2024 Stories

After attending an IBSA evangelism conference, Pastor Will Ferguson, of Canton, decided he needed help reigniting an outward focus in his church. So, he called Scott Harris, Director of Evangelism at IBSA. Harris travels the state helping churches re-engage their neighborhoods with the gospel. Within just a few months a plan was in place and they were seeing God move.

Getting away to nature can be powerful. The world can slow down. The mind can quiet. And the heart can open to the Spirit of God. Streator and Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camps fill this need. At these rural retreats, weary pastors find rest and rejuvenation. And every summer, students flock to the grounds for fun, and leave changed by the power of the gospel.

Every hero needs a guide, a faithful partner who helps them fulfill their mission. For many church planters in Illinois, that guide is Kevin Jones, IBSA Church Planting Director. From helping them connect with training, partners, and resources to navigating the challenges of pastoral ministry as a fledgling church, he’s by their side.

The term “mission field” can create visions of far-off places, but with over 8 million lost people, Illinois is a mission field in need of the gospel. Through the work of IBSA, Illinois Baptists cooperate together to plant and support new churches, ignite new fires of evangelism in existing churches, and reach students and recharge pastors at two rural retreats.