Wednesday, January 29, 2014

News from the Illinois Baptist

'Why are you passing by me?' And other Africa stories

In Guinea on a short-term mission trip, Mark Emerson met his own version of the man from Macedonia (see Acts 16:9).

Emerson and fellow Illinois volunteer Harold Booze were waiting for a boat to take them and their missionary guide to share Bible stories with an unreached, unengaged people group. As they endured the six-hour wait, they met John, a soldier from a nearby village. When they told him where they were going and why, John asked, "Why are you passing by me?" Read more at iB2news.org.

What do you do when your members want your church to grow...but not change?

One of the tensions many leaders wrestle with is trying to navigate change when people say, "I want our church to grow. I just don't want it to change." Isn't wanting to grow but not really change actually like saying "I want to lose weight, but I really want a bacon cheeseburger"? Learn six things you can do to tackle the challenge of leading a group that wants to grow but doesn't want to change at CareyNeiuwhof.com.

Illinois not immune to human trafficking

Illinois Baptists are making a difference across our state by promoting increased educational awareness about human trafficking prevention and rescue methods, as well as helping girls and young women to recognize their identity and value as a creation of Christ. Learn what you can do at IBSA.org.

7 reasons very active church members drop out
Many have an image of church dropouts as a person who was only marginally involved at the onset. But there are a number of persons who have been active in church life for years. They have had key leadership positions. They are considered some of the most faithful members. And then they are gone. Learn the seven reasons given by those who drop out of church at ThomRainer.com.

Fresh Ideas: 8 ways to start new groups

When a church begins new small groups or Sunday school classes, eternity is impacted. Easy entry points are established. Members are more likely to invite lost friends. Peripheral members become involved. And Christians joyfully rediscover the outreach purpose of the church. Imagine what would happen if your church began lots of new classes this year. Get eight fresh ideas for starting new groups at IBSA.org.

The do's and don'ts of welcoming guests to your church

Have you been in your church for so long that you've forgotten what it's like to enter the building for the first time? Do you want to make guests feel welcome, but need help seeing your congregation through new eyes? Here's a practical list of do's and don'ts for welcoming guests to your church from LifeWay.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.