IBSA eConnection: New Year's Eve ideas, Luter on CP giving, diagnose your church's health, more

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Ideas for a great New Year's Eve Service

Many churches usher in the New Year with what is called a Watch-Night service. These services typically include fellowship activities, food, singing, prayer, and a message or devotional thought by the pastor or another church leader. Usually, this New Year's Eve service climaxes at midnight with a time of prayer. Learn how your your church's New Year's Eve celebration can become an anticipated time of outreach, fellowship, and worship at LifeWay.com.

SBC President Fred Luter speaks to Illinois Baptists about the Cooperative Program

Watch this and other Cooperative Program videos at Vimeo.com/IBSA. Visit IBSA.org/CP for additonal Cooperative Program information and materials.

Tax Seminar for pastors, treasurers and other leaders

Rick Wills, GuideStone Financial Resources representative, will present a tax webinar for pastors from 9 a.m. - noon, Saturday, February 16. Church treasurers and other church leaders will also find the webinar to be a valuable resource for important federal IRS requirements for churches. Learn more at IBSA.org.

10 questions to diagnose the evangelistic health of your church

Any good physician will make certain your physical exam includes at least three components: lab work, physical exam and questions about your overall physical and emotional health. As we start a new year, here are 10 questions to get at least some hints of the evangelistic health of your own church. See all 10 at OutreachMagazine.com.

5 tips for promoting your church on Facebook

Does your church have a Facebook page? Do you use it to promote worship services and special events? Pastor and retired Director of Missions Joe McKeever shares 5 tips for sharpening your posts to increase the effectiveness of your invitations to church. Read them at Pastors.com.

Reminder: Year-end giving deadline for church treasurers

Any contributions recieved in the IBSA Business Office by 9 a.m. January 4, 2013 will be included in 2012 giving totals. Gifts received after this time and date will be credited as 2013 giving. Please direct questions to KendraJackson@IBSA.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.