IBSA eConnection: Gambling Fact Sheet, Why We Haven't Reached the Unchurched, 10 Ways to Ensure Guests Don't Come Back, more

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

2012 IMO: Changing Lives Starts Here

Illinois Mission Offering kits are being mailed to churches this week. You can preview the IMO Planning Guide, Prayer Guide, Bulletin Insert, Videos and more now at IBSA.org/IMO.

The suggested dates for the Season of Prayer for Illinois Missions are September 16-23. Sign up now to receive daily e-devotions during the Season of Prayer. This year's Illinois Mission Offering state goal is $475,000. Learn more about IMO at IBSA.org/IMO.

Video gambling -- Coming to a community near you?

The Illinois General Assembly approved a bill to allow video gambling in 2009, but the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) hasn't been prepared to enact it -- until now. The law allows video gaming terminals to be placed in bars, fraternal and veteran's organizations, and in truck stops. Get information about the hazards of gambling from our Gambling Facts and Resources Sheet at IBSA.org.

Get your 2013 IBSA Calendar

The 2013 IBSA Calendar is now available online. Copies will not be mailed to churches, instead they will be delivered in the form of periodic resource catalogs through the Illinois Baptist newspaper beginning later this year. We're excited about this new way of producing the calendar and believe it will help Baptists in Illinois to be involved in leadership, training and other events more than ever. Visit IBSA.org to download a copy of the 2013 IBSA Calendar now.

Why we haven't reached the unchurched

Disbelief, busyness, too much tolerance - why hasn't the Church reached the unchurched? Identifying the problems can help lead to the solutions. Learn the 10 main reasons Christians aren't reaching the lost at OutreachMagazine.com.

10 ways to ensure they'll never come back

It's one thing to get people in the door once. But to get someone to visit again, and begin to call your church their home? Much tougher. Many churches are still trying to figure out ways to ensure people stick, but there are a few things some have learned that will guarantee someone won't come back. Find out what not to do at BenReed.net.

7 ways to improve as pastors

Self-improvement can take many forms -- physical, mental and spiritual. Read one pastor's honest reflections on ways pastors and ministry staff can improve their ministry at ChurchLeaders.com.

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.