IBSA eConnection: Disaster Relief updates, overcoming 5 obstacles to personal evangelism, Father/Son Camps, more

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Welcoming newcomers to your church's neighborhood

At least one-fifth of all Americans move one or more times each year, according to the U.S. Census. Studies indicate 82 percent of unchurched people are likely to attend church if invited. That number might be even higher for people who recently moved. Statistics like these reveal a staggering mission field of new move-ins, right there in your church's neighborhood. Learn how your church can welcome neighborhood newcomers at IBSA.org.

iB2news: 'Robocalls' and protests keep marriage debate going in Illinois

Reports in March and April indicated SB 10, the same-sex marriage, bill was as many as 12 "yes" votes short. But Rep. Greg Harris, the bill's sponsor, told Chicago's ABC News last week that proponents of same-sex marriage are "very close" to passing the legislation. According to a Sunday Chicago Tribune editorial, "Harris needs 60 votes, and we're told he's a mere three to five short, with plenty of fence-sitters." Keep up with the latest news at iB2news.org.

Get Illinois Disaster Relief updates on Facebook

Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers are hard at work ministering to flood victims in the Marseilles and Peoria areas. Read and share updates about how they're helping and sharing the love of Christ with homeowners on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/IllinoisBaptist.

Are relationships at your church missing something?

Almost three out of every four churchgoers say they have significant relation- ships with people at church, but less than half are intentionally helping other believers grow in their faith. Find out more about developing those relationships at LifeWay.com.

5 obstacles to personal evangelism

Sharing your faith is a scary prospect. You can lose face and friends as a result of communicating this "narrow-minded" message of the Gospel, even when you do so in love. Learn the five obstacles to personal evangelism and how to overcome them at OutreachMagazine.com.

Father/Son Camps June 14-15 at Lake Salleteeska and Streator!
What better way to spend the Friday and Saturday before Father's Day than at camp with your son. The focus will be on quality time shared with fathers and sons of all ages. You might even consider making it a multi-generational experience and invite grandfather along as well. Find out how you can register at IBSA.org.

7 stories all church leaders must master

All ministry is communication intensive. It follows that storytelling and understanding the nuances of story will help any leader in the daily ebb and flow of communication. Learn what story types you need to master at ChurchLeaders.com.

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.