Indiana Ministries Update
March 28, 2011 - Vol 3, Issue 7
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People Flow by Dr. Doug Talley
How many people who visit your church over the course of a year actually stay and become part of the church? When I ask pastors that question, the typical response is, "I have no idea." They aren't even sure how to go about finding an answer. They may not even think that is an important question.
If over 90% of Church of God congregations are plateaued or declining and we want to turn that around so that churches are healthier and more effective in accomplishing their mission, then the answer to that question is extremely important. One of the keys to a church launching a new life cycle is to bring in more people than it loses. The typical church loses 10-12% of its people each year due to attrition - move out of town, stop going to church, change churches, etc... Yet, the average church only retains 5-8% of its visitors. That is a recipe for plateau or decline. Read more
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CPI Update from Catalyst Church:
Catalyst Church, CPI's partner church in Pendleton, Indiana, celebrated it's first birthday on Sunday, Feb. 13th, 2011. Here are some of the exciting things happening at Catalyst these days: Catalyst has begun partnerships with Lutheran Disability Ministries in Jan-Feb., launching a new Friendship Bible Life Together Group with 20+ adults with developmental disabilities at a facility in Anderson. They're partnering with the Church of God in Kerkrade Netherlands through Charles and Bernell Sandlin to provide prayer and ministry support to them. They have been averaging 90 in attendance each month this year with new families connecting each month. Giving is high, they need more space at the school where they meet, new small groups will be launching, and they're prepping for their annual Easter Eggstravaganza in two locations this year. They're also excited about celebrating baptisms in the coming months. Read more from Pastor Chris' update on our web site.
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| Important Dates in 2011:
April 9 - Best Practices Conf./FFF April 15-17 - Jr. High Believe May 13-15 - Pastors' Wives Retreat Sept. 23-24 - 3SLI Oct. 2 - Ordination Service Oct. 3 - Annual Meeting Oct. 27 - Credentials Planning Mtg Nov. 4-6 - ISYC
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July 19-23, 2011
Anderson, IN
Anderson University Campus
Who are the Emerging Leaders in your High School Student Ministry you know who are ready for this incredible time of teaching, growing, stretching and learning how to answer God's call to them?
For nearly a decade, every two years, emerging High School and College leaders come together for a time of intensive, experiential, hands-on leadership development. Hearing key national leaders, participating in family group conversations, engaging the homeless, lonely and the lost in meaningful conversations and acts of Christian kindness and service, these young leaders grow as Great Commandment persons-loving God and loving others.
Click here for details!
Registration $285.00
Applications due April 29, 2011
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| The Parish Paper Indiana Ministries has subscribed to this helpful monthly newsletter that provides ideas, insights, research-findings, and practical methods that strengthen the effectiveness of congregations in accomplishing God's purposes.
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| NAC events for Pastors' Wives are happening in June!
Click here to read about it.
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Being a Leader Whom People Want to Follow
March 31, 2011, Noon to 1 pm
Dr. John Townsend
Grace Community Church
5504 East 146th St, Noblesville (15 minutes from I-465)
By definition, a true leader is one whom others want to follow. And believe it or not, these leaders don't depend on some elusive "x" factor to make this happen. Rather, fruitful leaders have the ability to connect with, lead and inspire those around them.
Dr. JohnTownsend, psychologist, business consultant and coauthor of the multimillion bestseller Boundaries, provides principles and tips to help leaders achieve higher levels of performance in their professions. This workshop will explore the tangible character traits, habits and practical skills needed - not only get the job done - but to reach into the lives and the hearts of the people that you lead. When leaders make this kind of connection with the people they are leading, people naturally want to follow!
Connection counts. Don't miss this opportunity to hear a national thought leader train you and your people in becoming a leader worth following!
Registration: $20 which includes a light lunch and a copy of Dr. Townsend's latest book - Leadership Beyond Reason
Register by visiting the conference web site
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THE 3RD AND FINAL BEST PRACTICES CONFERENCE - APRIL 9TH
Pastors, we don't want you to miss out on this awesome opportunity. By attending this one day conference with at least one lay leader from your church you can become eligible to apply for financial assistance in the areas of educational loans, healthcare and/or pension. You can read more about the Financial Freedom Fund/Lilly Grant by checking it out on our website. You should have received a mailing with a registration form and more detailed information. Mark your calendar and and recruit your lay leader (the treasurer or a board member are the most ideal choice). The meeting will last from 9:00 am until around 4:00 pm at the Indiana Ministries office. Early registration ends March 31st so send in your form soon! Contact Cindy Talley at ctalley@indianaministries.org for more information. Hope to see you April 9th!
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E3: Energy, Enthusiasm, Excellence
A Children's Ministry Lab led by Tina Houser, author and teacher
April 9 - Westlake Community Church
9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Cost $40 (includes lunch)
Click here to read a detailed information sheet. Click here to download a registration form.
Questions? Contact Ray Houser (765) 271-7055
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Our staff lifted these congregations and their pastors in prayer recently.
Join us in saying a prayer on their behalf:
- Commiskey FCOG - George Reece
- Connersville Park Place COG - Tim Kumfer
- Covington - Stringtown COG - Keith Klossner
- Crawfordsville FCOG - Chuck Callahan
- Danville COG - Joe Parr
- Decatur COG - Bob Brink
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Pastors Wives Retreat - Rhythms of Grace
May 13-15
Camp Camby, IN
Ladies, mark your calendars for a relaxing getaway with other pastors' wives just like you at Camp Camby in Camby, Indiana (just southwest of Indy). Friday night we will be having FREE haircuts, getting acquainted, laughing and hanging out. Saturday will offer a couple times of worship together with the bulk of the day spent in Nashville, Indiana exploring all the wonderful shops and restaurants! The annual Birthday Party will be Saturday evening. Sunday morning will be our "church" and you'll be on your way home by noon. If you have never attended a wives retreat and you're a little nervous, please be assured that it is a very low-key weekend with no pressure...it's just a bunch of gals who like to hang out together away from the everyday stresses of home and church.
Early Registration by March 31st: $100
After March 31st: $120
Make checks payable to Indiana Ministries and mail to:
Indiana Ministries, Attn: Cindy
13300 Olio Rd #303
Fishers, IN 46037
(Please designate "pastors wives retreat" in the memo line)
Download the registration form!
Contact Cindy Talley with any questions.
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Pastors may attend for FREE!
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