American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region

06/10/2026

🙏 Pastoral Opportunity: Pilgrim Baptist Church, Rockford, IL
Pilgrim Baptist Church of Rockford is prayerfully seeking a pastor to lead their congregation into the next season of ministry. With over 108 years of faithful service in the Rockford community, this congregation is ready to welcome a shepherd who is biblically grounded, spiritually mature, and passionate about discipleship, community engagement, and congregational care.

What we're looking for:
✝️ Strong preaching and teaching rooted in Scripture
💙 Genuine pastoral care and counseling
🤝 Leadership that builds teams and strengthens unity
🌍 A heart for community partnership and outreach

Ideal qualifications include:
Master's degree (preferably M.Div.)
Denominational standing or ministry credentials
5+ years of ministry experience
Strong communication and leadership skills

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a congregation with a rich legacy of spiritual leadership and community involvement.
Interested in learning more?

Contact Rob Kirbach at [email protected] to request the full church profile or discuss this opportunity further.

American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region is honored to partner with Pilgrim Baptist Church in this search.

06/08/2026

Are people more alike than different, or more different than alike?

Join writer and creative strategist, Deidra Riggs, for a conversation where this question will be explored. In the session, participants will think about what it means to engage across real differences—cultural, experiential, theological, and personal—without losing ourselves or attempting to control one another.

June 30, 7:00 pm (CT)

Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/S0UjlgzzSa2qHJkKn4lUTw #/registration

06/08/2026

https://baptistnews.com/article/american-baptist-board-reaffirms-women-in-ministry/?shem=rimspwouoe,&fbclid=IwRlRTSASTps5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEej3PFKQy8t9d3dOPRD-Vy1Du-DXHoMmHFxqk2m8cdf7fNN3VgU9PO5A6bwBI_aem_wAg4c6Mo39L7QgkqaoPOiA

This is a story from 2023 about the ABC’s continued commitment to Women in Ministry.

Editor’s note: This article has been expanded and updated from its original version. The board of directors of American Baptist Home Mission Societies issued a statement June 24 saying it “wholeheartedly affirms women pastors.” And last week’s biennial meeting of the American Baptist Churche...

06/05/2026

Pastoral Ministry Opportunity – Colchester, Illinois

The American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region is assisting Bethel Baptist Church in Colchester, Illinois, in its search for a part-time pastor.

Bethel Baptist is a warm and friendly congregation serving the Colchester and Macomb-area communities of west-central Illinois. The church is seeking a pastor who will provide biblical preaching, pastoral care, spiritual leadership, and support for the congregation's ministry and mission.

This position offers an opportunity to serve a rural congregation that values Christian fellowship, community engagement, and faithful discipleship.

For inquiries or to request a copy of the church profile, please contact:

Rev. Dr. Rob Kirbach
Associate Executive Minister
📧 [email protected]
📞 (217) 726-7366 x13

Please share this opportunity with pastors and ministry leaders who may feel called to serve in a part-time pastoral role.

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