Wednesday, December 17, 2014

News from the Illinois Baptist
Why we need to disappear this Christmas

Have you ever found yourself heading into the Christmas season feeling blue? I have. In fact, this was one of those years. Nate Adams shares why you don't need to have a "blue" Christmas at IB2news.org.

5 socially-acceptable ways church leaders self-medicate

When we're busy caring for others (people at church, our kids, our family, our friends) we really don't take care of ourselves. Every leader has a choice between self-care and self-medication, and subconsciously, many choose the 'polite' version of self-medication. Learn how to recognize and stop self-medicating at CareyNieuwhof.com

New IBSA event: Church Technology Conference

Here's your opportunity to find out how to get involved in social media, use Ministry Grid and Equip.net, do video editing, develop a website, learn how to complete the Annual Church Profile, and so much more. Attend our first Church Technology Conference January 31 at the IBSA Building in Springfield. Visit IBSA.org for additional information and to register.

BFI Scholarship applications are online

College and seminary students are invited to apply now through January 31, 2015, for scholarships from the Baptist Foundation of Illinois. Applicants must be an active member of a cooperating IBSA church, and entering college in the upcoming year as a full-time student for both semesters. To learn more, go to BaptistFoundationIL.org.

6 reasons established churches should plant churches

If you are reading this, you are most likely involved in an established church. Maybe yours is thriving, but maybe not, about 70 percent of churches are plateaued or declining. Learn why your church should plant a church at ChurchLeaders.com.

How not to preach Matthew's birth narratives at Christmas

It may seem to be impossible to misinterpret the birth narratives in our advent sermons. What could be easier to preach at Christmas than the birth of Jesus? What could be harder to misread than these plain, simple stories of Jesus coming into the world? Read and see if you agree or disagree at PastorsToday.com.

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.