I hesitate to write this for fear of being misunderstood, and it is not in any official capacity that the following is offered. I am writing this simply as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ and seeking nothing more than to be faithful to the Word of God and devoted to the gospel of […]
Counterpoint: Should Accept Emergency Payroll Assistance
The question of the day is whether or not churches and Christian non-profits should accept the emergency payroll assistance from the Federal Government as a result of the challenges faced by the coronavirus. Many organizations have seen significant reductions in giving and income, and are contemplating reducing the payroll and/or laying off employees. The CARES […]
Point: Applying for Government Aid Poses Risks
The extraordinary impact of the coronavirus on Americans and our economy is unprecedented. To mitigate the spread of the virus, virtually the entire country has been in a lockdown. Churches and businesses have closed temporarily. The economic fallout from the lockdown may have a greater and more lasting impact on lives of working Americans than […]
How to Manage Social Distancing Fatigue
The coronavirus has propelled our world overnight into patterns that are not normal. Many of us had never heard the term “social distancing” until health professionals recommended that this is the solution toward “flattening the curve” of new coronavirus infections. The initial rush to stock up on toilet tissue, sanitizing wipes and groceries was unprecedented. […]
Calm in the Chaos — A Weekly Call
We’re being inundated with COVID-19 updates daily. As numbers of confirmed cases and the loss of life continue to grow, hard-working people are losing their jobs, and churches are navigating new ways to minister to their members and reach their communities with the Gospel. There seems to be one word that describes it all — […]
10 Keys to Pastoring Through a Pandemic
Many of you reading this haven’t gathered with your local church recently. This will probably be the new normal for at least a few more weeks. Every aspect of life is different today, and that’s certainly true of churches. But, remember, the church is not where you go, it’s who you are. As you consider […]
Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis with Grace
We’re tired of the non-stop news and reports related to the COVID-19 virus. Yet here we are. And here we sit in front of our TVs because the news seems to change every 15 minutes. We’re tired of the news, yet we can’t walk away. Life has changed — and life will continue to change. […]
Is a Foster Church Movement Emerging Among Baptists?
Fostering and adoption are typically words connected to families and individuals. But now the movements are connected to congregations as well. It is an exciting time. Let’s get my meanings clear so we can be on the same page. Here are three definitions I often use together: Revitalization is the process where a church seeks […]
An Open Letter to S.C. Baptist Pastors and Leaders
In Colossians 4:3, the Apostle Paul shared a prayer request that “God would open a door for the Word.” The current coronavirus pandemic may very well be one of the greatest opportunities for Gospel witness we have had since 9/11. While opportunities abound, so do very real challenges. Local churches and denominations will not be […]
What Will the Post-Coronavirus Church Look Like?
Church leaders and members are rightly giving much attention to dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. In-person church services are being canceled. Small groups are meeting digitally, if at all. Church leaders are urging members to support the church financially through digital giving. Churches are preparing ways to minister to their communities in the midst of […]