EFCA Update for 2009-02-26

In this issue of the EFCA Update

SURVEY ON CHURCH GIVING, THE ECONOMY, AND GENEROSITY

Dr. Brian Kluth is senior pastor at First Evangelical Free Church of Colorado Springs.  He has developed a growing writing, speaking, and internet ministry encouraging Biblical generosity in the body of Christ. Dr. Kluth is conducting a nationwide/global 3 minute online survey on church giving, the economy, and generosity.  We invite your participation in this online survey. Everyone who participates will receive a free eBook of Brian's "40 Day Journey to a Generous Life" devotional.  Participants will also receive a complete report on the survey results within 10 days.

2009 EFCA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

The 125th EFCA Leadership Conference will offer a full line-up of worship, training and equipping, special events and networking. The conference theme focuses on multiplying disciples, leaders and all people as part of the EFCA mission to "glorify God by multiplying healthy churches among all people." Check out the conference web site which highlights this year's speakers, provides schedule information, and offers you an opportunity to pray for conference preparations. Information is being added daily and registration for the conference will open April 1.

HOLISTIC SHORT-TERM MISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES

LIVE0 (a ministry of ReachGlobal) is currently offering short-term mission locations, training materials and coaching for local churches as they seek to fulfill their missions mandate and mobilize church members into international missions. In addition to helping churches with fields where they have existing connections, we are offering all-inclusive location, training, and ministry opportunities experiences in Peru, Rwanda, and several locations in Asia.  For more information contact info@powerornothing.org or call (952) 767-0557.

RAISING TRULY GREAT KIDS CONFERENCE

April 24-25, 2009
Rockpoint Church in St. Paul, MN

Every parent wants to raise great kids, yet often we fall short of our dreams. Sometimes we're just too busy and distracted. Some of us had less than ideal role models. Some of us are working at it, but we just don't have a good game plan. Are you willing to invest one day in order to empower your kids... forever?

This fun, fast-paced conference delves into:

  • What it takes to raise kids in the midst of busy lives
  • Practical ways to take the fear out and put the fun back into parenting
  • Preparing your child's heart to receive God's plan
  • Turning heartache to hope with your rebellious child
  • How to bring out the best in your strong-willed child
  • Creating an environment of love and respect
  • Giving your child tools to practically deal with their culture
  • How to lead your child to be a great adult

Pastoral staff may attend the conference at no cost; otherwise the registration fee is $34. The conference web site has information about:  the event, speaker biography, a short video and registration information. You can register online or call (800) 467-4596. 

GLOBALFINGERPRINTS VBS PROJECT

GlobalFingerprints is an orphan sponsorship program for Congolese children. Fifteen percent of the children in Congo are orphans mostly due to AIDS. Through GlobalFingerprints, these orphans will be able to attend school, have medical care, and be placed in the home of a Christian family from a local EFC of Congo.

The 2009 ReachGlobal VBS giving opportunity is to raise funds to provide shoes for children in Congo who are a part of GlobalFingerprints. Through the "Shoe Me" project, we are hoping to raise $25,000 to buy 2,500 pairs of shoes for these children. For most children, walking is their only mode of transportation, and if they have shoes at all, they often are nothing more than worn-down flip flops.

You can help. To learn more, visit the GlobalFingerprints VBS project page, download the informational letter, or contact globalfingerprints@efca.org.

FREE VBS PREVIEW DVD

Get excited for the 2009 VBS season with this free Preview DVD available exclusively from NextStep Resources. This summer you can take your kids to an adventure camp, on a trip to the bayou or to ancient Rome, explore a tropical forest or an amazing canyon, star on a game show or go on a safari. This DVD will get you started! Get yours today.

HISPANIC MINISTRIES

The Hispanic Ministries Leadership Team is excited to announce that Jenny Hwang, director for Advocacy and Policy Refugee and Immigration Program for World Relief will speak at the ReachNational Urban & Intercultural Ministries luncheon on June 25 at the EFCA Leadership Conference. She co-authored the book Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate with Matthew Soerens. Each family unit attending the luncheon will receive a copy of her book.

Additonaly, Dr. Don Davis creator of TUMI (The Urban Ministry Institute-World Impact) will speak at the Hispanic Dinner/GATEWAY, also on June 25 at the Leadership Conference. His topic will be "Multiplying Tomorrows Leaders with Knowledge, Compassion and Justice."

For information about other Hispanic Ministries events and training happening at the Leadership Conference check out the conference web site or email hispanicministries@efca.org.

NEW FROM LEADERSHIP NETWORK

Missional Renaissance - Changing the Scorecard for the Church
By Reggie McNeal
Reggie McNeal's bestseller The Present Future is the definitive work on the "missional movement."  He asked churches the tough questions about who they are and what they are doing. In Missional Renaissance, he shows churches three significant shifts in thinking and behavior that allow leaders to chart a course toward being missional.

 

EFCA GATEWAY THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE

President Bill Hamel signed and awarded several Hispanic GATEWAY students their completion certificates for year 1 GATEWAY training at a meeting of the Hispanic Leadership Team on February 18, 2009.  Those students are also enrolled in Phase 2, GATEWAY/TUMI (The Urban Ministry Institute-World Impact) in order to continue their theological education and move toward ordination.  Phase 2 GATEWAY/TUMI sites include: EFCA Great Lakes District - Chicago, Eastern District Association - Allentown/Lebanon, PA , and  EFCA West - El Paso. If you or someone you know is interested in GATEWAY training, or if your church would like to host GATEWAY training email gateway@efca.org to learn more.

CHRISTIAN INVESTORS FOUNDATION

Did you know that you can save for your retirement and help EFCA churches and ministries grow?  By investing through an IRA with Christian Investors, your retirement savings grow for you while helping build EFCA churches.  We can help you roll over existing qualified retirement funds or establish a new IRA.  For assistance or more information, call us at (800) 995-8574 or visit our website 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 2 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 MATURI TY. THE INVESTMENT CERTIFICATES ARE NOT FDIC INSURED.

MIDWINTER MINISTERIAL RESOURCES 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."  Rev. Bill Jones, senior pastor of First EFC of St. Louis County writes "Thank you for getting the info from the Midwinter on the website. I forwarded copies of the speaker notes to our leadership staff because I thought they were very helpful and insightful." Check out these great resources today.

IMPACT AN URBAN COMMUNITY THIS SUMMER

EFCA Urban churches need you to minister alongside them as they reach out to their neighborhoods this summer. BUMP – Bridging Urban Mission Project – has openings for you and your students to energize an urban church and their neighborhood. Churches that still need your help are in Baltimore, the Twin Cities, Washington, DC, Chicago, and Lebanon, PA. Find out more at http://www.efca.org/bump.

EFCA FOUNDATION

Attractive annuity rates now available
With low rates for CDs, many people find the higher current gift annuity rates quite attractive.  This is a great way to increase income, save taxes, meet personal goals, and honor the Lord's work.  And, since gift annuities can be set up for any level above $5,000, this option is viable for many people with a heart to support the Lord's work through gift planning.  Information provided on a confidential, no obligation basis. Contact Lanny Harris at (800)995-8578 or email Lanny.Harris@efca.org. For additional resources, check out http://www.efcafoundation.org/.

EFCA - Multiplying Healthy Churches Among All People

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