EFCA Update for 2009-02-16

In this issue of the EFCA Update

MIDWINTER MINISTERIAL RECORDINGS AVAILABLE

2009 Midwinter Ministerial MP3 recordings and written outlines of the presentations can be downloaded for free. Pastors, ministry teams or pastor clusters will benefit from this in depth look at spiritual formation and the work of the Holy Spirit "in us, among us, and through us." Check out this valuable resource using the link above.

CHURCH VOLUNTEER RESOURCES

Through a special agreement with Group's Church Volunteer Central Association, EFCA churches can enroll as members at a reduced cost, plus receive valuable bonuses worth the cost of your first year's membership. For more information, go to www.efca.org/reachnational/church-volunteer-resources.

HISPANGLO WORSHIP CELEBRATION

Check out this cutting edge ministry event! 

April 4, 2009 - 10:30-4:30 pm
Faith EFC, Allentown, PA
 
Join Faith EFC for worship without borders, authentic food (muy delicioso) and inspiring workshops! Contact Christian Aguilar at hispanicmission@edaefca.org for more information or visit the Eastern District web site.

NEXTSTEP RESOURCES

Back in stock... NextStep Resources #1 selling leadership book in 2007 & 2008!
High Impact Church Boards by T.J. Addington
Revolutionize the effectiveness of your church's leadership and discover how to make your church boards easier and more fulfilling. Read through together with your church's leadership team, order 10 copies and get a free DVD of T.J. Addington's workshop on High Impact Church Boards.

Also available: Leading from the Sandbox, Develop Empower and Release High Impact Ministry Teams

IDEAS FOR EFCA TODAY

In what unique ways are you using social media (YouTube, Facebook, etc.) to "do" ministry? What opportunities are out there that you think other EFCA leaders might be missing? Send your ideas to the EFCA Today editor: dianemc@journeygroup.com 

SHARE HOPE THIS EASTER

Save up to 50% on new booklets from Charles Swindoll, perfect for outreach this Easter season.

  • The Rising Hope - Encouragement for your heart
  • Walk with Jesus - a 40 day journey to the cross and beyond
  • Mission Possible - a 40 day adventure with Jesus for elementary school age children

$39.97 /pack of 25
Check the NextStep Resources Web site for more information and to order your copies today!

SONLIFE ENROUTE TRAINING

EFCA Student Ministries is partnering with Sonlife to offer training for vocational and volunteer youth workers.

  • March 7 - Montgomery EFC, Belle Mead, NJ
  • March 14 - Maple Grove EFC, Maple Grove, MN
  • March 28 - Christ Community Church, Leawood, KS
  • April 4 - Bethany EFC, Canby, OR
  • April 13 - Hidden Acres, Iowa.

Visit the Student Ministries Web page for information and to register.

EQUIPPING WOMEN IN MINISTRY

EFCA RESOUND Women's Ministries  training opportunities
Join Jackie Redmond, EFCA RESOUND Women's Ministries director, as she presents "The Disciple Making Pathway" at upcoming EFCA district conferences:

  • February 27-28, 2009 - Texas-Oklahoma District Conference: Grace Church, Houston, TX
  • April 17-18, 2009 - Forest Lakes District Conference: Blackhawk Church, Madison, WI
Event registration information for each district conference is available at http://www.efca.org/resound.

The Eastern District Women's Ministries team is hosting Leadership Connections for Women in Ministry featuring training in leadership, disciple making, evangelism and coaching:

  • March 21, 2009 - Warrenton Bible Fellowship, Warrenton, VA
  • March 28, 2009 - First EFC, Brooklyn, NY
  • April 18, 2009 - Faith EFC, Allentown, PA
Cost is $25 and registration is available online.

The Forest Lakes District and Terrace Shores EFC is hosting "The Disciple Making Pathway" seminar for women:

  • April 25, 2009 - Terrace Shores EFC, Markesan, WI

For more information, visit http://www.efca.org/resound or call EFCA RESOUND Women's Ministries at (800) 745-2202 ext. 765.

YOUNG EFCA LEADERS

How often do you find yourself trying to explain/ redefine Jesus and Christianity to apathetic or hostile friends, colleagues, family members? How often have you shaken your head in anger, or shame, as the faith you hold dear is tainted by the less-than-Jesus-like examples of others who call themselves "Christians"?

EFCA Today would like to hear how you - and other young men and women in your churches - are redefining Christianity to a watching world. If you'd like to contribute your thoughts, please contact the editor at dianemc@journeygroup to learn more.

URBAN CHURCHES NEED YOU

Serve alongside an urban church for a week through BUMP - Bridging Urban Mission Project, the student urban missions weeks of ReachNational.  The cost is only $325 per person for a week-long urban, cross-cultural, missions experience.  Registration is open through March 16, 2009.  For more information and to register, visit http://www.efca.org/bump.

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 us today at (800) 995-8574, visit us online at http://www.christianinvestors.org/, or email admin@christianinvestors.org.

EFCA FOUNDATION

Bequests are appreciated
Please consider remembering the EFCA within your estate plans. You can accomplish this through your will, living trust, or by naming the EFCA as a beneficiary on a CD, money market account, insurance policy, or on brokerage accounts. We can provide you with various options to fulfill your ultimate desire to further the Lord's work.  For details, contact Lanny Harris at (800) 995-8578, by email at lanny.harris@efca.org, or check out the Web site at http://www.efcafoundation.org/.

EFCA EQUIP COURSES OFFERED - Repeat

Are you looking for ways to become more effective in your ministry? EFCA EQUIP collaborative, facilitated courses and book courses can help you in this endeavor. Below is a list of courses taking place in February and March. Click on the course name to register. 

February:

March:

For more information, please contact equip@efca.org. You can also view a list of all the courses offered through October '09 by visiting the online calendar.
EFCA - Multiplying Healthy Churches Among All People

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