While many churches have become more adept producing online services during the COVID-19 crisis, the music aspect of congregational worship is still a challenge to recreate virtually.
10 pandemic takeaways, personal and pastoral
I sense our country is at a rare moment, quietly listening. The gospel message is going deeper than usual. The crucified, risen Messiah is relevant.
The vital work ahead: evangelizing the evangelicals and demythologizing the empire
We are being called to die for an economy that only works for a handful of people. The racial caste system brutalizes black and other communities of color, while dangling just enough opportunity to white people to keep the system intact and to prevent most of us from revolting.
I have a few choice words for people protesting public health directives. Then I hear that still, small voice.
As disciples of Jesus, we do not have the luxury of hating people, writing people off, dehumanizing them or wishing them ill, even when they are acting in the worst ways possible.
Churches are compelled to support practices to combat pandemic
“Through their actions, they’re not just harming people in our community, they’re harming and putting members of their own congregation at risk.”
Much has changed over the past two months. Some changes are worth holding on to.
Let’s pray that, in some ways, our world never returns to its pre-COVID-19 “normal.”
Ahmaud Arbery and a pandemic of injustice
The novel coronavirus crisis has ushered in a pandemic of injustice. A central theme in this story is that the most vulnerable among us have been the most deeply impacted by a sickness that does not discriminate.
Churches (cautiously) prepare to reopen as states lift COVID-19 restrictions
Many churches are taking a slow, methodical approach to returning to in-person worship even as some states reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 expected to complicate disaster relief efforts in busy 2020 hurricane season
“There are members of churches who are healthy and young enough to go and volunteer with the food sharing and other ministries. I think that kind of activity is taking place throughout the country.”
School voucher proponents are using the COVID-19 crisis to push for taxpayer money for religious education
Some politicians are using the pandemic-fueled economic crisis to push dangerous proposals that put our religious liberty at risk. And no, I’m not talking about applying stay-at-home orders to in-person worship services.
Churches: Take the PPP money and walk
I think a decision not to participate in the PPP program would be a mistake. If your church does take the money, see it as an invitation to do more good in your community.
Churches: 5 simple steps for a leaner, healthier post-quarantine body
Extra weight can keep the Body of Christ from living out fully the love of God. As frustrating and difficult as this time of quarantine has been, churches have been given the opportunity to shed the weight of excess programs, ministries and activities.