NAFWB News

Stay up-to-date on happenings throughout the Free Will Baptist denomination with this week's NAFWB News. Read below the exciting things going on in our national ministries.

Evaluate Your Digital Presence

The Great Dechurching authors Davis and Graham revealed the top overall reason people became dechurched is that they moved. We encourage you to evaluate your digital presence and develop a gameplan. Make sure that you have a “New Here” section on your website for people considering visiting your church. Information should include your location, service times, and what to expect. This section should indicate where one would park, briefly describe services, typical attire, and childcare. A brief welcome video is also helpful.
7 Pages Your Website Should Have

New movers often look for information about a church online and on social media, so make sure you have a coordinated digital gameplan. We provide individual guidance about this during Know Your Community feedback sessions (nafwb.org/know).

Enhance Your Directory Listing

One way to improve your church's online presence is to enhance your listing in the NAFWB Church Directory. You can provide a picture of your church, your church website, and even an inviting video (90 seconds or less). Send updates to anna@nafwb.org.

Reaching International Students

Thousands of international students are in US colleges and universities, many of whom come from countries with little or no access to the gospel, and from countries where we cannot send missionaries. If your church is within a 15 minute drive of a college or university, would you complete the College Ministry Evaluation Survey?

If you indicate a continued interest, the International Student Task Force is prepared to answer questions and begin a dialogue. They will be presenting their "5 Steps on Engagement With International Students" on upcoming episodes of the Better Together Podcast.

News from Departments

Bulgarian Retreat Fully Sponsored

Last week, WNAC hosted an online fundraising campaign to sponsor 35 women to attend the Bulgarian Women's Retreat for $100 each. Within days, every woman was fully sponsored to attend. From Director Ruth McDonald: ""I am blown away by the response of our amazing women who gave for this project. Thank you for helping us in 'fulfilling our role in the Great Commission at home and abroad.'"

Continue to pray for the Bulgarian church's ministry and the upcoming retreat to be held in March.

January's WMO Prayer Focus

Partner with IM as they pray for different missionary focuses each month. For January: "Pray for missionaries as they begin new ministry initiatives this year. Pray for clear direction as they use creative methods to reach out to people who need the Savior."

Download the full 2024 WMO Prayer Calendar

CELF Announces New Investment Tiers

For the first time in the fund's history, Church Extension Loan Fund (CELF) is introducing two new investment tiers for our members. As of January 1, 2024, investments totaling $500,000 or more will receive a return rate of 5.25% and investments of $1 million or more will receive a return rate of 5.5%. 

Current investors are welcome to add to their accounts at any time, and we are accepting new investments as well. Please be aware that CELF may not be available in every state. Contact FWBNAM for more information or to open a new CELF account. 

Current Investment Rates as of January 1, 2024: 

3.5% for $500 – $24,999
4% for $25,000 – $49,999
4.5% for $50,000 – $99,999
5% for $100,000 - $499,999
5.25% for $500,000 - $999,999
5.5% for $1 million and up

Campus Visit Opportunities

With the recent Welcome Days activities canceled due to severe winter weather, Welch is offering other opportunies for prospective students to visit campus. High school students are encouraged to attend Junior-Senior Days on April 18–19 or to arrange a personalized visit to campus for students and their parents. For more information on visiting or attending Welch, email gotowelch@welch.edu.

2024 Important Tax Dates

The Board of Retirement has compiled a list of important tax dates for 2024. Mark your calendars with these dates now so you don't have to worry about missing a deadline!

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