Iowa Baptist Conference
eNewsletter |
|
|
|
Dear Friends,
This eNewsletter comes to you from the
district office of the Iowa Baptist
Conference... keeping pastors and
leaders informed of activities across
the state... and opportunities and
resources available through the IBC &
Converge Worldwide (BGC).
|
|
TRANSITION TEAM UPDATE
|
|
...by
Sue Shaw, IBC Administrator
The MN-IA Transition Team (TT) consists
of a group of Staff and Board members
from both Minnesota and Iowa... working
together to identify and address the
ministry and administrative issues
related to the integration of MBC & IBC,
(pending approval of the proposed
merger.)
At our last meeting, we reviewed
documents developed by both district
Boards... and identified the following
areas of focus: 
- Financial Integration
- Board Structure &
Redistricting
- Branding Name
- Vision &
Mission
- Staffing Model
- Communication
- LEAD Teams
- Church Planting
- Pine Lake Property
- Pine Lake Integration
- Breakaway
- Women's Ministries
|
|
|
 Jon
Wicklund, Director of Trout Lake Camps, was the
initial, (and very capable and strategic!),
facilitator of the transition process. Given
the necessity, however, for Jon to now devote
his time to Trout Lake Camps, he requested to
step back from the lead role, and Sue Shaw is
now serving as the "TT Facilitator" and "driver"
of the continuing transition process.
The identified areas of focus were assigned
to TT members, as well as additional staff
members and other leaders. A time-line has
been developed... requiring most tasks to be
completed by July/August... in order to have
the Plan of Merger in the hands of the
District Churches by early September... 60
days prior to the November meetings.
Attorney, Paul Floyd, has completed the
legal documents, which will be voted on by
both Boards at their June (MBC) and July
(IBC) meetings.
YES... we ARE continuing to
move forward... although it may appear to be
at a snail's pace! :)
In the MEANTIME...
While we're waiting for the process to play
itself out, I thought it would be fun to
take another look at MBC and its various
ministry opportunities... especially for
those of you who missed the "Converge Cafe"
meetings, (which includes the entire
Northwest LEAD Team Region--the Humboldt
gathering having been cancelled due to an
April blizzard !)
So... over the next few months, I
will "highlight" a number of MBC's
ministries... and for more detailed
information you can check out their
website at:
www.mbcworld.org
|
|
TOP SIX
REASONS to MERGE |
|
...by
Dan Carlson, District Executive Minister, 
Minnesota Baptist
Conference (MBC)
Let's start by looking at Dan Carlson's top
six reasons to merge. (Taken from "Relate",
May 2009)
A merger provides opportunities to:
-
Build the Kingdom of God and serve in a
whole new way!
-
Stretch and strengthen existing ministries!
-
Join in planting more new churches!
-
Broaden our camping ministry reach!
-
Learn new ways of doing ministry... choosing
from the best strategies!
-
Consolidate resources!
|
|
ABOUT THE MBC
|
|
|
Who
are These Neighbors to the North???
(Taken from the MBC
Website.)
 The
Minnesota Baptist Conference is a dynamic
network of over 180 churches. Our immigrant
Swedish roots give us a foundation of nearly 150
years of ministry in the Midwest. Yet our
evangelical passion, biblical theology and
contemporary worship styles have made our
churches an attractive option for families
looking for something solid, yet something
exciting.
The Minnesota Baptist Conference, according
to a recent survey, was the fastest growing
religious group in the state of Minnesota,
increasing in total worship attendees by
45.8% in the decade of the 90's.
Our outreach is to those who have no church
home. Many in Minnesota are disillusioned with
religion. They have felt the sting of legalism
with its impossible demands. Some have seen
hypocrisy. Others have had no religious
background and therefore see Christianity as
irrelevant. The missing element has been healthy
relationships with mature believers in Jesus.
The character and values of the Minnesota
Baptist Conference may best be understood
by:
-
Our churches are multi-generation but are
growing through their attractiveness to
young families.
-
Our theology is biblically conservative but
without edginess and suspiciousness of
fundamentalism.
-
We are diverse in the distinctive
expressions of God's work in our world, with
congregations that are teaching-centered,
grace-based, spirit-filled, seeker
sensitive, purpose driven and those that are
oriented to justice and reconciliation.
(Doesn't this sound like a GREAT team to partner
with?) |
|
MBC OPPORTUNITIES for KIDS |
|
 ...Kids
in Country
is a program of the
Minnesota Baptist Conference (MBC), created to
provide inner-city children aged 8-12 years with a
week-long summer adventure in the country.
Host families are volunteers who live on farms,
in the country or have a lake cabin. Inner-city
children are chosen, screened and enrolled by
urban MBC representatives as well as
professionals from other Twin Cities-area
organizations.
In 2000, the program piloted with 10 children
out on "Friendly Farm/Country" homes. The
program has been growing every year. The summer
of 2008 had 75 children in the program. The
children said they appreciate the attention they
receive from the family they stayed with on this
adventure in the country. This program will be
starting its ninth year in the summer of 2009.
(Can't you
see Iowans volunteering to participate in
this ministry?)
 ...Trout
Lake Camps
is all about engaging children, youth and adults
with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ by
creating unique temporary communities and learning
experiences for every guest and camper.
Our programs and facilities vary from being
high octane where FUN is mandatory... to
serene and remote where one can be still and
soak in God's creation.
First and foremost, Trout Lake is a God-centered
camp. Sharing the love of God is our focus, our
purpose and our entire reason for being here.
Since 1947 more than 200,000 children, youth and
adults have had the time of their lives at Trout
Lake Camps. In those years 25,000 people have
made a significant spiritual decision at Trout,
making this a meeting place with God.
For more information visit
http://www.troutlakecamps.org
(Did you notice the like-minded
ministry values of Trout Lake & Pine Lake?)
|
|
MBC OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULTS |
|
Choose to spend time with men from your church,
friends from around the state, or alone with
God. There is a space for you to do what you
need in this "Meeting Place with God."
Picture yourself as one of 500 men gathering
together in northern Minnesota at Trout Lake to
worship, play and be renewed. That's what Men's
Retreat is all about. It's designed to provide a
variety of experiences to a wide range of men.
The Saturday steak fry is an important part
of Men's Retreat and it is always a
highlight. Grill your own steak to
perfection and be the envy of every guy who
burns his to a crisp. Come prepared for
tasty home cooked food and plenty of it.
(Another "like-minded" activity...
must be a "guy" thing!)
Set aside time to reflect and to set your heart
free. You will come away from your usual routine
to hear the voice of God in a fresh way. This
year we will focus on releasing the stresses
that can weigh you down which will enable you to
open your heart for God. It
is with hearts full of God that we are able to
fulfill His purposes in our lives. So, for one
of the best weekends of your fall, come to
women's retreat and reflect, be refreshed and
relax with friends.
(Did you notice??? The MBC Men's & Women's
Retreats are on alternate weekends to the
IBC Men's & Women's Retreats... meaning...
you could attend BOTH!)
-
2ND HALF FOR HIM
-
In Minnesota, "2nd Half for Him" is the banner
under which three related, but distinct
ministries for adults 55 and older have
emerged:
-
ROUTE 66 is designed for
young retirees. The name suggests, as does
the song, "come and get your kicks on Route
66". It provides ministry opportunities for
boomers and beyond through service,
education and recreation.
-
PRIME TIMERS is designed to
help churches provide regular programming on
the local church level, and a few special
events on the district level for seniors who
live on their own, but have some
limitations.
-
HERITAGE is designed to
help churches provide consistent and caring
bridges to its older members who are no
longer able to attend church on a regular
basis because of health or physical
constraints.
-
Contact Person:
Fred Tuma, Coordinator of Retired Adult
Ministries for the Minnesota Baptist
Conference. 651-633-0560 or
ftuma@mbcworld.org)
(Did you notice? MBC has a
staff person devoted to this ministry!)
|
|
MEANWHILE, BACK IN IOWA.... |
|
|
Are
You Registered???
...by
Roger Sutton,
Director of Pine Lake Christian Camp
Memorial Day Weekend Family Retreat is history (and
great history it was!). Staff is arriving. Staff
training started on Sunday (May 31st). First rental
camp arrives on June 7th and our first camp is June
14th. Summer is here.
At this point we are ahead of last year's
registrations by twenty campers! That is exciting.
God has a work to do in many lives this summer. We
want to ask you one more time to ensure that every
camper and family that God would like to work in are
part of our program this summer. Will you help?
History proves that for every ten campers who
attend Pine Lake, one of them will make a first
time decision. Many other life changing events
will happen in the few weeks ahead of us. But
empty beds do not mean life change... 
Are you registered for the July 4th Family
Retreat or Pine Lake Homecoming in August?
There's still room and there's still time.
For calendar and registration info, please check
it out at:
http://www.pinelakechristiancamp.org/summercamps.html
Many hands have made getting ready for the
summer possible and are working as I speak. I'm
going to resist naming names, but if you are
someone who has worked on projects in the last
couple of months, I thank you. If you know
someone who has been here working, would you
thank them for me? There are many days when the
list is very long. God is faithful and many
friends have been faithful to bring it all
together.
Have a blessed summer. Hope we can join
together as we learn how to "Awaken The Dawn."
|
|
CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
|
 Looking
Ahead...
2009
-
June 14-19 - Juniors Camp
-
June 21-26 - Sixers Camp
-
June 21-26 -
NEW - Centershot
Archery Camp
-
June 28-July1 - Base Camp
-
July 3-5 - 4th of July Family
Retreat Weekend
-
July 5-10 - Jr High Camp
-
July 11 - IBC Board of Overseers
Meeting - Eldora
-
July 12-17 - Sr High Camp
-
August 4 - IBC Board of Overseers
Phone Conference
-
August 7-9 - PLCC Homecoming Weekend
-
September 1 - IBC Board of Overseers
Phone Conference
-
September 18-20 - IBC Men's Retreat
-
September 18-20 - MBC Women's
Retreat
-
September 25-27 - IBC Women's
Retreat
-
September 25-27 - MBC Men's Retreat
-
October 6 - IBC Board of Overseers
Phone Converence
-
October 9-11 - IBC Scrapbooking
Weekend - PLCC
-
October 17 - IBC Prayer Summit
- PLCC
-
November 3 - IBC Board of Overseers
Phone Converence
-
November 7 - IBC 2009 Annual Meeting,
Resumed - Pine Lake (10:00 am)
-
December 1 - IBC Board of Overseers
Phone Converence
2010
-
January 5 - IBC Board of Overseers
Phone Converence
-
January 15-17 - Sr High Winter
Retreat (9th-12th)
-
January 22-24 - Juniors Winter
Retreat (2nd-5th)
-
February 6 - IBC 2009 Annual Meeting,
Resumed
-
February 19-21 - Jr High Winter
Retreat (6th-8th)
|
|
MINISTRY
RESOURCES |
|
|
Following are brief summaries of
some GREAT ministry tools.
You can check out additional
resources at the IBC website in
regard to:
-
RETOOL KIT
is a BGC resource
designed to help churches become
all that God wants for them. It
is not a program... it is a
pathway... guided by a trained
Mobilization Coach who helps the
church discover and develop
healthy leaders, a biblical
community, and a clear vision
for the future.
-
 One
of the the end results is a
clearer vision for ministry,
along with a three year future
plan. Additional outcomes are
the changing of the church's
DNA, spiritual growth, (both
personally and corporately),
stronger community, and more
effective Kingdom impact.
For more information, contact
Pastor Jeff Scherer,
IBC Director of Mobilization
at: 319-290-6874 or
jeffscherer6@msn.com
-
SHALOM HOUSE is
a pastoral retreat center in New
London, WI
 -
facilitated by Pinnacle
Ministries and providing a
comfortable, safe place for rest,
refreshment and renewal for those in
ministry - based on the philosophy
that the health of our
churches, and ultimately our
communities, rests in the strength
and refreshment of our pastors.
Pinnacle Ministries
offers three levels of services...
from just "hanging out" to
professional counseling services.
Shalom House can
also be utilized for church
board and leadership retreats,
church staff training, missionaries
and their families, and pastoral
sabbaticals.
If your pastor doesn't know about
Shalom, please tell him or her about
it - better yet, send them
for a refreshing, relaxing break to
recharge their batteries for future
ministry!
For more information, go to:
www.theshalomhouse.org
-
QUIET WATERS MINISTRIES -
offers a FREE,
24 hour a day, 7 days a week,
confidential phone consulting
resource for BGC pastors and home
assignment missionaries called
CARELINE -
funded jointly by IBC & BGC
 Call
866.526.2222 to be
put in touch with a licensed doctor
or master's level counselor from
Quiet Waters Ministries
to talk about EITHER
personal OR congregational
matters.
Services are available for up to 3 hrs
of assessment and consultation via
telephone per isolated incident per
year.
All communication with the
denomination, regarding these
services is consistent with
confidentiality laws and
requirements, and with BGC's
policies and guidelines.
For more information about
Quiet Waters, go to:
www.qwaters.org
-
BGC CORNERSTONE FUND
is a ministry
of the Baptist General Conference
with a mission
 to
extend BGC ministries - by providing
loans for building/remodeling
projects within our conference
churches and ministry centers.
Our ministry is possible because of
the support of our investors, who
receive competitive rates compared
to like term investments and have
the satisfaction of knowing that
their investment is being used to
help expand ministries of the BGC.
For more information, go to:
www.bgccornerstonefund.org
-
CHRISTIAN LIBRARY
INTERNATIONAL
is a Raleigh, NC, based ministry
that distributes
 used
Christian books (fiction and
non-fiction), Christian music tapes,
Sermon tapes, CDs, DVDs, video
tapes, bible study materials, and
tracts to prisons, shelters and
international missions free of
charge.
What a
great way to "recycle" those dust
collecting books! For more
information, to to:
www.cli-nc.org
-
CHERISH CENTER
is a ministry of Shepherd's
Fold - providing housing,
counseling, nurturing, training, and
spiritual guidance to young ladies
experiencing the crisis of an
unplanned pregnancy. They have the
capacity to care for six girls at a
time for a period of 3-6 months.
And because they are supported by
individuals and churches, they have
the freedom to make Christ central
in the home and in the training.
The Executive Director, Jan
Turner, is a member of the
Milford Baptist Church
and is also their worship
director. She has seen this project
through the from the very beginnings
- property purchase, building
construction and equipping, and
staffing. In their first year of
operation they served eight girls.
Shepherd's Fold
Ministries, Inc., is a
local, interdenominational,
non-profit corporation working
to provide a home and a
hope for young mothers in
need, located in northwest
Iowa.
|
|
 IOWA
BAPTIST CONFERENCE
Magnifying God by Mobilizing &
Multiplying a Growing Family of Healthy Churches! |
|
|
