Skip to content
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Log In
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Log In
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
The Baptist Paper
The Baptist Paper
  • Kids Edition
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your state news
  • Classifieds
  • Kids Edition
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your state news
  • Classifieds

First person: Working through seasons of change

Nothing is scarier than change. Well, maybe spiders are scarier, but I digress.
  • July 18, 2025
  • Illinois Baptist
  • First Person, Illinois, Latest News
(Unsplash photo)

First person: Working through seasons of change

Nothing is scarier than change. Well, maybe spiders are scarier, but I digress.

But here is the reality we face. Change is happening all the time, whether we like it or not. The real issue isn’t whether things will change, but how we deal with the change that is inevitable. So, let’s talk about navigating change and in church life in general.

For more stories at your doorstep, subscribe to The Baptist Paper.

SIGN UP for our weekly Highlights emails that hit your inbox on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

This is a season of change at the Illinois Baptist State Association. After 20 years of service, Executive Director Nate Adams will be retiring next year. Whether we like it or not, time has continued to march on and “young Nate Adams” has become “not so young Nate Adams.” Even as you read this, IBSA has an Executive Director Search Team working hard at the task of finding the next leader for our state convention.

How should IBSA navigate this change?

What should we keep in mind as we consider the future?

Lessons on change

What are some lessons to keep in mind as we face the inevitable changes coming to our beloved organization?

Change can be helpful for organizations of all sizes. …

Change should be intentional. All churches and institutions change. Some change for the better and some change for the worse, but all organizations change. …

Our changes need to be intentional changes that help us fulfill the mission given to us by our Lord Jesus.

I may still find spiders scary, but when I think correctly about the inevitable nature of change that is coming to our association and our churches, I find change less frightening. God has worked in great ways in the history of Illinois Baptists. I am convinced that God is going to work in great ways in our future as well.

So, let’s embrace the work that God is doing. While our methods and personnel always change, our gospel never changes. The solid rock of faith in our Lord Jesus remains firm. We can trust the unchanging God in our ever-changing world.

Full article.


EDITOR’S NOTE — This story, which was edited by The Baptist Paper for style and brevity, was written by Doug Munton and originally published by the Illinois Baptist. 

Share with others:

Facebook
X/Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Latest News

  • Abortions are on the rise due, in part, to telehealth
    Abortions are on the rise due, in part, to telehealth
    December 12, 2025/
    0 Comments
  • Christian physician detained for faith in Sudan
    Christian physician detained for faith in Sudan
    December 12, 2025/
    0 Comments
  • First person: Don’t let familiarity rob you of Christmas joy
    First person: Don’t let familiarity rob you of Christmas joy
    December 12, 2025/
    0 Comments

Sign up for the Highlights

Get all latest content delivered to your email a few times a month.
Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

Related Posts

Abortions are on the rise due, in part, to telehealth

Half a million abortions occurred in the U.S. in the first six months of 2025 — and it’s likely an undercount.

Christian physician detained for faith in Sudan

A medical doctor in Sudan was jailed from Sunday to Wednesday evening (Dec. 10) after officials learned he was a Christian, Morning Star News reported.

First person: Don’t let familiarity rob you of Christmas joy

Regarding Christmas specifically, genuine Christians would never show open contempt for the nativity, but our familiarity can rob us of its joy.

River baptism a sign of momentum, spiritual growth for Georgia church

In 25 years as pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in McIntyre, Bill Harpe has not witnessed anything like what is happening right now at the 29-year-old church. 

Want to receive news highlights throughout the week? Sign up here!

Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

About

  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Partners
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Contact us
  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • Our Partners
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Contact us

Explore

  • Kids Edition
  • State-specific news
  • Archive
  • Opinion pieces
  • Sunday School lessons
  • Persecuted Church
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Kids Edition
  • State-specific news
  • Archive
  • Opinion pieces
  • Sunday School lessons
  • Persecuted Church
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Submissions

  • Story suggestions
  • Your Voice/Letter to the Editor
  • Photos / Videos
  • Corrections/other
  • Submission Policy
  • Story suggestions
  • Your Voice/Letter to the Editor
  • Photos / Videos
  • Corrections/other
  • Submission Policy

Subscribe

  • Subscribe
  • Renew subscription
  • Gift a subscription
  • Start a new member subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Request free trial
  • Subscribe
  • Renew subscription
  • Gift a subscription
  • Start a new member subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Request free trial
The Baptist Paper
Address:
3310 Independence Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35209
Copyright © 2025 TAB Media Group
  • Privacy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ
  • Privacy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ

Email:
news@thebaptistpaper.org

About

  • Our Team
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Donate
  • Photo Galleries
  • Contact us
  • Hosted Church
  • Our Team
  • Advertise and Promote
  • Classifieds
  • Donate
  • Photo Galleries
  • Contact us
  • Hosted Church

Explore

  • Kids Edition
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your State News
  • Persecuted Church
  • Editorials
  • Opinions
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Archive
  • Submit your news
  • Kids Edition
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Your State News
  • Persecuted Church
  • Editorials
  • Opinions
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Archive
  • Submit your news

Subscribe

  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Subscribe
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Manage your group
  • Manage your account
  • Subscribe
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate

Log Out?

Lost your password?

Log In

Lost your password?

Log in

Become a part of our community!
Forgot your password? Get help
Privacy/Terms of Use

Reset password

Recover your password
A password reset link will be e-mailed to you.
Privacy/Terms of Use
Back to
Login
×
Close Panel