New England news & perspectives
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Revitalizing the Post-COVID Church in New England: Cultivating Vitality for Multiplication
The global COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to various aspects of human life, behaviors, and relationships. It also messed with religious practices and how people approach services and gatherings. Churches worldwide had to adapt rapidly to new circumstances, finding innovative ways to maintain spiritual connections with their congregations while adhering to health and safety guidelines.
Your church may qualify for (more) government refunds because of COVID shutdowns
Is your church leaving money on the table? Did you know that there are more COVID refunds available from IRS beyond the PPP program? Yes, it is true. And the dollars available in the new program are bigger than PPP!!
The youth group rebuild
One year ago we were stepping into the unknown. In many ways we are beginning to rebuild into the unknown. Here are five ways you can create a solid base as you begin to re-establish your youth group.
Feeling cared for and staying connected during the pandemic
Health officials predict it will be several more months before social-distancing restrictions can be lifted and life can return to normal. In the meantime, people everywhere, including church members, struggle with pandemic fatigue. Faithful shepherds of God’s people must remain vigilant during the remaining months of this protracted pandemic.
In a recent meeting of Greater Boston pastors, we asked the question: What are you doing to help your people feel cared for and stay well-connected during the pandemic? Here are some helpful insights from these church leaders.
Rejuvenating your small groups for 2021
For many churches, small groups are the spiritual and relational lifeblood for the congregation. It is in these groups that we practice life together through encouragement, Bible study, accountability and relational investment. It is in our small groups that strong friendships form and strengthen. It is here that the Word of God comes to life and we see it applied in our own lives.
Holy impatience: “How long, Lord?”
There is nothing like a global pandemic to remind you that life is short and you are but a frail mortal. A microscopic virus could send you or someone you love to the hospital or to the grave.
Moses experienced something similar with the people of Israel when they were exiled to the wilderness for forty years. He witnessed the deaths of all the older generations during their wilderness wanderings. Although he himself lived a long time, he was well aware of the shortness and frailty of human life.
Much more than a meal: Serving and connecting during a pandemic
During this unprecedented and seemingly never-ending season that is COVID, fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ has taken on a new form. Togetherness during Sunday morning services is impacted by elders making very complicated decisions. Hospitality looks different and is potentially non-existent given your context, capabilities and convictions. For some, hugs and handshakes have given way to waves and greetings from six feet away. Meals around the table occur more frequently through a computer screen for some or not at all for many. May I encourage you to consider bringing someone a meal?
Welcome, 2021!
Those dreaded New Year’s resolutions, ugh! In a normal year we might make five or six commitments to do better in various areas of our lives in the New Year, only to break most of them by the end of the month. We all know it’s true, even if we don’t want to admit it.
Obstacles to engaging my community: Part 2
In Part One of this article, I identified two obstacles that impact how I am engaging my community with the Gospel. First, am I waiting/longing for things to return to “normal”? Second, am I only listening to those voices that reinforce what I already think? This article identifies three more obstacles.
Obstacles to engaging my community: Part 1
In a recent email this caught my eye “your experience . . . caught our attention . . .your skill set, and background mirror our current franchise owners.” I was intrigued, so I kept reading.
What was the franchise offer that they thought would connect with my values and interests? Owning and managing a boxing for fitness franchise! This sounds like a great idea and a great platform for physical fitness, but there is nothing about me that makes one think of boxing! It was like they were speaking a foreign language to me.
Christ is nearer than you think
Christmas will be different this year.
Changes, disruptions and difficulties have marked this year, and now we turn the corner towards a Christmas season that will, for many of us, be one more cruel reminder of how trying this year has been.
Technology is our friend
Many years ago I was at a national meeting and heard Ed Stetzer, a well-known missiologist, say “facts are our friends.” That always stuck with me, and during this pandemic, I have coined the phrase that “technology is our friend!” I know that adjusting to new technology has not been easy, but it certainly has provided a way to interact with our congregations, and I believe we need to embrace it as a “friendly” alternative.
Ten shifts New England churches are making
The metrics of the church scorecard are changing at a fast and furious rate during the pandemic. In the past few months, we have seen drastic shifts in our New England churches as they adapt to their new normal of functioning. Although there are struggles, most churches are showing clear signs of perseverance, persistence, and engagement. Here are ten positive changes our BCNE Church Growth Team has seen in the last few months.
SC Baptist meet New England needs during pandemic
It didn’t take long for New England Baptists to realize that the quarantining was going to last longer than a couple of weeks – and that the climate created by the pandemic was making people in search of hope more open to hearing the Gospel.
But with giving down in most local churches and an indefinite freeze on over $180,000 in evangelism and church planting development funds from national partner NAMB, what could be done?
BCNE launches new church planting partnerships led by Hal Haller
The Baptist Convention of New England is creating a new pathway to facilitate direct church planting partnerships between established local churches and church planters who want to work in nearby areas.
Becoming an inefficiency expert in relationships
COVID-19 totally changed my pastoral rhythms. It seemed like the weekly tasks quadrupled! I felt like what was once 45-50 hours per week in a pre-COVID world became 60 or 70 hours per week in spring and summer. I learned to cut corners and do in 10 minutes what once took 15. Because traffic was less dense, I could get to a spot in 30 minutes that once took 50. Every trip and every task became an area where I was looking to save time and energy — get things done with excellency but increased attention to efficiency. I felt like one of those bike riders in the Tour de France, speeding downhill through the Alps, trying to lean into the bends and turns just right at terrifyingly blistering speeds, saving inches to beat an opponent by seconds or less.
Church finances during a pandemic
Many churches have experienced extraordinary giving amidst the pandemic. Instead of retreat, some churches saw generosity. Why? Because people experienced at a very personal level the purpose for which the church exists — worship in a caring community that models love and compassion. Pastors and other church leaders took initiative to serve their communities. They led by example. The actions of the church were driven by a commitment to the Kingdom of God. Church leaders explored every possible platform to continue engaging in worship, Bible study and community building.
COVID brings lasting changes to Baptist Convention of New England
Six months after COVID began to escalate in the United States, pandemic-related changes are continuing to create ripples that affect the Baptist Convention of New England.
Should Christians follow “the science”?
During the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a tremendous amount of pressure upon all of us to “follow the science.” Our governmental policies and our individual actions are supposed to be prescribed by medical science. But now that the initial panic has largely subsided, it is time for some cool-headed reflection. Should it be a goal for Christians to follow the science?
5 ways to help small groups flourish in 2020
With September comes the beginning of small groups for many churches, and I hope that this is still the case this year! Don’t let the current state of our world distract you from being able to gather your church for small group experiences this fall. Because of the challenging times that we are facing, consider these actions as you get started.