May 2020
Chicagoland Baptists,
Isn’t it nice to know that Jesus has promised to build his Church (Mt. 16:18)? None of the financial, educational, governmental, recreational… institutions struggling today have a divine promise like that!
It has been great pleading God’s promises together in our weekly Pastors’ Prayer Calls. Here’s the link to join tomorrow (5/20) at 9:00 AM.
Please reach out if there is any way that we can serve you during this time, even if you just want someone to talk to or bounce ideas off of. We are also available to record a sermon for you to use if you are doing online worship. Let us know if you’d like a break. Nathan ‘preached’ at Uptown Baptist last Sunday.
Here’s someone to know about – Pastor Jamie Thompson. Jamie and his wife Andrea both grew up in poor, urban communities in Chicago. While many people work to move out of the broken community they grew up in, the Lord has grown a passion in the Thompsons to minister the gospel in such places. They are raising their four little guys in Garfield Park on the west side of Chicago, where they have lived since 2005. The church they planted – Reborn Community Church – is intentional about evangelism and discipleship and is committed to train up future urban pastors and missionaries to plant self-sustaining urban churches. Jamie and his brother have also started a business called Pinea Properties, through which they have purchased, renovated, and managed 25 buildings offering 77 homes for community residents while also providing ministry support.
Here are some events to know about –
· A second Town Hall Meeting on re-opening our churches is being planned for Thursday, May 28th, at 7:00 PM. The recording of the first Town Hall can be found here.
· The Chicago Camp at Streator planned for July 10-12 has been cancelled due to the coronavirus.
Here’s something else to know about – The recent news of the apparent suicide of yet another pastor reminds us how our calling to help others doesn’t mean we are immune from struggles. There is a free, confidential, dedicated help line for SBC pastors. You can call 1-844-PASTOR1 any time between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM and speak with a professional counselor.
In His Grip,
Bryan R. Price
Zone 1 Church Consultant
Church Resources Team
Illinois Baptist State Association – Chicago
630-908-0853 (Cell)
Nathan Carter
Zone 1 Church Consultant
Church Resources Team
Illinois Baptist State Association – Chicago
312-493-3726 (Cell)