What can stop the coronavirus? I’m all in for: • Wearing my mask.• Social distancing.• Washing my hands. That makes a big difference. We also need factual and accurate information to keep learning the trends, what works, what doesn’t work, and how to be smart about this crazy season we’re all in. Some say it … Continued
Even in the midst of pandemic, we church leaders have to continue providing pastoral care for our sheep. Here are some reflections on this task in these unusual days: 1. The telephone has become a greater tool of ministry. Actually calling someone and talking to someone has become a much more significant approach to ministering … Continued
A new Pew Research Center survey finds that U.S. adults overwhelmingly say houses of worship should be required to follow the same rules about social distancing and large gatherings as other organizations or businesses in their local area. About eight in 10 Americans (79%) take this position on religious exemptions from coronavirus restrictions, four times the share who think houses of […]
Digital technology plays a key role in the church, but what COVID-19 has shown is that being the church online requires more than simply streaming a worship service. If churches discontinue discipling those in their congregation and communities in exchange for virtual worship services, they are missing a key element of their biblical calling and a great opportunity for digital church community. […]
While this season has been difficult for several churches, it has also been even more difficult for some people in the community. Nowhere else is this seen more to me than by the number of churches and organizations that have partnered to serve food and supplies to those in need. Each week, we hear of … Continued
Today our neighbors are desperate for hope. And our current season of virus-induced losses and trauma and uncertainty and fear and isolation has created a ripe opportunity for we Christians to give witness to the hope that is within us. When so many people are tempted to respond to COVID and its uncertainties by tightening … Continued
The pandemic has caused the church to reexamine the way she serves the community of believers. Many pastors have felt the pain in the weeks that followed an extended period of closure due to reduced attendance, offerings, and gathering times. They have been burdened with trying to figure out the right course to chart to rebuild the church in […]
Have you ever felt like you’re on the backside of the desert or in some twisted form of an apocalyptic wasteland? Do you feel a bit isolated and irritated in your struggle with the COVID dilemma? Of course, you’re pretty sure God hasn’t abandoned you or moved out of your reach. But … You feel … Continued
One of the most exciting parts of the topsy-turvy year we have had so far in 2020 is that churches have had an opportunity to step back and evaluate the role of church capital campaigns post-COVID. Not unlike our personal lives when an unexpected challenge hits, we have had a time-out forced upon us. Usually those breaks are the times of the […]
Four essential concepts for navigating ministry in a new world today and preparing for tomorrow.
