AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF THE GREAT RIVERS REGION

AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF THE GREAT RIVERS REGION A Regional Profile Prepared for use in The Search for a Prospective Regional Executive Minister Contents Regional Purpose and Vision, 1 History and Geography, 2 Diversity of Churches and Members, 3 Diversity of Population, 3 Financial Strength and Stability, 4 Mission Support, 4 Institutional Partnerships, 5 Alternative Ministerial Education, 5 Spiritual Health, 6 Staff Configuration, 6 Contact Information, 6

*PURPOSE, VISION & STRATEGIC THEMES The Great Rivers Region of American Baptist Churches, USA 3940 Pintail Dr., Springfield, IL 62711 The GRR is composed of some 235 churches located in Illinois (except Chicago) and Missouri. We choose to be identified as: CHURCHES CENTERED IN CHRIST, COMMITTED TO THE WHOLE GOSPEL, COVENANTED TOGETHER Our stated PURPOSE and VISION, along with four Strategic Themes for implementation are: PURPOSE: To challenge, assist, represent and empower American Baptist congregations in Illinois and Missouri. VISION: Healthy congregations engaged in effective Christian ministry locally and globally. STRATEGIC THEMES: (With a partial list of supportive actions, etc, for each theme.) CULTIVATE PASSION FOR MISSION BOTH LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY We will speak a challenging word from God to God s people about God s mission. We will promote the mission offerings and opportunities of ABCUSA. We will help churches identify and engage their local mission field. We will continue our covenant relationship with the Federation of Baptists in Costa Rica. CREATE A LEARNING AND RESOURCE NETWORK OF GRR CHURCHES AND PASTORS We will gather and distribute information about creative ministries in GRR churches. We will connect GRR ministers and churches by Internet social networks. We will encourage learning communities of GRR pastors. We will provide targeted conferences, resources, consultation and coaching. RECRUIT AND RETAIN COMPETENT, QUALIFIED PASTORAL LEADERSHIP FOR GRR CHURCHES We will challenge and encourage churches to identify potential ministerial leaders. We will establish educational and training standards for ministers and implement an ordination process based on those standards. We will guide churches through times of leadership transition. We will coach churches through the search process to find the best pastor. We will advocate for fair compensation and benefits for ministers. We will establish behavioral expectations for ministers and exercise disciplinary action when necessary. We will consult with pastors and congregational leaders for the health of the church. DELIVER CORE SERVICES WITH PARTNERSHIP, QUALITY, INNOVATION, COM- MUNICATION, AND ACCOUNTABILITY. We will establish and maintain relationships with congregations, ministerial leaders, and our ABCUSA family through competent partnerships. We will learn, communicate, and collaborate in a positive work environment. We will exemplify Christian devotion and behavior in all we do. *This page is taken from a larger document, RMB 1010 (GRR Strategic Themes) 1

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY Origin: Baptist roots in this part of Middle America include the first identifiable Baptist church, New Design (1787); Baptist Preaching in St. Louis in 1798 and the work of John Mason and Sallie Paine Peck beginning about 1818. The Pecks, appointed as the first Baptist Home Missionaries by the Triennial Convention, planted churches, encouraged associations, founded schools, and educated clergy. Peck was a strong and tireless advocate for missions. He helped organize the first Baptist Convention in Illinois in 1834 from which the GRR was later born. Baptists in Missouri: After numerous realignments of Baptists in Missouri, in 1959 thirteen churches joined to create the Missouri Convention of American Baptists and soon were recognized by the ABC. After less than a decade this convention chose to merge with the Illinois Baptist State Convention to form The Great Rivers Region of ABC/USA. The Great Rivers Region: The GRR was so named because it straddles or borders four of the great rivers of the United States. It covers the states of Illinois and Missouri, not including Chicago (a separate region). As in Missouri there were other configurations of Baptist churches in Illinois before the organization of Great Rivers Region. A focal point of the early struggle was the comity agreements between Southern and Northern Baptists. Though eventually ignored they were part of the difficult efforts to clarify identity. Some regional churches still have official ties to the Southern Baptists Convention, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, National Baptists and ABC/USA. Participants: At the birth of GRR there were 266 churches with 66,000 resident members and 48,000 enrolled in Sunday school. As with other religious groups we have experienced decline. There are now 235 churches. Governance: The Regional Ministry Board is the corporate body of the GRR and conducts all of its business. This includes establishing policies, determining priorities, hiring staff, setting goals and committing resources. The board has established five geographic areas within GRR. The Board has assigned each area certain responsibilities and privileges which allow focused responses to the unique needs of each area. At present, employees include several full-time and some part-time, plus contract services engaged in the conduct of regional ministry and mission. (See Staff Configuration) Guidance: The Board has adopted two clear statements that embody our purpose and our vision. They are stated elsewhere, as are the four strategic themes that inform and guide us to accomplish our vision and purpose through services, events and media resources. We also pray for and believe that the Holy Spirit guides us in our planning and ministries. Communication: With the advances in technology we now make more effective use of the internet. The twice-monthly Mainstream newsletter is sent out to churches and individuals. Other periodic electronic mailings include Current Thoughts from the Executive Minister and informative professional newsletters from other leading sources. They also include updates from partner institutions and, especially, regionally connected missionaries. 2

Geography: Missouri has a wide variety of topography, from the Mississippi delta of the Southeast corner to the Ozark Mountains, to its many significant lakes and to its extensive rolling countryside. Illinois is called the Prairie State for good reason. A large part of central and northern Illinois are part of true prairie. However, it also includes rolling hills and lakes in Southern Illinois and other parts of the state. DIVERSITY OF CHURCHES AND MEMBERS Diversity of Lifestyle: With two major cities in Missouri and the sprawl of Chicago in Illinois, much of both states is affected by the affluence generated by those cities. Yet, we also have other, smaller cities, a multitude of small towns and a generous amount of rural area. Thus, we have farmers, skilled laborers, executives, educators, politicians and entrepreneurs within our churches and communities. Diversity of Church Size: About 55% of GRR churches are small (75 or less in worship on any given Sunday). Many are located in towns of less than 5,000 or open country. They are very challenged as they attempt ministry in such an environment. But others are in cities and metropolitan areas with their own challenges. Ethnic Diversity: The Great Rivers Region now includes a growing number of African- American churches. With St. Louis (47.7%) and Kansas City (27.8%) having major concentrations of African-Americans, such growth should continue. Increasingly, Hispanics have also shown interest in GRR. Asians from Myanmar/Burma, results of the 200 year-old ministry of the Judson s, are now forming churches in our region. Theological Diversity: With the history of Baptists in Illinois and Missouri, it is not surprising that the entire range of Baptist theologies is represented in some part of our region s family. Yet, we represent the mainstream of American Baptist thought and practice (leaning right of center). Most importantly, we have covenanted together to carry out our mission and ministries, both locally and beyond, with a minimum of debate or demands. However, the sexuality debates over the last two decades have impacted the Great Rivers Region, resulting in significant financial loss despite clear regional policies and practices established by the Board. Worship Style Diversity: Again, the entire range of music and worship styles is represented in the churches of GRR. Some use only contemporary music; some use only traditional hymns and songs while others try to use a blend of both. DIVERSITY OF POPULATION IN MISSOURI AND ILLINOIS Diversity of People: The population makeup for the two-state area shows that Illinois had a total estimated population of 12,880,580 in 2014. Of that number 71.5% are white; 14.5% are Black; 4.6% are Asian. Hispanic or Latino, including White Hispanics,15%. Missouri statistics show a total population of 5,595,211. Of this number 80.4% are White, 11.7% are Black or African American, 3.9% are Hispanic or Latino, including White Hispanics. Only 1.8% are Asian. Foreign-born persons in Illinois are 13.8% of the total population while in Missouri that number is 3.9%. 3

Diversity of Religion: In Illinois Catholics have nearly 30% of the population, while No- Religion comes in second with 15% and Baptists third with 11%. The Baptists of Illinois include those of ABC/GRR, Southern Baptists, Free Will, National, Independent, and numerous others. Christian, Lutheran and Methodist churches also show strength with 7%, 7% and 6% respectively. Chicago and suburbs have a significant and growing population of Muslims, Baha is and Buddhists. Missouri would also reflect a wide range of religious groups. The Mormons have extensive history in both Illinois and Missouri. In Illinois Nauvoo, with its impressive temple, was their first claim as home. In Missouri the RLDS (Reorganized) claims Independence as their primary home. FINANCIAL STRENGTH Financial History: During the last 10 years there has been a difficult and dangerous drop in contributions to regional ministry support. Denominational conflict and a great recession have each taken a major toll. However, under the careful guidance of our Executive Minister, and supported by the Regional Board, we have kept solvent and rarely needed to borrow from endowment. During this time we have reduced staff only by attrition, and have decided, very painfully, not to replace those persons. As a result our full-time ministerial staff has been reduced from eight to three, and full-time administrative staff reduced from five to two. 2014-2015 Summary: Despite the challenges we ended 2014 with a positive balance of $66,364 with a budget of $874,382. Expenditures were $38,377 under budget, and helped to end the year in good financial condition. The budget for 2015 calls for $869,541. Financial Stability: All accounts are current, audits are regularly made and there are no outstanding debts. Our total assets are $5,667,670, which is mostly investments ($4,945,655). $1,580,949 of those investments are restricted as to use. MISSION SUPPORT Total ABMS (American Baptist Mission Support) for the year 2014, was $1,876,363 and places GRR #3 among all regions of ABCUSA. In addition, Great Rivers Region churches: Raised $37,309 (plus gifts directly to ABHMS) for use in a Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build in Gifford, lllinois. The town was nearly destroyed by a tornado in late 2013. The Region was active in similar responses to the Gulf Coast and New Jersey following hurricanes. Maintain a long-standing affection for Bacone College and Murrow Indian Children s Home, promoting frequent work trips to those locations. Have a formal covenant relationship with the Federation of Baptists in Costa Rica. There are several trips from GRR to Costa Rica every year. In addition, Costa Rican Baptists joined with GRR partners at Habitat projects in the Gulf Coast and in joint mission ventures to El Salvador. 4

Actively promote financial support of ABC missionaries that serve in Costa Rica. (Ruth Mooney and Sue Hegarty) or have roots in GRR churches (Scott and Tan Coats, Annie and Jeff Dieselberg, Kristy Engle, Katie and Taku Longkumer, Becky and Larry Stanton). INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Camps Blackhawk Baptist Camp, 4491 W. Henry Rd., Oregon, IL Lake Springfield Baptist Camp, P.O. Box 556, Chatham, IL Campus Ministries Baptist Student Foundation, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL The Baptist Campus Ministry at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL University Baptist Foundation, ISU and IWU, Normal, IL American Baptist Campus Ministry at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL Colleges Bacone College, Muskogee, OK Franklin College, Franklin, IN Judson University, Elgin, IL Ottawa University, Ottawa, KS William Jewell College, Liberty, MO Seminaries Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Shawnee, KS Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Lombard, IL Children s Ministry Institutions Alaska Children s Services, Inc., Anchorage, AK Kids Hope United Northern Region, Lake Villa, IL Kids Hope United Hudelson Region, Springfield, IL Kodiak Baptist Mission, Kodiak, AK Murrow Indian Children s Home, Muskogee, OK Neighborhood Ministry Centers Friendship House of Christian Service, Peoria, IL Rainbow Acres, Camp Verde, AZ Christian Center, Anadarko, OK Bethel Neighborhood Center, Kansas City, KS ALTERNATIVE MINISTERIAL EDUCATION Alternative Ministerial Education (AME) was created by the Regional Ministry Board of the Great Rivers Region for the purpose of providing an alternative, non-traditional education for ministers. The current Dean is the Rev. Dr. Paul Maitland. Several individuals who completed the program serve in positions of pastoral leadership in GRR churches. 5

. SPIRITUAL HEALTH TRANSFORMED BY THE SPIRIT In keeping with our adopted vision for Healthy Congregations The Great Rivers Region has engaged teams to work with the Transformed by the Spirit national initiative. This effort was launched at the ABCUSA Biennial in Puerto Rico. Teams are working in areas related to discipleship and the challenges faced by churches transitioning to partially-funded pastoral leadership. One regional church has moved ahead and is doing Stage 2. Joining God in the Neighborhood. STAFF CONFIGURATION Regional Executive Minister, The Rev. Dr. Dwight Stinnett, (Retiring, 6-30-15) Regional Executive Minister, The Rev. Dr. Larry Mason, (Interim beginning 6-15-15) Regional Associate Minister, Rev. Muriel Johnson, (Full-time, permanent) Contract Assistant, Rev. Patty Bilyeu Regional Associate Minister, Rev. Rachel Cocar, (Part-time, temporary) Contract Assistant, Rev. Kathy Remley Regional Associate Minister, Rev. Adrian Lamkin, (Part-time, temporary) Contract Assistant, Rev. Harry Sanders Regional Associate Minister, Rev. John Grisham (Part-time, temporary) Also is liaison with Costa Rican Baptists. Contract Assistant, Rev. Patti Meyer Executive Assistant & Office Coordinator, Nancy Fromme, (Full-time, permanent) Administrative Assistant, Debbie Naugle, (Full-time, permanent) Administrative Assistant, Ayjana Lewis, (Part-time, permanent) Contract Services GRR Webmaster, Rev. Richard Ricks GRR Mainstream Editor, Linda Ricks CONTACT INFORMATION Chairman of the Executive Minister Search Committee of the Great Rivers Region Rev. Gerald R. Phillips, 7207 Piper Glen Dr., Springfield, IL 62711 grr.em.searchcomm@gmail.com 217-546-2033 The Great Rivers Region Resource Center and Offices 3940 Pintail Drive, Springfield, IL (217) 726-7366 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 13457, Springfield, IL 62791-3457 Web Site: http://www.abcgrr.org ><><><><>< Revised, 5-19-2015 6