Illinois Baptist
Why we’re for the pastor
Nate Adams P. 2
Reality Check
in focus
Bunkhouse blessings P. 15 IBSA NEWS
Initiative introduced To encourage and strengthen P. 5
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK
Howe now, SBC?
Measuring SBC churches today including yours P. 11
Eric Reed P. 6
BRIGHTER DAY
New season, new rhythm Meredith Flynn P. 16
News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
OCTOBER 1, 2023
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Peoria, Illinois Permit No. 325
Vol. 117 No. 10
SBC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Many big decisions
Including cuts, but no new leader Nashville, Tenn. | “Our needs at this moment are many, and they are profound,” SBC President Bart Barber told the Convention’s Executive Committee at their Trustees meeting Sept. 18-19. “We need God to raise up a prophet among us.” If they were hoping the prophet would emerge at that meeting, he didn’t—unless it was Barber himself as he looked back a hundred years in SBC history to another period of trouble, moral failure, and near financial ruin to find inspiration for the denomination’s future. (More on page 3.) The list of things that happened—and didn’t happen—in the EC meeting is long. › The recently retired pastor from Paducah, Kentucky who was expected to replace the recently resigned Willie McLaurin as Interim President and CEO of the EC withdrew his name at the last minute. Dan Summerlin cited his wife’s health as a reason. She has battled cancer. Asked if Summerlin knew the depth of the EC’s troubles during the interview process, EC Chair Philip Robertson said the candidate was made aware. P. 3
NATHAN CARTER
It began at Serve Tour Chicago P. 15
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