Ed Stetzer spoke to North Central States Rally attendees on advancing God's Kingdom in a world living in rebellion to Him. Stetzer, a LifeWay Christian Resources vice president, urged Christians to be "the rebellion against the rebellion."

Wanda Lee, executive director for national WMU, challenged attendees with the story of Dr. Martha Myers, a Southern Baptist missionary killed while serving in Yemen nine years ago.

British evangelist Dennis Pethers shared with leaders about being mindful of traditional church practices that may leave out those who didn't grow up in the church. Pethers created the "More to Life" evangelism training resources, available through LifeWay Christian Resources.

Scott Nichols, pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Carol Stream, leads a breakout session on "Renewing the Local Church." Nichols gave his listeners suggestions for revitalizing churches that have plateued or declined.

Jorge Melendez (left), an IBSA church planting strategist in Chicagoland, answers a question during a session on locating and ministering to people groups in a specific area. Melendez was joined by (from left) Indiana's Bob Burton, Chicago church planter Cody Lorance, and Ohio church planting strategist Quinton Moss.

John Reeder (second from left) and musicians from Northside Baptist Church in Indianapolis led worship during each large-group session.

(From left) Illinois Baptists Bob Elmore and Will and Susan Bynum worship alongside leaders from five other states.