Being the Church in a Post-Pandemic World

Being the Church in a Post-Pandemic World

Author: Kay Kotan

Publisher:

Published: 2021-04-15

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9781950899227

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Opportunity is born out of crisis. The global pandemic has been horrific. No one could have predicted such chaos to occur for so long. Yet, there is opportunity, the proverbial silver lining. Crisis is an accelerator. The church was catapulted into the digital future. Some churches had no choice but to embrace technology they once refused. The church learned there are more ways to offer worship than we had previously imagined. We learned it is possible to engage people in online ministry that might never become involved in on-site ministry. The church learned that it could change, and it changed quickly. During a pandemic period, when everything seems to have turned upside down, there is an opportunity to stop some things that had not been working anyway, eliminate some things that were seemingly impossible in "normal" times, and start new things that might have been hard to imagine in the past.As some churches began to resume on-site worship, another quandary came into being. How many of our folks will return? What does social distancing look like in a sanctuary with pews? How do we handle singing? What about the choir? Masks or no masks? What about our meet and greet time? How do we collect the offering?As the church begins to emerge from the pandemic, our role is changing. It was already changing pre-pandemic, but the change is sure to escalate drastically post-pandemic. This resource is designed to serve as a guide to what conversations might be helpful for you and your church's leadership. This book is to be used as a tool, not an instrument of judgement or criticism. This resource was created out of a heart full of love for the local church and the hope it will be helpful in finding our next faithful steps to being the vital church in the post-pandemic world.


Book Synopsis Being the Church in a Post-Pandemic World by : Kay Kotan

Download or read book Being the Church in a Post-Pandemic World written by Kay Kotan and published by . This book was released on 2021-04-15 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Opportunity is born out of crisis. The global pandemic has been horrific. No one could have predicted such chaos to occur for so long. Yet, there is opportunity, the proverbial silver lining. Crisis is an accelerator. The church was catapulted into the digital future. Some churches had no choice but to embrace technology they once refused. The church learned there are more ways to offer worship than we had previously imagined. We learned it is possible to engage people in online ministry that might never become involved in on-site ministry. The church learned that it could change, and it changed quickly. During a pandemic period, when everything seems to have turned upside down, there is an opportunity to stop some things that had not been working anyway, eliminate some things that were seemingly impossible in "normal" times, and start new things that might have been hard to imagine in the past.As some churches began to resume on-site worship, another quandary came into being. How many of our folks will return? What does social distancing look like in a sanctuary with pews? How do we handle singing? What about the choir? Masks or no masks? What about our meet and greet time? How do we collect the offering?As the church begins to emerge from the pandemic, our role is changing. It was already changing pre-pandemic, but the change is sure to escalate drastically post-pandemic. This resource is designed to serve as a guide to what conversations might be helpful for you and your church's leadership. This book is to be used as a tool, not an instrument of judgement or criticism. This resource was created out of a heart full of love for the local church and the hope it will be helpful in finding our next faithful steps to being the vital church in the post-pandemic world.

We Shall Be Changed

We Shall Be Changed

Author: Mark D. W. Edington

Publisher: Church Publishing, Inc.

Published: 2020-11-17

Total Pages: 113

ISBN-13: 1640653732

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How will we regather the church after pandemic? The Covid-19 pandemic is an inflection point for the church everywhere—and certainly for the Episcopal Church. The sudden flowering of creativity, connection, and collaboration is an expression of the Holy Spirit’s relentless presence within the church; yet ongoing distancing creates difficulties to be overcome on the other side of the present crisis. How will we change habits of isolation and regather the church? How will we manage the impact on church finances? How is God calling us to embrace the energy and creativity of this moment—and the longing people have felt for a return to community? What challenges will we face regathering the people of God, particularly in already weakened communities? We Shall Be Changed is a gathering of brief essays from thought leaders around the church on pressing topics that the church needs to be considering now—in preparation for the end of this pandemic. The book is designed to spur conversation within parishes, fellowship groups, and clergy gatherings about how to embrace the gifts this time has given while anticipating and addressing the very real challenges the church will confront in its wake.


Book Synopsis We Shall Be Changed by : Mark D. W. Edington

Download or read book We Shall Be Changed written by Mark D. W. Edington and published by Church Publishing, Inc.. This book was released on 2020-11-17 with total page 113 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How will we regather the church after pandemic? The Covid-19 pandemic is an inflection point for the church everywhere—and certainly for the Episcopal Church. The sudden flowering of creativity, connection, and collaboration is an expression of the Holy Spirit’s relentless presence within the church; yet ongoing distancing creates difficulties to be overcome on the other side of the present crisis. How will we change habits of isolation and regather the church? How will we manage the impact on church finances? How is God calling us to embrace the energy and creativity of this moment—and the longing people have felt for a return to community? What challenges will we face regathering the people of God, particularly in already weakened communities? We Shall Be Changed is a gathering of brief essays from thought leaders around the church on pressing topics that the church needs to be considering now—in preparation for the end of this pandemic. The book is designed to spur conversation within parishes, fellowship groups, and clergy gatherings about how to embrace the gifts this time has given while anticipating and addressing the very real challenges the church will confront in its wake.

Simple Church

Simple Church

Author: Thom S. Rainer

Publisher: B&H Publishing Group

Published: 2011-06

Total Pages: 296

ISBN-13: 0805447997

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Now in paperback, this multi-awarded national best seller shares a clear message from case studies of 400 North American congregations: church is done best when it's kept simple.


Book Synopsis Simple Church by : Thom S. Rainer

Download or read book Simple Church written by Thom S. Rainer and published by B&H Publishing Group. This book was released on 2011-06 with total page 296 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Now in paperback, this multi-awarded national best seller shares a clear message from case studies of 400 North American congregations: church is done best when it's kept simple.

The Post-Quarantine Church

The Post-Quarantine Church

Author: Thom S. Rainer

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Published: 2020-09-08

Total Pages: 127

ISBN-13: 1496452771

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A trustworthy and respected guide for pastors and church leadership in the post-quarantine world, providing hope and vision for the future of your congregation. From thousands of surveys of church leaders and in-person consultations, Thom Rainer and his Church Answers team have gathered the essential wisdom you will need to face the challenges and opportunities that the quarantine crisis creates for the local church, including: New and better ways to lead the gathered church A wide-open door for growing the digital church A moment to rethink the facilities New strategies for church growth . . . and much more! This book is, in effect, your personal church consultant, helping you plan and prepare for the future. In the midst of heartbreak, tragedy, and struggle due to Covid-19, here’s hope, wisdom, encouragement and vision. This book is valuable for those looking for local church and pastor resources to enhance church leadership, grow your church, and serve digital and online church communities in the post-quarantine world. As a former pastor and founder of Church Answers, Thom S. Rainer is intimately familiar with the ever-present demands that pastors face. He has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of the local church.


Book Synopsis The Post-Quarantine Church by : Thom S. Rainer

Download or read book The Post-Quarantine Church written by Thom S. Rainer and published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. This book was released on 2020-09-08 with total page 127 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A trustworthy and respected guide for pastors and church leadership in the post-quarantine world, providing hope and vision for the future of your congregation. From thousands of surveys of church leaders and in-person consultations, Thom Rainer and his Church Answers team have gathered the essential wisdom you will need to face the challenges and opportunities that the quarantine crisis creates for the local church, including: New and better ways to lead the gathered church A wide-open door for growing the digital church A moment to rethink the facilities New strategies for church growth . . . and much more! This book is, in effect, your personal church consultant, helping you plan and prepare for the future. In the midst of heartbreak, tragedy, and struggle due to Covid-19, here’s hope, wisdom, encouragement and vision. This book is valuable for those looking for local church and pastor resources to enhance church leadership, grow your church, and serve digital and online church communities in the post-quarantine world. As a former pastor and founder of Church Answers, Thom S. Rainer is intimately familiar with the ever-present demands that pastors face. He has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of the local church.

Growing the Post-pandemic Church

Growing the Post-pandemic Church

Author: Bob Whitesel Dmin, PhD

Publisher:

Published: 2020-08-07

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13:

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Practical strategies for churches in the new-normal. The author, an award-winning writer/scholar on church leadership, looks at 12 radical changes coming to the American church and suggests now is the time to rethink how we do church. The reader will learn how worship is moving from entertainment to experience, largeness is being replaced by relevance, and how leaders can make the most of online attendance. Bob Whitesel, D.Min., Ph.D. draws from his extensive consulting/coaching practice to suggest growth strategies for churches with aging buildings, overbuilt sanctuaries or underfunded staffs. And he describes emerging church alternatives such as pub churches, café churches, online churches and churches led by bi- or co- vocational pastors. He then introduces biblical foundations that every church can embrace to increase survivability: putting the needs of non-churchgoers first, making small groups your hallmark, practicing passionate prayer and growing learners, rather than growing an audience (Matt. 28:18-20). In the chapter, "St. Paul's Guide to Leading Remotely," Dr. Whitesel explores how to lead God's people in difficult, even remote, times based on Paul's theology and practice in his letters. And, in the chapter on the "eReformation," he describes 10 leadership skills needed to remain relevant in a world where communication is increasingly electronic. And because racial tensions continue to rise, Whitesel, a respected author on multiethnic church growth, offers "7 organic steps to building bridges across racial divides," including: learning about the other's culture, how not to judge by appearance, starting with a biblical model of reconciliation, practicing unity, reevaluating where you spend your money, awakening to your own personal preferences and expecting change in people. The book concludes with a look at the "church of the future." Here Whitesel looks at recurring problems that emerge after catastrophes. He looks at each problem from a biblical perspective and describes what churches can do to increase their future impact.


Book Synopsis Growing the Post-pandemic Church by : Bob Whitesel Dmin, PhD

Download or read book Growing the Post-pandemic Church written by Bob Whitesel Dmin, PhD and published by . This book was released on 2020-08-07 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Practical strategies for churches in the new-normal. The author, an award-winning writer/scholar on church leadership, looks at 12 radical changes coming to the American church and suggests now is the time to rethink how we do church. The reader will learn how worship is moving from entertainment to experience, largeness is being replaced by relevance, and how leaders can make the most of online attendance. Bob Whitesel, D.Min., Ph.D. draws from his extensive consulting/coaching practice to suggest growth strategies for churches with aging buildings, overbuilt sanctuaries or underfunded staffs. And he describes emerging church alternatives such as pub churches, café churches, online churches and churches led by bi- or co- vocational pastors. He then introduces biblical foundations that every church can embrace to increase survivability: putting the needs of non-churchgoers first, making small groups your hallmark, practicing passionate prayer and growing learners, rather than growing an audience (Matt. 28:18-20). In the chapter, "St. Paul's Guide to Leading Remotely," Dr. Whitesel explores how to lead God's people in difficult, even remote, times based on Paul's theology and practice in his letters. And, in the chapter on the "eReformation," he describes 10 leadership skills needed to remain relevant in a world where communication is increasingly electronic. And because racial tensions continue to rise, Whitesel, a respected author on multiethnic church growth, offers "7 organic steps to building bridges across racial divides," including: learning about the other's culture, how not to judge by appearance, starting with a biblical model of reconciliation, practicing unity, reevaluating where you spend your money, awakening to your own personal preferences and expecting change in people. The book concludes with a look at the "church of the future." Here Whitesel looks at recurring problems that emerge after catastrophes. He looks at each problem from a biblical perspective and describes what churches can do to increase their future impact.

Freeing Jesus

Freeing Jesus

Author: Diana Butler Bass

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: 2021-03-30

Total Pages: 245

ISBN-13: 0062659561

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The award-winning author of Grateful goes beyond the culture wars to offer a refreshing take on the comprehensive, multi-faceted nature of Jesus, keeping his teachings relevant and alive in our daily lives. How can you still be a Christian? This is the most common question Diana Butler Bass is asked today. It is a question that many believers ponder as they wrestle with disappointment and disillusionment in their church and its leadership. But while many Christians have left their churches, they cannot leave their faith behind. In Freeing Jesus, Bass challenges the idea that Jesus can only be understood in static, one-dimensional ways and asks us to instead consider a life where Jesus grows with us and helps us through life’s challenges in several capacities: as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence. Freeing Jesus is an invitation to leave the religious wars behind and rediscover Jesus in all his many manifestations, to experience Jesus beyond the narrow confines we have built around him. It renews our hope in faith and worship at a time when we need it most.


Book Synopsis Freeing Jesus by : Diana Butler Bass

Download or read book Freeing Jesus written by Diana Butler Bass and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2021-03-30 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The award-winning author of Grateful goes beyond the culture wars to offer a refreshing take on the comprehensive, multi-faceted nature of Jesus, keeping his teachings relevant and alive in our daily lives. How can you still be a Christian? This is the most common question Diana Butler Bass is asked today. It is a question that many believers ponder as they wrestle with disappointment and disillusionment in their church and its leadership. But while many Christians have left their churches, they cannot leave their faith behind. In Freeing Jesus, Bass challenges the idea that Jesus can only be understood in static, one-dimensional ways and asks us to instead consider a life where Jesus grows with us and helps us through life’s challenges in several capacities: as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence. Freeing Jesus is an invitation to leave the religious wars behind and rediscover Jesus in all his many manifestations, to experience Jesus beyond the narrow confines we have built around him. It renews our hope in faith and worship at a time when we need it most.

Rediscover Church

Rediscover Church

Author: Collin Hansen

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2021-07-28

Total Pages: 149

ISBN-13: 1433579596

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"A Christian without a church is a Christian in trouble." Since a global pandemic abruptly closed places of worship, many Christians have skipped church life, even neglecting virtual services. But this was a trend even before COVID-19. Polarizing issues, including political and racial strife, convinced some people to pull away from the church and one another. Now it's time to recommit to gathering as brothers and sisters in Christ. In Rediscover Church, Collin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman discuss why church is essential for believers and God's mission. Through biblical references and personal stories, they show readers God's true intention for corporate gathering: to spiritually strengthen members as individuals and the body of Christ. In an age of church-shopping and livestreamed services, rediscover why the future of the church relies on believers gathering regularly as the family of God. Published in partnership with the Gospel Coalition and 9Marks.


Book Synopsis Rediscover Church by : Collin Hansen

Download or read book Rediscover Church written by Collin Hansen and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2021-07-28 with total page 149 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A Christian without a church is a Christian in trouble." Since a global pandemic abruptly closed places of worship, many Christians have skipped church life, even neglecting virtual services. But this was a trend even before COVID-19. Polarizing issues, including political and racial strife, convinced some people to pull away from the church and one another. Now it's time to recommit to gathering as brothers and sisters in Christ. In Rediscover Church, Collin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman discuss why church is essential for believers and God's mission. Through biblical references and personal stories, they show readers God's true intention for corporate gathering: to spiritually strengthen members as individuals and the body of Christ. In an age of church-shopping and livestreamed services, rediscover why the future of the church relies on believers gathering regularly as the family of God. Published in partnership with the Gospel Coalition and 9Marks.

Analog Church

Analog Church

Author: Jay Y. Kim

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2020-03-31

Total Pages: 223

ISBN-13: 0830841989

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Outreach Resource of the Year The Gospel Coalition Book Award What does it mean to be an analog church in a digital age? In recent decades the digital world has taken over our society at nearly every level, and the church has increasingly followed suit—often in ways we're not fully aware of. But as even the culture at large begins to reckon with the limits of a digital world, it's time for the church to take stock. Are online churches, video venues, and brighter lights truly the future? What about the digital age's effect on discipleship, community, and the Bible? As a pastor in Silicon Valley, Jay Kim has experienced the digital church in all its splendor. In Analog Church, he grapples with the ramifications of a digital church, from our worship and experience of Christian community to the way we engage Scripture and sacrament. Could it be that in our efforts to stay relevant in our digital age, we've begun to give away the very thing that our age most desperately needs: transcendence? Could it be that the best way to reach new generations is in fact found in a more timeless path? Could it be that at its heart, the church has really been analog all along?


Book Synopsis Analog Church by : Jay Y. Kim

Download or read book Analog Church written by Jay Y. Kim and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2020-03-31 with total page 223 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Outreach Resource of the Year The Gospel Coalition Book Award What does it mean to be an analog church in a digital age? In recent decades the digital world has taken over our society at nearly every level, and the church has increasingly followed suit—often in ways we're not fully aware of. But as even the culture at large begins to reckon with the limits of a digital world, it's time for the church to take stock. Are online churches, video venues, and brighter lights truly the future? What about the digital age's effect on discipleship, community, and the Bible? As a pastor in Silicon Valley, Jay Kim has experienced the digital church in all its splendor. In Analog Church, he grapples with the ramifications of a digital church, from our worship and experience of Christian community to the way we engage Scripture and sacrament. Could it be that in our efforts to stay relevant in our digital age, we've begun to give away the very thing that our age most desperately needs: transcendence? Could it be that the best way to reach new generations is in fact found in a more timeless path? Could it be that at its heart, the church has really been analog all along?

The African Church and COVID-19

The African Church and COVID-19

Author: Martin Munyao

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2022-01-21

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13: 1793650993

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The African Church and COVID-19: Human Security, the Church, and Society in Kenya is a bold and incisive look at the African Church in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the book, contributors explore how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragilities of African society as well as the weaknesses in the Church’s role in helping and serving African communities. The African Church and COVID-19 analyzes the question of how the Church in Kenya should move forward in a post-COVID-19 era to address the vulnerabilities of socio-economic and political structures in Africa.


Book Synopsis The African Church and COVID-19 by : Martin Munyao

Download or read book The African Church and COVID-19 written by Martin Munyao and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2022-01-21 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The African Church and COVID-19: Human Security, the Church, and Society in Kenya is a bold and incisive look at the African Church in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the book, contributors explore how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragilities of African society as well as the weaknesses in the Church’s role in helping and serving African communities. The African Church and COVID-19 analyzes the question of how the Church in Kenya should move forward in a post-COVID-19 era to address the vulnerabilities of socio-economic and political structures in Africa.

Fresh Expressions in a Digital Age

Fresh Expressions in a Digital Age

Author: Michael Adam Beck

Publisher:

Published: 2021-07-06

Total Pages: 195

ISBN-13: 9781791023843

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Fresh Expressions is a canary in the coal mine, alerting congregations to reevaluate what the Church is, where and when it can happen, and who can lead it. Church as we know it is inaccessible to most people. A fundamental premise of the movement is that Church can become accessible again by emerging in every nook and cranny where life already happens. Fresh Expressions is based in simplification, returning to basic scriptural principles, and a recovery of a "priesthood of all believers"--in the three places where people live and relate to others. First Place: The home or primary place of residence. Second Place: The workplace or school place. Third Place: The public places separate from the two usual social environments of home and workplace, which host regular, voluntary, informal, and neutral spaces of communion and play. Examples are environments such as cafes, pubs, theaters, parks, and so on. During a pandemic, our two primary mission spaces were closed off; the second and third places were shut down. We couldn't have Tattoo Parlor Church; the tattoo parlor was closed. We couldn't gather in Moe's Southwest Grill for Burritos and Bibles; they were doing take-out only. The dog park was empty; no Paws of Praise. This limited us to the only spaces we have left: the first place, or the home place. The digital place, or the "space of flows." This forces us into recognizing the digital space as its own kind of third place, a new missional frontier.


Book Synopsis Fresh Expressions in a Digital Age by : Michael Adam Beck

Download or read book Fresh Expressions in a Digital Age written by Michael Adam Beck and published by . This book was released on 2021-07-06 with total page 195 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fresh Expressions is a canary in the coal mine, alerting congregations to reevaluate what the Church is, where and when it can happen, and who can lead it. Church as we know it is inaccessible to most people. A fundamental premise of the movement is that Church can become accessible again by emerging in every nook and cranny where life already happens. Fresh Expressions is based in simplification, returning to basic scriptural principles, and a recovery of a "priesthood of all believers"--in the three places where people live and relate to others. First Place: The home or primary place of residence. Second Place: The workplace or school place. Third Place: The public places separate from the two usual social environments of home and workplace, which host regular, voluntary, informal, and neutral spaces of communion and play. Examples are environments such as cafes, pubs, theaters, parks, and so on. During a pandemic, our two primary mission spaces were closed off; the second and third places were shut down. We couldn't have Tattoo Parlor Church; the tattoo parlor was closed. We couldn't gather in Moe's Southwest Grill for Burritos and Bibles; they were doing take-out only. The dog park was empty; no Paws of Praise. This limited us to the only spaces we have left: the first place, or the home place. The digital place, or the "space of flows." This forces us into recognizing the digital space as its own kind of third place, a new missional frontier.