Illinois Baptist Come to the well P. 12
SUMMIT
Who fixes rookie mistakes? Daniel Kim
Table Talk P. 11
The IVF debate
in focus
‘Future ready churches’ Leader training P. 3
CULTURE WATCH
Minors in transition Decisive court ruling coming P. 4
MISSION
Campus ministries Phil Nelson’s $5 investments P. 9
An ethical dilemma: Couples want children, but at what cost? P. 5 ALSO: BCHFS focuses on Sanctity of Human Life, P 7
IllinoisBaptist.org
IB
IBSA News
New year’s vision
News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
Incoming president focuses on connections
JANUARY 1, 2025
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Peoria, Illinois Permit No. 964
Vol. 119 No. 1
2025 Forecast
What we’re watching P. 8
Headwinds & tailwinds
Nate Adams P. 2
Springfield | “We have never needed connection more than we need it now,” IBSA President Doug Munton told the association staff in a December chapel service. Munton was elected at the IBSA Annual Meeting in November. He said despite the readily available relationships through the internet, people have never been more disconnected than they are today. That goes for pastors and churches too. “I want us to be connected in three ways,” Munton said, describing the areas he hopes to draw attention to during his term. “We are connected theologically, we are connected missionally, and we are connected relationally.” In theological terms, Munton pointed MUNTON to the centennial observance of Southern Baptist’s statement of faith. This is the 100-year anniversary of its adoption in 1925, and the 25-year anniversary of the Baptist Faith and Message (2000). “We’re not trying to poke our finger in the eye of other denominations, but we’re baptized after salvation by P. 3