Things to Know (September)

Our name expresses our collective identity in terms of geography (Chicagoland) and theology (Baptists).  More about our mission field next month, but first: what does it mean to be Baptist?  Basically:

1.)    We hold to the historic, orthodox truths of the Bible, as reflected in statements like the Baptist Faith and Message (e.g. 1Cor. 15:1-4).

2.)    We are convinced that the Bible teaches that baptism comes after conversion as a sign that a person has been joined to Jesus (e.g. Mt. 28:19).

3.)    And we think the Bible teaches that each local church of baptized believers is responsible and able to govern itself (e.g. Mt. 18:15-20).

If you haven’t joined the Facebook Group yet, please do.  And use it as a way to share news and needs.

If you would like me to come preach at your church, I am available 10/9, 10/23, 11/13, 11/20, and 12/18.  Just let me know!

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Here is someone to know about – Pastor Eric Brown.

Eric Brown is the lead pastor at Brainard Avenue Baptist Church in Countryside.  He grew up in Bolingbrook, and his wife Clarissa grew up in Schaumburg.  They have been married for 15 years and have three boys (11, 9, and 5).  Eric attended Bob Jones University, where he earned his B.A. and MDiv.  He has also earned a DMin. from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.  Before moving back to Chicagoland in March 2020, Eric also served as a pastor at churches in Mount Laurel, NJ, and Anniston, AL.  He has also started serving as a volunteer chaplain for the Countryside Police Department.  He loves to read, explore cities, play sports, cheer for Chicago sports teams (Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Northwestern, and Notre Dame, in that order), roast coffee, bake breads and desserts, grill meat, and spend time with Clarissa and the boys.

Eric is eager to develop friendships with other pastors and to minister to other pastors and churches, which is what inspired him to begin Brainard’s annual conference for pastors and church leaders, “A Noble Task.”  This year’s conference will be held NEXT MONDAY (9/19) and is being made free to any Chicagoland Baptist!  You can connect with Eric at ericbrown4111@gmail.com.

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Here are some events to know about –

• Weekly Prayer Call every Wednesday from 9:00 to 9:30 AM.  Just click here to jump on.

• Monthly Discussion on the first Wednesday from 9:00 to 10:00 AM.  Join here.  On 10/5 Dave Johnson (former Chicago church planter and current Chicago realtor) will be joining us for “A Conversation about Co-Vocational Planting and Pastoring.”

• Upcoming Regional Lunches for fellowship:

  • WEST (9/29) – Noon at Gospelife in North Wheaton | RSVP HERE

  • SOUTH (10/27) – Noon at Household of Faith in Markham | RSVP HERE

  • CITY (11/17) – Noon at the Chicagoland Baptists Building| RSVP HERE

  • NORTH (1/19) – TBD

• The Ignite Evangelism Conference (9/18-19) at Gospelife featuring Charlie Dates, Ed Stetzer, and others starts this Sunday!  Register for free here.

• A Noble Task Pastors’ Conference (9/19) at Brainard Avenue featuring Andy Davis, author of Revitalize is next Monday!  Let me know if you want to come and I’ll pay your registration.

• ACEC (10/14-15) at Hillcrest featuring Willie McLaurin, Jamie Dew, Mark Croston, and many others is coming up quickly!  This year’s theme: “Moving Forward in Ministry and Mission.”  Plan to bring your leaders!  Register for free here.

• The IBSA Annual Meeting (11/1-3) is in Edwardsville this year.  More information here.

• Mark your calendars for our Annual Meeting (11/12).  We’ll meet at the Chicagoland Baptists Building from 8:00 to 10:30 AM.

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Here is something else to know about –

Today is the start of Hispanic Heritage Month!  Hispanics represent the fastest growing and second largest ethnic group in Chicago.  Follow Pastor Jonathan de la O of Starting Point Community Church this month to learn more about how to pray for God’s work among this community.

And if you or someone you know is interested in starting more Spanish-speaking churches, consider this upcoming local event:

Por el Bien del Nombre,

Nathan Carter

Chicagoland Baptists

Executive Director/AMS

1356 N. Rockwell Street, Chicago, IL  60622

nathancarter@chicagolandbaptists.org

312.493.3726

You can donate to Chicagoland Baptists here.

You can see past editions of Things to Know here.

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Our state and national partners for resourcing the church and reaching the lost:

Dr. Bryan R. Price

Illinois Baptist State Association

Zone 1 Church Consultant

bryanprice@ibsa.org

630.908.0853

Dr. Scott Nichols

North American Mission Board – SEND

City Missionary

snichols@namb.net

630.668.5900

Jason Stuckey

North American Mission Board – SEND Relief

Chicago Ministry Center Coordinator

jstuckey@sendrelief.org

252.813.2509