Wednesday, December 3, 2014

News from the Illinois Baptist
Home is here and the time is now
Even if our stay in a community is just for a few months, wherever it is, it is our mission field. Take ownership of where you live, even if it doesn't feel permanent, or even if it's in a difficult place. Learn why home is here, and the time is now at IB2news.org.

9 ways to pray for your church leaders

Most spiritual awakenings begin with a few praying people who invite others to join them. What might happen if congregations begin to pray the following prayers for church leaders? Would you pray these prayers for church leaders today, and then invite others in your congregation to join you? Get the list from Chuck Lawless at ThomRainer.com.

Don't miss the early bird deadline for Youth Encounter registration!

The deadline for Youth Encounter $40 early bird registration is December 5. After that the price goes up to $45 per person. Hear music by Flame, V-Rose and The Never Claim, comedy from Team Word Play, illusionist Bryan Drake and evangelist Rick Gage this December 29-30 in Springfield. Register now at IBSA.org/students.

Beating holiday stress

You've got musicals, Christmas parties, dinners, family engagements, ministry outreach efforts, a sermon to put together each week and possibly a Christmas Eve worship service to prepare for one of the two highest attended gatherings of your church year. Learn how you can have a less stressful, but more fruitful and rejuvenating holiday season at NAMB.net.

How do you leave your church without hurting it?

Those who have the privilege of serving on a church staff will eventually leave their ministry posts. What is the best way to handle that transition? Discover how to make that last Sunday a happy ending rather than a hurtful one at ChurchLeaders.com.

Resource Magazine for Illinois Baptists

Learn what happens when we pray for awakening, why revivals aren't old-fashioned, about the fruit of repentance, and more in the Spring 2015 issue of Resource. Read it online now at www.IBSA.org/Resource.

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.