation to Executive Committee President Ronnie Floyd in order to “help maintain the highest standards of integrity in our voting processes.”

Upon accepting the nomination, Ed Litton referred to the SBC’s “critical ethic and apologetic to all people”—love for one another.

“As a convention of churches, we need a greater vision than merely slowing a decline. What if the SBC would become known for how radically we love God, love one another, and love the world? Genuine, transforming love is the credibility and the fuel of a believer, a church, and a convention on mission. I’m allowing my name to be put forward because I want us to be the convention God has called us to be.”

Mike Stone, Georgia pastor

Stone is pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear, Ga., and former chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee. He also serves on the steering council for the Conservative Baptist Network, which launched in 2020 in response to concerns over the SBC’s direction on social justice issues.

“At this critical moment in our history, Southern Baptists need to be led by a trusted local church pastor with strong convictions about the sufficiency of Scripture, a passion for evangelism, and deep experience in the work of our convention,” said Kevin Williams, current president of the Georgia Baptist Convention (GBC), in announcing Stone’s nomination. Williams called him “the kind of experienced pastor and statesman Southern Baptists need.”

Stone served for five years on Emmanuel’s staff before becoming pastor in 2002. He has also

served as GBC president and chairman of the GBC Executive Committee.

The second nominee announced after Mohler said he would run again, Stone told Baptist Press he had spoken to the seminary president the day his own nomination was made public.

“I did not seek this out; I feel like it’s a case of the position seeking the person,” Stone said. “But God confirmed this in my heart and my wife’s heart through a set of circumstances. As I shared with Dr. Mohler this morning, I’m not running in opposition to anyone, but being obedient to God to what I sense is his call on my life.

“I truly feel the SBC will be best led by a pastor. With deep gratitude for an entity leader’s influence, the SBC is a convention of churches and needs leadership that is daily in tune with the local church.”

Al Mohler, seminary president

Mohler announced in October he would again allow himself to be nominated for the post, telling Baptist Press his reasons for running remain largely the same. He cited “big questions of mission and conviction and vision” for the SBC going forward.

“I’ve spent my entire adult life trying to help Southern Baptists,” Mohler said. “And I hope to do that, if allowed by the convention, in order to bring together Southern Baptists—associations, state conventions, and at the national level, and pastors and churches—into a deeper commitment to what Southern Baptists believe and our cooperative mission together.”

Messengers will elect the denomination’s next president at the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, June 15-16.

– Illinois Baptist staff, with reporting from Baptist Press

Student ministry coordinator mourned

Leah Bening, longtime international coordinator at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) Center at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, died January 19. She was engaged in student ministry leadership for over three decades. Bening was a member of Christ Church in Carbondale.

“I worked with her for the last five years and she was very encouraging to me,” said Brandon McNeely, BCM ministry director at SIUCarbondale. “She did a very good job of loving on students and was genuinely interested in them.”

Former IBSA collegiate evangelism strategist Chase Abner posted on Facebook about Bening’s ministry, noting, “She maintained a platform that allowed people from all over the world to make friends, practice their English,

share food, and experience the love of Jesus.”

Bening was much loved by students, who left tributes on her Facebook page. Maria shared it had been six years since she left Carbondale, but her memories of Leah remained strong. “Leah, there is NO word that can express our gratitude to your loving soul, kind heart, relentless disposition to serve others...” she wrote. “For you, everyone was a child of God who deserved to be treated with respect, understanding, and to know the unconditional love of Christ.”

Jorge wrote, “Thank you for your friendship and generosity towards all of us (international students). You were the definition of a good Samaritan. Thank you for leading by example. Enjoy in his presence now.”

MOHLER

ADAMS

LITTON

STONE

SBC leaders address race debate

LifeWay building under contract

LifeWay Christian Resources has entered into a contract for the sale of its building in downtown Nashville, the Southern Baptist publisher reported in January. LifeWay will move into a new workspace, while also allowing employees the flexibility to work remotely. “Like other companies are doing as a result of COVID, we’re reimagining the corporate office for the future of work,” said LifeWay President Ben Mandrell

LifeWay moved into its current headquarters in November 2017. Mandrell noted a 2020 study that showed LifeWay was using the building at only 60% occupancy.

WMU explores sale

The executive board of Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) announced in January they will explore selling the missions auxiliary’s Birmingham building and/or property. WMU Executive Director Sandy Wisdom-Martin noted the board’s commitment to stay true to WMU’s mission to make disciples of Jesus who live on mission. “WMU has always sought to steward well the resources entrusted in our care, and we are leveraging our resources to make the largest impact possible for the kingdom.”

WMU’s current headquarters, built in 1984, is more than 137,000 square feet on 22 acres. It houses a missions treasure trove including Lottie Moon’s family Bible and travel trunk.

Stetzer leaves committee

Former Southern Baptist Convention President James Merritt will chair the 2021 SBC Resolutions Committee, replacing Ed Stetzer of Wheaton College’s Billy Graham Center. Stetzer would have chaired the committee at the 2020 SBC annual meeting, but the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stetzer informed SBC President J.D. Greear he is unable to serve this year. Merritt, a Georgia pastor who chaired the committee in 1993, told Baptist Press, “I look forward to working with the Resolutions Committee in serving our convention, hopefully in such an edifying way that God is glorified and the gospel is above all.”

STETZER

– LifeWay Christian Resources, Baptist Press

Nashville, Tenn. | The presidents of six Southern Baptist seminaries and officers of the National African American Fellowship (NAAF) met in January following weeks of tension over race relations and a statement released by the seminary presidents. The virtual conversation was convened by SBC Executive Committee President Ronnie Floyd after the seminary presidents declared Critical Race Theory (CRT) incompatible with The Baptist Faith and Message

The statement said the controversial ideological framework on race would not be taught at Southern Baptist seminaries. African American leaders and others in the SBC said the presidents’ statement minimized the existence of systemic racism in the United States. They also expressed concern that no African American leaders were included in the discussion prior to the release of the statement.

Floyd called the meeting to “find a way forward” as several African American pastors announced their churches would leave the SBC, and there were indications that others might join them. “If we’re born again of the spirit of God and washed in the blood of Jesus, we’re family. There is no fellowship—no unity—apart from Christ,” Floyd told the group.

After the Jan. 6 meeting, the group acknowledged “conversations of this nature should have happened ahead of time,” and pledged their commitment to “listen to one another, speak honestly, and to honor our common commitment to the inerrant word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Marshal Ausberry, NAAF president and SBC first vice president, told The Baptist Standard of Texas the meeting was “very cordial.”

“The bottom line is that we are brothers in Christ, we are fellow Southern Baptists,” Ausberry said. “We do have more that we agree on than that which we differ on...We just happen to see, as a host of others have shared and have experienced, that there are some beneficial aspects to CRT, not as a worldview, but as a vehicle to identify systemic racism in institutions and organizations. Most of the time institutional and organizational racism is not willful, but unidentified and therefore unaddressed.”

Those ideologies “do not supplant, by any means, the supremacy of Holy Scripture,” Ausberry said on behalf of the NAAF. “And where such ideologies conflict with Scripture, it is Scripture that governs our worldview, our decisions, and our lives.”

“Some of the confusion comes from a lack of understanding, charged ‘red-meat’ words associated with CRT, and false allegations that there is a liberal shift in our seminaries,” Ausberry told the Baptist Standard. “I do not know of anyone in Southern Baptist life that fully embraces all aspects of CRT.”

In a Dec. 2020 letter to faculty at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, President Jamie Dew said the seminary presidents’ statement sought to answer “a countless number of questions” they’ve received over the last 18 months about where their institutions stand with CRT. The letter, published with his permission on the SBC Voices blog, also enumerated his concerns with the framework: “(1) CRT comes from a family of ideologies that deny the possibility of objective/universal truth claims, (2) CRT locates oppressive and destructive motives in one race of people as opposed

to the whole of humanity, and (3) I fear CRT’s understanding of human nature has detrimental effects on important doctrinal affirmations.”

On Dec. 18, a multiethnic group of Southern Baptists, including former SBC President Fred Luter, who was the first African American elected to the post, and Alabama pastor Ed Litton, issued a related statement, acknowledging “recent events have left many brothers and sisters of color feeling betrayed and wondering if the [SBC] is committed to racial reconciliation.”

SBC President J.D. Greear, who previously had affirmed the presidents’ statement, apologized for how it hurt Black Southern Baptists.

“Our brothers and sisters of color absolutely should have been at the table—from the beginning—as we consider questions about what a gospel-based response to racism in our country looks like,” Greear said. “I apologize for how this whole situation has made many of our brothers and sisters feel. Your voices are important in shaping our shared future.”

IBSA Town Hall

Race and unity in the church

February 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Moderated by Nate Adams, with: Kevin Carrothers • Adron Robinson

Don Sharp • Sammy Simmons

Meeting on seminaries’ statement called ‘cordial,’ but tensions remain ibsa.org/townhall

In pursuit of understanding

IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams expressed support for efforts to bring the differing perspectives together. “Our common ground is the Bible, The Baptist Faith and Message, and the priority of the Great Commission, carried out with the heart of the Great Commandment,” Adams said. “On that common ground I’m confident that Illinois Baptists can speak with biblical unity and conviction against racism and injustice.

“Here in Illinois, we are planning an online Town Hall where some of our network leaders can discuss the current racial tensions in our nation, and how pastors can lead their churches with understanding and compassion through these times. After that we hope to facilitate more interactive, local conversations,” he said.

In Illinois, pastor Charlie Dates announced Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago would rescind its recent affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention over concerns about racism. The church remains a member of IBSA.

The controversy over Critical Race Theory began at the 2019 Southern Baptist Convention, when messengers adopted a resolution stating that it and another framework, Intersectionality, “should only be employed as analytical tools subordinate to Scripture—not as transcendent ideological frameworks.” Critics of the resolution have said both frameworks have roots in Marxism and should be given no consideration at all. Some had called for the resolution to be rescinded at the 2020 annual meeting, canceled due to COVID-19. The CRT issue appears likely to emerge at the June 2021 convention in Nashville.

– With reporting from Baptist Press, The Baptist Standard and Illinois Baptist staff

CAC taps pastor to lead ministry

East St. Louis | Jeffrey Williams will serve as the new executive director of the Christian Activity Center (CAC). The pastor of New Christian Fellowship Church in Fairview Heights has served several years with the East St. Louis ministry as a child sponsor and board member, including two years as CAC board chairman.

“I have had the opportunity of working with Jef Williams this past year on the CAC board and have been impressed by his leadership and passion for the ministry,” said IBSA’s Mark Emerson. “I believe that Jef is the right leader at this time to help the CAC come out of COVID and move from surviving to thriving.”

In 2020, the CAC pivoted from existing programs to address immediate needs in the community. Instead of relaunching its popular afterschool program in the fall, the CAC opened its doors to remote learners. Early in the pandemic, the ministry helped distribute thousands of meals to East St. Louis families.

IBSA churches have a long history of partnering with the CAC to serve families in East St. Louis. Chet Cantrell, who served as executive director for 30 years, became development director in 2019.

Williams began as executive director Jan. 18. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2009 after 26 years of service. As pastor of his church in Fairview Heights, he organized a youth leadership camp for 100 students and established an annual back-to-school giveaway to meet needs in the community. He is also a chaplain for the Fairview Heights Police Department.

Williams and his wife, Cynthia, have two sons.

“I am very excited to be included in God’s plan of restoring hope and opportunity for the city of East St. Louis,” Williams said. “I also believe that with Christ, there are no limits as to how we can make a difference in the lives of our children and their families.”

‘Priority’ speakers announced

April conference offers in-person and online viewing options

Three speakers will lead this spring’s Illinois Baptist Women Priority conference. Evangelist and teacher Anne Graham Lotz, inspirational speaker Betsy Bolick, and women’s leader Missie Branch will focus on “Abide: God’s Spirit in Me,” which is the theme for the April event.

Lotz is the daughter of renowned preacher Billy Graham and the author of 19 books, including “Jesus in Me.” A gifted speaker, Lotz is known for her revival series “Give Me Jesus,” which has shared the gospel with hundreds of thousands in 12 countries. She was named by The New York Times as one of the five most influential evangelists of her generation.

“Anne will help us understand the person of the Holy Spirit and the role he wants to play in our lives,” said Carmen Halsey, leadership development director for IBSA and lead organizer of the event. “It excites me to think about what a supernatural work God wants to do in the lives of ordinary women if we yield ourselves to him.”

Bolick is the founder and executive director of Small Enough Ministries based in Boone, N.C. She was born with spinal abnormality and stands just 4 feet, 8-and-

a-half inches tall. But Bolick says God made her small enough so that she would see him big enough. She was part of the Priority conference in 2019.

Branch is a wife, rapper, and Bible teacher who spoke at IBSA’s AWSOM conference last fall. She is Assistant Dean of Students to Women and the Director of Graduate Life at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.

Priority is April 23-24 with in-person event attendance at First Baptist Church in O’Fallon. Due to state COVID restrictions, in-person attendance is limited to 400. Inperson registration is $55, including Priority materials and lunch. The cost to attend online is $30, including Priority materials which will be shipped to participants, or $15 to attend online without materials.

For more information, visit IBSA.org/ women or contact Aubrey Krol at AubreyKrol@IBSA.org or (217) 391-3138. Priority registration opens online Feb. 1.

February vote likely on teachers’ standards

Illinois legislators will soon consider new teaching standards critics say would require teachers to abandon their religious beliefs. The General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) was scheduled to consider the “Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading” in January, but now will do so Feb. 16.

The standards, adopted by the Illinois State Board of Education last year, touch on issues such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and race-based privilege in what supporters call an effort to encourage support for diversity in school age children. Opponents, including Bob Vanden Bosch of Concerned Christian Ministries, say the standards violate free speech and religious rights. If approved, they would take effect Oct. 1, 2021.

“This is a form of compelled speech on the part of teachers, not allowing them to give their own viewpoints,” Vanden Bosch said in an email appeal. “We literally need thousands of people contacting JCAR members to stop the implementation of this rule.”

Legislator steps down

Illinois State Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) announced in January she will leave her post with the state’s General Assembly. Steans played a key role in efforts to legalize same-sex marriage and recreational marijuana, and to allow taxpayer-funded abortions in Illinois. Steans’s seat will stay with her party when Democratic lawmakers choose her successor. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) has said she will seek to fill the vacancy. Cassidy has sponsored many similar actions in the House.

Missouri abortions decline

A report by prolife organization Operation Rescue proclaimed Missouri the first abortionfree state, “at least in practice for now.”

The last abortion facility in the state, a Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis, is still open, but Operation Rescue reported no abortion appointments have been available there for months or for the foreseeable future. Instead, the group reported, abortion seekers have been referred to the recently opened Planned Parenthood facility in Fairview Heights, Ill.

Planned Parenthood disputed the report, the Associated Press reported, pointing to increased restrictions as the reason abortions dropped in Missouri. According to the state’s department of health and human services, 39 surgical abortions occurred in Missouri through Nov. 15 of 2020, compared to a total of 1,362 the previous year.

– Concerned Christian Ministries, Operation Rescue, Associated Press Get breaking news in The Briefing online, posted every Tuesday at www.ib2news.org.

LOTZ

JEFFREY WILLIAMS

BRANCH BOLICK HALSEY

IN FOCUS

ILLINOIS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Come to the Upper Room

Jesus set the ultimate example for leaders working to ensure the future of the church. At the Illinois Leadership Summit Jan. 19-20, leadership expert Dave Rhodes (pictured below) reminded leaders that Christ’s decision to call and send out disciples should resonate especially loudly as churches struggle to overcome pandemicrelated challenges.

When Jesus called disciples, Rhodes said, he was inviting them to make their ultimate contribution to the world. That radical calling won’t happen through the usual assimilation patterns, largely stalled amid COVID-related shutdowns and interruptions. Rather, leaders must make the shift toward a new finish line: disciples who make disciples who make disciples.

“Many times as leaders, we are ‘running’ church hoping to get disciples,” Rhodes said. “Jesus makes disciples and out of making disciples, he gets the future church.” His ministry wasn’t built on gathered crowds, but on dispersed disciples.

“As we invest in disciples, we create the future church.”

century Church of the Future

(2)1st

Post-COVID, the mission remains: make disciples

IB TEAM COVERAGE

Springfield | “You probably don’t have as many people in your church building as you did a year ago.”

Speaking at the Illinois Leadership Summit Jan. 19-20, Dave Rhodes acknowledged one of the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a chief cause for pastoral anxiety. After months of stalled ministries and intermittent shutdowns, leaders might feel the church is in jeopardy, said Rhodes, a leadership consultant and pastor in Atlanta. But the future of the church was never dependent on churches getting bigger, he said.

Over two days at the multi-site summit, Rhodes called pastors and church leaders to a renewed vision of discipleship, one that will carry the church into its post-COVID future. Rhodes is chief training officer for Denominee, an organization IBSA is partnering with to develop long-term vision and strategies for state convention work. Along with his sessions, Illinois pastors led 16 breakout sessions organized into four tracks: Shepherding, Discipleship,

Watch sessions from the 2021 Illinois Leadership Summit at IBSA.org/ILS2021

“Your greatest opportunity to have an impact for the kingdom is to not build it around you, but to build it around what it is that you’ve been called to build it around, and that’s Jesus, his name, his glory, and his kingdom.”

– Ted Max, pastor of Vale Church in Bloomington, in a session on how Limitation Leads to Innovation

Mobilization, and Overseer. Breakouts focused on relaunching missions efforts, effective preaching and teaching in a post-COVID world, “soul care” for a scattered church, and reimagining the future church.

The summit was broadcast online and at 17 regional satellite locations—a delivery system designed to allow more participants to attend while allowing for social distancing. It arrived in a season in which many IBSA churches have resumed in-person worship services, but are still dealing with the fallout of a highly challenging 2020. Q&A times in the breakout sessions gave IBSA leaders a chance to hear from each other.

“To see that they are worrying about the same things as me, it’s encouraging,” said Rob Brogdon, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Roodhouse, who attended the summit at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville. “I’m not alone.”

Necessary adjustments

The message of the gospel can never change, said Marshall Baptist Church Pastor Paul Cooper. But the methods of the gospel must. Cooper’s breakout session at the summit focused on adapting to a new normal by adjusting our usual metrics of success.

“Often the methods that helped your church reach people in the past end up becoming the very obstacles that keep your church from reaching

“Anyone can attend something. Real discipleship begins when people engage. Attending is simply participating. Engaging is different in that it is committing.”

– Paul Cooper, pastor of Marshall Baptist Church, on Redefining ‘Success’ Post Pandemic: Exploring Different Metrics for ‘Successful’ Church Ministry

people today,” Cooper said. He encouraged leaders to embrace the current opportunity for change.

“Church will never be the exact way it was,” Cooper said. “But it can be better. It can be a lot better, if we’re willing to shed off those things that weren’t working and focus on those things that are going to help us reach people for Christ.”

Too many churchgoers are stuck in what Rhodes calls the “lower room,” he explained in his first session at the summit. It’s focused on programs and personalities, and the fact that so many people are stuck there was compounded by COVID-related shutdowns of regular church programs. Standing next to his sketch of a two-story house, Rhodes described an “upper room” that is focused on purpose. The future of the church, he said, is built on creating a staircase between the two.

“Our primary problem in the world today as people who are leading the church is that too often

“Be consistent rather than novel. Novel is fun. Novel is entertaining. But novel doesn’t last.”

we are faking disciples instead of making disciples,” he said. “We become slaves to the ‘functional’ Great Commission: Go into the world and make more worship attenders, baptizing them in the name of small groups, and teaching them to volunteer one or two hours a month.”

To shepherd their people to the upper room, Rhodes said, leaders must “move the finish line” from regular assimilation patterns like small group attendance and volunteer service, to participation in the ultimate purpose of the church—making more disciples.

Crucial investment

“If you go out of here feeling good, it’s because someone was thinking what you couldn’t put into words,” said Bill Haas at the summit. The pastor of Athensville Baptist Church attended the sessions at Lincoln Avenue in Jacksonville.

“He (Dave Rhodes) made me think,” Haas said. “I loved the graphs, and I could project a little bit more into it as it applies to my life.”

Rob Gallion participated in the summit at Western Oaks Baptist Church in Springfield, another satellite location available for viewers. The church he pastors, First Baptist in Petersburg, had been moving toward new strategies in leadership development when COVID hit. They had started a weekly men’s group and were building momentum before the pandemic forced a shutdown of most church activities.

– Bryan Price, pastor of Love Fellowship Baptist Church in Romeoville, in his session on The Power of Deep Truth in a Fake News World

– Jeremy Byrd, pastor of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville, on The Power of Focus: Leading Deeper Through Aligned Teaching

“Think of the church as an edgeless puzzle. There’s always room for one more piece….We need to be brave and let people use their gifts.”

– Heath Tibbetts, pastor of First Baptist Church in Machesney Park, in a session on Reimagining the Role of Equipper to a Church Scattered

“I like the idea of the movement,” Gallion said during a summit break. “Not just bringing people in to be participants, but thinking more about how we train these guys to really become leaders who within a year or so will be able to lead their own group.”

That movement toward multiplication is crucial, Rhodes said. Jesus desires believers to make their ultimate contribution to the world by living life as true disciples, and making more disciples. “The future of the church was Jesus’ investment in the upper room.”

“Rather than contributing to the chaos, we need to preach from a posture of peace. Our aim should always be reconciliation and redemption.”

Faith on display at inauguration

Washington, D.C. | The conservative Christian leaders who prayed at some past inaugurations were absent from President Joe Biden’s ceremony, but the Jan. 20 festivities did include several overt expressions of Biden’s Catholic faith, starting with the massive family Bible he used while taking the oath of office. Vice President Kamala Harris used two Bibles stacked one on top of the other. One Bible belonged to late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and the other was from a family friend.

Garth Brooks sang “Amazing Grace” during the inauguration, inviting attenders and viewers to sing with him. Gospel singer Yolanda Adams’s rendition of “Hallelujah” was featured during a COVID-19 memorial Jan. 19. National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman referenced Micah 4:4 in her inaugural poem “The Hill We Climb.” Biden quoted part of Psalm 30:5 in his speech, sharing the Bible’s words about weeping that endures for a night, and joy that comes in the morning.

Early actions raise concern

President Joe Biden signed 17 executive orders (EO) on his first day in office, with more policy actions expected early in his presidency. The Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission agreed with some of Biden’s early measures, including repealing the policy known as the “Muslim Ban,” support for family reunification efforts at the U.S./Mexico border, and advocacy for “Dreamers” through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA).

Other actions, though, are particularly concerning to Christian voters, including an EO that seeks to expand the Supreme Court’s 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County. The ruling applies to the LGBT commu-

nity the same anti-discrimination protections granted to women by Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The ERLC’s policy staff said Biden’s order will mean “sexual orientation and gender identity could be treated as protected classes in a range of contexts, such as education, health care, and child welfare. This will, in turn raise a host of religious liberty problems, many of which will likely have to be litigated.”

Another concerning action Biden is expected to take, the ERLC said, is to repeal the Mexico City Policy, which prohibits U.S. funding of foreign nongovernmental groups that provide or refer women for abortions. – ERLC

Most lawmakers identify as ‘Christian’

While 26% of Americans claim no religious affiliation, only one U.S. lawmaker shares that view, Pew Forum reports. But 88% of legislators describe themselves as Christian, outweighing the number of U.S. adults who identify as such. The full list, available at PewForum.org, doesn’t include two Senate seats and two House seats unfilled at the beginning of the 117 th Congress.

of Congress

% percent describe themselves as:

adults

CULTURE IS

Churches face legal issues all the time, so they need to be prepared. And when an issue arises, churches need trusted counsel.

With over 24 years of service, at all court levels, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) has seen the cultural and legal trends clearly shift against the Church.

We can help your church prepare itself for these changes.

IBSA covers half of your church’s cost for the first year of membership.

OATHS OF OFFICE – President Joe Biden was sworn in with a Bible that’s been in his family for more than a century. Vice President Kamala Harris used two, including one that belonged to Thurgood Marshall.

RESOURCE

NEXT GENERATION

meet the team

Scott Harris

Administrative Director of Mobilization

Discipleship

for the whole family

Outreach to kids can lead parents to Christ

Early in my ministry, a young lady from an unchurched family accepted Christ. The family dynamic was unusually complicated by divorce and remarriage. However, after reaching this young lady, she in turn shared the gospel with her biological and step families. As a result, both her father and his new family, along with her mother and her new family, accepted Christ, found reconciliation with one another, and both families began attending and serving in the church together.

Family: Married to Teresa for 29 years! Two adult children: a daughter who is a nurse and a son who is a college student.

Ministry experience: I have been a senior pastor for more than 22 years. The majority of that time was spent in my last two churches, one in Alabama and most recently in Georgia.

Favorite thing about church as a kid: I loved Sunday school and AWANA.

Favorite thing about church now: I love to worship my Lord and hear the word of God preached.

Favorite sports team: Duke Blue Devils

Favorite movies: Rocky and Star Wars

Favorite book: In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon

Favorite Old Testament prophet: Jeremiah

Favorite Scripture: Acts 26:16-18

The Learning curve

The Preacher’s Catechism

Sinclair B. Ferguson and Lewis Allen

This book takes the Westminster Shorter Catechism and uses it to shape 43 questions for the preacher to consider. I have found it to be challenging and inspiring.

This isn’t a special case. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to see many families come to Christ and the church through student ministry that reaches out intentionally to parents. Each story is unique, but they have one thing in common—connecting with parents was a priority.

The vast majority of students who grow up to be healthy, faithful Christ-followers came from homes where their faith was encouraged. If we are to successfully reach the next generation for Christ, we must make every effort to reach their parents (or parentfigures).

Consider these guiding principles for student ministry aimed at reaching the whole family:

Define your purpose. To connect with the unchurched, de-churched, and unsaved parents in our student ministry, there needs to be a compelling reason for them to make that connection. They need to hear and see that our student ministry is more than a social activity. They need to know we are working to make a positive and meaningful impact on their children’s lives.

Speak their language. Not only must our ministry purpose be compelling, but we must articulate it in a way that is meaningful to the parents we are trying to reach. Imagine telling a parent who isn’t a Christfollower that your purpose is to develop Christ-like character in their child. At best, they won’t understand what that means; at worst, they’ll think you’re trying to brainwash their child into a cult.

Understanding the Times

Jeff Myers and David A. Noebel

But if you tell that same parent that your ministry is focused on developing honesty, patience, courage, compassion, self-control, and leadership skills in their child, you’ve now aligned the goals of your ministry with their goals as a parent. You haven’t changed what you’re teaching, you’ve just communicated it in a way that is meaningful to them.

Be their champion. Every chance you get, find a way to brag about their kid in front of them. This simple act of encouragement lets parents know they’re doing something right amid their doubts and insecurities. Also, be a parent’s champion when you’re talking to their kids. Inevitably, students are going to complain about their parents. Oftentimes the complaint may be valid because parents sometimes mess up. But unless it’s something that’s truly abusive, hurtful, or illegal, we should do everything we can to paint their parent in a positive light. Reinforce that their parent loves them, and is doing their best to raise them to be successful in life.

Equip parents. Conduct a survey and then host a speaker or seminar on their biggest parenting concerns. Involve them in youth and church events and create opportunities for them to do things with their student, not just for them. Help a parent build a healthy relationship with their child, and even the most ardent critic of Christianity will become your supporter.

Jesus leveraged his power, influence, and resources for the good of others. When we leverage our power, influence, and resources for the good of parents, we’re building a bridge between them and Christ.

Jimmy Hammond is family life pastor at Living Faith Baptist Church in Sherman. This article is excerpted from the Spring 2021 issue of Resource magazine, online at Resource.IBSA.org. E-mail Communications@IBSA.org to sign up for a subscription.

What Jesus Started

Steve Addison

– Adron Robinson, pastor, Hillcrest Baptist Church, Country Club Hills

This resource walks the believer through six major worldviews, helping the Christian understand how to evangelize to people of different beliefs. I recommend teaching it to students, young adults, and adults in your church.

We are now the first and only SBC church in Douglas County in east central Illinois. This book is great for any size church that wants to follow Jesus’ methodology in carrying out the Great Commission in hard-to-reach mission fields.

– Michael Wilder, pastor, First Baptist Church, Tuscola

– Mario Ramos, pastor, First Baptist Church, Royalton

the counselor

How to navigate conflict together

We can’t seem to develop a helpful conflict style in our marriage. Whenever a problem arises, one of us shuts down, making the other one angrier. What are some healthy steps we can take to finding resolution?

Reconciliation is the work of God.

Pursuing Christ-like character traits of honesty and humility will help you as you seek resolution.

Too often, married couples in our offices angrily say, “She is not the person I married,” or “We just have nothing in common anymore.” These statements are intended to highlight the faults of the spouse, but they actually highlight the speaker’s rigidity and arrogance.

Healthy married couples celebrate their differences. Reconciliation is impossible while trapped in this negative spiral, focusing on differences as irritating, destructive, or disrespectful. God made us different for a reason.

You mention that one spouse’s behavior makes the other one angrier, referring to how they make you feel. But healthy people know feelings are a choice. If you give the power to your spouse to make you happy, you also give them permission to make you unhappy. Happiness is a gift from God.

MARK McCORMICK

Anxious? Don’t miss your shot!

I got infected with a bad case of “buck fever” this past fall. I had heard about individuals getting so amped seeing horns that they couldn’t shoot straight; but I honestly thought that could never happen to me. I grew up in the country shooting squirrels and skeet. I wrongly assumed that that experience would easily carry over when I had a chance to shoot a monster buck.

Sadly, that was not the case.

When that monster buck came prancing past me, I completely missed him. After missing on two different bucks during the first shotgun season, I left the woods discouraged, disappointed, and down. To make matters worse, on social media I saw big buck after big buck harvested by child after child. And yet, my freezer was still empty and my tag unfilled.

I believe that a lot of individuals face a similar infection with a severe case of “gospel fever.”

Many are convinced that God wants them to share their faith. They eagerly desire to help their co-worker, neighbor, or family member come to an understanding that they desperately need Jesus to save them. When the opportunity comes to have that conversation, however, nerves, uneasiness, personal anxiety, or maybe just a lack of confidence keeps them from sharing the greatest hope in the entire world.

What deer season showed me about sharing the gospel

that you are immature; it just means you are human. God can still use you. There are several strategies that I can employ to help me overcome buck fever. Likewise, there is help for us to overcome our fears in sharing the gospel:

You also say “whenever a problem arises one of us shuts down.” Let’s talk about choices. You both have the choice not to shut down, but rather to say, “This is where I usually shut down, and I refuse to do it this time. I need to be heard, and my sitting here in silence solves nothing.” Or, “This is where I discount your feelings and I get angry because I don’t listen, and I want to change that.”

Do you hear the honesty and humility in these examples? When spouses relate to one another this way, they’re obeying the biblical call to consider others better than ourselves (Philippians 2).

Taking ownership individually of your flawed patterns of relating is an honest, humble start to finding resolution. My suggestion would be that you both have a few individual counseling sessions where you are not allowed to lay blame, but take responsibility for your part of the problem. Then you will be ready for marriage counseling together.

Mark McCormick is director of clinic operations for Illinois Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services. Send questions for Mark to Illinois Baptist@IBSA.org.

Have you ever been affected by gospel fever? I think at some point every Christian struggles with sharing their faith. The heart races, the words won’t come out, and it seems impossible to start the conversation that a friend most needs to hear.

Having gospel fever doesn’t mean you’re a weak Christian or

I have seen people use the buddy system where they take a Christian friend to help with the conversation. Sometimes rehearsing a method of sharing the gospel helps, or practicing a gospel conversation with a friend. The greatest way that I’ve seen people get past their anxiety with sharing their faith is to pray. I’m talking about really praying and seeking God and begging him to help you, to soften the hearts of those you will engage with the gospel, and to provide a chance for you to share your heart.

A few years back, I had the joy of sharing the gospel along with

my mom on the mission field. On that day, she was extremely nervous. If I am honest, her gospel explanation wasn’t the smoothest or clearest. It might have been called the Romans Rocky Road. It was rough. However, because she had spent considerable time praying for God to help her and to open the hearts of those she would meet, the Spirit worked powerfully and used her availability to save others.

I’m convinced God can do more in a moment, even through our stammering, than we can do in a lifetime with smooth talking. Even if you have struggled to share in the past, get back in the woods and try again with God’s help. I believe God desires to use you to help the 8 million lost residents of Illinois come to him.

By the way, after completely striking out in the first shotgun season, I didn’t give up but went back in the woods during the second season. While it took multiple shots, I finally got my buck. It was no monster, but it did put meat in our freezer. God can use you. He can help you get past your anxieties and fears to help others know him. Will you pray for God to give you opportunities to share his message of hope this week?

Sammy Simmons is senior pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton. He is serving his second term as IBSA President.

The Monday sermon review has changed.

people

Hail and Farewell

IBSA welcomed Megan Dirks in January as a ministry assistant on the Mobilization Team. Originally from Rochester, Ill., she is a member of Rochester First Baptist Church where she is a long-time Vacation Bible School volunteer.

After more than four years as pastor of North Side Baptist Church in Fairfield, Mike Hallas is in training to become an Army chaplain. Hallas is currently serving as a logistics officer in the Army reserves and holds the rank of Captain.

Matt McNealy is the new pastor of Argenta Baptist Church. He and his wife, Stephanie, have six children and come to Argenta from the Bethalto area. He studied at Missouri Baptist College in St. Louis and Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth.

After 20 years of service, Debbie Muller retired from IBSA in January. She worked most recently with the Mobilization Team, and served over the years as a ministry assistant for worship and church music, evangelism, church health, and Disaster Relief. In retirement, she plans to engage in missions through IBSA’s Vacation Bible School team, and Disaster Relief and Campers on Mission projects with her husband, Andy.

neTworking

Find more information on ministry position at IBSA.org/connect

Send NetworkiNg items to IllinoisBaptist@IBSA.org

Elm Street Baptist Church in Murphysboro seeks a part-time music minister. Qualified applicants should send resumés to esbc1933@ outlook.com, or mail to Elm Street Baptist Church, 1907 Elm St., Murphysboro, IL 62966.

With the Lord

With the Lord

Joseph Aaron Aldridge, 76, of Jonesboro died December 22. As a pastor, he served with his wife, Sheila, at churches in Arkansas, Texas, and Illinois, including Orchard Valley Baptist in Aurora and First Baptist in Jonesboro.

Jerold Darnell, 81, of Belleville died December 29. He was pastor of Spring Valley Baptist Church in Shiloh, and previously led Bethlehem Baptist Church in Salem. His wife, Bonnie, preceded him in death.

Ernest “Ernie/ Butch” Flowers, 90, of Hillsboro died December 27. The long-time IBSA leader served with his wife, Joyce, at two churches before becoming Rehoboth Baptist Association’s director of missions for 12 years.

Ruby Hoback, 97, of Carlinville died January 18. With her husband, John, who preceded her in death, she was instrumental in establishing the ministries of Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief, including its child care ministry. They were members of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carlinville.

Darren Wade Morrow, 51, of Decatur died December 18. With his wife, Sheri, Morrow served IBSA churches including Grace Baptist in Nokomis and Summit Avenue in Decatur, where he had served as pastor since 2006.

Mickey Patrick, 90, of Abilene, Texas, died December 31. She and her husband, L.D., served Illinois Baptists for more than 40 years, with Mickey serving as associational WMU director for the Chicago Metro and Lake County Baptist Associations, and eight years as president of Illinois WMU.

dave says

There are other ways Q A

I really don’t have any established credit, because I’ve never taken out a loan or had a credit card. What will happen when I’m ready to get a mortgage loan and buy a home?

There are basically two ways to be in a position to get a home loan. One is to have credit at lots of places and a huge FICO score. This is kind of dumb when you really think about it, but it will get you a home loan almost instantly.

When you have no credit, a lender has to do what’s called a manual underwriting. It’s something lots of banks did back in the day, when they actually used common sense when it came to making loans.

Fortunately, a few places will still work with you in this manner. They take a look at your work history to see if you have a stable job and a good income. They want proof you pay your bills on time too. This can be as simple as showing them several utility bills, rent statements, and other receipts. They’re basically looking for a long history of proof that you honor your financial commitments.

Remember, buying a house with cash is always the best way to own a home. But I don’t beat people up over having a mortgage, as long as it’s on a 15-year, fixed rate note. Do your very best to save up for a down payment of at least 20% too. That way, you’ll avoid the added expense of PMI (private mortgage insurance).

Great question!

DAVE RAMSEY

Define long term

QWhat is your advice when it comes to investing a one-time, lump sum of $4,000 for a long period of time? I recently received an inheritance from an uncle who passed away, and I want to make the money work for me. I’m 33 and my home is paid for, plus I have no debt and an emergency fund of six months of expenses. I am also maxing out my 401(k) at work. Thank you for your advice.

AI’m sorry to hear about your uncle, but I’m sure he was proud of the responsible young man you’ve become. You’ve made some very mature decisions where your finances are concerned, and as a result you’re at a great spot in life.

When it comes to investing, I consider a “long period of time” to be 10 years or more. If this is the case with you, I’d suggest a good mutual fund with a solid track record of between 15 and 20 years.

I know some folks like to take chances and play single stocks on a one-time investment like this, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. Single stocks just don’t consistently generate the kinds of returns a good mutual fund will over time.

Financial advisor Dave Ramsey is a prolific author and radio host.

CLASSIFIED

AD

Beulah Baptist Association located in Union City, Tenn., is currently seeking resumés for a Director of Missions (DOM). Applicants must be a man called by God who is also called specifically to the NW Tennessee area. This individual must meet the biblical leadership qualifications outlined in 1 Tim. 3.1-7 and hold faithfully to The Baptist Faith and Message (2000). Resumés will be received until February 28, 2021. Please email resumés to: sheila@bbaol.org or mail to Beulah Baptist Association, P.O. Box 366, Union City, TN 38281.

March 7-14

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering & Week of Prayer

Resources: anniearmstrong.com

EVENTS

IBSA Webinars

Church Helps

Guidance on current topics for church leaders

Pastor Plus

On-the-job ministry training

Leading to the Next Level

Equipping leaders in all areas of influence

ReVision Revitalization

Helping pastors prepare to lead change

IBSA.org/leadershipdevelopment

Edge Online Courses

What: Become a sharper leader right where you live and serve. Multi-week courses are instructor-led, fully online, and highly interactive.

When: New courses start Feb. 1 Register: IBSA.org/ibsa-online-courses

February 27, March 6, 13, 27

VBS Training Clinics

Where: Feb. 27: Chatham Baptist Church; March 6: FBC Carterville; March 13: Logan Street, Mt. Vernon and Northside, Dixon; March 27: Broadview Missionary Baptist Church Register: IBSA.org/kids

March 12-13, 19-20

AWSOM Weekends

What: Teen girls are invited to a unique retreat setting where they’ll learn to study and apply God’s word.

Where: March 12-13: Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp; March 19-20: Streator Baptist Camp Info: AubreyKrol@IBSA.org

March 20

Missions Leader Boot Camp

What: Gain the tools to build a strategic missional strategy for your church.

Where: IBSA Building, Springfield Info: BradLovin@IBSA.org

March 23

Training Night

What: Quality training in discipleship, missions, children and students, worship, and more Where: Roland Manor Baptist Church, Peoria Info: FranTrascritti@IBSA.org

Rural resurgence THE NEW REALITY

More Americans currently favor country living, Gallup reported early in 2021. When researchers asked the question two years ago, 39% said they would prefer to live in a town or rural setting. The number rose to 48% in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic made life difficult in most places, but particularly in larger cities.

American preferences of where to live

Gallup also found 75% of people now living in rural areas prefer to live in that setting, compared to slight majorities of city-dwellers and suburbanites who would prefer to live in a different setting.

Should the current dynamics result in more families moving to new places, the shifts will likely have an impact on churches in every setting. Rural and small-town congregations will see an increased need to connect with new neighbors, perhaps by implementing small-scale and neighborhood-driven mission efforts encouraged by IBSA’s missions director Brad Lovin.

And churches in major metros could experience even more transience, compounding the challenges of staying strong in communities where people are constantly moving in and out. That’s why churches in transient areas need some missionminded Christians to consider planting their lives there long-term, Toronto church planter Darryl Dash wrote in 2019:

“Don’t just factor in your career, housing preferences, school districts, and costs as you decide where to live. Factor in ministry. Choose a place where your life will make a difference for the sake of the gospel. Be strategic. Live strategically as a missionary.”

Dig into Vacation Bible School with ideas and inspiration for multiple age groups and focus areas.