The MainThing
SBC: Where we stand now
5 questions remain after Orlando convention
We know what happened in Orlando. The expanded team coverage in this issue of the Illinois Baptist illustrates the many annual rituals that drew more than 20,000 people to Florida for Southern Baptists’ big family gathering. But one topic dominated discussion going into the convention—What is a pastor and who is called to be one?
Coming out of the convention, the question is whether a 74% vote for a constitutional amendment limiting the pastorate to men signals the issue is settled.
We know how the messengers voted, but, going forward, what does it mean? Where does it stand now?
First, the issue isn’t settled—yet. Constitutional amendments require affirmative votes in two successive annual meetings, by two-thirds majority. As the world’s largest legislative body, the SBC requires two votes, over two years. This usually prevents tidal wave decisions or knee-jerk reactions.
Mohler amendment passes round one Agreement shown in decisive votes
missionaries introduced and sent Disability ministry encouraged
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GLOBAL
PRAYER POINTS
Suicide consult at donut shop
An Ontario doctor who assessed a patient for physician-assisted suicide outside a Tim Horton’s donut shop was placed under lowlevel supervision. A year later he drove the patient to a facility where cadavers are prepared for transport and administered the fatal medication there. The man had Crohn’s Disease.
Bible story curriculum aids refugees
An IMB missionary in Peru says, “One of our teammates will begin a ‘New Hope’ trauma healing training for the Peruvian missionary community… in Cusco! Pray that the Lord will… guide this time of sharing and learning together.”
Madrid’s Festival of Hope is SRO
More than 12-thousand packed an arena for a two-day worship event led by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. More than 900 churches and 15 denominations participated. Christian Post reported, “For a secularized Spain, an event of this magnitude not only represents a numerical milestone but a public testimony of the dynamism and unity that Evangelicals are experiencing in the Iberian Peninsula.”
Jesus over Armenia
The world's tallest statue of Jesus should be completed in 2027. The businessman who started the project said the monument will “show the path to revival and light to the Armenian people” following war with neighboring Azerbaijan. At 331 feet, it will be 50% taller than the giant cross in Effingham.
Egypt approves new churches
Action legalizing 191 new church facilities brings hope to Christians. That makes 3,804 permits since 2016. But Christian Solidarity Worldwide (UK) fears pressure to register allows additional oversight by the Egyptian government.
Rice crisis parallels pastor shortage
In Japan, where rice is their daily bread, old farmers are retiring without successors. So too with pastors, where only 1% of people are Protestants. IMB asks, “Pray that the Lord of the harvest will call out new pastors to share the living bread that came down from heaven and that multitudes will find their deepest hunger satisfied in Jesus!”
Christian Post, Christian Solidarity, IMB
"I know your works. Look, I have placed before you an open door that no one can close because you have but little power; yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”
– Revelation 3:8
Could it be that Jesus has opened wide a new door of shared ministry and missions for Southern Baptists to walk through together? That’s the question that continues permeating my mind after our time together in Orlando.
We need to remember we ‘have but little power’ in ourselves.
Southern Baptists have always found themselves called by God amid a vast world stage. From the Civil War to two World Wars, the Great Recession of 2008 and the Covid Pandemic, we have often felt small compared to the forces and events surrounding us. Yet God continues to call us and use us.
It is healthy for us to guard ourselves from an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Our late great statesman-leader Adrian Rogers once said in a sermon, “I’ve seen people too big in their own sight for God
SCOTT FOSHIE
Our new open door
¿DÓNDE ESTÁ FOSHIE?– Scott Foshie joined hispanic pastors in Chicagoland for a meeting in May, conducting the whole conversation in Spanish. Who knew he was fluent in Spanish? Vayan con Dios, hermanos.
to use. I’ve never seen a man small in his own sight that God could not use.” We need to remember that in our own strength, we are nothing, but when we join God in his work, his ability to use us is limitless.
In Orlando and everywhere I go right now, I sense a healthy humility and desire to be used by God. The number of people answering calls to international missions and church planting is unmistakably growing. A new generation of ministry pioneers is answering God’s call. If we will stay humble and dependent on God, he will continue using us mightily.
We need to remember to keep his Word. Our time in Orlando was
“Will
ant responsibility belongs most to every local church.
We must remember to uphold his name. God wants every community in America to be blessed with a Bible-preaching, gospel-focused church. It should be Southern Baptists’ desire to join God in a gospel movement that has a generational impact on this nation we love.
marked by efforts to continue living anchored in the inerrancy of Scripture. The "Truth and Unity Amendment" and our eleven resolutions represent efforts to safeguard our rootedness in Scripture and to speak to our culture from its absolute truth. As we safeguard against theological liberalism, we will need to apply equal effort to ensure we avoid drifting into destructive legalism.
The local church is the headquarters of every local association, state convention, and the SBC. Whether we thrive or decline depends on our abiding in Jesus and faithfully proclaiming his perfect Word. While our gatherings and entities must be faithful to God’s Word, this import-
Journey along with Scott as he meets with Illinois Baptists across the state.Follow at Facebook.com/ scott.foshie.1
As we gathered in Orlando, there was a palpable desire to see God move and use our multiplied ministry in a new way to accomplish this goal. It was inspiring to meet so many young thriving families, faithful seasoned servants, and new ministers and missionaries that God had called later in life. The common thread was that they were answering God’s call like Isaiah and saying, “Here I am, Lord, send me.”
Of course, we still face challenges, but let’s remember what God has done. We have constitutionally protected religious freedom, abundant resources, emerging technology, and an ecosystem of associations, conventions, and entities to multiply our gospel impact. We have a shared, steadfast commitment to biblical inerrancy and a desire to avoid legalism. People across America are more open to the gospel than ever. Let’s abide in Jesus and share his love together as a force for good!
Contact Scott Foshie at IllinoisBaptist@IBSA.org.
Pastors and leaders, receive weekly video updates from Scott. Sign up for text updates at IBSA.org/subscribe FIND FOSHIE ONLINE
Total giving by IBSA churches as of 5/31/26
$2,300,674
2026 Budget Goal to date: $2,499,652 2026 Goal: $6 Million
Your church can give by using this QR code to digitally submit or mail your CP missions offering.
Regional consultant hired
Kevin Alvarez joined the IBSA staff as Central Region Consultant in June. Alvarez will provide resources, train and support, and help churches discover and accomplish their next steps.
The Central Region includes Bay Creek, Central, East Central, Heartland Network, Kaskaskia, Louisville, Macoupin, Rehoboth, Sandy Creek, and Westfield Associations.
His addition alongside Chris Nolin (Northern), Bryan Price (Chicago), Jonathan Peters (Metro East), and Bob Dickerson (Southern) completes the roster of regional consultants.
Alvarez has pastored Celebration Community Church in Pana for the past three years. He will continue in that role while serving on IBSA staff part-time. “Kevin has served our Health Team as a Pathfinder and revitalization coach for the past two years,” said IBSA Associate Executive Director Mark Emerson. “He is extremely creative and has a heart for pastors.”
Alvarez earned a D.Min. in church revitalization from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds an M.Div. from The Bible Seminary in Katy, Texas, and a Bachelors degree in Christian Leadership and an Associate degree in Biblical Studies, both from The College of Biblical Studies in Houston.
He and his wife, Yvette, have three adult daughters: Cassandra, Gabriela, and Madison.
New team leaders
Two IBSA directors were promoted to team leaders in June.
Josh Bledsoe will lead the combined church health and growth teams, resulting in increased integration of Leadership Development and NextGen offerings (Growth) with Revitalization and Regional Consultant strategies (Health). Bledsoe has served in revitalization with Scott Foshie for one year. He pastored Calvary Baptist Church in Mt. Zion before joining IBSA, and has an extensive background in worship leadership and public education.
Shannon Ford assumes leadership of the Missions team, with supervision of IBSA missions, church planting, and evangelism ministries. Ford joined IBSA four years ago, after two decades with the International Mission Board in Ukraine and the Czech Republic.
Making the announcement of the promotions, IBSA Associate Executive Director Mark Emerson said, “We are finding that God is faithfully making us stronger, and we are excited about the next season at IBSA.”
FROM THE FRONT: Where we stand now
Continued from P.
1
The convention returns to Indianapolis in 2027 where the second vote will be held. That is the same city where in 2024 the Law Amendment, an earlier version of a similar male-only pastoral definition, received only 61% of the vote on its second reading—and failed.
Whether a messenger body convened outside the Deep South results in less Bible Belt attenders and more frontier Baptists, and a different view of the amendment, might be a factor.
In Orlando, there were attempts to prevent locating future annual meetings in California. The 2026 winner of the SBC presidency, Florida pastor Willy Rice, has advocated moving distant meetings back to the Southeast, since more SBC churches are located there. The cost of travel is often cited.
Attempts to reroute away from Anaheim failed, but one messenger from Georgia stated his objection to non-South locations clearly. He said the convention should be held where more conservative Southern Baptists live.
Midwest influence, whatever its perceived bent, will be felt in neighboring Indy in 2027 and just across the River in St. Louis in 2028.
It is noteworthy that a 74% vote in Orlando affirming this amendment is 13 points higher than the Indianapolis vote two years ago. It may be that the opinion of messengers in Orlando reflects a shift in the convention as a whole in favor of settling finally and definitively the issue of women in pastoral roles. There’s also the issue of debate fatigue. This is the fourth time an amendment on women’s roles has been brought forward in five years.
Second, this amendment is narrower than the Law Amendment. Before bringing his constitutional amendment to the floor, Louisville messenger and Southern Seminary President Al Mohler changed two words: “such as” became “specifically.” By doing that, Mohler limited the action by women that would disqualify a church from “friendly cooperation” with the SBC and allow its dismissal to one thing—preaching to the gathered church.
(The text of the constitutional amendment is on page 6.)
“This amendment makes very clear that a church in friendly cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention doesn't have anyone other than a man as pastor in the office of pastor,” Mohler said on the floor as he presented the motion, “and specifies on the functions of the pastor that the key central function of preaching the Word of God to the gathered assembly is limited to men by Scripture.”
At a news conference afterward, Mohler said, “It speaks specifically in terms of function to a woman preaching to the gathered assembly. I will say that over and over again. You heard me say that ‘specifically’ means ‘specifically.’”
Third, can this amendment be used to expand further the ministries prohibited to women, and thereby expand the causes for the SBC Credentials Committee to dismiss churches? Mohler says no.
His amendment addresses the office of pastor, but also by identifying preaching, it speaks to the functions which would identify a person as a pastor.
“I also will tell you that I do not believe that the Southern Baptist Convention has shown any evidence of moving beyond that specific issue (preaching) in terms of the function question,” Mohler said.
Fourth, can a woman ever speak from the pulpit? That would be up to the local church pastor. This amendment does not address sharing testimonies, verbal participation in worship, or speaking in such a way that is not equated with the pastoral function of preaching.
Fifth, can a woman have some other “pastoral” title, such as Children’s Pastor, Worship Pastor, or Associate Pastor? To those who say the Baptist Faith and Message (2000) and the Mohler Amendment, now half-approved, limits the office of “pastor/elder/overseer” to men, the answer is clear: No.
Women should not be called “pastor.” An assistant told this reporter that Dr. Mohler would prefer women use another title, such as “director.” However, the amendment doesn’t exactly legislate that.
In contrast, those who see a distinction between a senior or lead pastor (with biblical responsibility for spiritual oversight of the local congregation) and other types of associate roles may still wish to argue the point.
We have a year to discuss it.
─Eric Reed
Callout to Streator
Town hit, camp unharmed
Streator | Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief (IBDR) teams deployed to Streator and Washburn following two EF3 tornadoes that ripped through the north central Illinois communities on June 11. Streator Baptist Camp, which lies a few miles northwest of Streator was not impacted by the tornado.
“Most of the work in Streator will involve debris removal,” said Glen Carty, interim state disaster relief director told the Illinois Baptist.
Teams began work in Streator on Monday, June 15 but stopped at noon on June 17 with the onset of new storms by request of the city’s mayor out of an abundance of caution.
Erven Avenue and New Beginnings Baptist Churches in Streator provided food and lodging for volunteers.
Teams from 12 Illinois Baptist churches participated in the work in Streator. An IBDR shower trailer was also onsite.
The Salvation Army asked IBDR to aid with cleanup efforts at its Eagle Crest Camp in Washburn, located 23 miles northwest of Peoria. Chainsaw teams began work June 12, finishing June 15.
A chainsaw team from the Heartland Baptist Network assisted cleanup efforts related to the June 10-11 storms that impacted Springfield.
ALVAREZ
BLEDSOE
FORD
SBC 2026
Still on mission
No close votes, even on the issue of women and pastoral ministry.
ILLINOIS BAPTIST TEAM REPORT
ore than 52,000 ballots were counted by the team of 55 under the direction of Registration Secretary Don Currance. And none of the final votes were close. Not the vote on the Mohler Amendment to limit the pastorate to men in the SBC Constitution. Not the election of SBC President. And among the other offices, there were a few runoffs.
Overall, the votes appeared decisive. And everyone followed the instructions of the congenial “Mayor” who said repeatedly, “Don’t fold your ballot. Turn it over. Pass it to the right for an usher to pick it up.”
Even the vote on the widely discussed constitutional amendment affecting women in ministry was returned quickly.
Total registration was 21,143, with 11,692 messengers, 5,785 guests, and 3,667 exhibitors in Orlando for the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting June 9-10.
Even with the largest crowd since the year after Covid closures, the two-day conclave spent minimal time debating the hot button issue that likely drove up attendance. That was thanks to a messenger who made an impassioned speech about the motion, then called the question. Despite the lines at floor mics, messengers immediately agreed to end debate with a vote that seemed to say, “Let’s get it over with.”
Such sentiment would be well understood, after four consecutive meetings arguing whether the pastorate should be defined as male-only in the SBC Constitution, as it is in the denominational statement of faith, the Baptist Faith and Message (2000) For the most part, this convention was about missions, and the gospel glue that sticks Southern Baptists together.
6
Outgoing
SBC President Clint Pressley navigated the great legislative body with skill and a bit of humor. With advice from the parliamentarians standing behind him, he kept the meeting on time and by the rules. Juggling one sticky moment early on the first day, he joked, “Whew, I’m gonna miss this!”
1 2 3
Mohler up first
By a vote of 74.60% to 25.09%, messengers approved the constitutional amendment limiting the pastorate to men.
In the first business session, the first person recognized at a floor mic was The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Al Mohler. He made two motions, one proposing the constitutional amendment, and another to suspend Standing Rule 6, allowing the body to take up the issue this year and cut one year off the approval process.
Messengers agreed to suspend the rule that usually requires changes to governing documents to go through the Executive Committee first.
Mohler’s motion would add an additional qualification under Article 3, that a cooperating church “…does not act to affirm, appoint, or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, specifically preaching to the assembled congregation.”
Mohler said the amendment was intended to bring clarity to ministry reserved to men in two ways: pastoral office and function. He changed the wording from an earlier version, replacing “such as” preaching to read “specifically” preaching.
“This amendment makes very clear that a church in friendly cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention doesn't have anyone other than a man as pastor in the office of pastor,” Mohler said in his three-minutes at the mic, “and…that the key central function of preaching the word of God to the gathered assembly is limited to men by Scripture.”
Mohler later said he does not believe the constitutional amendment will be expanded to limit other ministry by women. “…I do not believe that the Southern Baptist Convention has shown any evidence of moving beyond that specific issue in terms of the function question.”
The amendment moves to Indianapolis in 2027 for a second vote that must meet the two-thirds majority rule.
The Credentials Committee reported receiving complaints this year about 56 churches that had women in pastoral positions. The committee found only 44 of those were Southern Baptist churches. They contacted all the churches: 10 were deemed not in cooperation, and 10 withdrew on their own.
Bricks, straw, budgets
Outgoing SBC President Clint Pressley addressed the pastoral issue a day before the vote. “Convictional clarity gives us the confidence to move forward,” he preached. He also called for patience and humility. The Charlotte, North Carolina pastor said he had seen the worst of Southern Baptists with debates and arguments, but he emphasized, “I
have spent two years seeing the Southern Baptist Convention at its best.”
When their youngest son died in 2023, Pressley said his family was surrounded “with genuine affection.”
“We all have our affinity groups, but the Southern Baptist Convention is my affinity group,” Pressley said, “because we’re centered around the gospel.”
Pressley will be succeeded by Willy Rice, a Clearwater, Florida pastor. Rice defeated South Carolina pastor Josh Powell 57.56% to 42.16%.
Rice favored appointing task forces to handle complex issues. He wanted a study of the pastoral role as occupied by qualified men, and of roles available to women. Messengers latched on to this idea and proposed multiple task forces—until one messenger spoke up.
“My concern is that we are overloading the Executive Committee with work and we are not giving them resources to do it,” Benjamin Cole of Lexington, North Carolina said. He called the task forces “extraneous” and “far afield” from the EC’s ministry assignment.
Citing cuts in its budget, Cole compared the EC to “ancient Israelites whose quota of bricks has been increased while their ratio of straw has been eliminated. Brothers, sisters, let
half in a down giving year) was delayed by legal expenses related to sexual abuse claims.
The EC presented for approval a budget that gives $94,860,000 to IMB (51%) $42,110,400 to NAMB (22.64%). The remainder funds theological education, with small percentages for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) and SBC operations through the EC. The overwhelming majority of national Cooperative Program contributions go to missions.
Disability ministry urged
With doctrinal debate minimized for the near future, messengers took up recommendations from one remaining study group on disability ministry. The panel recommended special needs ministry on all levels in SBC life, from the local church to international mission fields. (See P. 10.)
In addition to the EC study group’s recommendations, the Resolutions Committee also urged churches to expand disability ministry “to ensure that no family is forced to choose between the particular needs of a family member and the fellowship of the church.”
Three new SBC entity heads came to the podium. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) President Danny Akin presented his 23rd report prior to his July 31 retirement. Akin
us not demand more bricks while denying them essential straw.”
Messengers agreed. Ultimately, nine task forces were quashed. The EC can focus on its regular work, and Rice comes into office without any task forces to appoint.
That budget cut to the Executive Committee totaled $660,000. The EC had already reduced staff, and additional salary cuts will come in October. In 2010, the Convention voted to increase giving to international missions to 51% as part of the Great Commission Resurgence. Fulfillment of that promise to nudge the IMB slice of the CP pie upward slightly (to guarantee it didn’t dip below
introduced Scott Pace who will succeed him. Pace promised that Southeastern will continue to beat the drum of the Great Commission, as it is “the beat that keeps everything else in rhythm.”
New Lifeway Christian Resources CEO Ryan Blackwell told messengers his work will be built on Scripture, and his love for the local church. “I believe with all my heart that when you combine the inerrant, infallible, all-sufficient Word of God with the all-powerful working of the Holy Spirit of God, lives are changed.” Lifeway curriculum is used by 3-milllion people every Sunday.
New ERLC President and CEO Evan Lenow made a similar pledge. “My time at the ERLC will
Continued from P. 5
be focused on resourcing and equipping Southern Baptist churches,” he said. Lenow described his family’s deep involvement in Bellevue Baptist Church in metro Memphis, much of it under the leadership of Adrian Rogers.
Lenow was joined on the platform by Gary Hollingsworth, who concluded his service as interim ERLC President. There were no motions to defund the ERLC this year.
IBSA Executive Director Scott Foshie finished eight years as ERLC trustee, the last two as Trustee Chair. He was replaced as Illinois representative by Bruce Kirk, pastor of Alpha Missionary Baptist Church in Bolingbrook. Kirk just completed two years as IBSA Board Chair.
National WMU Executive Director-Treasurer Sandy Wisdom-Martin gave her final report before retirement. (See story P. 9.)
More missions
Overall, the convention that could have been sidetracked by argument proved to be mostly about missions. IMB President Paul Chitwood announced the missionary pipeline is “exploding,” noting a 500% increase in recent years. Messengers met 63 missionaries headed to the field, more than half had their voices and images disguised to protect their identities. They join 3,500 IMB missionaries in 155 countries.
Chitwood pointed out that IMB employs 2,027 women, 1,803 of whom are overseas missionaries. “No organization or institution in Southern Baptist life employs more females in vocational ministry than IMB,” Chitwood said. He specified that no woman serves as a pastor or elder or carries the function of a pastor or elder. Messengers applauded the comments on women missionaries.
“With more lost people living on the planet than at any point in human history,” Chitwood said, “now is the time for more Southern Baptists to answer God’s call to the nations.”
The 2027 SBC Annual Meeting will be held June 15-16 in Indianapolis.
─by Eric Reed, with Ben Jones and Mindy Dilg in Orlando, and Lisa Misner, Kayla Houchin, and Nic Cook in Springfield.
More resolutions
11 including antisemitism, political violence, suicide
Messengers made statements about current issues important to Baptists, adopting 11 resolutions in Orlando.
While messengers voted on round one of a constitutional amendment, they also passed a resolution titled On the Office and Function of Pastor/Elder/Overseer. Like the amendment, the resolution seeks to maintain biblical clarity in leadership nomenclature and reaffirms that the office of pastor is scripturally limited to men.
Another resolution related to the task force report: On the Church's Opportunity for Evangelism, Discipleship, and Care for Persons with Disabilities and Their Families. The measure affirmed the value of people with disabilities and called on churches to expand accessibility.
A pro-life measure, On Assisted Suicide and the Sanctity of Life, warned against the current push to frame euthanasia as medical care and expressed opposition to assisted suicide.
Evan Lenow, new president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, said, “Of course, we know that resolutions technically are nonbinding as our polity goes, however they do represent what the body of messengers that gathers together at an annual meeting each year believes and wants to promote as, ‘These are important issues to Southern Baptists.’”
In-person worship, Charlie Kirk
Three other resolutions addressed shifts in culture and public opinion. On Immigration, Human Dignity and the Rule of Law called for just and humane immigration law enforcement, including deportation priorities, while rejecting nativism, racial hostility, and dehumanizing rhetoric.
The resolution On Antisemitism reaf firmed Southern Baptists’ commitment to evangelizing Jewish people and rejected rising antisemitic violence and conspiracy theories.
1. Tools of the trade: 9 ballots were cast.
2. Messenger Al Mohler made the case for his constitutional amendment.
3. Women led in worship.
4. Chaplains onstage for freedom celebration included Major Kip Troeger of Riverton (l).
5. DR Chaplain Jennifer Smith of Jacksonville (second from left) was honored, along with Ric Worshill (right), an Emergency Services Chaplain from Lindenhurst.
6. IBSA's Scott Foshie was interviewed about Cooperative Program support on the CP Stage in the Exhibit Hall.
sity and close friend of Kirk, said the committee had discussed adding Kirk’s name, but it “came down to precedent.” Previous resolutions, including assassinations dating back to Martin Luther King Jr., did not mention people by name.
“…We’ve had attempted assassinations of the President, we’ve had a couple of Minnesota lawmakers who were killed. There’s been a variety of different incidents of this sort, and I think that we really wanted to try to capture that broader phenomenon,” chair Hunter Baker said.
Outgoing SBC President Clint Pressley honored Steve Gaines, former pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church and former SBC president, who died in March, and Morris Chapman, former CEO of the SBC Executive Committee and former SBC president, who died in October 2025, before the introduction of a resolution, On Finishing Well in Life and Ministry. Bivocational and volunteer pastors were also recognized for their dedication and sacrifices.
Another acknowledged the usefulness of digital ministry tools but stressed the necessity of gathering as a local church body. Since Covid, many people have opted to watch church online, at least part time.
Messengers urged action as peacemakers and denounced political violence and assassination attempts in the resolution titled On Political Violence and Speech
Floor discussion included a motion to add Charlie Kirk’s name to that resolution. The Christian political activist was murdered in July 2025 at rally at Utah State University. Ultimately, the amendment failed.
Resolutions Committee member Ryan Helfenbein, a vice president at Liberty Univer-
“We actually think it’s dehumanizing to individuals to be separated from each other,” explained committee member Jeremy Pierre, Southern Seminary evangelism dean. “To take a three-dimensional relationship and flatten it to a two-dimensional image, it just doesn’t work. You can’t carry out the ‘one anothers’ that are meant to build and to form one another.”
Other resolutions marked the 250th anniversary of the United States and the Baptist contribution to religious liberty, honoring the legacy of Baptist forebears who fought for the freedoms enshrined in the First Amendment.
─IB staff, with Baptist Press
BLACKWELL LENOW PACE
Convention stays mission-minded Illinoisans share Christ at annual
Southern Baptist missions entities brought encouraging reports during the Annual Meeting. The highlight was a sending celebration for 63 new International Mission Board missionaries.
As missionaries took the stage, messengers listened as they described their callings and expressed gratitude for support of their Great Commission work.
The 63 join more than 3,500 IMB missionaries and their families serving in 155 countries. Those going to regions hostile to the gospel or missionary presence appeared behind a screen for the public event to protect their identities. Currently about half of IMB missionaries work under assumed names. Their families and churches back home do not post about them online for security reasons.
and Ezell (pictured below) presented the Send Relief report.
Chitwood shared the story of Grace, a pastor’s wife in northern Nigeria, who took part in a Send Relief agricultural training project designed to help women provide nutritious food for their families using soybeans. After completing the training, Grace invited neighbors, including four Muslim women, to participate. “Now we’re friends, and we’re finding ways to share Christ with them naturally in the relationship we’ve built,” Grace said.
IMB President Paul Chitwood specifically thanked Executive Committee CEO Jeff Iorg and EC members for the budget “that delivers on the promise made by messengers to this Convention in 2010 when we adopted the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force recommendation to increase IMB’s CP allocation to 51%.”
He continued his challenge to Southern Baptists to remain focused on the Great Commission task. “We cannot slow down, shrink back, or stay home because every day this year an average of 160,101 people will die separated from Christ. This is the work God has set before us. And we do it joyfully with victory in our hearts because we know that one day a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language will stand before throne and before the Lamb.”
Kevin Ezell, president of the North American Mission Board (NAMB), celebrated five straight years of baptism increases Southern Baptists have seen from 2021 to 2025. He noted how gospel movement happens because churches make evangelism a priority.
“In 2025, Southern Baptist churches baptized 263,075 people,” he shared. In total, Southern Baptists baptized 1.1 million people over the last five years.
Ezell said in 2025, Southern Baptists planted 699 new churches, the highest number in a single year since 2016. He noted more than 12,000 new churches have been planted since 2010.
Send Relief goes, grows
IMB and NAMB jointly operate the SBC compassion ministry, Send Relief, which includes the largely volunteer Disaster Relief. Chitwood
IMB, NAMB, Send Relief 2 3 1
Send Relief worked directly with more than 1,900 churches across North America and Puerto Rico in 2025, which led to more than 84,000 people hearing the gospel.
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) responded to 84 crises in 2025, prepared 233,000 meals, and served more than 414,000 hours doing recovery work. They shared the gospel more than 18,000 times and reported more than 1,500 professions of faith.
Chaplains serving in the military and in public service presented the gospel nearly 115,000 times and recorded more than 19,000 professions of faith in 2025.
More than 60,000 people were mobilized through Send Relief last year, helping meet needs for more than 2.5 million people and creating more than 816,000 gospel conversations through local churches around the world.
Serve Tour mobilized more than 4,000 volunteers in 2025, with mission trips such as the ones to Chicago and Evansville, Indiana. Serve Tour reached more than 28,500 people, leading to 429 professions of faith. Serve Tour is headed by former Illinois pastor Sammie Simmons.
Chitwood encouraged Southern Baptists to pray for churches serving in difficult places, utilize Send Relief training resources and continue building cultures of compassion within their congregations. “Compassion isn’t a program,” Chitwood said. “It really comes out of our discipleship.”
Global Hunger Relief Ministries has reached more than 6,700 people and led to the start of two Bible studies. Chitwood encouraged churches to participate in Global Hunger Sunday August 23, emphasizing that gifts support gospel-centered hunger ministry through local churches and ministry partners around the world.
summarized from Baptist Press reports
Crossover outreach
Illinois Baptist churches and families joined more than 550 churches from 15 states for the annual Crossover outreach. Crossover takes place the week before the Southern Baptist Annual Meeting, bringing evangelistic events to the host city.
It is organized by the North American Mission Board (NAMB).
Churches hosted community events, conducted services projects, and sent volunteers to share the gospel in greater Orlando.
“What a sacred privilege it is to serve at Crossover and have the opportunity to meet needs and share Christ,” said Illinois native and Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) Executive Director Sandy Wisdom-Martin. “This is when Southern Baptists are at their very best. We come in the hopes of being a blessing. Without fail, the experience blesses us.” She served with FBC Leesburg, a church with extensive compassion ministries.
Two churches from Illinois who participated were Casey First Baptist Church and Uptown Baptist Church from Chicago.
The Uptown team helped First Baptist Church of Apopka reach their community of 60,000. The group handed out clothes and food to those who visited, while kids were able to enjoy a petting zoo. While visiting, one woman accepted Christ and was baptized.
NAMB’s Tim Dowdy said more than 1,000 people professed faith in Christ during Crossover. “There’s something powerful that happens when Southern Baptists from all across North America get together and converge on a single city to share the gospel,” Dowdy said. “That’s what Crossover is all about.”
FBC Casey pastor Brent Howard said his family has served at Crossover since 2019 in Birmingham. “It’s a
good way to keep our focus on the gospel and mission of reaching people.”
The Howards assisted FBC Kissimmee with a large outreach. The church offered free haircuts, free medical and dental checkups, free diapers and food, and sports clinics for kids.
Brent’s wife, Holly, and seven of their eight children—Hannah, Hope, Faith, Abbie, Danny, Thomas, and Mercy—were spread out serving during the outreach. Hope, learning Spanish, utilized it at the registration table due to the large Hispanic population. Mercy, the youngest at age 10, enjoyed passing out diapers.
Block party projects have worked best for the family because there’s a place for everyone to serve. “We talk about the Cooperative Program, helping others, and being unified, this is a part of that,” Pastor Howard said. “It’s a blessing to be a part of something bigger and give back to another community.”
Howard and his oldest son, Ben, joined a group at a park. Most people were open to having gospel conversations, he said, allowing them to ask three questions: Do you believe in God? Do you believe in heaven? And if you were to die today, what would you tell God to get you into heaven?
That opened many fruitful conversations. One young woman gave her life to Christ. “She had a connection with a church earlier in her life but didn’t have a relationship with Jesus,” Howard said. “We had a deep conversation. She decided she wanted to have Jesus in her life.” FBC Kissimmee was given her contact information and will get in contact with her to make sure she has a church home.
As a pastor, Howard said it’s important that churches have a mission lifestyle, and that means coming alongside other churches. He encourages those interested in Crossover to keep an eye on the NAMB website in May as they start announcing projects that individuals and groups can sign up for.
“The churches are always appreciative of those who come to serve,” he said “If they can come a day or two early to convention, then we have thousands coming to volunteer. You can do a lot of good there.”
The Howards are already looking forward to the next two years because they’re closer to home. With the 2027 convention in Indianapolis and the 2028 convention in St. Louis, Howard hopes Illinois families will participate. “It’s something we’ll encourage for sure.”
Standing O for Sandy
Woman's missionary union 4 5 6
Sandy Wisdom-Martin said goodbye to Southern Baptists in Orlando Wednesday (June 10) during her final report to the Convention. Illinois’ favorite daughter will retire from her post as Executive Director-Treasurer of Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) at the end of the year. “Obedience in this season of my life requires me to be a caregiver,” she said.
The Illinois native has served in this capacity 10 years. She was previously on state convention staffs and WMU in Illinois, Arkansas, and Texas.
As a small-town Illinois girl, she thanked Southern Baptists for giving her a wider view of the world, and her place in missions.
“As I reflect upon my life, the daughter of a coalminer and a foundry worker whose family lived in a basement because that’s all my parents could afford, I realize little in my life has made sense but for the grace of God and the collective work of Southern Baptists,” she shared. “I’m only one small story in a long line of heritage that has benefitted from your voluntary cooperation.”
has been one of service to the Lord and others.”
Fountain introduced a report on Royal Ambassadors, the first missions discipleship for children that WMU began for boys in 1908.“For more than a century, Royal Ambassadors has shaped generations of boys and men who understand what it means to live on mission for
Christ,” Fountain said.
She has referred to herself and some contemporaries as “Evelyn’s girls.” They were Acteens together, led by Evelyn Tully of Illinois WMU. They were often equipped for missions under her guidance at Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp. For young Sandy Wisdom, that led to broader calling to serve beyond her Southern Illinois home.
“Together you helped shape my heart, deepen my faith, and strengthen my commitment to God’s mission in the world,” Wisdom-Martin said. “I am profoundly grateful. Thank you, Southern Baptists.”
A search for her successor as Executive Director-Treasurer to lead National WMU from Birmingham is underway.
New WMU president introduced
In her report to messengers, Wisdom-Martin introduced newly elected WMU President Carolyn Fountain, the first African American to serve in that role. Fountain and her husband, Leroy, were appointed as missionaries with the Home Mission Board (now NAMB) in 1983.
“Carolyn has served in multiple roles in every facet of SBC life,” Wisdom-Martin said. “Her life
In May, WMU announced it acquired Royal Racers, a derby car company based in Tennessee. The Pinewood Derby is a familiar RA activity, and in recent years, a popular event in the Annual Meeting Exhibit Hall.
Wisdom-Martin will be a special guest at the IBSA Annual Meeting in November, where fellow Illinois Baptists will honor her for a lifetime of mission service.
─IB staff, WMU
1. Paul Chitwood (IMB) and Kevin Ezell (NAMB) reported on Send Relief.
2. Members of Chicago’s Uptown Baptist Church prayed with people in Apopka.
3. Following their time at Crossover, the Howards of Casey visited the big Exhibit Hall.
4. Crossover reached out to the growing Hispanic population of central Florida with fun, games, and block parties.
5-6. WMU acquired a maker of Pinewood Derby cars for use by RAs. Sandy Wisdom-Martin celebrated a winning heat for her car.
Convention approves first steps for disability ministry
Orlando and Du Quoin | While messengers to the SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando were hearing recommendations for ministry to disabled people, leaders at First Baptist Church of Du Quoin were working on next Sunday’s lesson for special needs children.
“If you took all the people on our planet with disabilities and added them together, you would have the third largest country in the world, just behind India and China,” Tom Stolle told messengers. The executive director of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware headed up a task force to study the need. And there’s great need.
The Disability Ministry Task Force presented its report and recommendations June 10 at the annual meeting. The SBC Executive Committee
Stolle shared common barriers parents and caregivers of children and individuals with disabilities may face when going to church. He noted that many people who don’t have that daily struggle won’t understand what he’s talking about.
“In my family and in the family of others, that do have children or vulnerable adults impacted by disabilities we feel some of these things,” Stolle explained. “Parents have seen their children experience rejection and marginalization over and over again. Parents may feel like their child will have a meltdown. Parents are, most often, disconnected socially when they’re in this situation. And parents may assume that the church does not understand their situation and may fear the worst.”
acted on a motion made last year to study the accessibility and availability of resources for individuals and families impacted by disability and how the convention can better serve them. Stolle, the father of an adult son with special needs, said he had been waiting 10 years to examine this issue.
In the report he cited a 2020 study by Lifeway Research which reported “that 99% of evangelical pastors believe individuals with disabilities would feel welcome in their churches. However, many people with disabilities and their families have expressed surprise and skepticism at this finding.”
Recent census data shows two-inseven U.S. families include a member with a disability, but this isn’t reflected across churches. It’s estimated that only 15-20% of evangelical churches in the U.S. have a disability ministry.
“What would it look like if Southern Baptist churches, state conventions, and national entities took steps that essentially state ‘we see you, we hear you, we love you, Jesus love you, and there’s a place for you here at our church,’” declared Stole. “It’s a game changer.”
In Illinois, Access Jesus First Baptist Church of Du Quoin is in the game and taking steps to include those with disabilities.
Christie Wagner started Access Jesus for kids 4-12 years old after three of her grandchildren were diagnosed with autism. “They aged out of nursery and there wasn’t a spot for them,” Wagner said.
The response has been positive for the community of less than 6,000. Two new families have started attending since the ministry launched in February.
“A lot of the people who have children with special needs don’t feel like they belong anywhere, especially in a church,” Wagner explained. “We
wanted to give families that sense of belonging and the opportunity to attend church together.”
She explained that some parents with special needs children would have to tagteam to attend church. One parent would attend for one week while the other stayed home with the child, then the next week they’d switch roles.
The ministry is called Access Jesus because the main goal is to bring the gospel to their level. Kids enjoy hearing a Bible story through the curriculum “Awe & Wonder,” which is designed specifically for children with intellectual and development disabilities. In two years, the children will have gone through the entire Bible.
They enjoy worship. There’s also plenty of time for hands-on sensory fun with water, kinetic sand, PlayDoh, and painting. Kids also have the option to go to the sensory room if they get overwhelmed.
Wagner said the church is ‘putting their toe in the water’ and hopes to do more in the future. “It’s an unreached people group; we’re not reaching them adequately.”
She challenges other churches, reminding them the size of the church doesn’t matter and neither does expertise. All that’s needed is love and patience. “The gospel is for everyone,” she said. “Jesus loves people with disabilities; he didn’t put an asterisk on who could come to him.”
Next steps here, everywhere By raised ballots, messengers appeared unanimously to approve two recommendations by the Disability
Ministry Task Force. In addition to curriculum and resources, the second motion added a Disability Ministry Sunday to the SBC calendar on the second Sunday in July starting in 2027. Messengers also approved a resolution encouraging development of special ministries.
“What would it look like,” Stolle asked, “if Southern Baptist churches, state conventions, and national entities embrace this simple truth, any comprehensive evangelism strategy that does not include individuals and families effected by disabilities is not a comprehensive strategy, it’s a partial strategy.
The report includes extensive actions to be taken on all levels in SBC life.
“We have an opportunity to emphatically say to the world in this moment that the Southern Baptist Convention believes that people with disabilities are created in the image of God, and we’re coming together in a variety of ways to make this abundantly clear.”
Kayla Houchin, with additional reporting from Baptist Press
New officers elected
NEW TEAM–SBC officers elected in Orlando are (l to r) Registration Secretary Don Currence of FBC Ozark (MO), Second VP Allen Murray of Mount Pisgah, Supply (NC), President Willy Rice of Calvary, Clearwater (FL), First VP Craig Carlisle, Etowah Association (AL), and Recording Secretary Travis Kerns of Three Rivers Association (SC).
Photo by The Baptist Paper
2. IBSA’s Collegiate Ministry Catalyst Daniel Good, pastor of Cornerstone Savoy (l) catches up with Rachel and James Summerlin and their family from Charleston, and Josh Bledsoe.
3. Don Johnson of Destiny Church in Rock Island stopped by the IBSA messengers’ reception to pick up a souvenir towel.
4. Towel, alligator (not a souvenir).
5. Vicki and Scott Nichols, Gospelife Church in Wheaton, stand with IBSA’s Scott Foshie.
7.
8. Bruce and Michelle Kirk traveled from Bolingbrook and Alpha Missionary Baptist Church.
9. Another Chicagoland family, Andrew Post and his son from Crosspointe Church, Oswego.
Mercy Howard had a bag full: Southwestern Seminary T-shirts, Carson-Newman football, beach ball, and a bunch of toys. Other popular items included bandanas, handkerchiefs, the Getty’s new “Sing!” Hymnal, and, of course, the IBSA Orlando beach towel! 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
The gallery of Illinois Baptists
1. Ahron Cooney of Chatham Baptist chats with IBSA’s Josh Bledsoe.
6. Dianne and Tony Doppke of Calvary, Elgin, and their son, Zeke, with the hottest item in Orlando.
Tamika and Belafae Johnson from Purposed Church in Mascoutah brave the busy hallway.
A long battle for a tired warrior REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK
t’s not a crisis,” Albert Mohler said. “I do not fear an army of women preachers in the SBC. But what I do want to make clear is that this is something the SBC shouldn’t have to revisit over and over again.”
Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and introducer of the self-named “Truth and Unity Amendment” looked wearied as he sat down for an impromptu press conference in Orlando.
Did he, more than anyone else in the room, feel the weight of revisiting this issue? After all, this is the same battle he took up at the beginning of his time in public Southern Baptist life.
Shortly before ascending to lead the SBC’s flagship seminary in 1993, after he was announced as incoming president, Mohler stood before a crowded Boyce Chapel, for a Q-and-A with students. This was at the height of changes occurring within the SBC as result of the conservative resurgence. The inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture was regularly undermined by some seminary faculty. Mohler was now expected to be the harbinger of significant changes in Louisville.
It is this personal history that stands as a backdrop to Mohler’s belief that “This (female pastors) is perhaps the most visible dividing line between liberal and conservative Christians.”
His words seem to suggest this amendment is intended to be a roadblock rather than a fire extinguisher. His statement that there is not a crisis is not the same as saying he believes there is no danger.
woman would preach to the gathered assembly and not have the title pastor,” Mohler said. “That was really not envisioned in 2000… That’s why function, specifically preaching to the gathered assembly, that’s why that’s added. It’s sort of like an awful lot of policy—you don’t need it until you need it. And I think that’s where we are here.”
There are many ways people, both in favor of and opposed to this amendment, are framing the motivations behind it: Protecting tradition. Subjugating women. Controlling churches.
Mohler’s reasoning in 1993 and in 2026 both frame his motivation as a submission to, and safeguarding of, a belief in the inerrancy of Scripture.
“I find it impossible for me to square the ordination of women to the pastoral ministry with what I see in the New Testament, and what I must do in submitting to those passages of Scripture” (1993).
For 45 minutes he absorbed a mixture of questions and anger vented by students, many female, who were opposed to his stance that the office of pastor was reserved for men as qualified by Scripture.
The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) addressed many of the issues. But what has changed that might lead to the same theological circumstance found in the early 90s?
“New to the equation would be the idea that a
“And in numerous passages,…it makes very clear the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture… It is not my job to question God as to why it is so” (2026).
─Ben Jones in Orlando
TABLE TALK
Better health measures
If the statement that came out of the church growth movement is true—“healthy things grow”—does that mean numbers are the best measure of church health? If we assume the statement itself is true, there is implied a negative assumption that smaller churches must not be healthy. This is definitely not the case! Numerical data is only one aspect of church health.
With the vast differences of churches around the state of Illinois, we must look deeper to discover the health of a church.
In his book, Gospel-Centered Church, Jared Wilson proposes “5 Metrics of Grace” that serve as a starting point. I’ve added two of my own.
“A growing esteem for Jesus Christ.” Do the people in my church have an ever-deepening love and respect for Jesus Christ that influences their personal growth and is seen in every aspect of our church?
“A discernible spirit of repentance.” Do the people in my church understand the dangers of sin which result in actual repentance, both personally and corporately?
“Devotion to the Word of God.” Do the people in my church hold the Word in high regard—not only through belief, but in practice? Biblical concepts are not just taught and believed, but applied and lived out by the people.
“An interest in theology and doctrine.” Do the people in my church display a desire to pursue a deepening understanding of God’s character and his work, both individually and corporately?
“An evident love for God and neighbor.” Do the people display a clear love for God as they love one another? Is this shown through a love of people in the church, but also reaching people outside the church, resulting in members living on mission for God?
“Do the people in my church display transformation?” Through the Spirit of God, is this evidenced through demonstrations of the fruit of the Spirit?
Are the people in my church faithfully utilizing and growing in Christian discipleship? Let’s consider Scripture engagement, prayer, giving, discipleship, and evangelism.
Health may look different from church to church, however, they will share faithfulness in following Christ obediently. Healthy churches produce disciples who impact the community around them for the sake of the gospel.
Josh Bledsoe is IBSA Team Leader for church health and growth.
INSIGHT
Our nation's half-celebration at 250
During these red, white, and blue months, YouTube keeps sending me a video clip. It’s King George’s solo from the musical "Hamilton." Amid endless rapping and stamping of boots and swishing of tailcoats by Founding Fathers, a lone figure walks slowly to center stage, decked in satin knee breeches, ermine cape, and a crown. And he sings.
“You’ll be back,” George III wags to his subjects who have turned in revolt. It's a catchy tune with a bit of audience participation and a welcome ballad respite from the beatbox. The chorus is memorable, saying “oceans rise, empires fall.”
YouTube apparently thought I needed every performance in its collection: four actors from Broadway, a comedienne, and an eight-year-old boy auditioning for community theater. Yes, we almost had a king, and it was almost George III, the one who went crazy. Twice.
Semiquincentennial minutes
July 4, 2026 marks the 250th year of our America-hood. This semiquincentennial places a new stone of remembrance for the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, where 56 revolutionaries told George they had no allegiance to tyranny. In effect, we won’t be back.
In his introduction of the term “semiquincentennial” during the lead up to this observance, reporter John Dickerson explained the word is derived from the name for a 500th anniversary, and “semi” cuts it in half. It’s a fancy word for 250.
of world history,” Burns said, “turning the world upside down.”
“Before this moment, everyone was a subject, essentially under the rule of somebody else. We had created, in this moment, a very brand-new thing called a citizen, and this has had powerful effects,” Burns said. It “set in motion revolutions for the next two-plus centuries, all around the world, all attempting to sort of give a new expression to this idea that all men are created equal, that they’re endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, and that’s a big, big deal in world history.”
America’s semiquincentennial, by its very name, says we’re only halfway there. Will we make another half?
Dickerson referenced the 200th anniversary our nation celebrated in 1976. He mentioned the “Bicentennial Minute” produced by CBS that aired nightly in prime time for two years ahead of that landmark anniversary. I didn’t see all 912 episodes at the time, but I saw a lot of them. The short historical salutes recited by famous people of the day were a cultural phenomenon. John Wayne, Jimmy Carter, Sally Field, Betty Ford, Bela Abzug, Big Bird, and many others saluted the nation.
Watching a dozen episodes recently (thanks again, Youtube), I was struck by how the flag-waving shorts from the Vietnam era were simultaneously pro-Revolution and pro-American establishment. These are same competing cries we hear today.
A new Revolution
Ken Burns, the documentary producer who gave us The Civil War, Baseball, and Jazz, produced a new series on The American Revolution In an interview for Face the Nation, the filmmaker indicated that he found good things to say, despite this age of dissatisfaction, anger, and resentment. “I think the American Revolution is the most important event since the birth of Christ in all
At our semiquincentennial, we would do well to remember how God used mightily a nation whose people were, in the main, willing to declare allegiance to a heavenly King. The offer still stands. It stands for us, as we espouse liberty, yet struggle to hold our values, moorings, and direction. God’s offer also stands for any nation that allows its people to live by godly standards and biblical principles, even while it refuses to command participation in a particular religion.
That’s what Roger Williams was all about, wasn’t it? The founding pastor of the First Baptist Church in America was also governor of the Rhode Island colony. He wanted freedom of worship for everyone, because he wanted it for himself.
Instead of hammering on the nail that we in the United States have no king, a more accurate point is that Christians are called to serve One King as citizens of one Kingdom. As much as we love our land, we’re actually aliens here.
In his last appearance on the Hamilton stage, King George sits on the sideline munching popcorn while the Founders figure out how to hand off power from President Washington to President Adams. “Good luck,” George says.
His warning that “oceans rise, empires fall” seems relevant today, as our celebration of 250 years of freedom and democracy sails on a turbulent sea. Whether our nation will see its actual quincentennial in another 250 years depends on which king it serves and whose kingdom it builds.
Eric Reed is editor of the Illinois Baptist
BLEDSOE
ILLINOIS pulpit
What’s greater than independence? Hebrews
We got news from my sister in New Mexico, and my brother, Dave, immediately called me. He wanted to see her, but the 20-hour drive was too hard to do alone. It would be easier with his brother. We could share the load. Even so, we would spend more than half our time on the road, and only one or two days with her. Was there a better way?
I thought of that while studying Hebrews 10. Too many people try to do life alone. Even people who claim to follow Jesus will try to follow him all by themselves, but it just doesn’t work. For people who often celebrate independence, the Book of Hebrews shows us that Jesus is greater than our own desire for independence.
Draw near—through Jesus In the Old Testament, no one could get near God. He was holy, and the people were not. So to try to draw close to God was a death wish. “I will not let you see my face, because no one can see me and stay alive,” God told Moses in Exodus 33:20. Unless someone takes our sin and makes us holy, we simply cannot go into God’s presence. So what do we do? When Jesus showed up, because of what he did for us, we can draw
Nominations sought
The Illinois Baptist State Association is seeking recommendations to fill positions on its boards and committees.
To submit a name, complete the Nominating Form found at IBSA. org/about/organization.
The Associations Nominating Committee recommends people to serve on it’s three boards: IBSA, the Baptist Foundation of Illinois, and Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services.
The Committee on Committees will fill at least 20 positions on six committees:
● Constitution Committee
● Credentials Committee
● Historical Committee
● Nominating Committee
● Order of Business Committee
● Resolutions/Christian Life Committees
The deadline is Monday, August 3. If you have questions, please email BarbTroeger@IBSA.org.
near. Hebrews 10:19-22 says we can confidently enter God’s presence for one reason: the blood of Jesus. Jesus died and shed his own blood to pay the price for our sins so we can draw near. Our entrance has been bought and paid for. Jesus paid it all, all you have to do is come. God wants us to draw near to him.
There used to be a veil separating people in the temple from the presence of God, but when Jesus died, the veil was torn in two. And Hebrews says Jesus is the new veil. It is through him and him alone we can draw near.
"We are meant to do faith togetherto encourage each other to love."
Because he is faithful
Sometimes people don’t trust someone because they aren’t sure they can. Sometimes people live alone and independently because they don’t want to risk getting hurt. People even do this with God.
Verse 23 says why we can trust Jesus: “for he who promised is faithful.” Look at the cross. Look at the empty tomb.
I heard someone once say: If someone promises to die for me and they say they will be raised again—and then it happens—I’m going to believe that person.
Having problems in your life does not mean you can’t trust God and should run your life yourself. Problems should make you run to His promises.
Life’s problems are never stronger than God’s promises.
Foundation raises awards
Seminary scholarships
Logan Barrus New City Church, Urbana
Joshua Bledsoe Cornerstone, Savoy
Mackenzie Easter FBC, Metropolis
Gerald Higdon FBC, Orien
Hannah Howard FBC, Casey
John Traux Charity, Carlinville
The Baptist Foundation of Illinois increased the scholarships given to seminary and college students for the second year. More than $93,000 was distributed to 23 students, with up to $2,000 for associate level grants, $5,000 for undergraduates, and $7,500 for seminary students. Recipients were selected by a panel of Illinois Baptist church members based on applications submitted in the spring.
Undergrad. scholarships
Zora Austin Together Church, Springfield
Lizbeth Conkle FBC, Metropolis
Rachelle Cox Joppa MBC, Joppa
Jonathan Davis Delta, Springfield
Allison Dennison Dorrisville, Harrisburg
Isabella Dooley McKinley Ave, Harrisburg
Heath Ellis Logan Street, Mt. Vernon
Anna Forbes Bethel, Vandalia
10:19-25
To help us and each other
There are a lot of Christians who are comfortable relying on Jesus, but as soon as I say, “You also need to rely on others,” I lose them.
The author of Hebrews is quite clear that we are meant to do faith together. We are to not give up on assembling together, he says in verse 25. We are meant to encourage each other to good deeds and to love. I need you to encourage me to love better and do better. And you need us to encourage you to do the same. We are simply better together.
When I decided to go to New Mexico with my brother, we looked into flights. Flying would give us way more time than driving. But last second flights were $1,000 each. A man came up to me and said some men of church had paid our way. He said, “I don’t think you realize how much we love you.”
There was a price for your sin you simply could not afford. Jesus stepped in and paid the whole amount. He looks at you and says, “I don’t think you realize how much I love you.”
Paul Cooper is lead pastor of Marshall Baptist Church.
Toby Gallion FBC, Petersburg
Aubri Hollis Red Hill, Edwardsville
Bobby Miles Logan Street, Mt. Vernon
Mark Miller McKinley Ave, Harrisburg
Alannah Sarclette FBC, Carlyle
Emily Smith FBC, O'Fallon
Kendyl Sparks FBC, Vienna
Ava Tate Pleasant Grove, Iuka
Mary Winkleman FBC, Harrisburg
The Baptist Foundation of Illinois welcomed Kelly Flanagan-Burtis to the team as Chief Financial Officer. She has extensive experience with investment fund accounting, BFI said. She is the wife of Joe Burtis, pastor of Saline Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in Harrisburg. They have two children, Martin, age 10, and Tucker, age 5.
with the lord EVENTS
Robert J. “Bob” Deitz, 86, of Mount Vernon died April 13. Deitz pastored churches in Illinois, including Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Bonnie and Delafield Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to ministry, Deitz worked in the upholstery business, and as school bus driver and warehouse supervisor. He was preceded in death by wife Sharon York, who died in 2003, and Jacqueline Lynn, who died in 2025. He is succeeded by three children, two stepchildren, and their families.
NetworkiNg
First Baptist Church of Zeigler is seeking a bivocational pastor. Will consider a retired pastor who wants to serve. Resumes should be sent to Pastor Search Committee, P.O. Box 4, Zeigler, IL 62999, or email zeiglerfirst@gmail.com.
Patoka First Baptist Church is seeking full-time lead pastor for small mission minded congregation of 40-50 people. Salary, annuity, and housing provided. Resumes may be submitted to Patokabaptist@gmail.com
Creal Springs First Baptist Church seeks a bivocational pastor. Submit a resume to Natalie Hilliard, P.O. Box 47, Creal Springs IL 62922, or to hilliardnatalie@yahoo.com
Argenta Baptist Church seeks a bivocational pastor. The small- to medium-sized congregation has a balanced age range. The church and parsonage are located in the family and sports friendly A/O School District. Send resumes to Mark A. Roberts, mrcobaltblue79@yahoo.com
Bethel Baptist Church in Vandalia seeks a full-time lead pastor. This church, with an average attendance of 100-150, calues connetions. They seek a pastor who is led by the Spirit, relational, and able to preach and teach the living and active Word of God. Salary range is $50-70,000, based on experience and education. bethelbaptistsearch26@gmail.com
Search more church openings at IBSA.org/pastor-search
Summer Camps
6/28 – 7/2 at Sallateeska, Metro East (Grades 3-6)
7/6-10 at Streator, Metro Peoria (Grades 3-12)
7/13-17 at Sallateeska, Nine Mile (Grades 7-12)
7/13-17 at Streator, Three Rivers (Grades 5-12)
What: “Be Courageous” from 1 Cor. 16:13–14 calls students to stand firm in their faith, act with courage, and live marked by love. Five days of worship, discipleship, and high-energy recreation encourages following Jesus boldly in everyday life.
Cost: $200
July 20-26
Go Chicago
What: Student missions in the Windy City. Where: Ashburn Baptist Church, Orland Park
Who: Students ages 12-18
Contact: KevinJones@IBSA.org
July 31-August 1
Level Up Guy Camp
What: Retreat for dads, sons, granddads and mentors, bring your guys.
Where: Lake Sallateeska
Cost: $75 for men, 18 and under free Contact: JacobKimbrough@IBSA.org
August 3-4
Associational Roundtable
What: Two-day gathering for leaders of local Baptist associations to learn and grow together. Leaders will receive advanced registration information directly.
Where: IBSA Building, Springfield Info: More details coming soon.
August 21-22
Priority: Hispanic Conference
What: Leadership conference for women
Where: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Contact: CarmenHalsey-Menghnini@IBSA. org
August 21-22
Tech Conference
What: Specialized church tech training for pastors, tech and/or worship leaders, team members
Where: IBSA Building, Springfield Cost: $20 per person
Contact: CarmenHalsey-Menghnini@ IBSA.org
August 28-29
Disaster Relief Training
Where: Lake Sallateeska Camp
What: Childcare, chaplaincy, flood recovery, chainsaw, and incident management.
Cost: Current members free. New members or expired badges $50. Info: IBSA.org/events
Contact: JanetSheley@IBSA.org
All Church Training
9/8 – Three Rivers Association
9/15 – FBC Columbia
9/17 – Chicago Region 9/29 – Marion
What: Tune-up core ministries. Pastors, ministry leaders, and workers receive training to lead a healthy, growing church.
Cost: Free
Info: IBSA.org/events
Contact: TammyButler@IBSA.org
September 11-12
For the Pastor & Wife Conference
What: This retreat is for rest, renewal, and encouragement for senior/lead pastors and their wives.
Where: Embassy Suites, East Peoria
Cost: Free for senior/lead pastors of IBSA cooperating churches.
Info: IBSA.org/events
Contact: TammyButler@IBSA.org
September 13-20
Mission Illinois Offering
What: Your church’s MIO giving carries the faith forward by funding ministry at summer camps and to children, youth, and college students.
Where: Your Church Info: MissionIllinois.org
Contact: MissionIllinois@IBSA.org
September 19
Illinois Mission Day
What: Ready-made, half-day outreach and service projects for the whole family. Where: Various locations Info: MissionIllinois.org
October 11
Youth Encounter
What: A one-day evangelism and growth experience for students. Christ. Where: South – FBC Herrin Central – Cross Church, Carlinville North – Cornerstone, Woodland When: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Cost: $15 per person, includes dinner and T-shirt (shirt not guaranteed after Sept. 15) Info: IBSA.org/ministries/students/youth-encounter/
Contact: TammyButler@IBSA.org
October 24
IBSA Kids Ministry Conference
What: Speakers are Sandra Peoples, Adjunct Professor at Southwest Seminary and disability ministry consultant for the Southern Baptists of Texas, and Melita Thomas, VBS & Kid Min Specialist with Lifeway. Breakout options include a sneak peek at Lifeway’s VBS 2027. Where: IBSA Building, Springfield When: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cost: $15 per person (includes lunch) Info: IBSA.org/events
Contact: MichaelAwbrey@IBSA.org
November 3-4
IBSA Annual Meeting
What: This gathering of messengers and guests from the nearly 900 IBSA churches is the business meeting of the state network. It’s an opportunity to celebrate what God is doing through IBSA and SBC ministries across the state and world.
Where: Metro Community Church, Edwardsville
Cost: Free
Info: IBSAannualmeeting.org
Contact: BarbTroeger@IBSA.org
November 13-14
Forged Young Men’s Overnight
What: Ignite a fire in young men (grades 6-12) and their leaders with equipping to become the man God is calling them to be.
Where: Lake Sallateeska Camp
When: Friday 6 p.m. – Saturday 2 p.m.
Cost: TBD
Info: IBSA.org/events
November 13-14
AWSOM Overnight
What: The premiere event for girls in grades 5-12 helps them grow as disciples of Jesus and see the big picture of God’s church and kingdom.
Where: Tabernacle Baptist Church, Decatur
When: Friday 6 p.m. – Saturday 3 p.m.
Cost: TBD
Info: IBSA.org/events
Contact: TammyButler@IBSA.org
November 29-December 6
Lottie Moon Offering
What: Named for Southern Baptists’ missionary to China, this offering supports the SBC’s International Mission Board, with 100% of gifts going to work on global mission fields. Where: Your Church
Info: IMB.org/generosity/lottie-moonchristmas-offering
Contact: IMB.org/contact-us
Mission ILLINOIS
Mundelein: Roller rink rocks!
Lighthouse Bible Church, a Russian language congregation in suburban Chicago, is inviting the Slavic community to lace up their skates. Once a month through the summer, the church is renting the local roller rink for outreach nights. “Can’t skate?
No worries!” they said. Special skating helpers will be on hand!
If you want to meet new people, make friends nearby, or spend a fun evening out, this event is for you!
Virden: Out of the gate
Summer camp ready
After a busy week of spruce-up projects at IBSA’s northern camps facility, Campers on Mission gathered for prayer around new manager Anthony Heathcoat ahead of his first week with students on site. The team completed 48 projects, including construction of axe-throwing targets. They also prepped at Lake Sallateeska, where Jacob Kimbrough is now manager. IBSA has seven weeks of summer camps for students.
Some churches plan VBS for later in the summer. But Grace Church launched Lifeway’s “Illumination Station” on June 1, right after the school year ended. More than 100 kids learned how Jesus is the Light of the World. Early July is also popular, and a mini-VBS in August works as a back-to-school promotion.
─Translated from Russian 1 4th
Rochester: VBS on the road
Students from Rochester FBC took VBS to Nashville, Tennessee. They delivered a weekend Bible club to kids in an apartment complex in June. of all baptisms in the SBC result from salvation decisions in Vacation Bible School.