Free VBS Curriculum Download: "The Armor of God"

By

Daniel So

-

May 15, 2020

Free VBS Curriculum Download

Download this free VBS curriculum to share with your children’s ministry.

From Ministry-to-children.com, “Bible Boot Camp “The Armor of God” is a VBS theme based on Ephesians 6:11-18.”

This VBS package includes:

Directors manual
Activity books
Activity books for younger children
Teacher handbook
Coloring pages

Get Download Now

Resource provided by Ministry-to-children.com

Download Instructions: To download these resources, right-click on the appropriate link (e.g,. “Directors Manual” or “Activity Books”) and choose “Save As.”

4 Principles to Boost Team Morale During Stressful Times

By

Dan Reiland

-

May 15, 2020

Stress is high these days. We need to boost our team morale.

You and your team may not have experienced one major thing in particular. Still, the cumulative effect of many small and unfamiliar stresses over a sustained period of time may be very real for you.

Or you may have experienced one or two significant problems, disappointments, or setbacks that sent your stress levels through the roof.

Either way, it’s very clear that stress is high these days and that impacts the morale of your team.

Here’s a shortlist of how stress can impact the morale of your team:

Doubt reduces confidence.
Division replaces unity.
Fatigue lowers productivity.
Criticism trumps care.
Disappointment steals joy.
Distraction derails focus.
Fear robs faith..

I pray that not many from this list are true for you and your team, but it’s almost impossible to escape all of them.

One pastor said, “Everyone I listen too and many blogs I read talk about how much ministry will change when we come back and re-open our church doors. I can’t figure out what exactly will change, and when I ask, the answer is something like, ‘Well, no one really knows for sure, but it’s going to change.’”

That would stress any leader, and as the leader goes, so goes the team!

4 practical principles you can do to alleviate stress and boost team morale.

Boost Team Morale #1) Communication helps reduce insecurity.

In this case, I’m not referring to insecurity as in an insecure person or insecure leader, but the kind of insecure moment that can get to anyone.

An insecure moment is something that shakes up or removes internal stability as the result of an unexpected change or problem.

Good communication helps reduce the insecure moments your team may have.

Good communication is all about being first in their shoes.

About seven weeks ago, when COVID hit the headlines, I sent an email to our staff about how we were handling working at home and working at the office. I thought it was perfectly clear. It wasn’t.

I tried a second email, discussing the options of how to transition to working at home. I was sure I did a good job. I didn’t. There were still questions.

My mistake is that I was communicating from my perspective, from the way I think. That’s OK, but not if I don’t first understand what the team is thinking by putting myself in their shoes.

That concept alone can make the difference of putting your team at ease or increasing anxiety in times of stress.

In times of stress and change, your best communication will be clear, frequent, and as accurate as possible.

When things change rapidly, you can’t worry about your message being perfect, and it’s going to change. Your job is to make it clear and accurate in the moment. That requires doing your homework, even if you don’t have much time.

A good rule of thumb for communication during a crisis, keep your team updated with:

What’s happening now
What decisions have been made
What’s next
What is expected

Boost Team Morale #2) Honesty promotes trust.

All lasting relationships are built through trust.

The greater the trust, the higher the morale.

When your team is going through challenging times, trust is all the more important. Trust is the glue that holds us together in all forms of relationships.

Stress will strain and test the trust inherent in good relationships. Sustained stress can temporarily stretch trust thin because emotions run high.

The transparency connected to honesty sustains trust in even the most challenging times.

You don’t always need to deliver good news. That’s unrealistic, and your team can handle difficult stuff. They want to be part of the solution. The only way to truly be in it together is actually to be in it together.

For example, if your church is struggling under financial pressure and setbacks, let your team know. Don’t keep them in the dark. That doesn’t mean you are dumping the problem on them; it means you are keeping them informed with the current and honest reality.

Let’s take a one on one example, if someone is upset with me, I prefer they tell me. I can work with that, but if I don’t know, I’m not able to lead well. The same is true for you. Healthy relationships require honesty in both directions.

The principle of honesty promotes trust is simple to understand but can be compromised with increased conflict from stress. That takes us to the next point.

Boost Team Morale #3) Grace heals conflict.

It’s impossible to endure elevated levels of stress and not experience conflict. Even if only half your team are really feeling the stress, it’s going to affect your whole team.

Don’t make the fact that you’re experiencing conflict your focus; instead, pour your energy into resolving the conflict.

The first step is to own it.

Acknowledge that it’s happening, but don’t add drama to it.

Instead, start and maintain healthy conversations.

A healthy conversation will first separate the issue from the person. Don’t attack a person, solve the problem.

Above all, give generous amounts of grace during these stressful times. That means give the benefit of the doubt, listen before you speak and remember you are on the same team.

Next, determine what is actually a problem to solve or merely a disagreement of opinion. It’s perfectly normal for leaders to disagree. But remember, never let disagreements escalate to the point where they break down your relationships or slow down your mission.

For example, one church team is currently in disagreement about when to re-open the doors of their church.

That kind of disagreement is normal, but they can’t let it divide them.

Speed and unity constitute your edge in any crisis season, so determine to resolve the conflict quickly for the sake of your mission.

Boost Team Morale #4) Alignment increases unity.

Team alignment is essential for any healthy and productive team.

The interesting thing is how alignment is perceived from church to church.

When the team is healthy, alignment is perceived as something positive. “We’re in this together.”
When the team is unhealthy, alignment is perceived as something negative. “We’re being told what to do.”

That is a large generalization for sure, but the concept is accurate.

“We’re being told what to do” is not a statement of unity.That statement represents an “us and them.”

That is a big step toward division.

Alignment and team are best thought of as synonymous. The very nature of team is “together,” it is of one mind, purpose, and spirit.

Unity is central to all successful teams, and the stronger the unity, the higher the morale.

This is a tough season we’re all in…

I encourage you and your team to:

Communicate quickly and accurately.
Double down on honesty.
Focus on the big rocks and let the little stuff go. (Lots of grace.)
Fight for unity.

This article about how to boost team morale originally appeared here.

Free Kids Lesson Package: “Kids of the Bible”

By

Daniel So

-

May 15, 2020

Free Kids Lesson Package

From CMD, “Sometimes we think that we have to be a grown up to find our purpose. But kids will learn that God has a plan for their lives right now.”

This lesson package includes:

Make It Stick! Parent Sheet
Memory Verse
Skit
Object Lesson or Kids Sermon
Large Group Lesson
Small Group Discussion
Large Group Game
Take Home Activity

Get Download Now

Resource provided by Children’s Ministry Deals

Download Instructions: Follow the on-screen directions at the download site.

Vice President Pence Asks Americans to Pray that God Will ‘Heal This Land’

By

Christine Yount Jones

-

May 14, 2020

heal this land — Screengrab Youtube @Tâm Nguyễn Minh

By ChristianNewsNow Contributor

Vice President Mike Pence’s comments in the White House Rose Garden on the National Day of Prayer reveal his deep faith in prayer that’s rooted in Scripture.

After his initial greetings, Pence said, “You know, for our family, prayer has always been an important part of our lives, just as it has for millions of Americans. Karen and I will both attest that the sweetest words that we ever hear are when people will take a moment, walk up, and say, ‘I’m praying for you.’ And you know they mean it from their hearts and we hear it all of the time. We can attest firsthand, America is a nation of prayer.

“The American people have long believed in the power of prayer, that the effective and fervent prayer of a righteous person availeth much [James 5:16], and that in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, we’re to present our request to God with the promise that the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.” [Philippians 4:6-7]

After a brief history of prayer in the United States, the Vice President continued, “In these times of heartache for tens of thousands of American families and hardship for tens of millions, now more than ever it’s important that we take time to pause and to pray for America.”

He then continued, “We’ve seen people of every creed in this country, in every city and every state, step forward to put feet on their faith with countless acts of kindness and generosity to those in need. The Bible says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.” [Lamentations 3:22] And neither have the compassions or the generosity of the American people failed in this hour.

Vice President Pence presented a call to prayer for four different groups of people.

Victims of the Coronavirus–“On this National Day of Prayer, pray for the families who’ve lost loved ones. And pray for those, who at this very hour, are struggling with the severest consequences of the coronavirus.”
Frontline Caregivers–”Pray for our doctors and nurses and healthcare workers who have cared for our families as if they were their own, and have not just provided the healthcare that any one of us would want for a loved one, but in so many cases, our doctors and nurses, and healthcare workers have literally taken the place of family and loved ones for patients enduring the isolation of the coronavirus.”
First Responders–”Pray for the police, firefighters, and first responders who, without regard to their personal safety, have rendered care and sped those impacted by this dread virus to healing hands. And as we gather today and remember these families and these heroes, and all of those who have labored every day to protect our nation during these challenging times.
Those in the Armed Forces–”Let’s also remember to pray for all of the men and women who defend this nation in good times and bad, who wear the uniform of the United States, who are standing a post at this hour in far-flung places around the world, who are deploying as we speak to defend this great nation. Let’s remember them as well.”

Pence then referenced 2 Chronicles 7:14 in closing: “And on this National Day of Prayer, as we pray for the American people, for every American of every creed, let’s do so with faith in those ancient words that Americans have clung to throughout our history: That if His people who are called by His name will humble themselves and pray, let’s know that He’ll do like He’s always done throughout every challenging hour in the history of this nation. He’ll hear from Heaven, and He’ll heal this land.”

This article originally appeared here.

This Is Why Choirs Might Need to Stay Silent for a While

By

Stephanie Martin

-

May 14, 2020

Based on an extensive study of a COVID-19 outbreak in a chorale in Washington state, churches that reopen should use caution when it comes to choirs and even congregational singing. This week the CDC issued a report about disease transmission among the Skagit Valley Chorale, which held two-and-a-half-hour rehearsals in Mount Vernon on March 3 and March 10. An alarming 87 percent of members later became sick, and two died.

On March 10, no cases of the novel coronavirus had yet been reported in Skagit County, about an hour from Seattle, and area schools, churches, restaurants, and other venues were still open. Local health officials issued the first social distancing recommendations—limiting groups to 250 people—on March 10, but officials say “widespread community knowledge” of the guidelines hadn’t yet occurred.

Practice Provided ‘several opportunities’ to Spread Germs

Only 61 of the chorale’s 122 members attended the March 10 practice, but 53 became ill, including the two fatalities. Thirty-three members had positive COVID-19 tests, and the other 20 were presumed to be infected. The singers’ median age was 69, and only one-third reported having underlying health conditions.

Singers don’t recall anyone sneezing or coughing, though one person later reported having cold-like symptoms days earlier. Some seats were empty, while others were less than a foot apart. Although members say they avoided physical contact, they conversed during a snack break and while setting up and putting away chairs.

Officials credit the group’s quick, responsible actions for preventing further illness. When symptoms emerged, the director emailed members as well as health officials, who conducted contact tracing. Members self-quarantined and fully cooperated with investigators, providing vital insights about exposure and transmission.

Singing Can Transmit Virus, Officials Say

In its report, the CDC notes, “The act of singing, itself, might have contributed to transmission through emission of aerosols, which is affected by loudness of vocalization.” It also warns about the impact of people labeled “super-emitters,” who seem to “release more aerosol particles during speech than do their peers.”

Dr. Howard Leibrand, a Skagit County health officer, tells the New York Times, “When you project your voice, you can project more virus, so it seems like this would be a pretty good indicator we shouldn’t be going back to large groups singing in an enclosed space, i.e., church, because that would be the same sort of situation as this.”

The chorale’s experience, says the CDC, “underscores the importance of physical distancing,” as well as “avoiding group gatherings” and wearing face coverings in public during the pandemic.

As churches prepare to reopen, leaders face a variety of challenges to safeguard worshipers and communities. The increased risk of germ transmission through singing means that music will be one of the many aspects of in-person services requiring adjustments.

As for the Washington chorale, it wants to spare other groups the grief of losing beloved members. By sharing its ordeal, it hopes to “personalize this virus for others” and “encourage everyone to stay home and stay safe.”

Faith Influencers Team Up to Give Class of 2020 a Special Send-Off

By

Jessica Mouser

-

May 14, 2020

Like so much else that has changed because of the coronavirus, the class of 2020 will not get to experience a normal high school graduation. But Dare2Share founder Greg Stier is teaming up with various Christian leaders, speakers, and artists—including TobyMac—to hold a virtual event called the National Senior Sendoff. Those participating will offer words of encouragement to honor this year’s graduating class.

“The Class of 2020 will be the first class prohibited from celebrating the memory-making milestones so many of us have taken for granted,” say the organizers in a press release about the event. “High school seniors have waited for these special moments for 12 long years. They’ve worked hard and overcome many challenges. This is THEIR TIME to celebrate this significant academic accomplishment.”

Sending Off the Class of 2020

Described as “an inspirational virtual event for high school seniors and their families during the pandemic,” the National Senior Sendoff will stream online May 28 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. MDT. Greg Stier, who is himself the father of a graduating senior, will give a motivational keynote address. He says, “These young people are living out history right now, so they might as well be inspired to go out and make history for the glory of God!”

Joining Stier in putting on the event is interlinc, an organization that helps youth leaders connect their students to quality Christian music, and Faith Christian Academy, where Stier’s teens go to school.

“Senior Class of 2020,” said the school on Facebook. “We love and appreciate you so much!”

Gabrielle Odom, a graduating senior and national speaker from Minnetonka, Minnesota, will be giving the senior address. She says, “A global pandemic will not stop us seniors from changing the world for God!”

The National Senior Sendoff will include addresses from different professional athletes, artists, and musicians, such as Joel and Luke Smallbone of For KING & COUNTRY and rapper Peabod. Stier confirmed that David Crowder will be sharing as well and added that the organizers should know soon which professional athletes will be joining.

Other notable speakers include Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer whose arm was bitten off in a shark attack when she was 13 years old. Hamilton is the subject of the film Soul Surfer and the documentary Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable.

Faith Christian Academy Superintendent Andrew Hasz will also speak, as will Denver Broncos Team Chaplain and former pastor Reza Zadeh.

The event will conclude with a time of prayer that, say the organizers, “will allow the families of seniors to commission them (‘send them off’) for the mission God has for them.”

“I know the Class of 2020 has looked forward to a prom, spring sports, and graduation,” said TobyMac. “Everything’s changed. But where there’s change and hard times, there is God and he is going to get us through this.”

You can watch the National Senior Sendoff here.

How to Avoid Spiritual Bankruptcy

By

Frank Viola

-

May 14, 2020

I’ve been following the Lord for a little over 30 years now. And as I’ve watched the passing parade, some of the most zealous, devout, committed Christians that I knew in their 20s and 30s are now atheists in their 40s.

They filed Chapter 7 on their Christian life.

Each of them shared one of three things in common:

They chose to become offended by God when He didn’t meet their expectations.
They chose to become bitter at others when they didn’t meet their expectations.
They made provision for their flesh and crossed an invisible line in which they were completely overtaken by it.

Holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith (1 Timothy 1:19).

Likewise, some of the people who claimed to be utterly dedicated to the vision of God’s central mission later abandoned it for an easier, less costly, more popular and convenient life.

They filed Chapter 11 on their spiritual progress.

The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful (Matthew 13:22).

Point: There are no guarantees when it comes to our walk with the Lord. What God knows mortals do not.

The truth is, all of us are hanging by grace. Every day.

“The one who endures until the end will be delivered,” Jesus said.

John wrote, “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us” (1 John 2:19).

The entire culture is pressing on us to take our eye off the ball. To divert our attention from Jesus to the flesh, the world, and the enticements of the enemy. Egypt, Babylon, and Sodom cry out to us every day from every quarter.

Consequently, we all need encouragement to go on with the Lord . . . to keep Christ before our eyes. This is one the key reasons why I blog and podcast.

Teetering on the edge of spiritual bankruptcy is no fun, but it’s a red flag to motivate you to seek spiritual encouragement. And to receive it.

If you’re down, you can bet that some Christian you know is up. And when they’re down, you can return the favor.

The antidote to spiritual bankruptcy?

See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first (Hebrews 3:12-14).

According to the writer of Hebrews, the antidote to an unbelieving hard heart, the deceitfulness of sin, and turning away from the living God is mutual encouragement.

Not mutual tear-down, mutual bickering, mutual hair-splitting, mutual condemning, mutual finger-pointing or mutual in-fighting.

But mutual encouragement.

But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you don’t consume one another (Galatians 5:13).

There once were two cats of Kilkenny

Each thought there was one cat too many

So they fought and they fit

And they scratched and they bit

‘Til excepting their nails

And the tips of their tails

Instead of two cats there weren’t any.

Acknowledging to yourself and to someone else that you’re stuck in your walk is the first step to getting unstuck. And finding people and communities where mutual encouragement is the norm (opposed to tear-down and in-fighting) is the best way to protect your spirit.

Spiritual bankruptcy can be avoided.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).

Here’s the Song That’s the Christian Anthem of Today for Millions of People Around the World

By

Christine Yount Jones

-

May 14, 2020

By ChristianNewsNow Contributor

The worship song that has become the anthem for the church during this season is the goosebump-inducing “The Blessing.” It has spoken truth to millions of tired and fearful hearts. And it has birthed melodic unity among churches around the world.

In March, Elevation Worship released the song featuring the vocals of Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes. As Kari Jobe introduced the song in the first live video, she said, “We got together with Pastor Chris and Pastor Steven on Thursday to just go in after the presence of God and try to pen lyric and melody. And after a couple of hours, it just felt like the presence of God just stopped everything. And we wrote a song called ‘The Blessing.’

“And it’s straight from Scripture, and it’s the heart of the Father over us as His kids. And we’re going to sing it this morning if that’s ok. This is the blessing over you and your family and your children. So just receive this this morning. Just put your hands out in front of you. Turn your heart to a place of just receiving the blessing of heaven from God Himself over you this morning.”

Millions of people have been doing just what Jobe asked: receiving, putting their hands out in front of them, turning their hearts to a place of just receiving the blessing of heaven from God Himself. Millions of people! The song has resonated as the anthem for these times.

“The Blessing” was written by Jobe, Carnes, Elevation Church’s pastor Steven Furtick and Elevation Worship’s Chris Brown. “The Blessing” is featured on Elevation Worship’s latest album Graves Into Gardens. After two months from its release March 6, views of the YouTube video of Elevation Worship’s new song stand at over 12 million.

Since its release, churches have united in different locations to record the song in isolation and then stitch together the pieces for heart-throbbing inspiration.

Elevation Worship released a global choir version of their recent hit “The Blessing.” The performance was recorded live from Elevation’s Ballanytne campus.

For Easter, 30 churches in Pittsburgh released The Pittsburgh Blessing | Virtual Church Choir.

“What started out as a crazy idea, turned into a powerful worship moment in our city. In less than 2 weeks, nearly 30 churches unified to sing a blessing over our city of Pittsburgh,” the video producers wrote on YouTube. “This video was revealed during many of the Easter online services in churches across the city of Pittsburgh during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our desire was that it would be a blessing spoken over our homes and communities. Thanks to the many churches and individuals who made this happen. He is for you, Pittsburgh!”

Soon after that, 65 churches and ministries across the United Kingdom videotaped themselves singing along to the song “The UK Blessing.”

The Blessing UK producers wrote on YouTube, “At this unique and challenging time in the United Kingdom over 65 churches and movements, representing hundreds of others, have come together online to sing a blessing over our land. Standing together as one, our desire is that this song will fill you with hope and encourage you.

“But the church is not simply singing a blessing, each day we’re looking to practically be a blessing. Many of the churches included in this song have assisted with supplying over 400,000 meals to the most vulnerable and isolated in our nation since COVID-19 lockdown began. This alongside phone calls to the isolated, pharmacy delivery drops and hot meals to the NHS frontline hospital staff.

Our buildings may be closed but the church is very much alive!”

And the latest version comes from Hawaiian Islands Ministries who brought together 25 churches across all six major islands of Hawaii.

“There’s so much pain and discomfort in this state that I wanted to do a song through Hawaiian Islands Ministries that would bless people and encourage them,” said Dan Chun, pastor of First Presbyterian Church.

“The Hawai‘i Blessing” producers explain on YouTube that this is “a gift from the Churches of Hawai‘i. The Hawai‘i Blessing was recorded during the first week of May 2020 by worship leaders from 25 churches across all 6 major islands of Hawai‘i. During this time of sheltering-in-place, isolation and uncertainty about the future, we could all use a blessing and a sense of togetherness. In Hawai‘i, we call that ‘ohana – family.”

This anthem is based on Numbers 6:24-26:

“The Lord bless you

and keep you;

the Lord make his face shine on you

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn his face toward you

and give you peace.”

In a time of fear and isolation, the words to this song have comforted hearts and given hope for today and future generations. The Lord bless you and keep you!

This article originally appeared here

How Quarantine Changed Worship Services (and Why It Matters)

By

Allen White

-

May 14, 2020

This is a three-part series about how the church is changing during the pandemic and discovering new paradigms of ministry. This week we will explore worship services. Next week, we will cover small groups. Then, in the third installment, we will consider the “chocolate hummus” of ministries and what should be left behind.

Part 1: Online Worship Services Are Bigger Than Ever

Church went online, and everyone showed up. Churches across the country have reported online attendance that is double their average weekly adult attendance or more. I see a few reasons for this happening. I also see a few opportunities moving forward.

The Easter Phenomena

Easter is typically the highest attended Sunday of the year. While we’d love to think that our congregations have done a great job inviting unbelievers to Easter and that our advertising really paid off, the reality is that Easter is the one Sunday of the year when everybody who is a part of your church shows up (along with some visitors and invited guests). Don Corder in his book, Connect: Grow Your Church in 28 Days – Guaranteed, uses a formula based on his work at The Provisum Group, which demonstrates that an actual congregation is more or less five times the size of the weekend attendance. You can read more here about the True Size of Your Church. Your church database will testify to the fact that you have a lot more people associated with your church than regularly attend.

As online worship services got rolling everybody showed up, and that’s a good thing. Now, the challenge is to change your thinking from online services as a necessity during quarantine to online services as a necessity to connect more regularly with your congregation and your community. Online worship services shouldn’t be a temporary stop gap. This is the gateway to a new way to serve your people.

Church Shopping and Hopping (and Other Pastors Lurking)

I have to confess: I haven’t been watching my church’s online services. I’ve been watching Saddleback Church, where I used to be a member. Last Sunday, we “visited” Hillsong California. All of this happened from our living room in South Carolina. Church shopping and hopping has never been easier! I know I’m not the only one.

Now, smart pastors are looking at a lot of online worship services to pick up tips on improving their own online services. Also, for the first time, pastors are at home on Sunday and have time to relax and watch online services. This is all factoring into online attendance, even in a small way.

New Online Attenders

After 9/11 churches were packed. The United States faced a catastrophic attack unlike anything since Pearl Harbor. It shook people to their cores. They turned to the church. In this pandemic there were no churches to pack.

Churches were closed, but online worship services were open. People went online to find help and hope during the uncertainty of this latest catastrophic event. Rock Church in San Diego saw their Easter attendance increase from a regular worship attendance of 10,000 to an Easter 2020 attendance of 200,000. They received the largest offering in the history of their church.

For the church, this is an event unlike any other in recent history that will launch new forms of ministry to reach an online audience. Prior to the pandemic, people were jaded and content. Life was pretty comfortable. Everyone was riding high on the S&P 500. Coronavirus has shaken everything. Over 30 million people are out of work. Tens of thousands have died. People are tired of sitting at home, but uncertain about their future. While they can rail against politicians and process the anger stage of grief, the reality is the world has become unstable. The church, however, is built on a rock.

Online Campuses Might Have Replaced Multisite Campuses.

If people will worship and respond in their living rooms, then why go to the trouble of maintaining multisite campuses? Many multisites are essentially hosting online services in a group of hundreds or thousands. Yet, online services during the pandemic have demonstrated that families, small groups, and watch parties have become a much larger audience than all of a church’s multisite campuses combined. Some churches discovered the exponential potential of microsite campuses sometime back. You can read more here.

We understand that an online campus is more than just streaming the video from a weekend service. It’s a campus. There is a service host. There are next steps. And, the coffee is better than it is at the multisite campus I attend! Why go back when multisite campuses are reopened? I’m not saying people shouldn’t. I’m just asking if multisite campuses are still necessary.

The Format of Online Worship Services Matters

With online services there is a vast difference between streaming your regular service and creating an online service format. Why split the hair? Streaming regular services creates online viewers. Offering a unique online format creates participants. A church service shouldn’t be something that people merely watch, but something they engage in. If they are not engaging, it’s not their fault. The format makes the difference.

Online services that work honor the principles of other online content. First, tighten up the shot. Think about how newscasters talk directly into the camera. They’re not standing on a stage in an empty auditorium looking elsewhere. Newscasters look directly into the camera. Their audience is on the other side of that lens. So is yours. Use a low cost teleprompter for your notes or manuscript so you’re looking at the camera and not looking down. Tighten up the shot.

Next, personalize the background. Think of Jimmy Fallon creating the Tonight Show in his home with his kids climbing all over him. It’s personal. It’s warm. Let your people into your home. Sit in your favorite chair like you are sitting with your people in their living rooms. Use multiple cameras to add visual interest from different angles. And, while you’re at it, you could pre-record your service to edit in your main points, Bible verses, and next steps.

Lastly, tighten up the sermon. People are used to watching 30-minute sitcoms and 60-minute dramas. Anything over an hour is a movie, which requires millions of dollars and a captivating plotline to keep people’s attention that long. Think TED Talk. It’s harder to prepare shorter talks, but it’s important to keep people’s attention. Don’t let your pride get the best of you here. Going forward, consider using a format like LifeTogether’s Conversation Service which is built entirely for an online audience.

How Will You Disciple Your New Online Congregation?

Now that you’ve engaged with more of your congregation on a regular basis online and attracted a multitude of people outside of your congregation, how do you help them take next steps in their faith? What should you offer to people who come to Christ through an online service? How can they connect with the church through a small group or a membership class? How are you discipling your online followers?

By streaming your Growth Track, membership class, and other core components of connecting people into your church, you will not only include your new online followers, but you will also create a more convenient format for busy people who can never make it to the classes. The message is the same, but the methods have to change. That’s what we said when we went from traditional services to seeker services 30 years ago. Welcome to a new era of ministry. Quarantine is producing some new ways of doing ministry. It gives the church permission to experiment. It also gives the church an opportunity to launch new initiatives to reach people with the Gospel and disciple them.

What is your church learning about the future of ministry during Quarantine 2020?

This article originally appeared here.

Top 10 Reasons People Don’t Tithe

By

Charles Stone

-

May 14, 2020

Tithing is a spiritual discipline many Christians practice. In its simplest form, it means giving back to God 10 percent of what you make. I’ve practiced it for years as a regular part of my giving. I tithe ‘plus’ to my local church and I give to other causes on top of that. However, throughout my 35 years of ministry I’ve seen 10 common reasons that church people don’t tithe.

I list the 10 reasons people don’t tithe below with a counterpoint below each.

It’s all mine anyway. Why should I give?
- - Counterpoint (CP): Everything we own is actually God’s (Ps 50.10, Ps 24.1).
I don’t tithe because I give elsewhere. This is the person who counts his giving to secular causes, his time or paying for his child’s Christian school tuition as his tithe.
- CP: Do causes around the purposes of God get the lion’s share of your giving?
Tithing is not in the New Testament. This is one of the most common.
- CP: When Jesus fulfilled the law, He didn’t revise spirituality downward.
God will provide through other people. This person believes that other people will give to support the cause of Christ in their church.
- CP: God chose to release His resources through all believers.
My gifts don’t really count. This person thinks that because he can’t give much, his giving really doesn’t matter.
- CP: Don’t minimize the size of any gift (recall the story of the poor widow in Mark 12.41-44).
I don’t trust preachers. This is understandable due to the few high profile ministers who misuse God’s money.
- CP: If you lead a church, make sure you instill the highest standards of stewardship and accountability.
I only give to projects I like. This is the control freak who only gives to projects he or she can designate funds to. Some people in this category even hold back their giving in their church because they haven’t gotten their way.
- CP: Trust your church leadership to wisely manage God’s money.
I have no control over my finances. My husband does. In this case (and it’s almost always a wife in this position) her husband controls the finances and although the wife wants to give, he prohibits it.
- CP: Rest in the Lord, He knows your heart.
I will tithe when I can afford it.
- CP: If you wait, you probably never will. Research shows that contrary to what we might assume, the more money a person makes, the less percentage they give.
I’m afraid to. These people honestly fear what might happen to them or their family if they give.
- CP: Step out in faith knowing that God promises to meet your needs.

What reasons have you heard people use to justify when they don’t tithe or give?

Thank God for Smaller Churches and Their Leaders

By

Thom Rainer

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May 14, 2020

In a previous post, I wrote about the migration of people from smaller churches to larger churches. I noted several reasons for this trend, not the least of which was the growing urban and suburban population base in our nation. And that growth has come at the expense of the rural population. Today, only 16 percent of our population lives in rural areas. Just a century ago, 60 percent of the U.S. residents lived in rural areas.

Such trends are real. The data cannot be refuted. But the reality of the trends does not diminish the value of smaller churches.

Understanding the Smaller Church

Definitions of the smaller church are elusive. The smallness of a church is a relative matter. For example, I was recently in an association of 40 or so churches where the largest church had a worship attendance of 450, but 30 of the churches had an attendance under 100. In that case, a church of 450 was very large, and a church of 100 was one of the top ten largest churches. Is a church of 100 in worship attendance then large or small?

For simplicity, I define a small church as one with a worship attendance less than 200. There are certain group and sociological dynamics that take place when a church breaks the 200-attendance mark. In my denomination, the majority of churches have an attendance below 200. But the majority of members are in larger churches.

Serving the Community Well

Many of the smaller churches are in areas with a small population base. Rural America continues to become more rural and less populated. But those communities still need churches, and many faithful leaders and members are serving those communities well. Bivocational pastors lead many of these churches. Though we don’t have precise numbers, we believe that as many as six out of ten churches have bivocational pastors. These pastors are faithful leaders who sacrifice much for the churches and communities they serve.

Other small churches are in transition areas, and the congregation has been steadfast to maintain a presence in their communities. Ministry can be difficult, but the church members serve faithfully.

Must Haves for New Small Group Leaders

By

Allen White

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May 13, 2020

I recently met with the pastors and small group leaders at Element Church, a great new church plant in Woodruff, South Carolina. Their church and small group ministry is just months old. Josh Bradley and his team are doing a great job bringing a contemporary church into a small community. Here are some essential building blocks for a successful small group ministry that I shared with them last week:

1. Balance Produces Growth

Everyone who joins a group has different needs. Others have an actual agenda. Some members want to create an exact duplicate of a group they were in years ago. Still others want a group to meet their needs. Still others will want a group that is more social or more spiritual or more evangelistic or more, more. The good news is that each group can accomplish a great deal, if they agree on the direction together. Well, except, for resurrecting the great group from the past. You would need a time machine for that one.

The first groups of believers in Acts 2:42-47 met together for Discipleship, Fellowship, Ministry, Worship and Evangelism. Some have tried to say that Acts 2 represents the epitome of what an accomplished church or group should be. The truth is that this passage reveals what the church was doing on its first day! These weren’t things built over time. These were things that needed to happen all at once.

That doesn’t mean that each of these five things should happen in every meeting. But, your group needs to decide together when these things will happen. A group agreement is a great place to start. Read more about forming group agreements here.

2. Shared Leadership

Ownership is huge in developing and sustaining groups. Every member needs to have some skin in the game. As the leader, you should do everything you can to give away every task in the group to a willing volunteer. The only thing a leader shouldn’t give away is responsibility for the group. But, everything else from leading the discussion and hosting the group to bringing refreshments and following up on prayer requests should be delegated.

In the group I lead, I will announce to the group after the first lesson in a new study, “Today is the only day I will be leading the discussion. I’m passing around the calendar, and everyone needs to sign up for a week to lead.” It works every time. Now, a group member can pass, but they all can’t pass.

Another way to share leadership is to listen to what your group members care about. “I think our group should have more socials” or “It would be great if we could all come out on Saturday and help my neighbor build his fence.” Rather than the leader taking on one more responsibility, ask the person who suggested it to put something together. This strategy is known as “you spot it, you got it.” It works well.

3. Group Life Cycle

Every group goes through distinct stages in group life. Just like understanding the path from infancy to adulthood, every group needs to understand their awkward teenage stage and that their mid-life crisis is coming.

Steve Barker from InterVarsity maps out the group life cycle this way: Exploration, Transition, Action and Termination. In Exploration, the big issue is inclusion. Group members want to know that they fit in. They need to feel wanted and accepted.

Next is Transition, which is characterized by conflict. Hopefully, the end result of conflict is shared goals and objectives. This is the review and implimentation of your group agreement.

The third stage is Action. Once the group has agreed on the steps forward, now they have the freedom to act and move ahead together in ministry. The final stage is termination. This is the time to celebrate the time the group has enjoyed together.

The Group Life Cycle usually lasts about two years. Unless the group has made a concerted effort to invite and include new people in the group, most groups will stagnate and eventually fold at the two year mark. Rather than keeping a group limping along, it might be a good idea to plan when the group will end, then regroup and start over again.

While most of us are aware of groups that have lasted for decades, these tend to be the exception rather than the rule. The same leader might still be leading a group, but odds are that the group membership is quite different from where they began. There is nothing wrong with lifelong groups as long as they are bearing fruit.

4. Group Mission

The mission of the group is no different than the mission of the church: “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20). The goal of group life isn’t the comfort of the group members. The goal is to reach others for Christ and grow them up in the faith. And, that makes group members uncomfortable.

The issue groups face is that they develop close relationships over time and want to continue with the group members they are close to. The reality is that given the Group Life Cycle, most groups will stagnate or end after two years. If the group continues to invite and include new people, they can avoid this two year deadline. But, if the group continues to invite and include others, then the group will outgrow its meeting space, overload the leader, and bloat the discussion. These are good problems.

As soon as your group reaches eight people, sub-group. This will allow everyone to get their word in. This is also a great opportunity for an up and coming leader to get their feet wet by leading all or part of the discussion. Who? Since you have rotated leadership in your group, you have an idea of which members are on their way to leadership. Some will do a great job. Maybe they’re 75-80% there. Others will show some potential and might be 40-50% there. A few might need a lot of help.

John Maxwell said, “If someone can do the job 30% as well as you, give them the job.” The reality is the person can probably do it 60% as well, but we haven’t given them credit for it. As your group grows, sub-grouping is essential for discussion, group care, and leadership development. If your meeting place is big enough, keep growing the group. When the meeting situation becomes a problem for the whole group, then it’s time to figure out something else. Caution here: this will be a problem for the leader before it’s a problem for the group. Hang in there. When the group feels the need to change, change will come.

There are many other questions on the minds of new leaders, but this is a good summary of where to start. When you feel overwhelmed, pray and ask God for help. When you need training, seek out your coach. If you need a little information, check out the other posts on this blog.

Great Resources for Getting Groups Started:

Small Groups with Purpose by Steve Gladen (Read my review here).

Connecting in Communities by Eddie Mosley (Read my review here).

5 Factors That Brought a Dying Church Back to Life

By

J.D. Greear

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May 13, 2020

The church I pastor, the Summit Church, was planted in 1962. In 2001, however, the Summit Church (then Homestead Heights Baptist Church) was a plateaued, declining Baptist church. The current pastor had been asked to resign after being caught in immorality. The pastor prior to him had unsuccessfully attempted to impose a Willow Creek model, and the pastor prior to him was a theological moderate. When I arrived, the church was in its fourth straight year of attendance and offering decline, and the outlook was bleak.

Five Life-Giving Factors

Only God brings life to dead things. But here are five lessons I learned that I believe contributed to our church’s revitalization.

1. Inward transformation drives external change.

Just as external moralistic changes cannot transform the human heart, so external changes to a church’s programs or structures cannot revitalize a church. You might as well try to bend a metal rod without first heating it. It will either resist change altogether or simply snap in two.

Internal change in the believer happens only through the preaching of the gospel. People become willing to extend themselves to reach others as they learn more about God and what he has done.

There is a time to push change and a time just to preach Jesus. It takes wisdom to know what to do when. A church that has forgotten its “first love” (Rev. 2:1-10) is likely to undergo even the most uncomfortable changes to complete the mission.

As the Summit Church developed a love for the lost, changing our structures to reach more people became relatively easy.

2. Do not underestimate the power of momentum.

It is easier to change churches that are growing, just like it is easier to steer a bike that is moving. In any organization, including a church, momentum can provide the capital you need to purchase change. Sun Tzu, author of the 2500-year-old military classic Art of War, said that momentum is a general’s most valuable ally. Small armies can win great victories if they know how to build it.

You might consider focusing first on changing those things that are hindering the church from growing. When growth is happening, you’ll find it easier to change the other things. As people experience the joy of new believers being born into their midst, they become more willing to shift away from what is comfortable for them and into what is effective at reaching others.

Further, in most cases, I would encourage you to spend more time developing the people who are with you than engaging those who are against you. Momentum and excitement often silence opposition. So instead of spending a lot of time putting out fires, you might want to start one of your own.

When I first got to the Summit, there were a number of problems we chose to ignore, at least for the time being. These included dress code, music style, the length of the services and an inefficient (and in some ways unbiblical) constitution. We changed a few key things that we knew would signal a new day in the church, and we set a couple of big goals for some upcoming outreaches. When we reached those goals, we made a big deal of celebrating God’s faithfulness in them. After one of these outreaches, we baptized our first African-American believer. An older gentleman who would later become the chairman of our elder board came up to me with tears in his eyes and said, “Son, I’m not crazy about a lot of these changes you are making. But if that is a taste of what we are going to get, count me in.”

During that first year, I baptized an exchange student from another country. I happened to speak her native language (having lived in her country for a couple of years), and so I conducted her baptism in that language. After that, I probably could have suggested that we all stand on our heads in church and people would have gone along with it. Within two years, we had changed our dress code, sold our property and rewritten our constitution, all without a dissenting vote. Had I suggested those things during the first year, it would have been a bloodbath. But after we had gained momentum, they changed naturally.

Win a few evangelism “battles,” and then celebrate them. Isn’t that what we see the psalmists doing both to strengthen their own souls and to inspire a vision for the future? In Psalm 48, the sons of Korah tell Israel, “Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever.”

3. Beware of fighting battles that lead you nowhere.

A third lesson is tied to the second. Beware of fighting battles, no matter how worthy, that gain you little strategic ground.

Some battles (often worthy battles!) won’t help you in the bigger “war” of revitalization. Often, if you postpone them, you can win them later without shedding a drop of blood—on either side. Know which battles to fight when.

I’ve noticed that leaders who are perfectionists tend to have trouble with this principle, because they can’t distinguish “the right” from “the expedient.” We sometimes forget it’s not about winning battles; it’s about leading people.

The Apostle Paul seemed to understand this. Sometimes, he let people malign his character; other times, he defended his apostleship. Sometimes, he brought himself into conformity to the law; other times, he publicly rebuked those who refused to embrace their freedom. His grid for engagement was what was strategic for the mission (1 Cor. 9:19-27; Gal. 2:11-15).

Of course, this does not mean we ever tolerate open sin or substantial doctrinal corruption in the church. It just means that we fight the right battles at the right times.

7 Behaviors Kidmin Leaders Must Avoid

By

Dale Hudson

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May 13, 2020

Being a know-it-all. When you begin to think you know it all…you’re in trouble and your growth will stagnate. Remain teachable. Great leaders are always in school. Learn from everyone…all the time.

Being condescending. No one likes to be talked down to. Treat everyone the same. Make every person you talk to feel important. See a “10” on everyone’s forehead.

Not listening. Be approachable. When people are talking to you, look at them, not past them. Led with great questions instead of answers.

Being defensive. Hold the ministry with open hands. Detach yourself from your ideas. Just let them be ideas. Be open to feedback. In fact, seek it out.

Micromanaging. Equip and empower leaders and then let them lead. Let go of your control issues.

Whining. Stay positive. Focus on what you have, not on what you don’t have. A whiner brings problems and challenges to the table. A leader brings problems and challenges to the table along with possible answers and solutions.

Building my kingdom. Be a team player. Reach out to and collaborate with other ministries in your church. Don’t see them as competition but as partners. Look beyond your ministry and see the big picture of the church.

Create an Online Welcome Video

By

Outreach Magazine

-

May 13, 2020

Use Video to Add a Personal Touch to Your Website

Mention the words “church” and “video,” and most leaders will assume you’re talking about video segments played during church services. But author and tech consultant, Tim Schmoyer, believes that churches should create even simple online videos for people who have not visited (and may never visit) their church.

“Much of the effort churches expend goes into internally focused programs and communications,” Schmoyer says. “Those efforts have great value. But the church should also leverage technology to connect with the outside community.”

Schmoyer says video marketing surveys show that 78 percent of people who visit a product’s Web page watch the video there, and 90 percent of them make a decision on whether to buy the product based on that video. For churches, that means people are more likely to have a positive first impression if you have a video on your website.

“There will be more of a human connection with your church,” Schmoyer says. “And Web sites with video are more likely to rank higher on SEO [search engine optimization] rankings.”

One of the simplest, easiest things churches can do is have the pastor make a short video—one to three minutes—that introduces himself and perhaps summarizes key points of an upcoming sermon, Schmoyer says.

“It doesn’t have to be anything fancy,” he says. “You can even use the Webcam that comes with your computer. Make sure you have good light; look into the camera instead of staring at your hands; make sure there’s no white noise in the background from air conditioning or other equipment. And make it engaging, quick, and not a second longer than it has to be. Start small, and if your videos gain traction, then invest in a better camera, editing software, a professional videographer, etc.”

Videos can then be uploaded to YouTube, Facebook, and ReelSEO, with embed codes on the church Web site.

Once you get started, don’t stop. “Do something new once a month, or every two weeks,” Schmoyer says.

Not All Christians Believe Bill Gates Is the Anti-Christ (and Other End-Time Theories)

By

Christine Yount Jones

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May 13, 2020

By ChristianNewsNow Contributor

The internet is abuzz with end-time and anti-Christ theories related to Covid-19. Perhaps you’ve heard some of these claims:

That Bill Gates is the anti-Christ ushering in the One World Order.

That Dr. Anthony Fauci is a conspirator with Bill Gates and “Big Pharma.”

That COVID-19 is one of the great plagues prophesied in the Bible.

That a House resolution with the number 6666 is a sure sign of the end times.

That any vaccine that emerges during this pandemic is part of the conspiracy to lead people to bow down to the beast described in the book of Revelation.

Perhaps there is a sense of doomsday in many people today–regardless of whether they’re Christian or not. According to YouGov, an international research data and analytics group headquartered in London, “Nearly three in 10 (29 percent) US adults think it’s likely that there will be an apocalyptic disaster in their lifetime. And 17 percent of Americans say that they have an apocalypse survival plan for their family.”

Further, “in a YouGov survey conducted in late February, at a time when several dozen cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed in the US, nearly one in five (19 percent) Americans said they believed a global pandemic was the most likely cause of the apocalypse.”

The Return of Christ Is Central to Christian Teachings

Christians are definitely prone to doomsday theories because a central teaching in the Bible is that Jesus Christ will someday return to Earth in a doomsday setting. Christians are encouraged to be ready for these events. Jesus Himself said, “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).

Jesus told His disciples “For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” Faithful Christians are to be “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

Waiting implies an ethical application–to be the kind of people whose lives reflect God. However, it is tempting when it comes to end times for armchair eschatologists to “interpret” biblical prophecy as it applies to that current generation. Take for example the description of the beast in Revelation.

Revelation 13:1-18 describes the anti-Christ: “And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?’ And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months.”

In every generation, people have searched the Scriptures and the news of the day to try to make connections and to discern who fits this description. According to Rose Publishing/Aspire Press, these people are among 14 who have been adamantly identified as being the anti-Christ: Emperors Nero and Constantius, Popes Leo XX and John Paul II, John F. Kennedy, Adolph Hitler, Ronald Reagan, Barney, Barack Obama, Bill Gates III, and even the Internet.

A Warning From a Noted Pastor-Theologian

In his article “Every Generation Thinks It Might Be the Last,” Todd Wilson, senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Illinois, and chairman of The Center for Pastor-Theologians, has a warning for this generation of Christians. Wilson says that in the 1970’s and 80’s, the top nonfiction book was Hal Lindsey’s apocalyptic The Late Great Planet Earth. In the 1990’s, it was Tim LaHaye’s best selling Left Behind series that trained that generation of Christians to hold to end-time theories.

“In those days, people seemed to be constantly interpreting the Bible through the newspaper and vice versa,” writes Wilson. “In the 1930’s many Christians were convinced that Hitler was the beast of Revelation. When I was a kid the Soviet Union was the key player in the devil’s plans. And then when Gorbachev came along with that birthmark on his forehead we knew! He was the anti-Christ.”

“The fact is, every generation of Christians sees the rise of voices who claim to know that they are the terminal generation; the generation of Christians which will see the return of Christ,” Wilson continues. “We saw a spike in this at the turn of the millennium. People sold their businesses, left their homes and retreated to churches and hillsides or other secluded locations convinced that there would be a Y2K disaster ushering in the last days. No doubt there will be others come along who whip undiscerning Christians into a fury of misguided expectations.”

Who Has the Answer for the Intersection Between Scripture and the Events of Our Days?

Wilson–and Jesus–have an answer for all of us.

“Jesus therefore warns against those deceivers and false prophets who come along and say that they have discerned when the end will come,” warns Wilson. “We simply do not know, nor do we have any way to know when Jesus will return and usher in the age to come. However, we are to keep watch. We are to be prepared for Jesus to return.”

These modern day “prophets” should take heed from Jesus’ parable of the Ten Virgins where He says, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36).

This article originally appeared here.

Faith Leaders Ask Congress for Protection from ‘Swarm of Lawsuits’

By

Jessica Mouser

-

May 13, 2020

Concerned about the legal liability churches and other faith-based organizations could face upon reopening, 300 faith leaders—many of them pastors—have sent a letter to Congress. The letter, which is backed by legal non-profit First Liberty Institute, requests protection from lawsuits that could arise as a result of ministries simply doing their best to help people.

“We are each concerned about a new threat to our nation’s faith communities,” say the leaders, “a swarm of lawsuits blaming houses of worship and religious ministries for any person who attended a religious gathering or received food or shelter from a charity or ministry and subsequently contracted COVID-19.”

First Liberty Institute Backs Religious Leaders

First Liberty Institute submitted the letter to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on Tuesday, May 12. The letter’s signatories state they “support prudent efforts to balance public health with the desire to ‘reopen America,’” but note that the guidelines for reopening are varied and sometimes contradictory. “We are concerned,” say the faith leaders, “that some people—and their lawyers—will cherry pick certain guidelines from around the nation in order to assign liability to religious organizations.”

The leaders and First Liberty Institute fear that someone might sue ministries for not following “a single recommendation buried deep within a set of guidelines” or for not observing “a more stringent guideline issued in a town a thousand miles away.” Even if a court were to side with a religious institution at the conclusion of a lawsuit, the legal battle could force the ministry to shut down before it is able to see the case through to its end. And faith-based organizations might choose to remain closed simply to avoid that scenario.

“To avoid these unintended consequences,” write the faith leaders, “we propose that Congress include in the next iteration of COVID-19 economic relief legislation immunity for religious organizations from negligence suits resulting from their serving the public or reopening in accordance with local orders.” The leaders suggest that these laws be similar to COVID-19 laws that protect medical professionals and those who provide protective equipment. This way, ministries will still be held accountable for “gross negligence or willful misconduct” while at the same time being able to receive “desperately needed protection from simple negligence lawsuits.”

Notable leaders from the evangelical community who signed the letter include Franklin Graham, Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., Kirk Cameron, and Eric Metaxas. Signatories outside the evangelical world include Father Frank Pavone, Rabbi Yaakov Rich, and Rabbi Pesach Lerner.

Although the White House has issued reopening guidelines, it is up to individual states to determine how to go about restarting their economies as they emerge from the COVID-19 crisis. So far, Congress has passed three relief packages, which have received bipartisan support. Whether or not there will be such support for religious liability protections is questionable, however. CNN reports that there is currently no bipartisan support for including liability protections for small businesses in the next relief package.

The question of what it means to protect people’s health and safety while maintaining religious freedom remains a divisive issue in the country. Fellowship Church (located in Texas where houses of worship are deemed essential) recently reopened while taking detailed and methodical safety precautions. Leaders within a network of 3,000 churches in California have recently said they will reopen without the governor’s permission. Yet other churches in that state see following official guidelines as a way of being responsible.

Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker has said that churches in his state will not be able to fully reopen until the coronavirus is effectively suppressed and the economy is fully open again, something that could take over a year. At least one Illinois church has defied those guidelines and sued the governor. Other churches in the state have requested temporary restraining orders so they can meet with impunity while following safety precautions.

There is no doubt that the question of when and how to reopen is fraught with challenges of various kinds. The faith leaders conclude their letter to Congress saying,

America’s faith communities and places of worship have always been at the forefront of ensuring that the hungry are fed, the naked are clothed, and the homeless are sheltered. The undersigned organizations and individuals urge Congress to provide the assurance that America’s faith communities can continue to be good Samaritans to the oppressed and the downtrodden as our nation begins its slow rebuilding.

Chosen by God? Faithful Who Believe in ‘Trump the Anointed’ on the Rise

By

Stephanie Martin

-

May 13, 2020

According to follow-up research into Americans’ views of the presidency, regular church attenders have experienced a dramatic increase in their beliefs that Donald Trump was chosen by God to lead the nation. In a new report titled “Trump the Anointed?” professors Paul Djupe and Ryan Burge present data showing that the “religious significance” of the office is spreading both in general and specifically regarding the 45^th president.

In a May 2019 survey, 30 percent of white Protestants who attend church at least once weekly said Trump was anointed by God. That number shot up to 50 percent in the latest survey, conducted in March 2020. Those findings, say Djupe and Burge, point to “further polarization along religious and partisan lines.”

Various Factors Are at Play

Saying the phenomenon “may go much deeper than talking heads on Fox News,” the researchers point to several possible explanations. Although previous research indicated belief in Trump’s anointing was particularly high among Pentecostals, new results show it’s “way up across the board, though none so dramatically as among the regular [church] attenders.”

Particularly for Republicans, attending a “political church” is key. As Burge notes, “The more their pastor talks about politics, [the] more likely they are to believe in anointing.” Personal political beliefs certainly are influential, the report acknowledges, but “a fair bit of congregational experiences are beyond the control of the individual.” Clergy speech about hot-button topics such as immigration, gun rights, impeachment, same-sex marriage, and abortion don’t appear to have similar effects on Democrats or Independents.

Much has been written about the tendency of conservative media to “insulate Trump supporters,” write Djupe and Burge, but they were “some of the first to document how this is built and sustained from the bottom up—that is, political churches, among Republicans especially, reinforce the argumentation that is also coming from above.”

Hearing pastors discuss “threats” such as losing religious liberties also appears to affect churchgoers’ beliefs about the anointing of the president and specifically of Trump. The researchers, who say they’ll post more about this topic soon, tell Fox News, “As threats become larger, both real and imagined, the religious significance of the presidency appears to be growing among a wide portion of the population.”

Chosen by God? Implications for the 2020 Election

Trump himself sparked talk of anointing last year by saying, “I am the chosen one” as he was negotiating trade with China. Later the president tweeted that he was joking and being sarcastic. Some supporters have encouraged talk of Trump’s anointing, including a televangelist who sold a coin depicting the 45^th president as the biblical King Cyrus. Others say the claim is offensive and disturbing.

Responding to questions from Fox News, Djupe and Burge admit being “quite surprised” by the sudden spike in belief that Trump was anointed by God—“at least until we examined the evidence that suggested religious and secular elites continue to claim that Trump has a religiously significant role to play.” Their research was quoted today in a New York Times opinion piece by Thomas Edsall, who writes, “Capitalizing on that devotion is integral to Trump’s re-election strategy.”

Clever Teacher Brings Worship to the Kids at Her Apartment Complex

By

Megan Briggs

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May 13, 2020

This community in Kenya found a unique way of gathering for Sunday service whilst still social distancing by going to church right from their balconies. pic.twitter.com/FnyPTgruI9

— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) May 10, 2020

What do you do when the children in your neighborhood are feeling anxious due to being under a coronavirus lockdown? How do you comfort children who miss going to church and seeing their friends? A beloved Sunday school teacher in Kenya came up with a clever solution. She brought the church to the children who live in her apartment complex by organizing a “Balcony to Balcony” service.

“Because of the disease, we have not been having our Saturday meetings. Our church has been having online services and even a class for children. I wondered, why can’t I replicate that in our estate?” Lilian Mbeere told Capital News.

Mbeere is a Sunday school teacher at an Anglican church, All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, Kenya. In addition to teaching children on Sundays (before Nairobi went on a strict lockdown which includes a dusk through dawn curfew, that is), Mbeere also invited the children who live in her apartment complex into her home to do things like sing and learn how to crochet. The children are growing more and more anxious as the time under lockdown progresses and continue to ask questions about why they can’t meet, since, as one child put it “corona is not in our houses.”

Although All Saints Cathedral is producing videos with Bible lessons that parents can watch with their children at home, Mbeere thought she’d take the content a step further by adding some music and socially-distanced interaction for the children at her apartment–a mini-service aimed at the children. Mbeere shared her idea on a Whatsapp group for the residents of her apartment complex. The parents were excited to try it. The apartment complex is perfectly suited for such a program as many of the apartments’ balconies look out onto a courtyard.

Lilian Mbeere looks out from her balcony. Image: Screen capture from Capital FM News video.

As time went on, other volunteers and ministers from All Saints Cathedral stepped in to help. In the video above, Children’s Minister Rev. Paul Machira is seen singing to the children and their families from the courtyard as they gather on their respective balconies above him.

Mbeere has also received the support of another volunteer Sunday school teacher from a different church, Mamlaka Hill Chapel, as she has continued organizing the B2B services as they have come to be known. Speaking to Capital News, Stephen Maina called the services a “break” from the stress of the current situation: “We are all worried of our kids, for our own livelihood and for the world. This is a break from all that it is going on.”

Kenya has seen 40 deaths linked to COVID-19 and currently has 737 confirmed cases. The country has closed schools down and imposed the dusk through dawn curfew to try to mitigate the threat of the disease. The eastern African nation saw a spike in cases at the beginning of May, despite their efforts to contain the spread of the disease.

“Our kids are watching us, to see how we behave at the time of crisis. My message to Kenyans, do not be afraid,” Maina said.

4 Key Steps to Mentoring Teens

By

Chris Wesley

-

May 13, 2020

Mentoring teens is a key part to any youth ministry. I am grateful that someone mentored me as a teenager.

After a long night of “studying,” I remember wondering whether or not I would encounter Father B on my way back to the dorms. He was the residential Jesuit at my freshman dorm on Xavier University’s campus. Each and every time, as if he were waiting for me, there he was just hanging out. As I passed by, not wanting to make eye contact, I would hear him say in the most loving and genuine tone, “Good morning, Saint.”

After some time, I found myself regularly meeting with Father B. At first, it was informal and eventually became a mentorship. It’s because of that relationship that I was able to endure many storms and become the man I am today. As a youth minister, it’s something I strive to do for this next generation.

Mentoring is an essential part to any youth ministry. While it’s not the first system to establish, it’s one that should eventually be incorporated into what you do. It’s through mentoring that you can raise up the next generation and teach them to seek out wisdom from those who have traveled the journey ahead of them.

So if you are looking to establish a mentoring program in your ministry, it’s important to keep in mind these four steps:

4 Key Steps to Mentoring Teens

Create a Path:

Teenagers are constantly being shaped into what they are supposed to do; however, rarely are they asked, “Who do you want to be?” This is probably the most important question you can ask a teen. And it should be the first question you ask when mentoring them. This question sets a direction and casts a vision. It helps you know where to go with them.
Give Them Application:

It’s easy to fill someone’s head with knowledge; however, how much they retain can be a mystery. The more application for your information, the more likely the teen you mentor will remember. When you mentor someone, it’s important to incorporate tangible habits that will lead to personal growth.
Meet Consistently:

The best way to build a habit is to maintain a sense of consistency. If there is too much time between each meeting or communication you can’t expect to see exponential growth. An effective mentoring program is not just a one-time deal or something that meets quarterly. If you want to walk with someone through life, you need to make sure that you are meeting consistently on a weekly to monthly basis while communicating by email or text in between. The more they are reminded that you are near, the more they are reminded of what needs to be accomplished.
Sit in Their Messes:

If you really get to know someone, sooner or later you are going to witness a disorientation that they are facing. Mentoring isn’t about fixing someone’s problems or messes, it’s about walking with them through the darkness. You are not going to have all the answers, and that’s okay. What you can provide for your student is solidarity, and sometimes that goes farther than the wisdom you might dump on them.

Since you cannot meet with every student in your ministry one on one, it’s important to raise up other mentors to serve alongside of you. It’s not a ministry that you should start up right away if you are new to youth ministry. Establish a foundation through small groups, worship and ministry. It’s with mentoring that you take students deeper, create leaders, and set them up for success after they leave school.

Do you have a mentoring program in your ministry? If so, what does it look like?

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Create a Path:

Give Them Application:

Meet Consistently:

Sit in Their Messes:

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