Illinois Baptist
‘Brutal beauty’ Jeremy Byrd contemplates the Cross P. 13
in focus
Coming of age
Tears in Springfield Annual march moves to Capitol P. 4
Can the emerging generation save the world? P. 7
IBSA NEWS
PLUS: TikTok impact on evanglism P. 8
MISSION
& ‘In the bubble,’ but not of it P. 10
Big reno reveal New meeting space dedicated P. 6
Passing the baton Frankfort church takes next lap P. 12
News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
APRIL 1, 2023
mission
Vol. 117 No. 4
IB
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Springfield, Illinois Permit No. 964
IllinoisBaptist.org
PRO LIFE
Learn more at servetour.org
“Let’s go somewhere” Nate Adams P. 2
My Columbian Exposition
MEREDITH FLYNN P. 16
Westbrook joins Executive Team
Springfield | IBSA Church Planting Director Paul Westbrook has been promoted to fill the Association’s second Associate Executive Director (AED) position that has remained empty since its creation in August 2019. He will step into the role effective July 1. Until then he will fulfill priorities relating to his church planting role and train with Associate Executive Director Mark Emerson. “Paul and I first discussed the possibility of him taking on the AED role some time ago, as we talked about his best fit on the IBSA staff,” IBSA Executive Director Nate Adams said. “Paul has done a great job transitioning into the Church Planting position from his longtime planter-pastor role with Metro Community Church. Now after continued conversation and prayer, including Mark’s valuable participation and input in the process, we believe the time and fit is right for this transition.” P. 3