Baylor University researchers have discovered a new way to boost compassion and reduce stress by fusing mindfulness practice with hypnotherapy. An author of the five-year “mindful hypnotherapy” study conceded those terms may evoke images of exotic Eastern religions and magic…
Coronavirus complicates hurricane relief efforts by churches
If you think COVID-19 is nasty now, try riding out a natural disaster during the pandemic — or recovering from one. Faith-based disaster response officials describe nightmarish challenges imposed by the coronavirus on communities that have endured hurricanes and tornadoes…
As major employers, churches help the economy with PPP loans
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented American congregations with all manner of unprecedented decisions and dilemmas, including whether to accept government money to meet payrolls. But faced with decreased revenues, many churches have done just that — even while acknowledging the…
Q&A with John Finley on preserving Baptist history amid COVID-19
Probably one of the last things clergy and lay leaders are worried about right now is history, especially with the ever-present coronavirus looking to overstay its welcome for who knows how long. But John Finley, executive director of the Baptist…
Religious coalition opposes more coronavirus relief for private schools
A broad coalition of religious groups, including three Baptist organizations, has asked the U.S. Senate to avoid using public education dollars to help private schools in the next round of coronavirus relief legislation. The Senate GOP’s HEALS Act would provide…
Don’t expect churches to return to ‘normal’ after pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t an event churches can just ride out until everything returns to normal once the coronavirus recedes, Christian thought leaders say. The fact is, there is no “normal” to go back to, said Carol Childress, a Texas-based…
Refugee ministries adapt amid COVID and government slowdown
The ministry of welcoming immigrants and refugees has not ground to a halt during the coronavirus pandemic, but it has changed shape. “Our work hasn’t slowed down at all, even though the government is working to slow down new refugee…
Q&A with Gerry Hutchinson on chaplaincy, COVID and banjoes
Military chaplains typically deploy to combat zones with things like crucifixes, Bibles or menorahs. Gerry Hutchinson, a retired Navy captain, always took a banjo. “I played it in multiple services with the Marines in Afghanistan,” he said. “If I got…
What Now? serves up free COVID guidance for churches
“The program incorporates the unique programmatical, missional and theological orientation of individual congregations, as well as the particular needs of surrounding communities.”