LifeWay Research director Scott McConnell was interviewed about our current health care crisis where almost every church in the country is not holding physical services. In an article entitled, Empty pews, empty collection baskets, coronavirus hits U.S. church finances he said: “It would not surprise me at all if 5% of churches close over the next year,” McConnell said. That is five times the typical annual closure rate estimated by The Christian Century, a U.S. mainline Protestant magazine. If his speculation holds true (and he did not apply it to just SBC churches) that would … [Read more...] about Will COVID-19 see 2,500 SBC churches close over the next twelve months?
Silent Saturday (Etta Waller Linton)
On this Silent Saturday, I read the last two chapters in my journey through the New Testament reading plan that I’ve been going through with two close friends. It was fitting, that it was the last two chapters of Matthew—his version of the crucifixion and resurrection. Of course, I don’t think that was a coincidence, even though technically I should have been done a week ago. This quarantine has thrown everything off, but I don’t think that was one of the things. What occurred (or rather, didn’t occur) out of distraction, preoccupation, and suddenly becoming an elementary teacher again, God … [Read more...] about Silent Saturday (Etta Waller Linton)
Good Friday Reflections
In recent weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we deal with suffering as Christians. Those reflections are especially appropriate on Good Friday. We know that suffering is a part of life in a fallen world. The impact of Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden is still being felt today. This world is broken. Things are not as they should be. We await a Savior who will make all things new. But until then, we must learn to deal with suffering in a way that pleases our Lord. As a pastor, I have the great privilege of walking with people in their suffering. I’ve often seen God’s people suffer … [Read more...] about Good Friday Reflections
Change comes hard for Southern Baptists but better come quickly
And I'm one of them. Hardheaded or stubborn might be the words used by my wonderful wife about her wonderful, retired SBC pastor husband. It was less than a month ago that the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Things moved rapidly. Here are a few observations about the past month. Many of these are obvious to all. I have retained a keen grasp of the obvious. Look elsewhere for profundity and meta-analysis. An extended period of church where virtually (did you catch that?) no congregation meets in their dedicated worship building is something unanticipated by all. We … [Read more...] about Change comes hard for Southern Baptists but better come quickly
“My God! What are we going to do about this?”
In the dark days of 1942 one of the United States Navy commanders in the Pacific was reported, twice, to have exclaimed, "My God! What are we going to do about this?" in response to critical communications about the war situation in his command area. Such didn't inspire confidence in his ability to lead and the admiral was soon sacked. This article isn't about national leadership during our current COVID-19 crisis. It is about pastoral leadership and public communications from some segments of Christendom active on social media. There is not a whole lot that the pastor can do other than … [Read more...] about “My God! What are we going to do about this?”
Government Paycheck Protection Plan for your church
I'm not the best person here to explain or opine on this, since I'm not an active pastor and don't have a payroll to meet. I know that many pastors are considering this. The Payroll Protection Act is a part of the CARES Act, the multi-trillion government response to the COVID-19 crisis. Here's how Baptist Press put it in regard to churches and non-profits: Nonprofits, including churches and other religious ministries, are eligible to receive funds covering up to 2.5 times their average monthly payroll, with a cap of $10 million per loan. Jonathan Whitehead, occasional commenter here and … [Read more...] about Government Paycheck Protection Plan for your church
Holding a Church Service on Lockdown: Radical Obedience or Denial of God’s Authority?
A couple of days ago Rodney Howard-Browne, a false teacher in Florida, was arrested for holding services against a state mandate. There are quite a few moving parts to this discussion—and as such I’m a bit hesitant to enter in here. So rather than speaking of Howard-Browne or other pastors being arrested, I want to speak of a general principle here. I do not believe it is religious persecution for law enforcement to enforce a ban which includes holding religious services. Nor do I believe it is bold and God-honoring to hold such services in the face of a government lockdown. Let me explain … [Read more...] about Holding a Church Service on Lockdown: Radical Obedience or Denial of God’s Authority?
The Coronavirus Learning Curve (Tobby E. Smith)
I recently engaged an old friend on several questions related to how the Coronavirus has changed the way our church (Memorial Baptist Church, New Castle, Indiana) is currently doing ministry. This informal Q&A amongst friends helped me process what I am learning as I lead our church through some valleys. What I Have Learned. 1. The Officers of the Church Have Had to Take More Responsibility, Not Less. That’s right. Instead of things getting easier on lockdown things have gotten harder. Our church is a conservative Reformed Southern Baptist Church. We have Elders who provide oversight … [Read more...] about The Coronavirus Learning Curve (Tobby E. Smith)
The government bailout of your church…possibly…but hopefully you won’t need it.
Hearty credit to GuideStone for their fast action, research, and simple explanation of how the COVID-19 Pandemic Phase III Stimulus Package might affect you and your church or ministry. Great work also by Baptist Press (which carried GuideStone's Q&A Friday and a FB live event yesterday with Jonathan Howe asking questions of GuideStone Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, Harold Loftin, Jr. We all get checks or deposits, with an income cap. Churches are eligible to obtain small business loans for "payroll protection." Church staff under many … [Read more...] about The government bailout of your church…possibly…but hopefully you won’t need it.
On releasing my inner misanthrope
Social distancing? Hey, I got this. I was born for this, brethren and sistren ("Hey doc, back off a bit would you? You're in my space"). Six feet, you say. How about sixty? I DNA tested at four percent Neanderthal. Is it necessary to point out that the socially obtuse Neanderthals died out. This requires some translation but maybe they didn't like each other's company. As a pastor, I spent a considerable number of years working on likeability. Made some genuine progress, according to my wonderful wife. Although the qualifications for pastor/elder/overseer do not include "must be … [Read more...] about On releasing my inner misanthrope