Coronavirus

Coronavirus

Below are resources for church leaders and media. (See also the blue box on this page, which includes expansions on some topics.) Bookmark Holston.org/coronavirus

Updated July 21, 2020.

Media: For assistance, please contact Tim Jones, communications director, at timjones@holston.org.

 

News & info

Here's the plan

On June 1, Bishop Taylor's task force released a plan for resuming in-person activities at Holston churches. The plan was updated June 23.

Read the plan.

In-person pause

As coronavirus cases surged in July, leaders again suspended in-person worship (in certain counties) to keep people safe. From The Call.

Read story.

Crisis ministry

Holston churches find safe ways to help their neighbors, jumping over hurdles presented by COVID-19. From The Call.

Read story.

 

 

Worship

Why are we losing?

Why has church attendance taken a nosedive? Carey Nieuwhof offers 7 tips for crafting a better future and reaching more people.

Read blog.

Juggling act

Carey Nieuwhof and Scott Sauls discuss in-person worship precautions and digital engagement in a season of hybrid church. From ChurchPulse Weekly.

Watch broadcast.

Black churches

Black churches are reportedly lagging in the rush to go online. Reaching across generational lines could help. From Ministry Matters.

Read article.

 

Moving forward

As online worship becomes the norm, Mike Slaughter offers 7 tips for moving forward. From Ministry Matters.

See list.

Sermon by phone

What if church members could simply call a phone number to hear a sermon recorded by the pastor? From North Georgia Conference.

See story.

3 strategies

Perhaps the most promising vision for the new church doesn't just modify "normal" worship, but reimagines it digitally. From Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Find out more.

 

 

Finance & stewardship

Crucial safeguards

Maintaining a reserve fund and setting a realistic budget can help churches weather tough times. From Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Find out more.

Recurring gifts

How to weather the financial pandemic storm? Ask regular pledgers to give through online recurring gifts. From Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Find out more.

Got a surplus?

Five recommendations for churches experiencing a surplus in 2020. From Horizons Stewardship.

Read article.

 

 

Leadership 

More than just sharing

Effective communication aims at shared meaning and structured decision making. From Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

Find out more.

Agreeing with Andy

More pastors are now agreeing with megachurch pastor Andy Stanley: No worship services until 2021. From Christianity Today.

Read the article.

Hope and help

Pandemic response requires more than words of encouragement for those who are suffering. From Duke Divinity's Faith & Leadership.

Find out more.

 

 

Children

Trauma response

Holston Connectional Ministries offers a 3-part, free training in adverse childhood experiences. Begins July 30.

Find out more.

Racism & coronavirus

Vacation Bible school programs address racism and the pandemic in a virtual setting. From UMC Discipleship Ministries.

Find out more.

Conquering COVID-19

A free digital book offers basic info for children on virus and how to stay safe. From Holston parish nurse Joy Eastridge and artist Mary Beth Eastridge.

Download book.

 

 

Youth

Where are they?

7 things to know when your students aren't joining Zoom meetings. From YM360.

Find out more.

3 friendly games

Three youth-ministry games that will work over Zoom as well as in person. From YM360.

Check it out.

Holston youth unite

Blogs, ideas for online youth meetings, games, a weekly Wednesday Zoom meeting and more. A list offered by Laura McLean of Holston Youth Ministries.

See the list.

 

 

Wellness

Spiritually dangerous

Here's why we shouldn't worship nostalgia and the golden calf of our pre-pandemic days. From Christianity Today.

Read column.

Coping w/ cancellation

When major life celebrations are altered by COVID-19, grief and loss are real. From United Methodist Communications.

Read article.

Anxiety and grief

As depression and anxiety spike, churches offer hope and mental-health resources. From Religion News Service.

Find out more.