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Illinois Family Institute’s David Smith presents the state of Illinois at our annual fall banquet.… Continue Reading

Dr. Mark Zumhagen presented this talk at IFI’s 2026 annual worldview conference in Downers Grove.   Stay tuned for part two!… Continue Reading

In this episode of Spotlight, Pastor Caesar LeFlore takes center stage at IFI’s 2026 Worldview Conference and breaks down why the firm foundation in Scripture is essential. Click here to attend our annual banquet on October 9th!… Continue Reading

Former Illinois state representative Tom Morrison explains why down-ballot elections matter more than you think – and how ordinary conservatives can actually win them. Morrison, who won 6 for 6 in suburban Cook County and later served 12 years in the Illinois House, shares the practical playbook behind his new Candidate Master Class. Candidate Master Class is a self-paced training built to help future candidates run smarter local and state campaigns without the overwhelm of generic political advice.… Continue Reading

Geno Young joins Dave Smith to reveal why he wrote Sex, Drugs and Illiteracy: The Death of Education in America and why he believes the crisis in government schools is not isolated, not accidental, and not just a Chicago problem. Young, a South Side Chicago musician, educator, and social commentator, pulls back the curtain on what he witnessed while subbing in multiple Southland high schools, including Hillcrest, Tinley Park, Oak Forest, Thornridge, Thornwood, and Thornton. He describes classrooms where discipline has collapsed, administrators look the other way, and students are exposed to behavior so extreme that it left him stunned.… Continue Reading

In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, Jenna Smith, Alyssa Sonnenburg, and guest Stephanie Stapert discuss why so many women rushed to identify with Clancy, what those reactions reveal about modern culture, and how Christians should respond with both compassion and discernment. Where is the line between mental illness, medication, and personal responsibility? Why are people increasingly interpreting tragedy through personal identification rather than truth?  Resources Mentioned Alex Clark’s Culture Apothecary Podcast: How the Internet Turned an Entire Generation of Girls into Products Self Evident: How Can Christians Reach Leftist Women?… Continue Reading

Dr. Barna is a professor and director of research at Arizona Christian University, which has led him to write many books, including Raising Spiritual Champions: Nurturing your Child’s Heart, Mind & Soul. In the first half of Dr. Barna’s lecture (which you can find here), titled Cultural Transformation through Biblical Discipleship, he broke down why our country is headed down the wrong track culturally. In this episode, he shares our role as Christians on transforming our culture through the means of biblical discipleship.… Continue Reading

At our recent Worldview Conference, Dr. George Barna delivered a powerful and sobering message on what it truly means to raise “spiritual champions.” His central point is one that every Christian—especially parents, pastors, and Christian leaders—needs to hear: America does not primarily have a political problem… it has a worldview problem. For decades, many of us have focused on the symptoms of secularization — abortion, crime, family breakdown, failing schools, sexual immorality and drug use. But as Dr.… Continue Reading

In this episode of Spotlight, we hear remarks from Dr. George Barna, renowned researcher at Arizona Christian University, from IFI’s 2026 annual worldview conference. To watch this presentation, click here.  … Continue Reading

In this double feature, we find Spotlight host David Smith at the 2026 annual Illinois Christian Home Educators’ (ICHE) Conference. Held at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, the ICHE conference disciples homeschoolers materially, mentally and spiritually to raise their children at home in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Their keynote speakers encourage faithfulness, their exhibit hall equips for the upcoming academic year, and the fellowship found in the halls form lifelong friendships. Rhonda Robinson is the mother of nine and grandmother of 39.… Continue Reading

In this double feature, we find Spotlight host David Smith at the 2026 annual Illinois Christian Home Educators’ (ICHE) Conference. Held at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, the ICHE conference disciples homeschoolers materially, mentally and spiritually to raise their children at home in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Their keynote speakers encourage faithfulness, their exhibit hall equips for the upcoming academic year, and the fellowship found in the halls form lifelong friendships. Carl Kerby, one of the featured keynotes of this year, works at Reasons for Hope, a nonprofit apologetics ministry dedicated to equipping Christians always to be ready to give an answer for the hope found within them.… Continue Reading

Most parents are unaware that the government education system was intentionally designed to influence and indoctrinate, not educate. Pastor Ceasar LeFlore hosts today’s episode, and exposes how the school system operates as a tool for control—and why removing children from its grasp isn’t just an option, but a necessity. Discover the shocking history behind the system’s purpose and the urgent call to prioritize biblical discipleship over reformation. In this eye-opening episode, you’ll learn about the upcoming “Pulling the Fire Alarm” conference—an event aimed at mobilizing parents, pastors, and communities to take action.… Continue Reading

In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, David E. Smith sits down with Pastor Jim Scudder Jr. to discuss his new book, The Spiritual War Against Israel, and the growing cultural and spiritual battle over Israel and the Jewish people. Pastor Jim Scudder Jr. is the senior pastor of Quentin Road Baptist Church in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and the president of Dayspring Bible College and Seminary. He also hosts the In Grace television, radio, and podcast ministry, which features Bible teaching and apologetics content.… Continue Reading

Most Americans are unaware of the powerful role pastors and ministers played in securing our liberty during the American Revolution. In this episode of Spotlight, David Smith talks with Pastor Dan Fisher about the untold story of the Black Robe Regiment—patriot preachers who boldly preached biblical principles of governance and morality, often leading militias and sacrificing their safety for freedom. Their influence wasn’t just spiritual; it was revolutionary—literally. Visit danfisherbrr.com for books, DVDs, and resources to learn more about the Black Robe Regiment and how you can stand firm against today’s cultural and political threats.… Continue Reading

Most mental health care for gender-identity issues is leaving patients uninformed or misled—Camille Kiefel’s eye-opening journey exposes the dangerous gaps in informed consent when it matters most. After enduring a double mastectomy based on minimal guidance, Camille’s story reveals how medical and mental health professionals often prioritize affirmation over thorough exploration, risking irreversible harm. In this powerful episode, Camille shares her personal experience with trauma, misdiagnosis, and a lack of transparency from providers who pushed her toward surgery without fully discussing the risks—including detransition and physical complications.… Continue Reading