November 2020
Chicagoland Baptists,
As this new wave of COVID continues to mount, we desperately need endurance and wisdom. For those who have returned to some form of in-person gatherings we will again have to weigh things like submission to governing authorities (1Pe. 2:13-17), love of neighbor (Rom. 13:10), the need to assemble (Heb. 10:25), what best preserves the unity of the body (Eph. 4:3), sensitivity to our community we’re trying to reach (1Pe. 2:12), the physical and spiritual health of our people (3Jn. 2), etc…
This page explains what the new restrictions (which start on Monday) will mean for places of worship in the City of Chicago (still 40% capacity/50 person max). Those in the suburbs can find state guidance here.
If you ever want to bounce ideas off of someone or just vent, we are glad to talk!
Here’s someone to know about – Pastor Andrews Colon. This is a story of healthy churches multiplying, home-grown leadership development, and church revitalization.
Andrews Colon was a member of Alpha Missionary Baptist Church (where Bruce Kirk now pastors). He helped out with ministries like Bible Express – the boys’ youth group. But in October of 2005 he and his family surrendered to a call to serving in pastoral leadership. He trained under Pastor Bryan Price at Love Fellowship Baptist Church (a church that had been planted out of Alpha in 2003).
When the pastor of nearby First Baptist Church of Willow Springs – Joe Guzman – was having health concerns, Andrews began assisting that church and ended up becoming their interim pastor in April of 2019. Then after much prayer and guidance the church selected Andrews as their next senior pastor on October 13, 2019. The congregation has 26 members, half of which are currently attending via phone conference or on Facebook Live.
Pastor Colon is pictured below with his wife of 30 years, Tina. They have 3 adult children – Aisha, Ahndrianna, and Andrews. And through them they have 7 grandchildren, with one more on the way. Pray for Pastor Colon and the work of renewal in Willow Springs!
Here are some events to know about –
Congrats to Pastor James Brooks and the completion of the beautiful remodeling at Harmony Community Church. Check out this recent press write up of how they are using their building to bless the Lawndale neighborhood. They are having a virtual gala tomorrow (November 14) at 7:00 PM to raise funds for these efforts.
The next Pastor Plus webinar on December 3 is on “Pre-Marital Counseling.” More info on this and other online training opportunities from IBSA can be found here.
Here’s something else to know about – How can you be part of getting the gospel to unreached people groups around the world, even if you’re a small church? Did you know that a significant part of your Cooperative Program giving goes to the largest missions agency in the world – the International Mission Board (IMB)? And that if your church has someone called and equipped to go overseas as a missionary, they can be sent through IMB without having to raise any support?? Every year around Christmas there’s the Lottie Moon Offering, 100% of which goes directly to IMB. Consider using it as a way to raise missions awareness in your church. A special Week of Prayer begins November 29th.
And please make sure your church has submitted its Annual Church Profile (ACP)! This is how we keep our contact info for you updated.
In His Grip,
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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