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In This Issue

HIGH IMPACT CHURCH BOARDS BY TJ ADDINGTON

Special pre-release offer
"For too long, church leaders have waited for a practical, biblical and governance-friendly strategy for doing ‘leadership' in the local church.  Not any more!"  High Impact Church Boards, a new book by TJ Addington, can help your church board revolutionize the effectiveness of its leadership - and at the same time discover how to make church leadership easier and more fulfilling.  Building upon years of consulting experience with churches, and his own long experience in church leadership, Addington addresses three high impact areas that every church leader must grapple with: What are healthy leaders; How do you do intentional leadership; How do you develop empowered leadership structures in your church.  Visit http://www.nsresources.com to reserve your copy at a special pre-release price, or use the following link: http://tenderfoot.windborne.net/nextstep/product_info.php?products_id=8842

 

MIDWINTER MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE BREAKING NEWS

The conference hotel listed in the registration brochure is full.  You can find the alternate location posted at http://www.efca.org/pastoralcare/ 

The Midwinter Ministerial Theological Conference: "Inerrancy, Hermeneutics, and Eschatology" will be hosted at Faith Missionary Church in Indianapolis, IN January 24-26, 2007. Go to http://www.efca.org/pastoralcare/ to download the conference brochure.

EFCA GODSIGHTINGS TELL YOUR STORY

When families gather, it is stories of the past and present celebrated together in laughter and tears that unify their hearts. GodSightings are the evidence of God's hand in action touching our lives. The goal of the GodSightings campaign is to unify the hearts of the EFCA family! Gather. Share. Celebrate God's handiwork across the EFCA! Email stories to Godsightings@efca.org  (Please attach related pictures whenever available, and be sure to advise if the story should be communicated anonymously.)

I had the amazing opportunity to travel with 26 teenagers from my church to the EFCA National Youth Conference.  The speaker, Francis Chan, compared life to a balance-beam routine.  He talked about how we can safely straddle the balance beam and slip carefully off the side to dismount, but the judges won't have anything to judge when we're finished.  He identified the difference between living a safe life and taking risks to put on the best routine.  The more daring your routine becomes, the more you reach for the hand of God to balance you.  God is challenging me to give up everything that I consider signs of success and happiness in this society.  I'm beginning to think that a full-time job is going to be added to that list.  You know what, though?  That's ok.  God is spotting those back flips, and if not having a full-time job means being closer to Him, then so be it.
- Katie

Crisis Response GodSighting Follow-up
Thank you to all who supported this ministry outreach, and who support us in serving the Lord on the mobile mission field of crisis response. There is a great video made by Mott Evangelical Free Church, who we partnered with to do a Harvest Festival outreach for their community. The video link is on the website at http://www.mottefc.org  (The link is in the lower right corner.)
- Mark Lewis, Director of Crisis Response - TouchGlobal

MISSIONS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN

Does your children's ministries program need new ideas to help generate excitement for missions? Would you like to help children better understand God's heart for the world? Learn how one church makes missions come alive in their annual Global Outreach Fair! Take advantage of tools shared, and discover great ideas that other churches are using to help children develop a heart for missions. For the latest issue of "Synergy Newsletter," featuring missions education for children, go to http://www.dualreach.org/missions/news/EFCA_Synergy_Sept06.shtml

LONG TERM DISABILITY OPEN ENROLLMENT JANUARY 2007

The EFCA offers affordable Long Term Disability (LTD) Insurance to EFCA pastoral and support staff.  Participating churches offering the insurance to their employees as a payroll deduction must inform employees that have waived coverage that the month of January is open enrollment time.  This is the only time of the year when they are able to come on the plan if they have previously waived coverage or failed to enroll during the first 30 days of employment.  Click here to download an enrollment packet http://www.efca.org/pastoralcare/disability/ or call (952) 953-1773 or email benplan@efca.org for more information.

FCMM CONTRIBUTIONS

Church treasurers and administrators are reminded to have all 2006 contributions for staff participating in FCMM postmarked by December 31, 2006 to have those contributions credited to this year.  If you have questions concerning contributions made this year, please contact FCMM at (952) 853-1772 or email fcmm@efca.org

ADOPT-A-LEADER PROGRAM

Through the Adopt-a-Leader program, TouchGlobal develops and trains world-class leaders in some of the world's poorest areas. Individuals selected by local church leadership have been trained to become lawyers, teachers, mechanics and medical personnel that are having a marked influence upon the life and ministry of the local church.  Your help is needed immediately for students currently enrolled in school and for other key people that have been identified as future leaders who need to begin their studies. For more information, contact Jim Snyder at touchglobal@efca.org

NEW CONSULTANT JOINS MINISTRY CAMPAIGN SERVICES

MCS Director Steve Johnson is happy to announce a new team member, David Viland. David has been involved in fund raising for over 20 years. Previously, he served as a Long-Term Care Administrator, working primarily with church affiliated senior care/living environments at both the campus and corporate levels (Elim Homes).  During his 30 years in healthcare, he led many small to mid-size capital campaigns and began a Planned Giving program in one organization. Before joining Ministry Campaign Services, David served as church administrator of Bethel Church in Fargo.  One of David's passions is to see the local church vibrant in its mission as a result of healthy, biblically based leadership and governance. Along with his wife Donna, David is a member of Bethel Church, Fargo, ND.  They have two married daughters and 5 grandchildren.

In addition to campaign services the MCS team is equipped to provide strategic planning, mission/vision clarification, church governance training, and the DiSC and Uniquely You spiritual gifts and personality profile instruments.  To inquire about these services, contact Steve Johnson at (800) 995-8571 or (612) 991-3872.  For more information about MCS, go to http://www.efca.org/campaign/

MISSIONS PASTORS & DIRECTORS FORUM

January 17-20, 2007
This forum is designed for church staff who oversee missions outreach.  The event will be held on the campus of the International Mission Board (Richmond, VA) in cooperation with Next Step (http://www.thenextstep.org)

This annual gathering of local church staff provides instruction and interaction on topics specific to the local church's role in the missions mandate. Two components of the forum are 1) a focus on preparation of missionary candidates within the local church and 2) preparation for missionary safety (crime, quarantined in a health epidemic, terrorism, or sudden homelessness due to a natural disaster). 

The cost for the event is $255 (includes housing, meals, snacks, and shuttle transportation) Register today at http://www.thenextstep.org/modules/conference/  
For more information, contact Greg Carter at (219) 926-3038 or email gregc@lbchurch.org

ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR POSITION - EFCA NATIONAL OFFICE

The EFCA national office has an immediate need for an Accounting Director to provide leadership in the Trust area, with an opportunity to migrate into Operations. CPA or CMA certification preferred. Position information can be found at http://www.efca.org/employment/national/index.htmlResume and cover letter may be submitted to jobs@efca.org

NEXTSTEP RESOURCES

Why the Nativity? by David Jeremiah
Why do Christians make a big deal about an obscure baby born in a small town? Why Bethlehem? Why Jesus? Why does it make a difference to me? In Why the Nativity? David Jeremiah explains for both believers and skeptics alike why it's important to examine again the birth of that baby, Jesus. With the publicity surrounding "The Nativity Story" movie this fall, you'll want this book. It's at just the right price to give to people who are searching for the real meaning of Christmas. Buy in bulk!  Case of 48 Paperbacks 58% off
 
The One Year Bible
The One Year Bible, which helps individuals read the entire Bible in one year in as little as 15 minutes a day, has a fresh, new look. The One Year Bible guides readers through God's Word with daily text from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. Buy in bulk!  Case of 20 Paperbacks 40% off

The One Year Bible for New Believers
The One Year Bible for New Believers is designed to help eager students of God's Word understand key Scriptural concepts. Concise notes focus on core insights in every Old Testament and New Testament reading. The daily notes highlight the Bible teaching about either "Who God Is,"  "What the Bible Says" or "How We Live" for each reading.  Buy in bulk!  Case of 16 Paperbacks 40% off
 
The One Year Chronological Bible
The One Year Chronological Bible is ideal for anyone who wants to read the Bible in the order the events actually happened. It not only gets readers through the Bible in a year, it also arranges it in chronological order. Helpful dating information is also included. The One Year Chronological Bible will give readers a fresh look at the Bible this year.  Buy in bulk!  Case of 16 Paperbacks 40% off
 
A Bible for $.50? 
Crossway is subsidizing the ESV Outreach New Testament in order to offer it through NextStep at $.50 per copy. This full-sized, feature-filled ESV New Testament contains many of the same characteristics as the popular ESV Outreach Bible, including the plan of salvation that is neglected in so many New Testaments. This offer is only good when you buy in bulk.  A case of 100 New Testaments is only $.50!
 
Go online to http://www.nsresources.com to find out more & order today!

EFCA FOUNDATION

New Charitable IRA Rollover Gifts are rolling in -- Is your ministry ready?

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 provides opportunities for people age 70 1/2 or older to contribute directly from their IRA to a charity.  This provides donors with a significant tax-advantaged way to fulfill their stewardship aims.   Eligible people with an IRA will be able to make gifts of up to $100,000 in 2006 and 2007, without raising their taxable income while meeting the required minimum distribution rules.  Direct IRA gifts to ministry are good for donors whose gifts are large or small.

If you have questions, please contact Lanny Harris at (800) 995-8578 or by email at foundation@efca.org  

CHRISTIAN INVESTORS FOUNDATION

While the money you invest with Christian Investors Foundation earns an attractive rate of return it also helps to build Evangelical Free Churches.  Effective September 1, 2006, you can purchase Investment Certificates with rates and terms such as:

  • 6.0% simple interest for Two-Year Investment Certificates and a yield to maturity of 6.14%.*

For more information on this and other investment products, call us at (800) 995-8574, or visit us online at http://www.christianinvestors.org

This shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of Investment Certificates in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale is not authorized.  The offering is made solely by the OFFERING CIRCULAR.

EARLY REDEMPTION PENALTY: (i) 90 days' interest on the principal amount redeemed if the original maturity is one year or less, (ii) 120 days' interest on the principal amount redeemed if the original maturity is over one year to two years and (iii) 180 days' interest on the principal amount redeemed if the original maturity is over two years. Christian Investors Foundation reserves the right to discontinue offering these Investment Certificates at any time. AN INVESTMENT IN THE INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN THE OFFERING CIRCULAR, INCLUDING THE RIGHT OF CHRISTIAN INVESTORS FOUNDATION TO REDEEM THE INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES PRIOR TO THEIR FINAL MATURITY. THE INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES ARE NOT FDIC INSURED.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT TRINITY INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Teacher Education Faculty: Elementary Education
Trinity International University welcomes applications for a tenure-track position in teacher education to begin Fall 2007.   Responsibilities include teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in elementary/middle school methods.  Qualifications include an earned doctorate, public school experience, superior teaching skills, concern for students, and the ability to work collaboratively.  Consideration will also be given to candidates with experience and expertise in technology, math, science, assessment, and/or educational leadership.  The ideal candidate will have had administrative experience in the public school. Send curriculum vita to Dr. James Stamoolis, Dean of the College, Trinity International University, 2065 Half Day Road, Deerfield, IL 60015. For information about TIU, go to http://www.tiu.edu

Teacher Education Faculty:  Secondary Education/Educational Leadership
Trinity International University welcomes applications for a tenure-track position in teacher education to begin Fall 2007.   Responsibilities include teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in secondary/middle school methods.  Qualifications include an earned doctorate, public school experience, superior teaching skills, concern for students, and the ability to work collaboratively.  Consideration will also be given to candidates with experience and expertise in technology, educational psychology, research methods, and/or assessment.  The ideal candidate will have had administrative experience in the public school. Send curriculum vita to Dr. James Stamoolis, Dean of the College, Trinity International University, 2065 Half Day Road, Deerfield, IL 60015. For information about TIU, go to www.tiu.edu

BUMP REGISTRATION NOW LIVE - Repeat

BUMP (Bridging Urban Mission Project) is the youth summer missions experience of the Urban & Intercultural Mission. BUMP exists to provide an affordable, accessible, cross-cultural missions experience for teens in urban settings across the U.S. The BUMP program and events are geared to empower neighborhood Christians to minister in their local churches and communities. To learn more about BUMP, check out the video and web page at http://www.efca.org/bump

 

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP - Repeat

Do you desire specific leadership training in ministering to women? Would you like to see up close a healthy model of women's ministries serving in the context of the local church? If so, the Women's Ministries Leadership Internship is for you! The next Women's Ministries Internship is January 29-February 3, 2007 in Redlands, California hosted by former national Women's Ministries Director, Elizabeth Inrig and Trinity EFC. Registrations are now being accepted and information can be found by visiting http://www.efca.org/women/internships/index.html  Register early as space is limited. For more information call Natalie at (800) 745-2202, ext. 765 or by email at nbartelme@efca.org