ILC's Leaders Deliver Midterm Reports
- Illinois Conference Communications
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 7
We are mid-way through the current quinquennium and the Illinois Conference has released nine midterm reports from administrative and departmental leaders, along with a special report on Conference finances.
INTRODUCING A NEW APPROACH
Reports are customarily printed at each constituency session in order to brief delegates about the activity and goals of Conference leadership. In 2022, at the 34th quadrennial constituency session, delegates approved a new quinquennial schedule. This means that the next session would take place in 2027.
Given the slightly longer time between sessions, the Illinois Conference decided to release midterm reports to all members, not just delegates. These new midterm reports increase transparency and, together with the annual town hall meetings, strengthen the connection between Conference leaders and members.
The second new feature is that these reports are presented as short videos, rather than the 100+ pages of written reports distributed at the 2022 session. While detailed print reports have their place, the Conference wanted these updates to be more accessible.
Matthew Lucio (ILC Communication) says: "Our hope is that these reports will build awareness for the ministry happening every day in the Illinois Conference and help us feel connected as a church family."
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key points of each video are provided below. If you have any feedback, please address it to communication@ilcsda.org.
PRESIDENTIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
This quote sets the tone for ministry in our Conference:
“[Education] means more than a preparation for the life that now is. It has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come.” Ellen G. White, Education, p. 13
The theme for this quinquennium is "The Full Life of Jesus."
A healthy, disciple-making focus will allow this "harmonious development."
Theme for 2026: Experiencing the Lord of Hope
PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL REPORT
HIGHLIGHTS
We are grateful for higher than average tithe in 2021 and 2023.
In 2024, the ILC Executive Committee voted to approve a deficit budget of $321,000, which worked well until the Conference experienced a dramatic, $550,000 reduction in December tithe return. The Conference was forced to draw from financial reserves.
In 2025, the ILC Executive Committee voted a deficit budget of $420,000. It was also voted to save funds by significantly reducing travel and allowing some open positions to remain open longer than they would usually remain open, such as the vacant Ministerial Director role.
Tithe has remained flat, while financial costs have risen $2.3 million since 2021.
All insurances have increased 39% from 2022 to 2024, including the $100,000 per year the Conference has subsidized property insurance costs for churches.
Non-medical insurance costs are set to rise another 16% for the 2025-2026.
The North American Division has voted for salaries to increase around 20% over the past few years.
The Conference is continuing to look at ways to reduce costs.
We will remain Christ-centered and will continue to trust Him to lead us through this crisis.
SECRETARIAT
HIGHLIGHTS
Membership
2022: 13,751
2023: 13,903
2024: 14,047
2025: 14,173 (*Through September)
Accession and Losses
Accessions:
2023: 425
2024: 427
Losses:
2022: 341
2023: 273
2024: 283
Demographics Among Baptisms/Professions of Faith
Most growth has occurred in the 0-29 range (453).
Each year, slightly more women join than men.
Total Members in Age Brackets
0-9: 0.1% (This includes members and thus doesn't account for the many wonderful children we have not officially become members yet.)
10-19: 3.7%
20-29: 8.9%
30-39: 12.4%
40-49: 14.2%
50-59: 15.7%
60-69: 15.7%
Unknown: 9.3%
Attendance
This is a point of emphasis: we would love to know how many people (members + visitors) attend each week.
2,730 people attend our churches each Sabbath, though only 38% of our churches report attendance.
TREASURY
HIGHLIGHTS
We appreciate our members' faithfulness in giving.
Tithe has been fairly flat over the past four years, ranging from 13.5m to 14.7m each year.
The Conference passes on 37% of all tithe received to the world church.
Total expenses have been rising:
2022: $16.7m
2023: $17.3m
2024: $18.4m
Breakdown of expenses:
Employee costs: up 26% over the past 3 years
Insurance costs (non-medical): 50% over past 3 years
