Illinois Baptist
Take prayer where it’s needed Illinois Voices with Cheryl Dorsey P. 10
Who will fill their shoes?
in focus
It’s real: There’s a pastor shortage P. 5
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Plans to mentor from the Illinois Leadership Summit P. 7 & Thank you, Thurman P.12
News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
FEBRUARY 1, 2023 Vol. 117 No. 2
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Springfield, Illinois Permit No. 964
IllinoisBaptist.org
IB
Missions ‘moonshot’
Midwestern Seminary to launch 100 missionaries annually for unreached people groups Kansas City, Mo. | Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) plans to produce 100 new missionaries annually in what President Jason Allen is calling a “missions moonshot.” Allen announced the plan and a $2.5 million gift to fund it at the seminary’s spring convocation ALLEN in January. Allen began the service referencing President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 moonshot address to rally the American people to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade. The term ‘moonshot,’ Allen explained, is shorthand for a goal that is so daunting and ambitious that it requires a special, collective effort of sacrifice and determination.
Midwestern aims to produce each year 100 individuals who are committed to overseas service to unreached or underreached people groups for a minimum commitment of two years. The initiative comes in partnership with the International Mission Board (IMB). “What we long to see God do here in the years ahead is a deepening and expanding of our Great Commission work so that annually we can see and celebrate 100 students or graduates going out to the nations,” Allen said. “We don’t intend this number generically, but through a countable, defined, and identifiable group of men and women who are called to the nations.” Preaching from John 10:16, Allen referenced how many consider this one of the greatest missionary verses, motivating missionaries P. 3
Time alone with God
A new survey P. 9 NATE ADAMS
The sock club Gifts to be grateful for P. 2
TRACKER
Put students to work If you want to keep them P. 12
YEAR-END REPORT
It all adds up IBSA churches’ missions giving through Cooperative Program Section B