SPRINGFIELD, IL — After several years without regular gatherings, the Illinois Baptist Bible Fellowship is taking steps toward renewed fellowship and cooperation among pastors across the state.
On September 15, five pastors gathered at Mission BBQ in Springfield, Illinois, for the first meeting of the revitalized state fellowship. Led by Illinois BBF State Representative Chad Zueck, the gathering focused on building relationships, encouraging one another, and discussing the unique challenges of pastoral ministry.
The meeting was the result of conversations that began during Fellowship Week at Mission University earlier this year. During that meeting, BBFI Central Office Director Randy Harp connected Zueck with Chaplain Elliott Barrowclough, who had recently been approved by the Fellowship, along with several other Illinois pastors. Those initial connections helped lay the groundwork for the September gathering.
Rather than beginning with a formal agenda or organizational business, Zueck intentionally kept the meeting informal, allowing the pastors time to get acquainted and share their experiences in ministry.
“As the Illinois State Rep for the Fellowship, my approach with fellow pastors is personal,” Zueck shared. “Ministry in the church flows through our ministry at home, so my approach to offering encouragement and support hinges on getting to know people well.”
Conversations included the challenges pastors face, the importance of family in ministry, and opportunities for greater cooperation and encouragement among Illinois churches.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the gathering was the shared enthusiasm for seeing the Illinois Fellowship become active again. The pastors acknowledged that other ministry organizations had helped fill the gap during the years of inactivity, but they also recognized the potential for renewed connections through the BBFI.
“A common theme with that group of men was thankfulness that the Illinois state fellowship meetings were starting again,” Zueck said.
For Zueck, the gathering confirmed both the need and the desire for stronger relationships among pastors in the state. “The excitement for the Illinois state fellowship was palpable, and the desire to connect was real,” he said. “It is a great group of like-minded men who love Jesus.”
Plans are already underway for another gathering in the coming months, with the goal of establishing greater direction for the state fellowship while continuing to strengthen relationships among pastors.
The relaunch of the Illinois BBF is an encouraging reminder of the value of fellowship and the importance of intentional relationships among those serving in ministry. What began with a few introductions during Fellowship Week has now developed into a renewed effort to connect, encourage, and strengthen pastors throughout Illinois.For the Illinois Baptist Bible Fellowship, the message is clear: The Fellowship is once again on the move.
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