Connect Newsletter
April 2024
Dear friend,
Happy (belated) Easter! The celebration of Christ’s resurrection reminds us of the purpose behind our programs, initiatives, trainings, and outreaches. The new life that Jesus Christ offers to us – freely and lavishly – is a gift that we want to share with our towns, regions, and the world.
This is the essence of the Gospel.
The articles below highlight just a few ways BIC people around the globe are sharing the gift:
- Church leaders in Malawi are using motorcycles to reach remote village churches
- The BIC Foundation is financing ministries that serve the most vulnerable
- BIC leadership is investing deeply in thriving discipleship
As you read, give thanks to God for his guidance in all these things and pray that he will inspire more people to share the gift in their spheres of influence.
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The 2023 Annual Report highlights stories of faith, courage, and compassion throughout the global BIC community. In it you will read about how BIC U.S. is helping congregations thrive, how two pastors in Virginia are subverting cultural expectations, how God led missionaries to take steps of risky faith, and how four national BIC conferences came together amid catastrophe. You will also find compelling statistical reporting that offers a snapshot of the work in the U.S. and around the globe. | |
Motorcycles for Ministry in Malawi | | |
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Motorcycles present an affordable, efficient, and reliable transportation option for regional leaders in Malawi who traverse rough roads to visit and support rural BIC congregations. We aim to purchase seven new motorcycles to support pastors and strengthen churches. | |
General Assembly Speakers Announced
We are thrilled to announce our lineup of speakers for General Assembly 2024. Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, will present the keynote address on Saturday, July 13. Jay Moon, Tracie Hunter, Jose Rodriguez, and Alan Robinson will also examine what it means to be discipled by Christ as we are formed to follow in his footsteps. Read speaker bios»
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Nursery, Children's and Youth Programs
“I encourage you to bring your family,” says Great Lakes Bishop Lynn Thrush, speaking about General Assembly. “I know many stories of young people who have come to General Assembly and have found it very meaningful; it’s been out-of-proportion influential in their lives.” Learn more about the three women who will lead the nursery, children’s, and youth ministry programming»
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Investing in Hope and Redemption
Invest with the BIC Foundation where your funds grow and substantially support BIC congregations and ministries.
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New Mexico has the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in the country and ranks in the top-ten states for drug overdose deaths. In the face of this pain and suffering, the Navajo BIC Overcomers program helps men in the throes of addiction not only recover but also find everlasting hope in Christ.
Overcomers recently obtained a loan from the BIC Foundation (BICF) to buy Hope and Redemption Ranch in Kirtland, NM. This ranch will serve as a rehabilitation center where men in recovery receive education, employment opportunities, Christian guidance, and training in agriculture, livestock, and automotive services.
"We anticipate closing up to $7 million in loans for churches and ministries like Overcomers in 2024," says Jim Reynolds, BICF executive director. BICF funds these loans through individual and congregational investors. To continue meeting loan demands and supporting growing BIC ministries, significant investment growth is essential.
BICF investors receive industry-competitive rates on diverse options like demand and term certificates, IRA notes, health savings accounts, and retirement accounts. Starting at just $25, your investment is vital in fostering the growth and impact of BIC ministries, aligning your financial growth with your personal values.
For more information, please visit our website or contact Sean Kleckner, BICF account officer.
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Risky Faith
In conjunction with the 2023 Annual Report, we published four articles diving into the stories of women and men who took risky steps of faith over decades as they followed the Lord across cultures.
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Lent is Still Open
“You can still join a season marked with spiritual significance if you start a little ‘late.’” The Lenten season came early this year, and many may feel like it came and went without observance. In this article – published in mid-February - Pastor Ryan Cobb invited us to give up fear and take up sweetness this Lenten season. Lent may have passed, but the spiritual postures offered in the article can be embraced any time of year. Read on»
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Resource Corner: Upcoming Webinars | | |
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Using Images as Story - How to Use Video and Photo to Improve your Communication
May 15, 1 PM EST
When you hear the phrase, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” what comes to mind? Does that ring true? Behind a powerful image is a story that could strengthen the message that you want to tell. In this webinar, photographer and film maker Michael Bowlin will give you practical tips to improve your video technique, how to use images effectively, and budget-friendly ways to utilize media within your setting. Register now»
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Cultivating a Psychologically Safe Ministry Culture - Beyond Harassment Prevention
June 19, 1 PM EST
When it comes to harassment prevention, leadership in ministry must set its sights much higher than merely avoiding misconduct, noncompliance, and lawsuits. Corporate business leaders are embracing a new approach to harassment prevention known as Psychological Safety, the core tenants of which are founded and supported by Scripture. The Church should be at the forefront of implementing these principles within our congregations and ministries.
In this webinar, human resources administrator Peter Guinther will teach how to embrace Psychological Safety and create an environment of respect, inclusion, learning, growth, contribution, and rewarded vulnerability. Register now»
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Congregations Join Program Assessing Church Health and Community Engagement
Twenty-one congregations will make up Cohort A of the Thriving Congregations Initiative. Over the next three years, teams from these congregations will explore their place and mission amid rapid social and cultural changes by focusing on identity, church health, and community connection. See the list of congregations»
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The Least of These
How can we demonstrate Jesus’ love to those he calls “the least of these” in all arenas of our lives? The latest edition of Shalom! dives into this question by examining Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25. Writers from across the BIC explore the parable’s implications for individuals, congregations, and public policy. Read magazine»
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“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
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