Illinois Baptist

‘Brutal beauty’ IllinoisBaptist.org

Jeremy Byrd contemplates the Cross P. 13 News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association

PRO LIFE Tears in Springfield Annual march moves to Capitol P. 4 IBSA NEWS Big reno reveal New meeting space dedicated P. 6 MISSION Passing the baton Frankfort church takes next lap P. 12 in focus “Let’s go somewhere” Nate Adams P. 2 mission Can the emerging generation save the world? P. 7 Learn more at servetour.org PLUS : TikTok impact on evanglism P. 8 &

Coming of age

‘ In the bubble,’ but not of it P. 10 P. 16

Springfield | IBSA Church Planting Director Paul Westbrook has been promoted to fill the Association’s second Associate Executive Director (AED) position that has remained empty since its creation in August 2019. He will step into the role effective July 1. Until then he will fulfill priorities relating to his church planting role and train with Associate Executive Director Mark Emerson.

My Columbian Exposition MEREDITH FLYNN

“Paul and I first discussed the possibility of him taking on the AED role some time ago, as we talked about his best fit on the IBSA staff,” IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams said. “Paul has done a great job transitioning into the Church Planting position from his longtime planter-pastor role with Metro Community Church. Now after continued conversation and prayer, including Mark’s valuable participation and input in the process, we believe the time and fit is right for this transition.”

The Illinois Baptist staff

Editor - Eric Reed

The general telephone number for IBSA is (217) 786-2600. For questions about subscriptions, articles, or upcoming events, contact the Illinois Baptist at (217) 391-3127 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 62703-4440. Subscriptions are free to Illinois Baptists. Subscribe online at IBSA.org.

The BIG Baptist family album

Our Illinois mission field

Joel Vancil is laying the groundwork for a church plant in Ashley. The town of 500, with a few similar towns around it, has no Protestant or evangelical church. Vancil, a native of Sunfield, will return from his current ministry near Savannah, Georgia at year’s end, when he graduates from Midwestern Seminary’s online program. Meanwhile, churches in Nine Mile Association will help him with a Maundy Thursday service in the former Methodist building that will become the plant’s new home. “They’re my people,” he said of Southern Illinoisans. “I’m a Midwest farm boy at heart.”

Pray the news: Upcoming convention

With the Southern Baptist Convention set for New Orleans in June, now is the time to pray for preparations and upcoming elections. Messengers will handle important doctrinal issues. Begin praying for the body to exercise godly wisdom.

CP @ work: New missionaries

Total giving by IBSA churches as of 2/28/23: $846,004

Budget Goal: $1,027,186

2023 Goal: $6 Million

NATE ADAMS