Annual Meeting Preview
A festive season
Messengers have many reasons to celebrate November 4-5
Nate Adams started calling us “the big Baptist family” more than a dozen years ago. That’s how he thinks of the local church family. As he traveled the state visiting churches of all types and sizes, he met his family in all of them. And it’s a BIG family.
From those trips, he often returned to the IBSA Building in Springfield telling stories about people he met, and so many that he already knew. He often spoke of all these people as family.
It’s time for the family to gather again.
When messengers meet up for Thrive ’25, the IBSA Annual Meeting at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield Nov. 4-5, there will be many reasons to celebrate.
As with all Southern Baptists in 2025, we will mark the 100th anniversaries of the two pillars of SBC life, the Cooperative Program and the Baptist Faith and Message, both adopted at the 1925 convention in Memphis.
“The biggest reason for our celebration of this special 100th anniversary year, is that EACH year, our churches’ Cooperative Program giving together helps send and support more than 3,500 international missionaries, start hundreds of new churches, and train thousands of tomorrow’s pastors and leaders through six world-class seminaries,” IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams said.
“And all this Great Commission ministry is united in the sound, biblical doctrines expressed in the Baptist Faith and Message.”
We will also mark the 20th annual family gathering to be led by Adams. He will retire as IBSA Executive Director in early 2026. In addition to presentations and fond remembrances, the dessert reception will be all about pie. (Nate loves pie, so we will all be blessed!)
We may also see the car in which he traveled Illinois on many weekends, often with his wife, Beth, as his chauffer. (If asked, would you have any idea how many thousands of miles that was?)
Come to Resource Central
With room at the Crowne, we will have an expanded Exhibit Hall, with an earlier opening time (noon on Tuesday). Our advertisers in this Illinois P. B3
ADAMS DEW KELLEY
Continued from page B1
Baptist special section will all be there. Ministry and mission partners will be represented, plus seminaries and colleges. And in the center of it all, come to Resource Central. All the ministry resources of IBSA will be featured, with our staff on hand to offer insight for pastors and church leaders.
The art of leadership is often in asking the right questions. Our IBSA teams are skilled in asking questions that draw out insightful responses. The directors of church revitalization, leadership development (with students, collegiate, and women’s leaders), missions, and church planting will all be there, along with IBSA Camps and Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief.
“We will have multiple tables representing key ministry areas,” Associate Executive Director Mark Emerson said. “There will be examples of resources, information about events and training, and leaders who are leading well in these areas. They are ready to speak with you specifically about how we might assist your church.”
MISSION TRIPS
Real needs meet lasting hope.
From U.S. cities to communities around the world, Send Relief trips connect you to hands-on opportunities to serve others and share the love of Jesus.
Two Pillars
Our special guest speakers are both from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. President Emeritus Dr. Chuck Kelley was a member of the blue-ribbon committee that revised our denominational statement of faith in 2000. On the platform at the Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas this summer, Kelley was joined by other pastors and theologians who urged doctrinal fidelity in an updated version of the Baptist Faith and Message. Today Kelley writes frequently about keeping the SBC focused on mission and anchored to its biblical moorings, even as we make the transition from one generation to the next.
Dr. Jamie Dew represents that next generation of leaders now at the helm. As Kelley’s successor at New Orleans Seminary, Dew is training young leaders to build on a century of steady support for missions, pastoral training, and gospel advance through the Cooperative Program.
Far from a well-known tune that need not be repeated, the CP song is new to a new generation. It must be rehearsed that it may be embraced. Dew brings new vitality to this call.
Make me a blessing
“Bless!” an Illinois Baptist friend says frequently, having picked up the abbreviated version of “bless your heart.” Well, it’s time to bless again.
As messengers prepare to come to Springfield for the Annual Meeting, their churches are invited to gather supplies for IBSA ministries, pack a box, and send it to the meeting for distribution across Illinois.
This is the fourth year for Boxes of Blessings. Compassion ministries such as Children’s Activity Center in East St. Louis, Pathways Counseling, Grace Haven Pregnancy Resource Clinic and Angels’ Cove Maternity Home in Mt. Vernon, and Baptist Children’s Home residential cottages in Carmi are all blessed by the annual collection.
These facilities need all kinds of supplies, including diapers, wipes, hygiene items to make personal care kits, half-gallon and gallon size Ziplock bags, toboggan style winter hats, gloves, and socks. Lots of socks.
A full list is posted at IBSAAnnualMeeting.org.
“When an item on the list is given to our partners, we are filling their storerooms with items they use to bless others,” said IBSA Missions Director Shannon Ford, who organizes the collection. “Our gifts empower others and are shared hand-in-hand with the gospel.”
More than 700 specially labeled boxes were distributed at associational meetings in September and October to be filled and returned in November. Churches may contact their local association to obtain a Blessing Box to fill.
Thrive ‘25
IBSA’s Nate Adams to retire after two decades
A photo of the Adams family soon after they moved to Springfield in 2006 shows Nate and Beth and their three teenage sons. That shot has sat on a bookcase in Nate’s office at IBSA for nearly 20 years. But it’s the family photo taken this year that tells the story: Nate and Beth on the stairs at their home, surrounded by those sons, their wives, and six young grandchildren, 14 people in all. At lot of time has passed.
After almost 20 years as Executive Director of the Illinois Baptist State Association, Adams announced his plan to retire early next year. The announcement has brought a flood of memories and discussions about the challenges and achievements over two decades.
Adams’ tenure has proven to be one of unity and stability, even as other state conventions struggled with national SBC issues and funding challenges. IBSA has maintained steady commitment to our state mission field. Adams led development of new vision for IBSA as a network of churches, and reorganized the staff to meet the changing nature of pastoral ministry in a new era. He also navigated the many challenges
brought on by the Covid pandemic, and led the recovery marked by the return of most churches to pre-pandemic levels of attendance and giving.
An informal survey of IBSA staff and pastors who have served across these 20 years cited achievements that leave IBSA in a better position. High on the list is redevelopment of camp ministries at Lake Sallateeska and Streator, both in renovation of properties, summer discipleship of students, and ministry to pastors and church leaders.
In addition to camps, the IBSA Building has had a top-to-bottom refurbishment, the first since it opened in 1971. The building has become a hub for church leader training, and host for multiple events every year.
Adams was also instrumental in creation of the Illinois Leadership Summit, Midwest Leadership Summit, and supported development of the Priority Women’s Conference, among other events.
At nearly 20 years, Adams is among the longest serving state convention leaders in office. His career spanned 17 years in magazine publishing with Christianity Today International, and 8 years as a Vice President with the North American Mission Board.
There will be other commemorations later as Adams hands the reins to a new Executive Director. The dessert reception on Tuesday, Nov. 4, following the evening session of the IBSA Annual Meeting, offers an opportunity for messengers and guests to celebrate the achievements of IBSA under his leadership.
ADAMS AT HOME — Nate and Beth Adams in 2025, surrounded by their sons, daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren.
Come visit Resource Central
The Annual Meeting is more than just the Association’s business meeting or a joint worship service. It is also a conference that connects local church leaders with people and resources that can help your church solve challenges and grow.
This year’s Exhibit Hall should be your first stop. Beginning at noon on Tuesday, messengers will find over 20 booths o ering church services and missions partnership opportunities from exhibitors featured in this issue. Make plans to arrive early or spend time between sessions talking to their representatives to learn more about how they can help.
In the center of it all is Resource Central. Step inside and you will find tables providing information and services from IBSA focused on 13 di erent areas of church ministry (list at right). IBSA sta will be on hand to answer questions about church ministry or ways the network can help you and your church.
The Exhibit Hall will also feature two special areas. One will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Cooperative Program and the other will honor Nate Adams as he is nearing his retirement after 20 years as IBSA Executive Director.
And Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief will have equipment on display and volunteers on hand so you can learn more about how the network brings help and hope to our neighbors in times of crisis.
Beyond the exhibit hall, Wednesday morning brings back breakout sessions, introduced to great success at the 2024 Annual Meeting. Leaders will find 24 practical breakouts led by Illinois and national practitioners. Choose one during each of the 9 or 10:30 AM time slots.
Ministry solutions in the exhibit hall
Church Administration
Find help with office management, budgets, tax and accounting, people training, pastor search processes, social media, and more.
Church Planting
Your church can plant or support a new church reaching new people among the more than 8 million lost in Illinois.
Church Renewal Journey
Learn how a lay-led mission team can spend a weekend with your church to promote spiritual and missional awakening.
Church Revitalization
Whether your church is barely hanging on or just needs a tune-up, IBSA’s Health Team can help.
Collegiate Ministry
Engage or partner to reach and disciple this rising generation as they seek the hope found in Jesus.
Discipleship / Sunday School
Overcome challenges moving church attenders into growing followers of Jesus.
Evangelism
See more people come to faith in Jesus with tools and simple plans that will help church members share the gospel regularly.
entrance
Kids Ministry
Discover best practices in reaching kids and their families, growing them in their faith, training volunteers, and creating safe and fun environments.
Missions
Take the Gospel across the street or to the ends of the earth by developing a strategy and connecting with partners and opportunities.
Stewardship
Find resources to teach God’s principles in managing financial resources with trust and generosity.
Student Ministry
Find help to ngage Jr./Sr. High students with biblical truth that answers the questions they face.
Women’s Ministry
Ask questions and find resources to reach, disciple, and develop women of all ages and affinity groups.
Worship Ministry
Find solutions to transform worship, especially for small churches who desire a vibrant experience, but lack trained staff
Equip
entrance
PleaseThanksforthejourney!
forbringcardsofappreciation ofNateAdam’s20years servicetoIBSA Cardsasheretiresin2026.thewillbeplacedthrough windowofhiscar.
for stronger churches 3 tracks offer Wednesday breakouts at 9:00 & 10:30 AM
Health Track
Lead your church with vision (without blowing it up)
Cast biblical vision while keeping the church united IBSA’s Josh Bledsoe with pastors Paul Cooper, Daniel Good, and Noah Lee 9:00 AM
God has a plan for every church
3 motivating questions
Colin Pugh, NAMB/Urban Church Replanter 9:00 AM
Don’t pastor alone
Lean into beneficial connections
Doug Munton, FBC O’Fallon
10:30 AM
Preaching that disciples your church
And reaches your mission field
Colin Pugh, NAMB/Urban Church Replanter 10:30 AM
Church Renewal
How it can bless your church
And reaches your mission field
Bob & Phyllis Foy, Church Renewal Journey, NC 10:30 AM
Growth Track
Who are these kids?!
Understanding and discipling
Gen Alpha Awana 9:00 AM
Shepherding a student ministry
Strategy, structure, true shepherding
Dan Gibson, Mo. Baptist Conv. Next Gen Strategist 9:00 AM
Lead Bible study that people want to attend
Train your teachers
Ken Braddy, Lifeway 9:00 AM
Tune-up time
Evaluating your worship
Robert Ward, Redemption Church, Johnston City; John Odle, Immanuel, Benton 9:00 AM
Missional cooperation Why CP is so important
Q&A with Dr. Chuck Kelley, host Nate Adams 10:30 AM
Tough conversations, gospel truth
Walking with kids through uncertain times Awana 10:30 AM
Rooted and reaching Shaping women’s discipleship that lasts
Carmen Halsey-Menghini, IBSA 10:30 AM
Cultivating a culture of worship
Move from platform to lifestyle
Melissa Milbourn, Worship/media, Marshall Baptist Church 10:30 AM
Tolerances
Helping students make decisions according to God’s will Dan Gibson, Mo. Baptist Conv. Next Gen Strategist 10:30 AM
High-quality small group leaders
And how to train them
Ken Braddy, Lifeway 10:30 AM
Mission Track
Understanding biblical evangelism
For the believer’s daily life
Dr. Jake Roudkovski, New Orleans Seminary 9:00 AM
Back to the streets
Rediscovering the mission of compassion
Ronda Jolly, Heartland, Alton; Julie Dupree, Journey Church, East Peoria; Melissa Pryer, Ten Mile, Mcleansboro 9:00 AM
A missionary pipeline
Catch the vision, learn the details
Chris Derry, IMB 9:00 AM
A heart of outreach
For your community
Jon Kelly, Chicago West Bible Church 9:00 AM
Biblical unity
Importance of the BF&M
Q&A with Dr. Chuck Kelley, host Nate Adams 9:00 AM
Iglesias saludables
Conceptos y herramientas
básicas para ser una iglesia saludable
Milton Alcendra, Pastor, Iglesia Bautista Ashburn 9:00 AM
Biblical evangelism strategy
Turning disconnected events into a strategic plan
Dr. Jake Roudkovski, NOBTS 10:30 AM
The fastest responding demographic
Get ready to welcome college students
Sarah Farley-Beall (IMB) 10:30 AM
La iglesia local y la gran comision
Requiere visión, capacitación y estrategia
Ivan Ballines, Iglesia Bautista Emanuel 10:30 AM
Serving together
Opportunities for families on mission
Shannon Ford, IBSA, former IMB Missionary, plus an IMB Missionary 10:30 AM
Equip Your Calling with OBU’s MDiv
OBU’s Master of Divinity is biblically rooted, theologically faithful and practically relevant, o ering 72 hours of Christcentered ministry training – totally online – to prepare you for a variety of callings and contexts.
Scan QR code for more information.
Visit OBU
Discover if OBU is your college home – join a high-energy Bison Day or schedule a personalized campus visit to experience life as a Future Shaper.
Scan QR code to view upcoming |visit dates and register today.
Dr. Mike Hand michael.hand@okbu.edu
Women’s breakfast
The Women in Ministry Breakfast will offer opportunity to meet others who have similar interests, and to learn about discipleship and development offerings from IBSA. Leadership Development Director Carmen Halsey-Menghini will host at the Crowne Plaza in the Ruby Room. Claudia Tackett of First Baptist Church of Carterville will lead a devotion, and each guest will receive a gift to encourage her own discipleship.
The event is open to pastors’ spouses, ministry leaders, engaged participants, and interested onlookers. The free breakfast is on Wednesday, Nov. 4, prior to the breakout sessions.
Doors open at 7:15 a.m. and breakfast starts at 7:45. For more information, contact Claudia Tackett at teamtackett88@gmail.com. Seating is limited, so register early at IBSAAnnualMeeting.org.
New network partners
The IBSA Credentials Committee will present for messengers’ consideration churches that wish to join the network. Their leaders provided information to become “cooperating churches,” including adherence to the Baptist Faith and Message, planned financial support for Cooperative Program, and evidence of democratic processes in the selection of church leaders. They are:
● Anchor Church, Berwyn
● Gospelife, Washington
● Hammer & Flame Church, Bushnell
● Iglesia De Cristo, Milan
● Metropolitan Tabernacle, Lansing
● New Vision Community, Mt. Sterling
● River of Life, Urbana
ONLINE EDUCATION FOR THE CHURCH FROM YOUR CHURCH
The Global Campus at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College is designed for God-called men and women serving in unique Kingdom assignments that currently preclude them from pursuing residential studies.
With 10 new start dates every year, contextualized assignments in each class, and a variety of flexible class formats, the Global Campus offers dozens of degrees fully online at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Wherever students are called, they can complete any of Midwestern’s degree programs through course formats including completely online, live over video, attending an event, or in their church.
LEARN MORE. MBTS.EDU/GLOBALCAMPUS
EAT and SLEEP EAT and SLEEP
Springfield is a grub hub for sure!
Restaurants near by
1. Abe’s Hideout
2. Applebees
3. IHOP
4. Smokey Bones
5. Red Lobster
6. Arby’s
7. Panera
8. McDonald’s
9. McAlister’s Deli
10. Yummy Crab
11. Steak ‘n Shake
12. La Fiesta Grande
13. Subway
14. Tai Pan
Restaurants on the west side of Springfield include:
• Bob Evans
• Chick-fil-A
• Longhorn Steakhouse
• Mariah’s
• Mission BBQ
• Olive Garden
• Outback Steak House
• Panda Express
• Portillo’s
• Texas Roadhouse
• and many more
Take I-55 South to I-72 West, exit onto IL 4 Northbound.
Thrive ‘25
Schedule highlights
Tuesday, November 4
12:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall opens
Session 1
3:00 p.m. Worship
3:10 SBC Partners (EC, ERLC, WMU)
3:30 Worship
4:00 Message- Noah Adams
4:25 The Calling to College Campuses
4:55 Announcements/Closing Prayer
5:00 IBDR Appreciation Dinner
Session 2
6:30 p.m. Worship
6:45 Partner Message – NAMB
6:55 Call to Order for Business
7:05 Credentials Committee
7:15 Adoption of Program
7:20 Election of President & Recording Secretary
7:35 Worship
7:40 “100 Years of Biblical Unity: BF&M”
7:45 Message – Dr. Chuck Kelley
8:20 Special Recognitions
8:35 Announcements/ Closing Prayer
8:40 Dessert Reception honoring Nate and Beth Adams
Wednesday, November 5
7:15 a.m. Women in Ministry Breakfast
8:30 Exhibit Hall opens
Breakout Sessions
9:00 Session 1
10:30 Session 2
12:00 p.m Lunch Events (Evangelism Luncheon; Hispanic Leaders Luncheon)
Session 3
1:15 p.m. Worship
1:35 President’s Message –Doug Munton
1:55 Resolutions Committee Report
2:15 Election of Vice President & Assistant Recording Secretary
2:25 Constitution Committee Report
2:40 Miscellaneous Business
2:55 IBSA Report and Budget Presentation
3:10 BFI Report and Budget Presentation
3:25 BCHFS Report and Budget Presentation
3:40 Worship
3:55 Annual Sermon –Doug Munton
4:35 Closing Announcements and Prayer
Session 4
6:30 p.m. Announcements
6:35 Partner Message – IMB
6:50 Worship
7:00 2025 – A Year to Remember
7:15 Worship
7:30 “100 Years of Missional Cooperation: CP”
7:35 Message – Dr. Jamie Dew
8:20 Special Recognitions
8:30 Closing
What Baptists do best!
IBDR Appreciation Dinner
Tuesday, 5-6:15 p.m.
IBSA Building Auditorium
Cost: Free
Speaker: Coy Webb
Disaster Relief volunteers are invited to dinner and to hear Coy Webb, Crisis Response Director for Send Relief. Wear your yellow shirt!
Register: IBSAannualmeeting.org
Contact: JanetSheley@IBSA.org or call (217) 3913126.
Women in Ministry Breakfast
Wednesday, 7:15-8:45 a.m.
Crowne Plaza Ruby Ballroom
Cost: Free
Pastors’ wives and women’s ministry leaders can network and chat over breakfast. Find out what is going on in Women’s Ministry around Illinois and get some ideas for your own ministry.
Register: IBSAannualmeeting.org
Contact: Claudia Tackett at teamtackett88@gmail.com
Hispanic Leaders’ Lunch
Wednesday, 12-1 p.m.
IBSA Building Resource Room
Cost: Free
Speaker: Jorge Rodriguez
Hispanic leaders are invited to lunch and learn with Pastor Jorge Rodriguez of Grace Family and Send Network Español.
Register: IBSAannualmeeting.org
Contact: ShannonFord@IBSA.org or call (217) 3913131.
Evangelism Luncheon
Wednesday, 12-1:15 p.m.
Crowne Plaza Room E/F
Cost: Free
Speaker: Dr. Jake Roudkovski
Jake Roudkovski, NOBTS professor of evangelism and pastoral leadership, will speak on the power of the gospel and motivate churches to engage their communities with the good news of Jesus.
Register: IBSAannualmeeting.org
Contact: JanetSheley@IBSA.org or call (217) 391-3126)
