Paul Westbrook Obituary: Pastor and Associate Executive Director of IBSA Passes Away
Edwardsville, IL — The Illinois Baptist community and the Springfield‐based Illinois Baptist State Association (IBSA) are mourning the passing of Dr. Paul Westbrook, former Senior Pastor and most recently Associate Executive Director (AED) of IBSA. After a ministry spanning over 30 years in Edwardsville and pivotal leadership at the statewide level, his legacy will be deeply missed.
A Life of Evangelism & Church Planting
Paul Westbrook began his pastoral journey in 1991, co-founding Metro Community Church in Edwardsville, Illinois, alongside his wife, Melody. Over three decades, the church grew from humble beginnings—initially meeting in a duplex—to serve more than 1,000 worshippers, becoming a hub for church planting in the Metro East region.
In May 2022, after 31 years as pastor, Westbrook transitioned to full-time staff at IBSA to lead church planting efforts across Illinois. In March 2023, he was promoted to Associate Executive Director, overseeing Health, Growth, and Missions Teams, along with Zone Consultants at IBSA.
A Faithful Family Man
Paul and Melody Westbrook built more than a church—they built a family. They raised three sons—Caleb, Luke, and Joshua—while jointly guiding Metro Community Church and serving the community. Their shared ministry and partnership touched countless lives in Illinois and beyond .
Legacy of Leadership & Impact
Within IBSA and the broader Southern Baptist network, Westbrook was known for his strategic approach to church planting and evangelism. Speaking at the 2022 Annual Meeting, he challenged leaders to “step out in faith” and support the multiplication of churches across Illinois, in a bid to reach nearly nine million people considered spiritually unconnected.
His leadership was not about recognition—it was about calling believers to action and faithfully pursuing the mission of spreading the Gospel throughout the state.
Community Mourning & Tribute
The Edwardsville church family, IBSA staff, and congregations across Illinois have released statements honoring his life and ministry. While specific details regarding memorial services are pending, tributes note Westbrook as “a faithful pastor, church planter, mentor, and brother in Christ” whose influence reverberates widely.
About the Illinois Baptist State Association
Founded in 1907, IBSA serves as the state convention for Southern Baptist churches in Illinois, supporting nearly 900 congregations through cooperative missions, leadership training, and church planting initiatives.
Summary Table
| Name | Dr. Paul Westbrook |
|---|---|
| Ministry Begun | 1991 – Co-founder, Metro Community Church, Edwardsville, IL |
| IBSA Roles | Church Planting Director (2022); Associate Executive Director overseeing missions & growth teams (Effective July 1, 2023) |
| Family | Wife: Melody; Sons: Caleb, Luke, Joshua |
| Legacy | Church multiplication, statewide missions leadership, mentorship, and impactful pastoral ministry |
Final Reflection
Dr. Paul Westbrook lived with purpose: planting churches, sharing the Gospel, and mentoring leaders throughout Illinois. His legacy spans congregations birthed, lives transformed, and a model of humble leadership in service to Christ. The community he built—both at Metro and across IBSA—continues his mission. He will be dearly missed, fondly remembered, and eternally honored.
Rest in peace, Paul. Your faithfulness continues through every life you’ve touched.
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