This final article offers findings from a survey of seven individual Churches of Christ, including two open-ended questions.
Small Church Ministry During a Pandemic
Just like with so many other things, small churches enter into this pandemic with a unique set of strategies and difficulties.
Lay Your Head on a Stone
Finding rest from our work is a spiritual practice first introduced by God in the creation story. Even God models the ability to observe the sabbath period as an important part of our missional work in the world.
“What If?” by Randall Munroe
Okay. I get it. We are all ready for something on the lighter side. How about a book that is constantly amusing, engaging, and at the same time will actually teach you something? (Nonfiction)
Church in the Time of COVID-19: Findings from a National Survey (Part 3)
There is a lot that we can learn from this data, particularly as it relates to who might be on the fringes and more likely to not come back to church.
Live Into Hope!
Let’s use this interruption as a time to re-imagine how we pursue God’s preferred future!
The Capacity to Laugh
What happens when we lose the capacity for an emotional expression? What happens when we lose laughter over a period of time as a pattern?
“Jennifer Government” by Max Barry
What is the point of writing a novel when what is happening in the world is far more unbelievable than any act of the imagination could be? Is it even possible to write satire in a world where the news is already too kooky to be satirized? (Fiction)
Church in the Time of COVID-19: Findings From a National Survey (Part 2)
In this article, I’ll share what churches have been doing to continue ministering to their congregants.
COVID-19 and Controlling Our Responses
Our idea of control is an illusion. We have very little say in what happens around us or to us; we only have a say in how we react and respond to the challenges that we face.
When the Main Dish Is Delayed, the Party Must Go On
Have you ever been to a wedding reception and waited endlessly for the meal to be served? The bride and groom are off taking pictures. Meanwhile, stomachs are grumbling audibly.
“The Righteous Mind” by Jonathan Haidt
We may think we hold our moral decisions based on reasons, but more than likely the position came first and the reasons later. (Nonfiction)
Church in the Time of COVID-19: Findings From a National Survey (Part 1)
In this first article, we’ll focus on some of the basic demographics of who took the survey and their responses to 10 key questions about their feelings toward returning to church.
What Should Ministry Look Like During a Pandemic?
I’ve heard stories of churches and ministers figuring out how to take steps forward despite the challenges. I have also seen churches and ministries frozen, and that concerns me greatly.
Three Things Church of Christ Elders Do Well
The elders in most of our churches today are deeply devout individuals with amazing spiritual maturity.
Thinking About Church Membership
When someone says “church family,” I think of people, not congregations.
“The Secret Chord” by Geraldine Brooks
Most of us have known the story of David for so long we cannot remember what it was like to hear it the first time. This novel allows us to hear this familiar story all over again. (Fiction)
The Answer Is Not for Me to Be Less
The answer is not for your female ministers to be less; it’s for all of us to lead in such a way that only God’s name can be praised.
The Northwest Mission
What you need is to be committed to the truth of God’s word and walk alongside those who need someone steady to lean on.
“The Impeachers” by Brenda Wineapple
I don’t know what your history classes were like in high school or college, but I assure you that this is a fascinating tale, which is all the more remarkable since you already know how it comes out. (Nonfiction)