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In This Issue

EFCA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE IMPORTANT INFORMATION UPDATE

There is a change in the 2008 Leadership Conference dates. To better accommodate the schedules of our pastors and lay leaders, we have moved the conference to earlier in the week.

NEW 2008 Leadership Conference Dates:
Tuesday - Thursday, June 24 - 26, 2008
Location: First EFC of St. Louis County, St. Louis, MO

For more information about the conference schedule and new information about the conference as it becomes available, check out http://www.bthetree.org

FROM NEXTSTEP RESOURCES

unChristian
What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity...and Why It Matters
By David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons
The information in this book is based on groundbreaking research into the perceptions of sixteen- to twenty-nine-year-olds.  The research reveals that Christians have taken several giant steps backward in one of their most important assignments. The surprising details of the study, commissioned by Fermi Project and conducted by The Barna Group, are presented with uncompromising honesty in unChristian.
http://tenderfoot.windborne.net/nextstep/product_info.php?products_id=9967
 
Free downloadable study from NorthCoast Church
A Contrarian's Guide to Knowing God
Spirituality for the Rest of Us
By Larry Osborne
One-Size-Fits-All Spirituality Does Not Fit All
Being spiritual does not mean you have to be deeply reflective, impressively intellectual, doctrinally meticulous, or severely self-disciplined. Instead, you will discover your own unique path to genuine spirituality. Learn to distinguish between the essential patterns of devotion to Christ and the nonessential patterns found in the cookie-cutter approach. Be released from your guilt-driven attempts to clone others' spiritual journeys. Find instead the means by which you-with your unique personality, strengths, and needs-best connect with God and grow in Him.
To order your copy, go to http://tenderfoot.windborne.net/nextstep/product_info.php?products_id=9000
 
Download the study guide at http://www.northcoastchurch.com/guide

CHALLENGE 08

Registration packets have been sent and planning information is now available! Look for the Sojourner on the packet. Make use of the DVD promo video to show to pastoral staff and parents. The enclosed disc includes the handbook, Challenge artwork and conference information. Additional information can be found at http://www.efca.org/student/challenge/index.html. If your church did not receive a Challenge packet, contact sharon.trucker@efca.org

IS YOUR CHURCH COMPENSATION PLAN FAIR?

Based on a national survey, The 2008 Compensation Handbook for Church Staff provides reliable church employee breakdowns for part-time, full-time, church size, income budget, and geographical setting. A valuable resource for every church office - order your copy today!
http://tenderfoot.windborne.net/nextstep/product_info.php?products_id=9973

 

 

STORIES OF GOD AT WORK

We're excited to announce that four new GodSighting videos have been posted on the EFCA web site. These stories share how God is at work in our lives, ministries and churches. In addition, GodSightings videos are available to download in both iPod video and Windows Media Player formats. These stories are great to use in worship services, new member classes, Bible studies and more. To find out more, visit http://www.efca.org/godsightings. Let others know about this new offering, and watch for more videos throughout the coming months! And...be sure to share YOUR GodSighting story at http://www.efca.org/godsightings/share

MUST-READ

The New American Pioneers: Why Are We Afraid of Mexican Immigrants
By Juan Hernandez
Hispanics...immigration...muy caliente!  This is one hot topic, and during the next election cycle the heat is only going to continue to increase. Juan Hernandez does a great job getting inside the feelings, emotions and aspirations of Mexican immigrants and articulates why we need Hispanics in this country. We in the EFCA cannot avoid this topic.  Hispanics are the largest non-Anglo population in the U.S., and their numbers continue to grow by birth rate and immigration.  If we are going to be a movement of "all people" and continue to see our partnership with Hispanics in the U.S. grow and flourish, then we need to wrestle with this topic.  Read this secular book and wrestle with what the Bible says about strangers in the land.  Read it while it's hot! Go to http://www.efca.org/urban/resources/index.html for an extended review by Dr. Alejandro Mandes, Hispanic Ministries Director. To order your copy of this book, go to http://tenderfoot.windborne.net/nextstep/product_info.php?products_id=10045

ATTN: CHURCH TREASURERS

We encourage you to review your records to see that your church's contributions towards its staff members' FCMM retirement accounts are sent in before the close of the year. This allows the money to work longer and more effectively on behalf of each participant.  And, it helps you "close your year-end books" in a timely and efficient manner.  If you have questions about these matters, contact Bud Smith at (800) 745-2202 ext.772 or email bud.smith@efca.org  

TELL US YOUR GREATEST TIPS!

EFCA Today is collecting great lists/tips/shortcuts to share with other leaders. Check out the following questions and if you have something to share, let us know!  Please e-mail the editor (dianemc@journeygroup.com) by November 19.


 

  • What Web sites do you have bookmarked, and why? (both personal and ministry-related, and indicate which is which)
  • What are the 3 hot sermon topics you'll take on next year?
  • Do you blog? Tell us why, and tell us how to find you!
  • What one quote has most changed your life or stuck with you? (please give full source)
  • What great prayers from literature/ church history fire you up? (please give full source)
  • Through what spiritual gift does God most equip you for your ministry? And which gift do you need most but do not have?
  • What topic would you like the Midwinter Ministerial to tackle next?

 

CHRISTIAN INVESTORS FOUNDATION

Since 1959, Christian Investors Foundation has helped hundreds of Evangelical Free Church congregations realize their dream of buying, building, or remodeling their church facility.  Our mission is to serve your congregation by providing the loan you need to make your building project a reality.  If your church is considering expansion or renovating, call or write today for a free church loan packet.  For more information and a church loan packet, call (800) 995-8574, visit us online at http://www.christianinvestors.org, or email admin@christianinvestors.org. 

MINISTRY IN EUROPE NEEDS YOUR HELP

Many have heard about the decline of the US dollar around the world, especially against the Euro and the British Pound.  For most of us, this decline does not have a direct impact on our personal finances. This is not the case for EFCA missionaries serving in Europe.
 
Due to the decline of the dollar, ReachGlobal staff in Europe must deal with a decrease in their paycheck each month of 1 to 3 percent. Practically speaking, this means a family with a monthly income of $4000 has seen their income decrease by $50 to $120 each month. This decline has been consistent over the past couple years.  With this steady decrease, the $4000 monthly income is currently at $2800, while all of their expenses are the same or increasing.  Each month missionaries in Europe must figure out how to cut expenses, raise more support or use any reserves they might have to make ends meet.  Now, many are at the point where it is becoming impossible to stay on the field with their present support.

The need to proclaim the gospel in Europe has never been greater! Recent estimates put the Evangelical Christian population in Europe at less than 3 percent. European levels of church attendance fall far short of American church attendance, and the situation is deteriorating fast.
 
If you would like to give a gift to help with the general financial needs for EFCA missionaries in Europe, please make your check out to the EFCA with a note that states, "For Europe Missionary Support project # 25059-92600."
Checks can be sent to:
EFCA
901 East 78th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55420-1300
To donate online, go to https://www.efca.org/apps/giving/ and enter "Europe Missionary Support project # 25059-92600" as the designation.

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES LEADERSHIP INTERNSHIP

Learn the essentials! Catch the vision! Impact the next generation! Join women from around the country who serve women in local churches at the upcoming Women's Ministries Leadership Internship, January 28 - February 2, 2008 at Trinity Church in Redlands, California. Experience six days of comprehensive leadership training on how God's Word strengthens women for the good of the next generation and the glory of God! The Internship is hosted in partnership with EFCA Women's Ministries and Trinity Church. Register early as space is limited. For more information and an application, visit http://www.efca.org/women/internships/index.html or call (800) 745-2202 ext. 765.
 
NEW! Interested in taking the Women's Ministries Leadership Internship as part of your MA studies at TEDS? Contact Dr. Ken Botton at kbotton@tiu.edu for credit options.

EFCA DONOR ADVISED FUNDS

A Family Foundation Substitute
You may now set up what many consider to be the perfect substitute for a family foundation.  It is easy to open your own charitable account.  Then, you may make a contribution, gain immediate tax deduction, and wait to distribute grants to your favorite ministries and charities over time.  It may be the perfect way to simplify your gift giving, recordkeeping, and to transfer stock to multiple charitable organizations For details, contact Lanny Harris at (800) 995-8578 or by email at foundation@efca.org. Check out the Web site at http://www.efcafoundation.org.