Illinois Baptist
A ‘Prince’ among men Leaders who come to the rescue Reporter’s Notebook P. 14
IBSA reviews abuse policy
mission
Plus: SBC report due soon
What small achievement? P. 16 NATE ADAMS
High ‘hope’ in changing times P. 2
HIGHER EDUCATION
Hard realities Trying to save HLGU and TEDS, too late for Lincoln P. 4
CHICAGO
Prayer on wheels Bus tour delivers support P. 4
IllinoisBaptist.org
MAY 1, 2022 Vol. 116 No. 5
Re-engaging
How stateside missionaries are encouraging renewed global connections P. 7
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Peoria, Illinois Permit No. 325
News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
IB
Springfield | No bombshells are expected when results of an investigation into the SBC’s handling of sexual abuse claims are released in May. What may come are recommendations on the state level to improve existing response mechanisms in local churches and denominational entities, including in Illinois. An independent firm is contracted to report on its examination of the SBC Executive Committee’s actions on claims by alleged victims one month prior to the June 12-15 Annual Meeting. (See related story page 3.) In the meantime, the SBC Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission continues its role as advocate for victims and educator for church leaders before they are confronted with abuse. New guidelines are expected, in addition to the Caring Well initiative developed after reports of poorly handled abuse cases were first published by the Houston Chronicle in 2019. Closer to home, state conventions are reviewing their own procedures. Illinois was not one of the 12 Baptist state conventions where messengers to their annual meetings last year voted to require a state investigation, but the Illinois Baptist State Association is reviewing its own increased screening, reporting, and training procedures implemented after the national abuse stories surfaced. “Illinois messengers did not request any actions like this at IBSA’s annual meeting, perhaps because in recent P. 3
sbc preview
10,000 predicted at Anaheim convention
Candidate withdraws Preachers to exegete Colossians
Big news in a small town P. 9
Angels in the outfield Starting on P. 5