IBSA eConnection: Happy Easter!, 7 things a pastor should never say, How to share your Christian worldview, and more!

April 4, 2012

Happy Easter from the staff of IBSA

May you, your family and your church family experience a truly joy-filled Easter. We thank God for your partnership as we seek to strengthen and start churches here in our Illinois mission field for the sake of those who need to know Jesus.

"Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." 1 Peter 1:3-4 (HCSB)

Read the Easter Story afresh at LifeWay.com.

CP: Every dollar touches the world

The world's most effective system for missions giving is the Cooperative Program. Through offerings from SBC churches, the Cooperative Program produces about $190 million for missions work every year. Preview this month's Illinois Missions bulletin insert for more about the Cooperative Program.

Also visit IBSA.org, for additional information as you prepare for CP Sunday April 22.

7 things pastors should never say in ministry

Is there anything a pastor should never say in everyday ministry? Learn from the observations of a pastor who says "many of these things were learned the hard way" at ChurchLeaders.com.

Organize your church on purpose and giftedness

Have you ever seen a church waste time on a trivial decision? Often the more trivial the decision, the more time it takes to resolve the issue. Pastor Rick Warren shares how you can organize your church around purpose and giftedness in the best interest of your church's ministry. Get more information at Pastors.com.

How to articulate a Christian worldview in 4 easy steps

Find out about a helpful way to get a handle on some of the most important distinctives of a Christian worldview. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4. Find out how at ChurchLeaders.com.

Learn more about how the North American Mission Board uses your gifts to the AAEO

The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is much more than an offering envelope and an annual missions-giving emphasis. When people give to the offering, 100 percent of their gift will be transformed into missionary salaries and ministry supplies at the North American Mission Board. Those missionaries and supplies will help others hear the message of Christ and respond in faith to His offer of salvation. Learn more about the North American Mission Board at NAMB.net.

IBSA eConnection is a weekly electronic newsletter designed to provide Illinois Baptists with relevant, useful information and resources. We pray it enriches your ministry and helps your church to grow and minister.