PENTECOST 2025 ENERGIZES ILLINOIS CHURCHES
- Illinois Conference Communications
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Matthew J. Lucio
Assistant to the President for Communication
Pentecost 2025 is an initiative launched by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists to support “proclamation events” during 2025. More than 5,200 churches and schools have applied to be a part of the program, including 56 in the Illinois Conference. These events represent anything from community service to health seminars to public evangelism. Here are a few stories of Pentecost 2025 events throughout Illinois (plus one bonus at the end):
METHODIST MINISTER BECOMES ADVENTIST
The Marion district (Marion, Mt. Vernon, Du Quoin, and West Frankfort) has held three evangelist series this past year, resulting in twelve new members being baptized or entering through a profession of faith. One of those new members was a former Methodist (and Seventh Day Baptist) minister, who made the decision (along with his wife) to join the Seventh-day Adventist Church in August during an appeal. Both are now active members of the Marion congregation.
TAKING EVANGELISM ONLINE
North Shore is using some Pentecost 2025 funds to record evangelistic videos in the Illinois Conference office studio. These high-quality, short seminars are being posted on North Shore’s social media channels in long-form and short-form.
“We decided to try something different for Pentecost 2025,” according to pastor Jonathan Burnett. “Like many churches since the pandemic, we have a greater number of people who connect with us online. We have regular viewers from New York, Alabama, and California.”
North Shore is already seeing a change. In the first ten days, they’ve had over 1,000 views and seen a 2,300% increase in subscribers.
Pastor Burnett adds: “We are glad that far more people have engaged with these messages than would have done so if we had hosted them at the church.”
SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT PRIORITIZES EVANGELISM
Seventeen people have been added to the churches of the Springfield district (Decatur Sunnyside, All Nations, and Springfield First) this year during Pentecost 2025 efforts. In addition, Pastor Jose Luque has been able to use the funds to purchase a new projector, sound system, computer, and a bus for his churches: “Thank you for Pentecost 2025. The evangelism we are doing brings revival and focuses us on mission.”
PILSEN HISPANIC FEEDS COMMUNITY
Situated in the vibrant heart of Chicago's Hispanic community, Pilsen Hispanic Church is devoted to serving its neighbors. Their mission focuses on providing meals and fostering fellowship for both local residents and those experiencing homelessness.
Their ongoing commitment goes beyond sharing the Word of God; they also run an open pantry on Sabbath mornings. With the support of Pentecost funds, they continue to assist the community by offering prepared meals in the afternoons. This initiative not only nourishes and supports the community but also includes distributing literature and engaging in meaningful conversations and prayer with those who stop by for a meal.
BONUS: UKRAINIAN REFUGEE BAPTIZED
Though not related to Pentecost 2025, a Ukrainian refugee was baptized by Pastor Ruslan Drumi on September 28. Through mutual friends, Julia began attending Soul Place, a vespers created by members at Hope Church to help the large number of people displaced by the war in Ukraine. Julia began attending Hope Church on Sabbath and studied with her friend, who is a member. Welcome to your faith family, Julia!
NEXT STEPS
Please send any news items of what God is doing around the Illinois Conference to communication@ilcsda.org.