January 2021
Chicagoland Baptists,
These are crazy days for American society! Among other biblical truths, recalling that Baptists have historically championed the idea that “church and state should be separate” can be somewhat stabilizing (BF&M XVII). This is because we understand that God has ordained these two distinct realms for two distinct roles. We desire and pray that our government leaders would maintain a baseline level of order, safety, and justice within which the church can do what God has uniquely called us to do (for more on that, see this month’s ‘Someone to Know’ section below). As citizens of this earthly country, let’s pray for God’s common grace to be poured out on our new president as he is inaugurated next week. And as citizens of heaven and pastors of churches, let’s plead for God’s special grace to be poured out so that many would hear the true message of the Cross and find their hope ultimately in Christ’s eternal kingdom.
Here’s someone to know about – Pastor Randy Hafner. In 2017 God brought Randy and his family to LightHouse Fellowship in Frankfort to lead the church in revitalization. It has been difficult and challenging, but the great pause of 2020 caused by the pandemic and social unrest has turned out to be a great opportunity. God works all things together for good to those who love Him! They have been assessing their church’s order and functions and refocusing on their goal to effectively and faithfully make disciples. As Randy says, “The Holy Spirit is at work in us and on us so that He might work through us.” And he believes that this season is a great opportunity for all local churches because our pragmatic approaches to ministry have been exposed. The proclamation of the gospel is paramount as Jesus builds His church. And this interruption in our plans allows us to seek His plans, to return to the priorities of discipleship, which includes evangelism and spiritual growth. The Hafners are thankful to be in Chicagoland as God is at work to glorify Himself here. You can connect with him on Twitter (@LHFpastor) or email him (pastorrandy@yourlighthouse.org).
Here are some events to know about –
Next Tuesday and Wednesday is the Illinois Leadership Summit online. It’s a chance for you (and your team) to get some fresh ideas for leading in the post-pandemic world. And if you want to come to the Chicagoland satellite location at Brainard Avenue Baptist Church you can get some fellowship and discussion too! More info and registration here.
Could you use some help with utilizing technology for outreach and worship? IBSA’s Church Technology Conference is February 20th. Contact BenJones@ibsa.org for more info.
IBSA is offering a lot of different online training opportunities, but we want to highlight one Edge course titled, “Leading through Preaching,” taught by yours truly – Bryan Price. Go here to find out more.
Here’s something else to know about – We own a Camp and Retreat Center close to Starved Rock State Park! It’s great for youth events, group meetings, or personal pastoral retreats. It’s called Streator Baptist Camp and it has a brand new director – Jacob Kimbrough. Spots are booking up for the summer already. Give him a call (815-672-0084) or email (JacobKimbrough@ibsa.org) to find out about how you could utilize this great asset.
Looking to Heaven,
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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Prayer Calls every Wednesday from 9:00 to 9:30 AM!
First Wednesdays of the Month are discussions from 9:00 to 10:00 AM.