Wednesday, February 11, 2015

News from the Illinois Baptist
Even in Alabama

As Baptist newspaper editors and executive directors of state conventions arrived in coastal Alabama Monday, the ground under our feet shifted a little. The day's big news story: The state started issuing marriage licenses for same sex couples. Even in Alabama, and only in a few counties, but it is happening. Get the whole story at IB2news.org.

Why your church should be on social media right now

Social media is the new town square, about three-fourths of online adults are on some form of social networking. This means that for the sake of the gospel and the mission, your church needs to have a voice there as well. Find out how your church can use social media to study the culture, and connect with your community at ChristianityToday.com.

Have you signed up for Children's Ministry Day?

Children's Ministry Day is Saturday, March 14. Choose from over 90 ministry projects in 13 locations around the state. More than 500 spots have already been reserved. Register now to hold spots for the kids in your group at IBSA.org/kids.

9 surefire ways to make your church completely ineffective

Very few leaders go into church leadership as pastors, staff, board members, or volunteers hoping to be ineffective. Learn how to keep your church from these nine fruitless patterns at ChurchLeaders.com.

Disaster relief volunteer training opportunities

Have you thought about becoming an IBSA Disaster Relief volunteer, but didn't know how to go about it? Is it time to renew your disaster relief certification? IBSA is offering training opportunities in March and April. Visit IBSA.org/dr to find a training event near you.

Do you wonder why you have to be trained to be a disaster relief volunteer? Read "I'm not trained, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night" to find out why training is important.

A pastor's Valentine's Day confession

Being a ministry wife is harder than many may realize. Pastor, do you tell your wife how much you appreciate her as much as you should? Read one pastor's confession and what he did about it at LifeWayPastorsToday.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.