Wednesday, November 26, 2014

News from the Illinois Baptist

Ferguson: The day after

Churches minister together after grand jury's decision sparks new violence

First Baptist Church of Ferguson stands in the middle of the chaos. "It was a rough, volatile night," said Ron Beckner, the associate pastor. "The Little Caesar's [Pizza] that burned down to the ground was across from our building, [but] there was no damage or anything on our property. Learn how you can pray for the Ferguson community at IB2news.org.

On mission at the Thanksgiving table

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, we need to think ahead and pray about how we might grow in being proxies for the gospel, in word and deed, among our families this Thanksgiving. Check out ChurchLeaders.com for practical tips on sharing Christ with your relatives this Thanksgiving.

New at Youth Encounter -- Concessions!

No more getting out in the cold and walking to a restaurant. No more loading your students into the church van and traveling somewhere for meals. We've got you covered with concessions at this year's Youth Encounter. Get hotdogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, nachos and more through the concession stands at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. See the menu and find out more about Youth Encounter at IBSA.org.

7 ways to deal with CAVE dwellers in your church

They are in every church. They are critics. They are naysayers. If your church has regular business meetings, they will be the negatively outspoken people. They are CAVE (Consistently Against Virtually Everything) Dwellers. Learn how to handle them at ThomRainer.com.

Exterior of modern American church with contemporary architecture

Guests and their first 11 minutes at your church

In some churches a guest knows exactly where to park, is graciously welcomed, escorted to the children's area to drop off kids, and introduced to several helpful people. In other churches, a guest has no idea where to go and is not welcomed by anyone. Learn why a guest's first 11 minutes in your church are so important at EricGeiger.com.

The aroma of CHRISTmas

What's the best Christmas scent? Is it cinnamon? Pine? Nutmeg? No, it's much better than those! The "aroma of Christ" is something every Christian spreads like a sweet perfume. Find out how you can spread the aroma of Christ this Christmas at IBSA.org.

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.