IBSA eConnection

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Engage Conference
9 characteristics of happy churches

"Happy" is a nebulous term. It is usually understood better than defined. After working with hundreds of churches, I saw several patterns develop. One of those patterns correlated directly with the happiness of the church. I was able to discern happiness by the interviews with members and staff, with diagnostic tools we used, and with a grasp of the histories of the churches, particularly in the area of church conflict. See how these nine characteristics compare to your church at ThomRainer.com. 

Wedding rings
Church bylaws should define marriage
With the passage of a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in the Illinois Senate and now moving to the House, churches that host wedding ceremonies or other events for traditional couples should examine their bylaws and shield themselves from the impact of possible litigation, says an attorney who specializes in religious liberty issues. Learn what your church needs to do at BPnews.net.

This morning, Illinois Baptists are joining together with hundreds of other Christians for a rally to defend traditional marriage and religious liberty in our state. Please keep them in your prayers. Learn more at IllinoisFamily.org.

Read more about last week's Senate vote approving same-sex marriage in Illinois at iB2news.org.  
Church pews
7 startling facts about church attendance in America
Are people really attending church? What do the facts say? Well, one researcher found less than 20% of Americans regularly attend church - half of what the pollsters report. Could "the halo effect" be the cause of this discrepancy? Visit ChurchLeaders.com for an overview of all seven facts.
Choose2 Choose2 in Illinois and beyond

More than 175 churches in Illinois and congregations in at least 12 other states have signed on for Choose2, a prayer evangelism strategy created by IBSA's Tim Sadler. The Choose2 challenge asks participants to choose two unchurched friends or family members, and pray for them twice a day. Learn how you can Choose2 at IBSA.org. 

2013 VBS
'Colossal Coaster World' VBS Clinics coming to a church near you!
Come experience a Bible study and/or a rotational site curriculum overview, participate in a sample Worship Rally, listen to VBS songs, take photos of decorations, taste snack ideas and leave with inspiration about how you can host a VBS in your church. Emmanuel, Carlinville is the site of the year's first clinic March 9. Visit IBSA.org for additional dates 
and locations and to register.
Alarm clock Is your church using Daylight Saving days to its advantage?

It happens on Sunday morning twice each year, and it may affect your church attendance. Need fresh ideas to capitalize on Daylight Saving Time? Get them now 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.

 

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IBSA Events    

February

23 Churches of Strength Super Saturday Seminar - Lincoln Avenue, Jacksonville 

 

23 Hispanic Women's Training Event - Primeria Iglesia, Bolingbrook 

 

March

2 Technical Ministries Workshop - IBSA Building, Springfield 

 

2 National Sunday School Directors Seminar - First, Herrin 

 

8-9 Ministers' Wives' Retreat 

 

9 VBS Clinic - Emmanuel, Carlinville 

 

12 Evangelistic Leaders Workshop 

 

16 Children's Ministry Day - 5 locations 

 

16 Hispanic Women's Training Event - Iglesia Bautista Larkin Avenue, Elgin 

 

23 National Sunday School Directors' Seminar - Broadview Missionary, Broadview 

 

23 VBS Clinic - Richland, East Peoria; Marshall Missionary, Marshall 

 

26 Men's Mission Rally - First, Herrin 

  

26 REACH Evangelism Training - Friendship, Plainfield 

 

27 REACH Evangelism Training - IBSA Building, Springfield 

 

28 REACH Evangelism Training - Logan St., Mt. Vernon