David Smith

The Fight For Your Kids’ Mind: HB 4966

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:59 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this important episode, David Smith sits down with David Curtin to discuss House Bill 4966– legislation aimed to expand DCFS services and limit counseling options for gender confused youths.

David Curtin is a veteran pro-life advocate, political consultant, and a lobbyist for the Illinois Family Institute among other organizations.

In the second half of this episode, Illinois Senator Chris Balkema (R-Pontiac) discusses the behind the scenes realities of the political battles in Springfield from the effort to defund abortion to the fight against physician-assisted suicide.… Continue Reading

SB 3572: Illinois Pastors Stepping Up

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 11:00:20 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

This episode of Illinois Family Spotlight features a conversation between IFI’s David Smith, Pastor Michael Johnson and Pastor Ceasar LeFlore.

Recently, Illinois Senator Neil Anderson introduced Senate Bill 3572, a bill with the express goal of abolishing abortion in the state of Illinois.

“Women are currently being told by the law that it is okay to kill their babies. That is unjust. We want to inform peoples’ conscience with a just law.

The Reality of Abortion in Illinois

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 11:00:56 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

Illinois State Senator Neil Anderson recently announced that he will be introducing legislation in Springfield to abolish abortion in the state of Illinois.

In this episode, IFI’s David Smith, Jenna Smith, and Alyssa Sonnenburg discuss this legislation and unpack the reality of the abortion practice in Illinois.

Did you know that in the state of Illinois,

abortion businesses do not need to undergo inspections,
when a woman dies during an abortion, the coroner is not required to be notified,
a medical professional cannot be disciplined for performing an abortion on a non-pregnant woman, and
medical professionals with a revoked medical license from another state will be allowed to perform abortions in Illinois.

SPOTLIGHT: Stand Firm

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:00:17 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

November 7, 2025 featured Illinois Family Institute’s annual Faith, Family & Freedom banquet.

In his address to over 700 attendees, Executive Director, David Smith, outlined IFI’s mission to standing firm against the spiritual battles that Illinois is facing.

“Illinois is now poised to become the 12th jurisdiction and the first midwest state to normalize suicide…

We must pray… that Governor Pritzker would veto this legislation.”

This is an episode that you do not want to miss.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Illinois, Go Vote!

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:00:28 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

Is it a Christian’s duty to vote?

According to research conducted by Barna, 41 million professing Christians and 32 million mainline Christians are not planning on voting in the upcoming general election.

In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, Monte Larrick sits down with David Smith, Executive Director of Illinois Family Institute and Illinois Family Action, to discuss the results of this research study.

“Romans 13 tells us that all authority is ordained by God… Who is the authority in America?

SPOTLIGHT: Christians, Politics & A Springfield Update

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 11:00:33 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

This episode of Spotlight the IFI Forum for pastors & leaders, hosted by the Spirit of Liberty Church of God in Markham, IL.

In the first segment of this episode, IFI’s Executive Director, David Smith, explains why Christians should be active in politics, public policies, and the 40 Days for Life campaigns that operate outside of abortion facilities. In his speech, David Smith emphasizes the first three words of the Constitution: “We the people…”

We have lots of opportunities as American citizens.

SPOTLIGHT: Dave’s Banquet Exhortation

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 11:00:07 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

The first segment of this episode of Spotlight features remarks made by IFI’s Executive Director David Smith at the annual banquet. The second segment features a Q & A time with Eric Metaxas. You will love how he answers some pressing questions from notable Illinois pastors.

Though our present situation in Illinois celebrates radical abortion policies, an “untenable” immigration crisis, foolish gender confusion and sex-education in our government schools, Dave has encouraging words for his audience:

“Be encouraged.

SPOTLIGHT: Building the Kingdom in Chicago

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 18:00:31 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, David Smith and Pastor Ceasar LeFlore interview Pastor Charles Moodie, who is the head of the Chicago City Life Center. This center is located in the middle of one of Chicago’s darkest neighborhoods– Englewood.

Chicago City Life Center’s mission is to change the city of Chicago, one life at a time. They implement this mission through “offering discipleship and life skills training, spiritual treatment, job training, pre-school, and several programs for children, youth and young adults.”… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Creation Science & The Christian II

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:00:30 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this Spotlight episode, David E. Smith and Self Evident‘s Jenna Smith continue the conversation with Eric Hovind, President and Founder of Creation Today, and Helmut Welke, President of Quad City Creation Science Association. This conversation includes discussion on faux fossils, the importance of training your children to ask the right questions, and why a young earth perspective is crucial to a Biblical worldview. Eric Hovind capitalizes on the importance of sharing one’s faith in order to strengthen one’s faith.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Creation Science and The Christian

Alyssa Sonnenburg — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 11:00:53 +0000

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

Self Evident’s Jenna Smith co-hosts this week’s episode of Spotlight with David Smith to converse with two special guests about the importance of Scripture and the necessity of knowing the Creator.

One of these special guests is Eric Hovind, the President and Founder of Creation Today, an organization based in Pensacola, Florida. Eric has a deep passion to reach people with the life-changing message of the Gospel and this has driven him to speak in five foreign countries and all fifty states.… Continue Reading

“Homeschooling, Anchors, and Salty Arrows” (Illinois Family Spotlight #255)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 05:59:20 +0000

Back for a last hurrah, this week’s podcast features the last installment of the “catastrophe cubed” interview. Featuring Kenna and Eliana Hartian and Jenna Smith, the offspring of IFA’s executive director David Smith and board member Richard Hartian, this treble of rollicking females conclude their guest appearance with a discussion about effective Christianity, the many benefits of homeschooling besides academics, the supremacy of the Word, and some public-home school comparisons.… Continue Reading

“Busting Myths, Homeschool Style” (Illinois Family Spotlight #254)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 05:20:45 +0000

Producer’s note: I apologize for not apprising listeners that last week’s podcast (#253) would be one segment and not two. This podcast will have the same format, likewise the third part next week. David Smith, Rich Hartian and their daughters recorded this series of podcasts all at one time, thus the questionable ending last week.

Any homeschooler who’s had any homeschooling experience at all has heard myths about homeschooling. These include the “unsocialized homeschooler,” the homeschooler that has no extra-curricular opportunities, or that poor homeschooler who won’t be able to go to college.… Continue Reading

“Critical Grace Reality” (Illinois Family Spotlight #250)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 11 May 2021 05:51:06 +0000

Ever wonder why most secularists seem perpetually angry? Consider the possibility that they are trying to be justified by works–dry bones trying to walk around all by themselves. This phenomena is especially evident in Critical Race Theory (CRT), where people are either prompted to feel like they are the chosen “race,” or are told that they are inherently evil and can only be saved by keeping the “antiracist” law. There is no grace in CRT, only judgement and condemnation.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Defying Scriptural Hierarchies in Every Way Possible

David E. Smith — Wed, 05 May 2021 11:34:00 +0000

Written by Benjamin Smith

For better or worse, the Illinois General Assembly is back in session and a plethora of controversial, radical, and just plain ridiculous bills are scheduled for consideration. Monte Larrick and David Smith are joined by Jenna Smith, David’s oldest daughter, as they discuss the compelling reasons to retain the Parental Notice of Abortion Act. Jenna shares her perspective as an older teen and articulates the devastating mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences that could impact young girls (17-years and younger) if parental notification is repealed.… Continue Reading

“Defying Scriptural Hierarchies in Every Way Possible” (Illinois Family Spotlight #249)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 04 May 2021 05:21:56 +0000

For better or worse, the Illinois General Assembly is back in session and a plethora of controversial, radical, and just plain ridiculous bills are scheduled for consideration. Monte Larrick and David Smith are joined by Jenna Smith, David’s oldest daughter, as they discuss the compelling reasons to retain the Parental Notice of Abortion Act. Jenna shares her perspective as an older teen and articulates the devastating mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences that could impact young girls (17-years and younger) if parental notification is repealed.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Jeanne Ives on the Importance of the Lesser Magistrate

David E. Smith — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 20:00:12 +0000

Written by David E. Smith

Where do we go from here? Our state is currently suffocating under the weight of massive debt and failed Democratic policies. Yet, former state representative Jeanne Ives says there is hope for Illinois conservatives. She suggests the Republican Party focus on promoting truth, electing conservatives to local governing bodies and boards, and insisting on competency from candidates and government – some TLC, if you will. Jeanne also details the three big issues on which Republicans must stand in unity and gives insight on the compensation Illinois taxpayers pay our public “servants” (warning, you might need to monitor your blood pressure).… Continue Reading

“Passing The Buck: The Demand for Principled Lesser Magistrates” (Illinois Family Spotlight #235)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 06:04:33 +0000

“Watch and Pray: Previewing the 2020 Election” (Illinois Family Spotlight #223)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 06:30:16 +0000

Election Week is finally here! On this edition of Spotlight, IFA Media Director Monte Larrick and IFA Executive Director David Smith look back at some of the outcomes, at both the state and national level, of the 2016 general and 2018 midterm elections. They consider various hopes and goals for a second Trump administration, as well as potential changes that might arise with a Biden administration. Closer to home, David and Monte also contemplate what the future might hold for the Illinois legislature and House Speaker Michael Madigan.… Continue Reading

“Pushing for Generational Change” (Illinois Family Spotlight #220)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 05:10:59 +0000

Our election themed podcasts continue with Tom McCullagh, a GOP candidate for the Illinois 49th senate district and a candidate endorsed by Illinois Family Action. McCullagh is one of those highly qualified men running to represent his district against the radical regression Leftists are pushing on Illinois. He joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss the 2020 election and how important it is to the future of neighborhoods, the nation, and all the spheres in between.… Continue Reading

Rally for Jesus Part I (Illinois Family Spotlight #213)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 05:20:08 +0000

A few dozen Christians met to Rally for Jesus outside Calvary Church in Orland Park in mid-August. Many Christian leaders spoke and prayed during this rally, and this edition of spotlight is the first of a series of highlights from the event. Spotlight 213 features IFI and IFA Executive Director David E. Smith, and current 109th state representative and 55th state senate candidate Darren Bailey.

A big thank you to Calvary Church and Pastor Ron Citlau for hosting this rally.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Black Families Matter (Part 1)

David E. Smith — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 14:00:41 +0000

Written by Benjamin Smith

The Black Lives Matter movement is a shallow movement, one which has taken up a sledgehammer to address a complex problem in need of a more skillful approach. Speaking at a Black Families Matter rally held in Flossmoor (in front of Southland Smiles Dental and across from the new Planned Parenthood facility), Rev. Dr. Eric Wallace stressed that while black lives, white lives, all lives matter, what is foundational and truly vital to our nation right now are strong families parented by a mom and a dad.… Continue Reading

“Parental Rights, Religious Liberty and American History” (Illinois Family Spotlight #187)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 10:00:55 +0000

Latasha Fields, founder and director of CHESS – Christian Home Educators Support System, joins IFI executive director David Smith on this edition of Spotlight. In the first half of the podcast, David and Latasha discuss egregious legislation pending in the Illinois General Assembly that aims to eviscerate parental rights and eliminate religious liberty.

State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) recently introduced HB 4870 would mandate the HPV vaccination for ALL Illinois students at the 6^th grade level.… Continue Reading

“BOLD As A Lion” (Illinois Family Spotlight #179)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 10:00:30 +0000

IFI and IFA’s executive director David Smith’s speech at the annual IFI Fall banquet is presented on this spotlight. During this “Bold as a Lion” themed banquet, Dave talked about Christians needing to be bolder in the public square in the face of increasing pressure from the radical left. He also gave his opinion of Trump’s presidency to date, the seemingly insurmountable odds against pro-family advocates, an encouragement from scripture, a vision for the future of the Illinois Family organizations, and a little pep-talk towards the end.… Continue Reading

“They Went Out From Us, But Not Of Us” (Illinois Family Spotlight #162)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 08:00:00 +0000

This episode features the second part of Calvin Lindstrom’s conversation with Monte Larrick and David Smith about education. They also address the dramatic collapse of some rather high-profile Christian leaders in the recent past, and the shift from biblical principles in some national churches.… Continue Reading

How Regressive Legislation Forms Cultural Norms About Key Issues (Illinois Family Spotlight #160)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 16:21:18 +0000

During this edition of Illinois Family Spotlight, Calvin Lindstrom joins Dave Smith and Monte Larrick at the IFA home studio to discuss the advent of legal pot and what communities can do about it county-wide, Christian influence in areas other than legislative battles, the nuts and bolts of LGBTQ+ history in schools, the importance of Christian private schools, and starting and maintaining Christian schools.

Pastor Calvin Lindstrom is the principal at Christian Liberty Academy and the Church of Christian Liberty in Arlington Heights and is also an IFA board member.… Continue Reading

“So, You Want to Go On Offense?” (Illinois Family Spotlight #133)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 08:00:51 +0000

David Avignone, the Executive Director of Illinois Citizens for Ethics PAC joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss Illinois’ ethical woes.

They discuss the link between ethical politics and the ethics of supporting abortion, the Chicago mayoral race, bubble zones, what ICE-PAC is up to, combating the tremendous amount of money spent by pro-abortion candidates, and Illinois republicans collective lack of spine and leadership in taking on abortion.

Check out the Illinois Family Institute’s upcoming events here.… Continue Reading

What’s the Dress Code? (Illinois Family Spotlight #124)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 06:23:22 +0000

On this special edition of Spotlight, we highlight an interview the Executive Director David Smith did with Stephanie Trussell of the Stephanie Trussell Show on WLS 890 AM.

They discuss a controversy at a local church where a member desired to attend as a cross-dresser–a man attempting to dress as a woman, leading the pastor to confront him; the recent midterms; what both host and guest are thankful for; the hypocrisy of addressing Chicago’s violence problem, yet ignoring Chicago’s abortion problem; and the prospects of the 2020 elections.… Continue Reading

“Post-Election Mortem Part 1” (Illinois Family Spotlight #120)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 08:00:06 +0000

Illinois Family Action’s Chairman of the Board Rich Hartian joins the show to discuss last week’s midterm election with David Smith and Monte Larrick.

Nationally, they discuss why it was so vital for the GOP to keep the U. S. Senate, the Kavanaugh effect, what republicans could have done better, and why certain republican U. S. Representatives won or lost their re-election bids.

They also converse on the Illinois election results: including the statewide turnout, conservative republican losses, the uphill battle facing principled conservatives in the Illinois General Assembly, and they touch on potential anti-family proposals coming from Springfield in the coming session.… Continue Reading

“Embracing Lawlessness” (Illinois Family Spotlight #119)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 08:00:23 +0000

In this week’s Spotlight is a veteran, a former adjunct Professor of Corporate Finance, sought after conference speaker, as well as conservative political commentator. Kathy Barnette served her country proudly for 10 years in the Armed Forces Reserves, where she was accepted into Officer Candidacy School. Her corporate career includes working with two major Wall Street firms and in corporate America. Kathy sat on the Board of a pregnancy crisis center for 5 years.

Mrs. Barnette joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss homeschooling; the Blexit movement, a mass exodus of black people from the Democrat party; the Left’s new talking point that conservative white men are the enemy of the people; illegal immigration and abolishing ICE.… Continue Reading

“The Centrality of Prayer” (Illinois Family Spotlight #113)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 09:00:29 +0000

Today’s spotlight features a conversation between Illinois Family Institute’s David Smith and Family Research Council‘s Pastor Pat McManus at a recent IFI prayer event in Springfield. Pastor Pat is the Illinois director of FRC’s Watchmen on the Wall.

They discuss September 17th’s prayer meeting and the spiritual warfare going on in Illinois and the nation; truth under attack; the importance of prayer; the need not just to vote, but to vote your biblical values; why the pastor needs to lead; the consequences of the U.S.… Continue Reading

2018 Illinois Primary Recap (Illinois Family Spotlight #088)

Benjamin D. Smith — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 09:00:52 +0000

Monte Larrick sits down with the IFA’s Executive Director David Smith and IFA’s John Biver to discuss the results from the last month’s election, including voter turnout from both sides, Jeanne Ives’ narrow loss, and why we need to show up in November to help local candidates despite the two men at the top of the ballot.

While the turnout for this primary was the highest it has been since 2002, a closer look at the numbers reveals bad news for Republicans.… Continue Reading

“Be Fruitful and Multiply” (Illinois Family Spotlight #087)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 07:00:41 +0000

David Smith, the executive director of the IFI and IFA, recently sat down with Larry Jacobs, the Managing Director of World Congress of Families, and the International Organization for the Family, at a recent IOF pro-family breakfast in Rockford.

They discuss the mission of the IOF at the United Nations, the Sexual Revolution, Muslims, birth rates, and procreating, and the LORD’s command to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:28; Gen 9:1; Gen 35:11).

Dave Smith starts off with the big question for Larry Jacobs regarding his work — “why” do it?… Continue Reading

BONUS: Thinking Biblically about Recreational Marijuana

Benjamin D. Smith — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 06:15:47 +0000

In a recent presentation at his home church, David Smith delivered an exhortation on the biblical argument against recreational pot.… Continue Reading