Category: Faith & Religion

The Lindsay Clancy Case, Toxic Empathy, and What Christian Women Need to Understand

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

What is going on with American women? This week’s episode addresses this very question. In the midst of the Lindsay Clancy trial proceedings, social media has a revealed a darkness that is alive and well in our culture.

With so many women across the country seeking solidarity with Lindsay Clancy, this conversation addresses the damaging effects of toxic empathy.

Scripture calls Christian women to wisdom, discernment, and self-control. This is a conversation that you do not want to miss.… Continue Reading

Raising Spiritual Champions: Dr. George Barna

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this episode of Spotlight, we hear from Dr. George Barna, a renowned researcher at Arizona Christian University and IFI’s 2026 annual worldview conference guest speaker.

In his speech, Barna will talk about the development of a biblical worldview and how a biblical worldview makes a difference in being disciples of Jesus.

“You want to solve abortion, you want to solve immigration, you want to solve crime, you want to solve any other issue facing America today– get the worldview right.

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Books for Fueling Your Soul: Interviews With Illinois Authors

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this special edition of Illinois Family Spotlight, you will hear from author interviews captured at the 2026 Illinois Christian Home Educators Conference (ICHE), a conference designed to disciple homeschooling families mentally and spiritually.

In the first half, you will hear from Rhonda Robinson, a mother of nine and and grandmother of 39! An award-winning author with over 25 years of writing experience, she currently serves as manager and content producer for the Parenting and Marriage web content at Focus on the Family.… Continue Reading

The Better Boy Scouts & Apologetics Made Simple

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this special episode of Spotlight, you will hear from two special speakers. Held at Olivet Nazarene University, the 2026 Illinois Christian Educator’s Conference featured a host of keynote speakers that inspired faithfulness and excellence in the younger generation.

Carl Kerby, one of the event’s keynotes, represented Reasons for Hope, a non-profit apologetics ministry designed to equip Christians with real answers to hard questions.

Kelly Love, another featured keynote speaker, works as the National Sales Director with Trail Life USA, a Christian alternative to the compromised Boy Scouts.… Continue Reading

Judge Denies Tyler Robinson’s Plea to Remove Death Penalty

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

On Monday, July 6, 2026, preliminary hearings started taking place in regard to Charlie Kirk’s assassination case.

Tyler Robinson, the alleged assassin, and his defense team, requested that the death penalty be removed from consideration in his trial. The defense’s request was in response to prosecutor Christopher Ballard’s comment to the media about having “ample evidence” to prove Robinson’s guilt, in what the defense claimed was a violation of a gag order.… Continue Reading

The Black Robed Regiment: The Pastors Who Won The Revolutionary War

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, IFI’s Dave Smith sits down with Pastor Dan Fisher to explore the remarkable—and often forgotten—role that pastors played in securing the religious and civil liberties Americans enjoy today.

Pastor Fisher, founder of the Black Robe Regiment ministry and a former Oklahoma state representative, explains how colonial ministers boldly preached biblical principles of liberty, influenced the Founding Fathers, and, in many cases, led soldiers into the War for Independence.… Continue Reading

Is Generation Z Stepping Away From Pride Month?

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this week’s episode, IFI’s David Smith hosts a “Generation Z” roundtable discussion focusing on the topic of “Pride Month.”

This discussion will break down the next generation’s view on LGBTQ issues, the reality of growing up with “Pride Month,” pursuing fidelity and marriage, and so much more.

“The void in our hearts that we’re looking for can only be filled by Jesus Christ…”

The roundtable also examines the importance of God’s design for marriage, sexuality, and family; the role of parents in guiding children; and why Christians must respond with both courage and compassion.… Continue Reading

How Celebrating Fidelity Challenges the Culture of Divorce and Self-Interest

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

This edition of Illinois Family Spotlight features special guest, Christopher Parr of Princeton University.

Christopher Parr, along with Professor Robert George, is part of a volunteer team that leads the June Fidelity Month initiative — a positive alternative to “Pride Month” that encourages faithfulness to God, family, and community.

With America drifting more and more away from faith, family, and freedom, Fidelity Month seeks to once again unify Americans around the core values of our faith in God, our founding documents, our covenant marriages, and our families.… Continue Reading

Praying for Our State and Nation

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

This week’s episode of Illinois Family Spotlight features highlights from a Springfield prayer gathering that IFI was a part of.

Illinois is in a spiritual battle. Yes, our voices and our votes are important. But, the deeper issue is a lack of repentance and faith in God.

IFI’s Executive Director, David Smith, was able to give an address at this prayer gathering.

“Can we not see that God is beginning to curse our blessings?

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How UnSingling Is Changing the Future of Christian Dating

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this episode of Spotlight, David Smith and Jenna Smith sit down with Rebecca Leland, founder of the ministry group, “UnSingling.”

UnSingling is a Christ-centered ministry specifically designed for Christians singles to meet, connect, and (hopefully) find their spouse.

In this episode, Rebecca Leland unpacks the current dating landscape and how Christians can still be intentional about finding faith-centered community.

“In the Christian dating realm, it is almost impossible feeling to find any kind of specific location that you can go to and know almost for certain that the majority are actually Christian and that the majority are seeking a spouse…”

This is a fun conversation that you do not want to miss. … Continue Reading