February 2021
Chicagoland Baptists,
A hallmark of Baptist belief is that each church is autonomous. We don’t have presbyteries or bishops that possess authority over multiple congregations. But autonomy doesn’t mean isolation. Historically, Baptist churches have voluntarily cooperated together to do things they couldn’t do on their own. And before there were state or national conventions, Baptists in America banded together in local associations based on firsthand familiarity with each other and the ministry needs of the area. There are over 30 local associations within the IBSA, and over 1100 in the SBC. The health of the larger organizations depends on strong relationships between churches down on the ground laboring next to each other.
Here’s someone to know about – Pastor Christian Castro. Christian Castro is the pastor of Iglesia Evangelica Filadelfia, a Hispanic church located in Evanston, IL. This church started as a mission sponsored by Cornelia Avenue Baptist Church in the mid 80’s. This mission quickly grew and in 1989 organized as a formal church. Between the years of 2007-2015 the church had a large decline in attendance but through prayer and the help of a few families that remained faithful God allowed them to grow again. Christian has been pastoring this church for the last 4 years and strongly believes in the importance of building partnerships with our local churches to help and encourage one another. Today the church has close to 50 people and continues growing. Would you pray for Iglesia Evangelica Filadelfia and Pastor Christian? Pastor Christian asks that you pray for their youth and children’s ministry. Also, pray for them as they will soon need to look for a larger space to rent. Pastor Christian and his wife Yessenia have two children: Christian Jr. (age 13), who will start High school in the fall, and Andrea (age 10).
Here are some events to know about –
Join pastors and ministry leaders from across Chicagoland for a time of worship, preaching, and practical breakouts at the SEND Network Gathering on March 17th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Crossroads Community Church in Carol Stream. Register here.
New to the IBSA thing? Be our guest at iConnect on March 18th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the IBSA Building in Springfield. Contact Bryan for more details.
Got any high school girls in your church? Consider sending them to AWSOM at Streator Baptist Camp March 19th-21st. They will spend the weekend navigating what God’s Word has to say about their personal identity and culture. More info here.
This summer is going to be different than last one! How are you planning to resurge with outreach? Vacation Bible School is a proven way to reach families with the gospel. We’re offering a VBS Clinic on March 27th at Broadview MBC. Register here. And if you want help just thinking through your mission strategy, Brad Lovin would love help you!
Here’s something else to know about – The Chicago Metro Baptist Association (CMBA) is the local association for our region. It owns an amazing property in the Humboldt Park neighborhood that can provide housing for mission teams and meeting space. Over the years the life of the association has had its ups and downs, but thanks to a generous grant from the Glenfield Baptist Legacy Foundation the CMBA is in a revitalization process and seeking to hire a new Executive Director that will partner with Chicagoland churches to advance the Great Commission and the Great Commandment! Pray for this and look for more details to come soon!
Pressing Forward,
Bryan R. Price
Zone 1 Church Consultant
Leadership Development Team
Illinois Baptist State Association – Chicago
630-908-0853 (Cell)
Nathan Carter
Zone 1 Church Consultant
Leadership Development Team
Illinois Baptist State Association – Chicago
312-493-3726 (Cell)
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