IBSA eConnection: New missions partnerships, an amazing guest experience, My Hope with Billy Graham, more

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Learn the 7 steps to an amazing guest experience

When someone attends your church for the first time, you can be sure they are coming with expectations. Before they ever step foot into your worship center, the average guest has already checked out your church and made assumptions about it based on your website. Combine their expectations with the natural stress that comes from visiting anyplace that is new, but especially a church, and you've got your work cut out for you. Get 7 steps you can follow to provide an amazing guest experience at ChurchLeaders.com.

New IBSA missions partnerships with Colorado, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

IBSA is in the beginning stages of two new missions partnerships: one to reach Native American peoples in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and the other to work with church planters in Denver, Colorado. This summer, the partnerships will create inroads for Illinois Baptists interested in serving through student Go Teams or vision trips for pastors and leaders who want to know more about the available ministry opportunities. Learn more about these mission opportunities at IBSA.org.

My Hope with Billy Graham training events coming to Illinois in Feb.

My Hope with Billy Graham is a grass-roots effort to reach people across the United States and Canada with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Following a simple biblical model, My Hope combines the reach and excitement of a nationwide media event with the power of personal relationships. For more information about next month's Illinois training events in Washington, Springfield and Marion, visit IBSA.org.

How do you stay connected with the unchurched?

Ask yourself these two questions often: 1. How much time do I spend in a normal week with people who are not Christians? 2. How many friends do I have who are not Christians? Learn 8 simple ways to battle the tendency to drift away from the unchurched, the very people who most need Christians in their life at OutreachMagazine.com.

Battling burnout: 5 ways to keep your church leaders refreshed

People who experience burnout often feel they are alone, no longer effective, and are disappointing others. They simply go through the motions of ministry, but without the passion they once had. Teaching is draining, not energizing, like it once was. To fight burnout, consider these 5 tips from LifeWay.com.

Now in Illinois - National Sunday School Directors Seminar

This A-to-Z LifeWay-sponsored event is for Sunday School directors, age division coordinators, department directors, general leaders, pastors, and ministers of education. Learn how to build a growing Sunday School focused on its mission and purpose, develop an organization and enlist leadership, and lead teachers to teach for spiritual transformation. This year's seminar's in Illinois will be held March 2 at First Baptist, Herrin and March 23 at Broadview Missionary, Broadview. Find out more about these events at 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.