Wednesday, May 7, 2014

News from the Illinois Baptist

FBC O'Fallon baptizes 103 in spring crusade

Over a single weekend, more people were baptized at First Baptist, O'Fallon, than in all of 2013. The church's crusade March 29-30 resulted in 103 baptisms, 17 salvation decisions, and 15 rededications. Learn more at iB2news.org.

12 forgotten things every Christian should know

The beginning of the Christian life is easy. The end is joyous. But the middle is where the fiercest battles take place, and many fall away. The real test of faith comes in the middle of our journey. Find out 12 things you've forgotten as a Christian at ChurchLeaders.com.

Get the keys you need to reach your vision

You have invested the time. You have done the necessary analysis. You know exactly where the organization needs to go. But how do you mobilize all of these people to go in the same direction and end up in the same place? Learn the four things that every leader must know to take people from their present situation to their preferred future at IBSA.org.

5 observations about younger Southern Baptists

In previous decades, some might have seen the SBC as irrelevant to broader evangelicalism. But today the SBC includes some of the largest seminaries in the world, employs a stunning international mission force, and oversees the world's largest Christian resource provider. What about younger Southern Baptists? What does the future of the SBC look like? Find out at the TheGospelCoalition.org.

4 ways to reduce distractions in worship services

Some preachers are really good at preaching through distractions, while others really struggle to keep focus. Of course, distractions do not merely impact the one speaking. They also pull people's attention away from the message at a critical moment and may disrupt the focus on the Word. Learn four ways to reduce these distractions at EricGeiger.com.

B101: The Holy Spirit

The May 5 issue of B101 focuses on the Holy Spirit, Article 3 of the Baptist Faith and Message. Plus, you can learn about praying for revival, how ESL points newcomers to Christ and more. Visit IBSA.org to get this issue or check out previous issues.

IBSA eConnection is a weekly e-newsletter designed to provide Illinois Baptists with useful information and resources. We pray it enriches your ministry and helps your church to grow and minister.