Coronavirus Updates & Stories

After receiving widespread criticism, Arizona megachurch Dream City Church and the maker of an air-filtration system the church is using both walked back claims about preventing the spread of Covid-19.

The issue of COVID-19 has not been solved. In fact, several states are now reporting more cases of Coronavirus than ever before. Just when you thought it was safe for groups to meet in person, the pandemic seems to be flaring up again in many places.

I had ten fresh thoughts on how virtual worship leaders can lead well in this season when there aren’t really “worship services” to lead.

Among the 1,000 mothers and fathers, grandparents, mentors, inventors, accomplished artists, and more honored in Memorial weekend's New York Times front page obituary were these men: church leaders who have died from Covid-19 in the last few months.

Of course, this global lockdown affects us all differently. We live under widely varying regulations in different countries or even in different counties within the same country. But there are some things you can pray for your pastor—regardless of his circumstance.

Pastor Franklin Ndifor from Douala, Cameroon, died less than a week after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The pastor had been praying for and laying hands on followers who were sick, some with the coronavirus.

“I would never with knowledge put anyone in [harm’s] way,” Pastor Jacobsen writes. “I am fully aware that some people may not understand that it is essential for our church to be together in community.”

As you pursue reopening your church, we desire to help your church navigate into this “new normal” in a manner that will strengthen your ministry impact. This Essential Guide to Reopening Your Church Post-COVID-19 provides resources to help you prayerfully do just that.