IBSA eConnection: 10 tips for healthy churches, missionary prayer cards, riding the ministry roller coaster, more

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Prayer vigil Thursday for traditional marriage at the Capitol

A group of pastors are organizing a prayer vigil against redefining marriage on the steps of the State Capitol at 10:30 Thursday morning. Pastors and leaders from across the state are invited to attend. Learn more at iB2news.org.

A new bulletin insert supporting traditional marriage is available from the Illinois Family Association. Get the insert at IllinoisFamily.org.

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

This week is the Week of Prayer for North American Missions. The North American Mission Board has created missionary prayer cards for you to download and use with your Sunday announcements, in your church bulletin, or at home as a reminder to pray for our missionaries. One of the prayer cards features an Illinois missionary couple, Scott and Ashley Venable (pictured above). Get the cards now at NAMB.net.

To more about the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions, visit AnnieArmstrong.com.

6 tips for riding the ministry roller coaster

Life is emotional. But for those serving in ministry, its even more so. Sometimes we get surprised by how intense ministry can become. Learn how you can better navigate these ups and downs at ChurchLeaders.com.

10 rules of thumb for healthy churches in America

One of Thom Rainer's rules for healthy churches is that church sites should have one useable acre for every 125 people in attendance. Is that even possible for your church? What do you think? Read all 10 rules of his rules for healthy churches in America at ThomRainer.com.

Watch us on Vimeo!

IBSA has a channel on the video sharing service -- Vimeo. Visit the IBSA page to get brief videos you can show during church announcements on Sunday or any other time to teach members about SEND North American: Chicago and St. Louis, the Cooperative Program, Go Teams, Choose2, missions in Illinois and more. Watch videos now on Vimeo.com/IBSA.

Volunteers needed for BFI Scholarship Committee

The Baptist Foundation of Illinois is seeking volunteers to assist in the review process for the selection of scholarship awards. The process will be conducted Saturday, March 16 at 8:30 a.m. at the IBSA Building in Springfield. For more information, call Sheila Odle at (217) 391-3116 or e-mail SheilaOdle@IBSA.org.

To learn more about the Baptist Foundation visit BaptistFoundationIL.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.