Illinois Baptist
Paul Cooper’s Declaration of Dependence P. 14
The MainThing Annual meeting keeps mission focus amid doctrinal debate. Mohler amendment passes round one Agreement shown in decisive votes 63 missionaries introduced and sent Disability ministry encouraged Illinoisans share gospel in Orlando
sbc 2026
Our Sandy’s last convention
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Peoria, Illinois Permit No. 964
Special section P. 5-12
SBC: Where we stand now
5 questions remain after Orlando convention We know what happened in Orlando. The expanded team coverage in this issue of the Illinois Baptist illustrates the many annual rituals that drew more than 20,000 people to Florida for Southern Baptists’ big family gathering. But one topic dominated discussion going into the convention—What is a pastor and who is called to be one? Coming out of the convention, the question is whether a 74% vote for a constitutional amendment limiting the pastorate to men signals the issue is settled. We know how the messengers voted, but, going forward, what does it mean? Where does it stand now? First, the issue isn’t settled—yet. Constitutional amendments require affirmative votes in two successive annual meetings, by two-thirds majority. As the world’s largest legislative body, the SBC requires two votes, over two years. This usually prevents tidal wave decisions or knee-jerk reactions. Continued P. 4
Happy Half-Birthday P. 13
IllinoisBaptist.org
News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
JULY 1, 2026 Vol. 120 No. 7
IB