Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Pray like never before in 2014

Frank S. Page, president and "chief encouragement officer" of the SBC Executive Committee, has challenged Southern Baptists to continue praying in 2014 "like we've never prayed before." He views his call to prayer as a "catalyst, a weekly reminder of the urgency and primacy of prayer." Learn more about this call to prayer at BPNews.net.

New GO Week missions experience

Through a partnership with Judson University, IBSA will offer the first-ever GO Week missions experience for students in grades 7-12 this summer. During the week of July 13-18, teens will serve in Chicago alongside church planters working in various parts of the city. Get more information about this new missions opportunity at IBSA.org.

What can you learn from reading the new issue of the Illinois Baptist?

Read the Jan. 1 issue of the Illinois Baptist to learn what your role is in bringing spiritual revival to the U.S., get the "new buzz" on cooperation for 2014, find out how mission trips to Chicago just got a little easier and much more. Find these stories and others at http://IBonline.IBSA.org .

14 predictions for American churches for 2014

Thom Rainer believes predicting is as much of an art as it is a science. He bases his predictions on research, trends, conversations and experience. Learn where he expects to see decline, growth and challenges for churches in the U.S. at ThomRainer.com -- Part One (1-7) and Part Two (8-14).

Coming soon 2014 VBS Clinics

Agency D3 VBS Clinics start next month. The clinics provide VBS leaders with information about the LifeWay themes along with ideas, inspiration and more. Start gearing up now for your church's summer VBS by visiting IBSA.org for clinic dates and locations.

What do you do when churched people show up?

So your church is growing or wants to grow. You know about the challenges and opportunities you face when unchurched people arrive. But what do you do when churched people show up? Find out about the five challenges most leaders face with transfer growth at ChurchLeaders.com.

IBSA eConnection is a weekly e-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.