IBSA eConnection

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Merry Christmas from the staff of IBSA!

 2012 IBSA Staff
It is our privilege to partner with you in delivering the good news of Jesus our Savior to the people of Illinois and beyond. May you experience the great joy of that good news this Christmas season. Read more at IBSA.org.

Church at ChristmasTurning Christmas visitors into members

Christmas visitors are not like normal visitors. Every year a significant percentage of them will leave your Christmas services with good feelings, but no thoughts of returning. They came because it was the thing to do. They don't expect to be back until Easter. How can you change those expectations so they'll return sooner? Find out at ChurchLeaders.com.

Sculpture of forlorn woman3 ways Christians should respond to the horror of a broken world

"The news is filled with horror. There is no other way to say it. It is horror. The horror of a broken world where evil is real," Ed Stetzer, vice president of research and ministry development for LifeWay, reacts to the Sandy Hook school shooting. Stetzer suggests 3 ways Christians should respond at LifeWay.com.

Following Joseph, Mary and Elizabeth on Facebook? 

A Social Network Christmas

What if Joseph, Mary and their friends had Facebook accounts? This video is an artistic take on how the story of the nativity might have read had a social network existed at the time of Jesus's birth. Follow this historical period as it unfolds as a digital narrative. Learn more about this video at IgniterMedia.com.

Candles with poinsettiasRepresenting Christ during Christmas

During the holiday season and the winter months -- even if your family tree makes you feel like you're out on a limb -- remember that it's all about Jesus. Our responsibility is to be an example of Christ during a family gathering. Serving others is an act of Christian love. Shopping and cooking are divine ministries to your family. Ask the Lord to accompany you and lead you to the gifts He himself would give your loved ones. Read more at IBSA.org.

Christmas gathering10 questions to ask at a Christmas gathering

As Christians we want to take advantage of the special opportunities provided by the Christmas season to share our faith, but are often unsure how to begin. Former Illinois Baptist pastor Don Whitney shares a list of 10 questions designed not only to kindle a conversation in almost any Christmas situation, but also to take the dialogue gradually to a deeper level. Get them now at IBSA's blog -- iB2news.org.

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.

 

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