Illinois Baptist Archives - Page 4 of 5

‘He has set the bar high’: IL minister celebrates 7 decades of service

July 12, 2024

J. Darrell Molen has been faithful to the Church — he has been serving churches in Illinois and other areas for seven decades now.

Church leaders spotlight mental health stigmas, ministry opportunities

April 9, 2024

“It’s important to be willing to walk with people and be present when it’s uncomfortable” said Melissa Pryer, a registered dietician and member of Ten Mile Baptist Church, McLeansboro, Illinois.

First person: We need another Henry Blackaby

April 9, 2024

With all the issues facing Southern Baptists right now, and confronted by believers in every walk and witness of life, we need another Blackaby who will call us to listen for the voice of God …

Children’s ministry investment leads to baptism surge for IL church

April 6, 2024

Illinois pastor David Wright of Joppa Missionary Baptist Church reflects on his journey, initially questioning his effectiveness before a surge of baptisms renewed his faith.

First person: Lessons on trust from a ‘nervous flyer’

April 3, 2024

Always a nervous flyer, I prayed off and on for a few weeks before I left. But on the plane, with every bump or ding of the seatbelt sign my silent prayers took on a more frenzied pace.

First person: This biblical truth saved my faith

April 2, 2024

I couldn’t just ignore my doubts or turn off my brain. What was I going to do? My honest conclusions were leading me to a place where I respected the Bible, but didn’t believe it was the Word of God.

WMU and its impact on churches shared by a coal miner’s daughter

March 26, 2024

Sandy Wisdom-Martin, Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) national executive director-treasurer, shared her story of missions legacy and learning set by her father and the small Baptist church where she grew up.

Is Jeff Iorg nomination a game-changer for SBC?

March 4, 2024

If Southern Baptists believed in the “Hail Mary” pass — that long bomb to the endzone that, if caught, just might save the game — this would be their moment.

‘No reason to move’: Pastor reflects on 6 decades at same church

February 14, 2024

In many parts of Illinois, there are pastors who have stayed in their churches for 15, maybe 20 years. And some longer than that, like maybe 25. But few have stayed 60 years.