Illinois Baptist
Thankful thoughts Our annual prayer Table Talk P. 14
Forward motion
Fewer identify as Christian
Across all ages, regions
Pastors, church leaders seek renewal at IBSA Annual Meeting
in focus
Online all the time IllinoisBaptist.org
RELIGIOUS LANDSCAPE
Team report starts on P. 7
IB
News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
NOVEMBER 18, 2019 Vol. 113 No. 16 Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Peoria, Illinois Permit No. 325
news Abortion clinic opens P. 3
The Nation | Nearly two-thirds of Americans still call themselves Christians, but the number has decreased 12 percentage points over the last decade, according to a Pew Forum report on the country’s religious landscape. And while the number of both Protestants and Catholics decreased, those unaffiliated with a religion grew as a share of the population—up from 12% in 2009 to 17% now. The rapid decline is cause for concern, said two Baptist leaders with ties to the Midwest, and a call for churches to renew their commitment to God’s mission to reach all people with the gospel. “The increasingly secularization of America troubles me greatly, both as an American and as a Christian,” said Jason Allen, president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo. “While, of course, my first concern is for the Lord’s church, as a citizen I’m troubled by our ALLEN nation’s spiritual trajectory. “Studies indicating moral and spiritual decline should awaken the church to the urgency of its gospel mission, and I’m praying it will do just that.” According to Pew, 43% of U.S. adults identify with Protestantism, down P. 6
MISSION
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE SBC PRESIDENCY
Early announcement Illinoisans join Lottie’s long line P. 12
Mohler agrees to nomination P. 5
DOUG MUNTON
Asking hard questions Who wants to do it? P. 13