FLOW
"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."
Who We Are
American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region is a resource for challenging, empowering, assisting and representing the American Baptist faith communities in Illinois (excluding Cook, DuPage and Lake counties) and Missouri as we live out our ministry together. Mission and Ministry is our purpose and nature.
Featured Events
News of Ministry & Missions
A Brief Word from Our Executive Ministry Team
Dear Great Rivers Region Family:
You are cordially invited to register for the Great Rivers Region Biennial Gathering 2026. It will take place October 15-17 at the First Baptist Church of Bloomington, Illinois. We will begin with a Ministers’ Conference in the afternoon of October 15. The program will be presented by Dr. Kathy Maxwell from Central Seminary. Her expertise is Biblical Storytelling. You will be moved and approach of making Scripture come to life. You will not want to miss it.
The Gathering theme this year is Transforming Lives through Christ: Reach, Restore, and Revive. Christ is the same yesterday, today, and always. But today’s church is faced with many challenges. It is important to understand what is happening in the US and world around us that is contributing to elements that are testing the church. On Friday afternoon, we will be blessed to have Dr. Ryan Burge, ABC Pastora and Political Scientist share incite from his latest book, “The Vanishing Church.” The background resource will be useful information to understand culture and what is behind church decline and how we can remedy the trajectory.
Our keynote speaker for Friday evening and Saturday morning will be Dr. Karl Vaters. Karl produces resources for helping congregations thrive. He is the author of five books on church leadership. Karl hosts weekly podcasts that focus on topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in the small church context. He has great incite and shares hope for ministry in the local church context. You will not want to miss this!
In addition to these phenomenal speakers, leaders will be present from Renew Strategies (congregational health assessments), The Antioch Center at Central Seminary, The American Baptist Foundation, and the American Baptist Extension Corporation. Global Servants, Dan and Sarah Chetti, will share about their continued ministry called Enduring Love which ministers to people in Lebanon and the Middle East. Childcare will also be provided!!
Make plans now to attend this time of learning and worship together at the GRR!
Blessings,
Patty
2027 INTERN GRANT will be posted February 2027
2027 SCHOLARSHIP will be posted February 2027
Churches requesting grants must be in good standing with the region. Scholarship applicants must belong to a region church in good standing.
”Good Standing” is evidenced by a preceding year church annual report on file in the regional office and having contributed to the financial support of the Region, either through United Mission, America for Christ, or Specifics during the preceding year.
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