Illinois Baptist
Mark Goldman's
True Grit Insight P. 13
Mentors
Growing season for young disciples, P. 6 PLUS: Mission Illinois Offering focuses on kids, camps, and colleges. Pull-out prayer guide inside.
IllinoisBaptist.org
News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
AUGUST 1, 2026
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Peoria, Illinois Permit No. 964
Vol. 120 No. 8
IB moody bible institute
SBU head called to Moody Mo. Baptist becomes eleventh president
Chicago | A Baptist will be the new president of Moody Bible Institute (MBI) starting August 17. Rick Melson will leave his role at Southwest Baptist University (SBU) in Bolivar, Mo. for the post vacated by Chicago pastor Mark Jobe after seven years. Melson, with Baptist roots, joins the independent evangelical school founded by Dwight Moody in 1886. The school has had a series of shorter presidencies since the 2005 resignation of Joe Stowell after 18 years at the helm. “It is a great privilege to be entrusted with leading and stewarding this extraordinary ministry into its next chapter,” Melson said. “I come to Moody with profound respect for its remarkable heritage and tremendous optimism for its future.” He also pointed to considerable ministry assets held by the Midwest-centered evangelical entity. “Together, we will seek God’s wisdom as we strengthen Moody’s educational mission, expand Moody Global Media’s reach, extend Moody Publishers’ influence, and make the gospel available to more people than ever before,” Melson said. Melson holds degrees from Murray State University, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Dallas Baptist University. Continued P. 4
Exclusive Q&A
New SBC President Willy Rice P. 11
Mission Illinois Offering & Week of Prayer September 13-20 MissionIllinois.org