EFCA Update for 2009-06-24

In this issue of the EFCA Update

EFCA SAMARITAN WAY

As of April 2009, the leadership of (w)holistic ministry in the U.S. is being carried out by Alvin Sanders through EFCA Samaritan Way. A new focus of EFCA Samaritan Way is connecting ministries working among the poor: urban, rural, Indian reservations, etc. Please email samaritanway@efca.org with contact information about your ministry or ministries in your district meeting this need. The goal of these connections is to build an understanding of EFCA ministries that are in the midst of meaningful and effective ministry to the poor.

NEXTSTEP RESOURCES SUNDAY SCHOOL SAMPLER CD-ROM

Samples of 17 Different Sunday School Curricula
With so many curriculum options available, it is hard to know which one is right for your ministry. NextStep Resources can help. This free CD-ROM is full of samples & information about the most popular curriculums available. This CD is interactive & easy to use. Visit www.nsresources.com or call (800) 444-2665, to order your free sampler today!

COACHING FOR FRUITFULNESS

Coaching is a powerful tool God has given us to ensure effectiveness in ministry. If your ministry includes actively developing leadership in those with whom you work, this course is a worthwhile endeavor. The topics covered in this four-week course are: Why is Coaching Important? The Three Spheres of Coaching; The Skills Important to Coaching; and The 5-R Coaching Process. The next section of the course begins August 10. If you are interested in participating in the course, please contact equip@efca.org.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Have you taken a learning sabbatical?
EFCA Today wants to hear from pastors who have taken a learning sabbatical - an opportunity to get away from the dailyness of ministry and immerse yourself in a growth experience to further stimulate your faith and your continued ministry. We're especially interested if you have been to Israel to do so. Contact the editor at dianemc@journeygroup.com.

Are you influencing future leaders?
The winter 2009 issue of EFCA Today will feature articles on the theme of "influencing future leaders." Tell us your leadership stories. Whose invaluable input helped you get to where you are today as a leader in an EFCA church? What mistakes did that individual help you avoid, and how are you "paying it forward" to future generations? What are you, as a younger leader, looking for in a mentor? E-mail your ideas to the editor before July 9: dianemc@journeygroup.com.

BEYOND RACIAL RECONCILIATION

Reconciliation 101: A Handbook for Ministry Leaders by Alvin Sanders
Significant assumptions underlie attempts at reconciliation in the Christian world today. Ultimately these assumptions hinder rather than help reconciliation efforts, and unless we reshape the way we think and act, we will not take significant steps forward in a globalized world. Written for those who are trying to lead their ministry with reconciliation in mind, Reconciliation 101 offers practical principles to handle real-life problems. In this handbook, Alvin Sanders outlines an original model for managing the dynamics of difference within your Christian organization. 
Order it today from NextStep Resources.

YOUR MINISTRY ON FACEBOOK

Beginning June 13, 2009, users of the Facebook Web site will be allowed to create personalized URLs for their Facebook pages (e.g., http://www.facebook.com/username). Ministries and churches interested in having a personalized user name, can do so at http://www.facebook.com/help.php?topic=username.

CHRISTIAN INVESTORS FOUNDATION

Is your church looking to expand?  Do you have questions about whether now is the time to take on an expansion?  Are you weighing the decision of debt versus capital campaign?  Are you wondering if you are asking all the important questions? 
 
Christian Investors Foundation and Ministry Campaign Services want to help you prepare for the next chapter in your ministry's story. We want to partner with your ministry to expand it and help you make the best stewardship decisions for your ministry circumstances. CIF is celebrating 50 years of ministry within the EFCA.  We're always available at (800) 995 - 8574 or http://www.christianinvestors.org.

EFCA FOUNDATION

What footprints will you leave behind? Everyone leaves footprints. They are made by the positive impressions our lives have on others. Thoughtful estate planning and making a will are means that we have to make a print, to help others recall our values and Christian witness.
 
One way to leave a thoughtful footprint is to sign a new or updated will.  We can provide you with "A Guide to Wills and Trusts" to help you protect your estate and family.  Call (800) 995-8578 or email lanny.harris@efca.org  with "wills kit" as your subject.  We will promptly send you a helpful kit on a no-obligation basis.  For help understanding wills and estate planning, view the 12 "Wills Guide" videos.

GUARDING THE LEADERSHIP GATE TELE-SEMINAR (Repeat)

Gain insight into selecting and equipping the right people for your church board by joining Tim Addington, EFCA senior vice-president, and Cathie Leimbach, consulting partner at Strive!, for a tele-seminar on Thursday, July 2, at 8:00 pm (eastern time).  This tele-seminar will address recruiting, vetting, and training church and para-church board members to build high impact boards that can lead their organizations with excellence. Register online for this great opportunity.
EFCA - Multiplying Healthy Churches Among All People

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