Melissa Phillips remembered as dedicated wife, mother, missionary, servant
The life of Melissa Wootton Phillips was celebrated July 7 at a memorial service in Springfield, Ill. Melissa, 53, an associate executive director for the Illinois Baptist State Association, died July 2 after a nearly year-long battle with cancer. Read more at IB2news.org.
The 2016 IBSA calendar is available
Save the dates! The 2016 IBSA Calendar dates are available now! Start planning for next year's VBS Clinics, camps, leadership events and more. Download it at IBSA.org.
5 reasons pastors fail morally (& what to watch for in your own life)
Why do moral failures happen so frequently-not just to preachers, but to many business leaders, politicians and other people in the spotlight? What do you need to watch for in your own life? Learn how to guard against such failures at CareyNieuwhof.com.
7 key reasons your church attendance may be declining
Reason #3 -Expectations are lower for church members. If we expect little of our members, that is exactly what we will get. Read all seven at ThomRainer.com.
Barna: Christian reaction to legalization of same-sex marriage
A new Barna survey conducted in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states reveals nine key findings that will help make sense of where Americans stand-and what's next in this divisive conversation. Get it at Barna.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.
The 2016 IBSA calendar is available 
