A Day With the Baileys Pt. 2 (Illinois Family Spotlight #262)

On this episode of Spotlight, Illinois Family Action presents the second half of Executive Director David Smith’s conversation with Illinois State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and his wife Cindy. Sen. Bailey gives us a glimpse into life on a large family farm and shares interesting information about the wealth of vital natural resources that can be found in the southern half of the state. Additionally, Bailey presents his vision and priorities for Illinois, should he be elected governor.After… Continue Reading

A Day With The Baileys (Illinois Family Spotlight #260)

Written and Produced by Jenna Smith

This episode of Spotlight features two guests that Illinois Family staff is proud to call our friends and allies: State Senator and candidate for Illinois Governor Darren Bailey and his amazing wife Cindy. If you’ve been following Illinois politics, you have doubtless heard of Senator Bailey as he has been on the front lines challenging the legalities of COVID lockdowns and fighting against government schools’ sexualization of our children.… Continue Reading

“It’s Not Education, It’s Perversion” (Illinois Family Spotlight #256)

Kirk Smith, executive director of Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE), wonders what will be the straw that finally breaks the camel’s back – the backs of Christian parents, even the backs of moral, non-Christian parents – when it comes to deciding to leave the cesspool of government schools? Will it be the recently passed legislation that requires availability of feminine hygiene products in both female and male school restrooms or will it be the mandate to teach hardcore sex education to public school students as early as kindergarten?… Continue Reading

“Demanding Transparency and Accountability” (Illinois Family Spotlight #252)

Those who love the darkness don’t want to come into the light. They flee like so many cockroaches to the shadows. As the Scriptures say, men loved the darkness rather than light, for fear their deeds would be exposed. Newly minted Illinois state senator (and former state representative) Darren Bailey is not one of those swamp roaches. His career in Springfield has been in exposing the utter incompetence, or the rank sinful competence exhibited by Illinois government.… Continue Reading

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

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)

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

“Are There Silver Linings to This Pandemic?” (Illinois Family Spotlight #200)

Our final Spotlight for May features a recent conversation between Monte Larrick and Pastor Dan Haas of Aurora Community Church. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Haas wonders what is God’s message to believers in Christ and what is the Church’s task. Dan stresses the opportunity the pandemic presents to re-evaluate and prepare for what ministry could look like inside and outside of the physical church facility in the months to come. He also emphasizes that Governor Pritzker’s “one size fits all” approach to restrictions is flawed and injurious.… Continue Reading

“The Bill of Rights Has No Emergency Exceptions” (Illinois Family Spotlight #199)

On this edition of Spotlight, the four C’s: Constitution, constitutional rights, churches, and coronavirus share center stage. Our podcast leads off with attorney and constitutional scholar David Shestokas. Monte Larrick and David discuss how Governor J.B. Pritzker has overstepped his authority by issuing coronavirus-related executive orders that masquerade as law. Additionally, they contemplate the Governor’s true motivation, especially as his actions directly target churches, freedom of religion, and the right to peaceably assemble.

Midway through the podcast, Monte and David are joined by Pastor Richard Giovannetti who shares his pastoral perspective on how Illinois’ excessive restrictions are negatively impacting ministry, worship, and fellowship.… Continue Reading

“The 2020 Question: Is the U.S. Government the Final Authority?” (Illinois Family Spotlight #195)

The effects of COVID-19 reach far beyond the realm of human health. In Spotlight this week Pastor Calvin Lindstrom and I consider Americans’ right of religious liberty vs. submission to governmental authorities, especially in light of restrictions on “non-essential,” in-person worship services and church gatherings. Should Christians be governed by Hebrews 10:25 or Romans 13 and what is a proper, biblical response to government overreach?

After the break the conversation turns to pending legislation, specifically SB 2762 which would require comprehensive sex ed starting in kindergarten (with NO parental opt-out) and SB 3788 which, among other things, deletes teaching honor and respect for monogamous, heterosexual marriage.… Continue Reading

A Genuine Life Leader: Ceasar LeFlore Accepts SpeakOut Illinois Award (Illinois Family Spotlight #193)

Yes, the outlook is decidedly bleak in Illinois when it comes to pro-life issues, but the Rev. Ceasar LeFlore declares that pro-life Illinoisans don’t have the option of silence. In accepting the Henry Hyde Life Leadership Award at the recent SpeakOut Illinois conference, Pastor LeFlore thanks the many men and women who encouraged and discipled him as he answered God’s call to the abortion ministry. Likewise, he encourages and challenges the conference attendees and us to stand up and speak out for the sanctity of the unborn.… Continue Reading