Central Baptist Church

06/22/2026

Oh wow, I had the privilege of interviewing these two international UIS students. One of the things my international friends have reminded me of is the greatness of the United States. 🇺🇸

Yes, we have our flaws, and we must continue to speak and act for justice. But encounter after encounter, when I talk with people who have come here from around the world, I hear a deep appreciation for America, not because they think it is perfect, but because they see its possibilities.

Stephanie Mamaga Avi from Ghana spoke about noticing how systems are often designed to help people succeed. Josephine Kamwela from Malawi was struck by freedoms that Americans sometimes take for granted, even as she navigated cultural differences and homesickness. Their stories remind me that loving a country is not ignoring its shortcomings. It is believing it can continue becoming more just, more welcoming, and more aligned with its highest ideals.

Plus, they are both Christians and it is evident from their perspectives and speech. I have a desperate interview I did with them after this that discusses the differences between church in America and their respective home countries!

06/19/2026

As Baptists, and particularly as American Baptists, the concept of freedom is woven deeply into our identity. We have long championed freedom of conscience, religious liberty, and the God-given dignity of every person.

Today, we pause in celebration and remembrance of Juneteenth, the day the news of freedom finally reached enslaved people in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a day that reminds us that the work of justice often continues long after laws are written.

As people of faith, we give thanks for those who struggled, sacrificed, and persevered so that liberty might be extended to all. And we recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of building communities where freedom, dignity, and justice are realities for every person.

06/18/2026

Hope to see you Sunday as we talk about Jesus' parable of the seeds and the soil (Mark 4)

NEWSFLASH: This parable may be about more than the condition of individual hearts.

Sometimes the problem isn't the seed. Sometimes it's the soil.

Jesus invites us to notice the conditions that crush people, the systems that choke life, and the ways we can help create spaces where everyone has a chance to flourish.

06/13/2026

Join us tomorrow as we have special music from Candy Loyd! Her husband gave a moving message a few weeks ago and now we are blessed to have her usher us in worship.

Plus, Sally and Dick McDaniel (father and daughter) will be leading us too 💙

See you tomorrow!

06/10/2026

Pastor Tony had the opportunity to sit down with Michael Thomas- five time incarcerated— forever given mercy and grace by God.

His story his powerful! If you are looking for a hopeful story, this is one is for you!

06/07/2026

Friendly reminder!

We will not be having church at 10:45 in the sanctuary. We are hosting our service at 10:00 AM in our downstairs fellowship hall! See you soon!

06/02/2026

This Sunday (only), our worship service will begin at 10:00 AM instead of 10:45 AM as we make space for an extended time of community and connection.

One of the gifts of being a smaller congregation is the freedom to be flexible, creative, and responsive to what helps us grow together. This Sunday will also offer a glimpse of what our "Come to the Table" initiative may look like this fall; a more intentional space for conversation, belonging, and shared life.

We hope you'll join us as we gather, worship, and spend unhurried time around the table together with some delicious food!

05/27/2026

A powerful sermon on church hurt!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/26/2026

Bella is overseeing Levitt AMP this year as the Executive Director of the Springfield Area Arts Council. Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series is just a few days away!

05/24/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember that peace is costly.
We honor those who served, those who never came home, and the families who still carry both pride and grief.

But remembrance also calls us deeper.
Not just to wave flags, but to ask hard questions about war, justice, sacrifice, and the kind of world we are building for future generations.

As followers of Jesus, we believe every human life bears the image of God. Every human life.
So today we hold gratitude and lament together.
We give thanks for courage.
We pray for peace.

And we recommit ourselves to becoming people who heal more than harm, love more than fear, and build bridges instead of barriers.

“Blessed are the peacemakers.” ~ Jesus

Happy Memorial Day.
May we remember well. 🇺🇸