Coronavirus

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Guest Viewpoint: Five Lessons I Learned from a COVID-19 Spike at Our Church

In March, April and May, our church staff braced for a wave of COVID-19 cases to sweep through our church family. It never happened. In fact, for the first three months of the COVID-19 outbreak, our church family of... Continue Reading »

As COVID surges, some S.C. churches returning to online-only services

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise daily across South Carolina, several churches in harder-hit communities have decided to pause or backtrack on their reopening plans, returning to drive-in and online-only services. A recent study examining Americans’ responses to COVID-19... Continue Reading »

Are COVID-19 Restrictions Upending the First Amendment?

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and more restraints are placed on public assemblies and even church services, the question of our First Amendment rights has become a point of discussion and debate. The First Amendment simply states, “Congress shall... Continue Reading »

Where Do We Go From Here?

With the convergence of a global pandemic, struggling economy, racial tension, protests, recent Supreme Court decisions, a contentious election year, and a growing uneasiness, the question “Where do we go from here?” is on the minds and hearts of... Continue Reading »

Most churches cautiously holding services again

Churches are gathering again, but services and programs remain drastically different from the beginning of the year. At the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to previous surveys from LifeWay Research, Protestant churches across the U.S. stopped gathering in-person... Continue Reading »

Guest Viewpoint: Why Your Church Must Continue Online Ministry

A popular meme going around depicts Forrest Gump sitting on his bench in Savannah with the caption: “Just like that, all the pastors became televangelists.” It’s true. Since quarantine, the vast majority of churches have figured out some way... Continue Reading »

SCBC universities seeing significant impact on campus life

Graduation from South Carolina Baptists’ three universities looked very different this May. At Anderson University, a page on its website was developed for the commencement program, including the names, hometowns, degrees and academic honors. The page also included videos... Continue Reading »

Mask-makers finding joy, ministry in helping others stay safe

For years, Jean Talbot, a member of Mountain Springs Baptist Church in Piedmont, has been making pillows for people who are recovering from illnesses or surgeries. But now she’s using her sewing skills to make face masks for others.... Continue Reading »

SCBMA, Connie Maxwell responding to challenges of keeping senior adults, children safe

South Carolina Baptists’ two benevolent ministries, the Ministries of Aging and Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, are being diligent in making sure the vulnerable populations of elderly and children in their care stay well during the coronavirus outbreak. When SCBMA... Continue Reading »

SBC institutions make budget cutbacks in wake of COVID-19

In the wake of the COVID-19 virus and amid other declining metrics, Southern Baptist Convention institutions have enacted budget cuts for the 2020-2021 budget year. LifeWay eliminated its World Changers mission projects for this summer and closed all future... Continue Reading »

Charleston churches collaborating to bring alternative VBS to kids’ homes

With social-distancing restrictions still being implemented as COVID-19 lingers into the summer months, churches are having to explore options for holding Vacation Bible Schools. Several Charleston children’s ministers have found a unique alternative. They’re collaborating in creating a virtual... Continue Reading »

IMB temporarily relocates personnel due to COVID-19

As airlines reduced flights and countries around the world went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some International Mission Board missionaries found themselves unexpectedly back in the United States. In an email to all overseas personnel, IMB President... Continue Reading »