Wednesday, February 26, 2014

News from the Illinois Baptist

Illinois team shores up hope in the Philippines
On a remote island in the Pacific, school children march in place to a familiar song. Grouped around a flagpole, they sing and spin along with their leader, a man wearing a bright yellow T-shirt.

It's the morning exercise routine at Gibitngil Integrated School, and the final day in the Philippines for a group of Illinois volunteers. The team of six Disaster Relief leaders spent a week here to help repair the school, damaged during last fall's typhoon. Read more at iB2new.org.

Get GuideStone's Ministers' Tax Guide for 2013 Returns
The 2014 edition of GuideStone's annual Tax Guide is now available. It also contains a special supplement addressing the key points of the recent housing allowance ruling. Additionally, church treasurers and other church leaders will find a valuable resource in the guide's special section about important federal requirements for churches. Get it now at GuideStone.org.

Fresh Ideas: When 'hello' is not enough

Take steps to greet church visitors with more than a polite hello or glad-you-came. Make a personal commitment to intentionally "connect" with one guest every Sunday whether in the parking lot, foyer, nursery, hallway,
or worship service. Find out how to better connect with guests at IBSA.org.

Why isn't your church growing? 10 gut-checks
Countless church leaders want their church to grow for great reasons but are puzzled at why their churches aren't growing. We're often the last to see what so many others see, and once we see it, we can deal with it. Learn 10 possible reasons your church isn't growing at ChurchLeaders.com.

Easter: Four keys for making the greatest impact

Believe it or not, Easter is just around the corner (it's April 20). This Easter you and your church leaders have the chance to gather active attenders, infrequent attenders, and non-attenders to a worship service that focuses on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Learn the four keys for making the greatest possible impact at LifeWay.com.

The IBSA Women's Missions Celebration is May 1-3

The 2014 Women's Mission Celebration will take place May 1-3 at First Baptist Church in Marion. The celebration's theme is, "Can God have this dance?" Get more information and the list of hotels for this can't miss celebration at IBSA.org.

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.