As the COVID-19 pandemic approaches the one-year mark, churches continue to grapple with when — and how — to reopen for in-person worship and other activities. Some already have reopened, albeit with restrictions such as masks and social distancing in…
Thanksgiving looks different at churches but the spirit of helping goes on
As families rethink their Thanksgiving plans amid the COVID-19 pandemic, so too have churches. In accordance with public health guidelines, many congregations have shelved plans for churchwide meals and high-touch canned food drives. For example, Melissa United Methodist Church in…
How a Baptist educator and businessman’s simple plan gave rise to the health insurance industry
As Americans debate and fret over how — or whether — they will have health insurance in the days ahead, might they once again look to Baptists for a solution? The creator of modern health insurance was a Baptist layman…
USC study finds Blacks three times more likely to be stopped by police in LA County
A new study from the University of California offers concrete data on the meaning of “systemic racism” in policing — data not surprising to two Baptists with front-row seats to issues of policing and criminal justice. The USC report analyzed police…
So you think you want to start a special needs ministry?
Huge strides have been made in the past few decades for people with disabilities, especially in the areas of building accessibility and access to education, jobs and health care. One area of opportunity remains involvement and inclusion in church. Consider:…
At this church, ‘special needs’ are nothing out of the ordinary
For many families, the most challenging aspect of going to church on Sunday morning is getting out the door: making sure everyone is dressed, fed and in the car on time and in one piece. For families who have children…
As Americans with Disabilities Act turns 30, barriers remain
When you think about marginalized communities, who do you envision? Most Americans do not think to include a key group — people with disabilities. This week marks a major milestone for this marginalized community, with the 30th anniversary of the…
Educated and eager to work, but there’s just one barrier
For as long as she can remember, Jennifer Evans of Las Cruces, N.M., has dreamed of running political campaigns. Within minutes of meeting her, you can see that she is well-suited for such a role, with an engaging personality, an…
Profane comments about Texas governor deserve scrutiny; comments on his disability do not
Helen Jerman is a professional writer and editor in Dallas, who is paralyzed from the knee down due to spina bifida and is a wheelchair user as a result. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and now works in…