When COVID-19 comes to your church
We are thankful for the resources and suggestions provided to pastors and churches related to steps that need to be taken to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. What we have not seen or heard much discussion about is suggestions for when someone in the church family tests positive. The sad reality is that we need to be prepared for what we hope and pray does not occur. We think there are multiple levels of response: First, we...
FIRST-PERSON: 5 practical ways you can impact your community in the midst of COVID-19
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BP)—Leaders are making tough decisions in light of COVID-19 that can have significant ramifications for large numbers of people. As committed Christ followers, we can use our influence to make a positive impact on the Kingdom during this crisis. Here are just five practical ways we can be the hands and feet of Jesus. Christ will do the miraculous in our midst if we allow Him to use us for His glory. 1. Share...
Caring for our flock during a pandemic
With the explosive expansion of the COVID-19 virus, many churches have chosen to follow governmental guidelines and halt meetings and worship services for several weeks. During times of crisis like this, many spiritual struggles could arise among our church members. For some, these spiritual struggles might be issues of guilt and shame. For many, their spiritual struggles could include despair, hopelessness, fear which seems to be...
Powerful prayers in troubling times
Prayer is an important response in times of trouble: when cancer invades your family, when your teenager is breaking your heart, when your church is full of conflict, when your marriage is empty and broken, when the economy is in turmoil, when the Coronavirus is getting close to home. It’s good to pray. And, we know that prayer is powerful. But, what are the ingredients of a powerful prayer? David, one of the greatest prayer warriors,...
FIRST-PERSON: How to preach to an empty room
I have been pastoring and preaching for 28 years, and I’ve spent more than 20 years as a preaching professor. Until very recently, I’ve never really given any thought about how to preach to an empty room. My goal has always been that the church would be as full as we can get it when it comes time to preach! But in light of the coronavirus and the reality of providing online Sunday services, I’ve been asked by a few...
FIRST-PERSON: 9 practical suggestions that may help you finance your church’s budget in these uncertain times
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)—The future before us is highly uncertain. What appeared just days ago to be a possible banner year for your church financially, may now be seen through your eyes as the pastor, as being threatened in every way. As the pastor of a local church, you need God’s wisdom in each decision you make relating to your church’s finances. Facing the possibility of being unable to meet in person in corporate...
