American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region

06/03/2026

This billboard will greet approximately 20,000 Southern Baptists arriving in Orlando for the SBC Annual Meeting next week, where the role and value of women in the church will be debated once again.

We want every Baptist woman to know that God calls women to ministry and always has.

Our prayer is that this witness of hope, freedom, and abundant life reaches those who need it most.

06/03/2026

The American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region is pleased to assist Carlinville Federated Church in Carlinville, Illinois, in its search for a part-time pastor.

Carlinville Federated Church is a welcoming congregation with a strong commitment to worship, fellowship, and service. The church is seeking a pastor who will provide spiritual leadership, proclaim the Gospel, and help guide the congregation as it continues its ministry in the community.

Those interested in learning more about this opportunity or requesting a copy of the church profile are encouraged to contact:

Rob Kirbach, Associate Executive Minister

📧 [email protected]
📞 (217) 726-7366 ext. 13

Please share this post with pastors, ministry leaders, and others who may feel called to serve in this setting.

06/01/2026

Saying "no" isn’t weakness or a lack of faith. Sometimes it’s a necessary first step in narrowing our focus and strengthening our faith.

05/31/2026

Congratulations to Open Door Community Church! ⛪️

05/31/2026

Executive Minister, Patty King Bilyeu, traveled to Atlanta to meet with the ABC National Leadership. Part of the time was spent catching up on our national partnerships. Other times were traveling to the American Baptist Historical Society, Morehouse College, Ebenezer Church, and the King Center. It’s always a blessing to be with our partners in the Gospel.

05/28/2026

05/26/2026

ATTN: Pastors

Having trouble connecting with Gen Z? The Gospel hasn’t changed, but the way we preach it can.

Gen Z & Preaching

June 22–26, 2026, Lake Conference Center
Discover how generational dynamics shape preaching in this one-of-a-kind gathering focused on Generation Z. Hosted at Green Lake Conference Center in Wisconsin, this event invites pastors, ministry leaders, and communicators to explore how to better connect with Gen Z through formational preaching.

Learn, Listen, and Connect
Led by Tanya Gericke, whose doctoral research focuses on Theology and Generation Z, this week will include expert teaching, interviews with Gen Z youth and young adults, and meaningful conversations about preaching that forms both heart and mind. Each day will include time for worship, reflection, and rich dialogue rooted in a relationship with God and others. You’ll also have space to enjoy Green Lake’s peaceful setting and summer beauty.

Affordable and Family-Friendly
Stay for just $200 in hotel-style lodging or $50 in dorm-style housing—both options include meals and all program fees. Spouses and children are welcome, with free childcare available.

05/24/2026

Rev. Andrea Huffman, pastor at Dayspring Baptist Church in Town & Country, Missouri, delivered a wonderful sermon this morning about how the Holy Spirit cannot be contained or directed by us, but how we can be directed by the Holy Spirit. Our Associate Executive Minister, Rev. Dr. Rob Kirbach, had the joy of visiting this Area V congregation on this Day of Pentecost.

Photo courtesy of the church's Facebook livestream feed.

05/23/2026

You may have attended the Antioch Center's first session on creative uses for church facilities. It's an important topic and we want to keep the conversation going!

Jim Michel will lead a free webinar helping participants rethink how we use our church spaces and facilities. Michel serves as a Building and Capital Services Advisor for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he partners with congregations on building assessment, capital planning, fundraising, and financial strategy.

June 4, 2026 7:00 pm (CT), Virtual

Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/I6pJRvcaQeavCqdhGO1kFg