BCNE News
The latest news from our network of New England churches. Looking for our New England Perspectives Articles? Click here.
The poison of deflecting credit while shouldering blame
Everything that could go wrong did. It was bound to happen at least once during COVID-19, and the Sunday before Memorial Day was our day.
Growing through the unknown
We are all experiencing unprecedented times. We may be asking ourselves many questions that we can’t fully answer. But one thing we can be certain of is the sovereignty of our God.
Shepherding during this crisis
Pastors are facing the challenge of shepherding well in a time when social distancing is required. The biblical mandate remains in spite of the current restrictions imposed as a result of this pandemic.
The passage of John 21:15-17, in which Jesus exhorts Peter to care for the flock, is a guideline for all pastors to follow. Jesus uses boskō in verses 15 and 17, and poimanō in verse 16, which are consecutively translated as “feeding” and “tending.” These are important instructions for pastors to keep in mind as we care for people.
Observations on preaching to an empty room
While many pastors are becoming adept at preaching to an empty church auditorium during this COVID-19 pandemic, I had my first experience recently. Let me share a few observations that may encourage you. (Or maybe YOU will want to encourage me!)
COVID, contentment & the Kohathites
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.” (Psalm 37:3)
That has been my go-to verse in many situations: being a church planter’s wife in New England, mothering three kids to adulthood, navigating difficult relationships. But a global pandemic? Never in a million years would I have guessed it would need to be applied in this challenging and confining time.
Going in circles?
Feel like your church is going in circles? Feel like your church is just treading water or going round and round in a holding pattern?
This isn’t the way we would choose to do things – stuck in our homes, maintaining social distancing. Pastors are preaching to camera. Small groups are “meeting” via Zoom. This isn’t how church is supposed to be!
Meditating on Scripture
Meditate on Scripture. It’s the command in Joshua 1:8. The practice of the wise in Psalm 1:2. It’s the source of praise in Psalm 119:97. So, not surprisingly, it’s a common point of application in sermons on spiritual growth. But still someone recently asked me, “How exactly do you meditate on Scripture?”
Crisis, faith & my work
6:30 a.m. My alarm goes off. I get out of bed, get up, read my daily devotional and get ready to face another day at work. 30-minute drive there, 35(ish) minute drive home. Today’s a long day; not home until about 6:35 in the evening. The long days have indeed been long; little did I know how long those long days would come to be.
Using illustrations well
Whether preaching a sermon, teaching a children’s class or leading a Bible study for teens, using a powerful illustration can really drive home the point. Jesus often used illustrations in His teaching. Illustrations help the audience connect the Word of God with everyday life.
Dispatch from the COVID front
Editor’s Note: Josh Abetti is a registered nurse and pastor of Concord Community Church in Concord, VT. He is temporarily working with COVID patients in a Bronx ICU.
Many people have asked me, "What's it like to work with COVID patients?" This is my attempt to answer that question from my limited experience. It’s long but I ask you to read the whole thing. In this post I attempt to share my observations and those of other coworkers. I’ve tried to restrain myself from making definitive conclusions because there is still so much about this disease we don’t understand. I’ve also written this from the perspective of a nurse.
Reentry plans: Strategy is a great start, but strategy alone is not enough
I have spent untold hours over the last couple of weeks reading through numerous reentry plans and guidelines offered up by church strategy consultants, a wide-variety of denominational bodies and churches who are further along in their bell curve than my local community. As a pastor who is now beginning to work with my teams on planning our own attempts at returning to public gatherings, I’m thankful for those who are a few steps ahead of me and have not only spent time thinking through an endless list of issues and considerations to arrive where they have, but also have made their work available for others to learn from. I believe that each of these offerings has been fruitful to me and worth my time. I have also learned three very clear things:
Wineskins and new wine: Preparing for our future
As I mentioned in a previous blog, pastors and leaders (and, frankly, all Christ-followers) will not have the post-COVID-19 luxury of returning to pre-COVID-19 ministry norms...the "old wineskins." Contrary to what common sense would tell us, however, neither will we have the luxury of combining our pre-COVID and during-COVID practices to chart our way forward; pragmatically stitching two old wineskins together will result in the tearing of the skins and the spilling of the new wine given by God.
This realization forces the question: What should we be preparing for? We can't even plan because we don't fully know what is ahead, but we can prepare so when the future becomes the present, we have been thinking critically and anticipating what could be.
Wineskins and new wine in a post-COVID-19 culture
COVID-19 has changed everything. As technology has changed at light speed over the past few decades, the Church in our country has been blessed to be insulated from seismic changes. Of course, before COVID-19, we added some online platforms and adjusted in mission as technology improved and the Church realized we’d moved from the center of culture to the periphery. (In truth, we were always more peripheral than we wanted to admit, but over the past couple of decades we’ve reframed our missional approach in light of our decreasing authority and influence.)
Not business as usual: Ministering to kids during quarantine
The COVID-19 crisis has done many things to our kids ministries. It has made us rethink, redirect and refocus the ways that we connect with kids and their families. In a recent online meeting with more than a dozen children’s ministry leaders in New England, the hands-down thing they miss most are the hugs and interaction they had with their kids on a weekly basis.
How to handle funerals while social distancing
I have performed two funerals since quarantine began. The first funeral was a graveside service with five people present due to social-distancing restrictions. The second funeral was conducted over Zoom. I first lamented the Zoom service because it is such a foreign concept. However, in retrospect, the Zoom funeral was wonderful ministry, and I am going to recommend it to families who need to plan funerals during quarantine.
Leading youth during #stayhome
I know this is a lot to take in.
What we are going through right now is unlike anything we have experienced in the U.S. The challenge will grow in the days ahead.
I know some of you are only a year or so out of high school yourselves. Others are tackling schooling children at home, and some are also caring for parents. I hear you, and I am praying for you.
Remember the widow: The importance of giving when it hurts
Times are tough. Not only are we mostly trapped in our homes, not only are grocery store shelves shockingly bare, but many of us have lost jobs or are working reduced hours. Money is tight. And it seems like we sometimes have different expenses – even greater expenses.
Ministry criticism: A value-added experience
As a ministry leader, you’re probably no stranger to criticism. If you’ve ever tried a new ministry program, attempted to navigate significant change or just simply responded to a need, you’ve likely encountered someone who found fault in your methods and communicated their frustration loudly and clearly! Their critical words might have caused you minor irritation, or perhaps they wounded you quite severely.
God’s Spirit is being poured out
Three months later, we are in the throes of a global epidemic such as our generation has never experienced. Yet God’s Spirit has indeed been poured out upon people. While church buildings may have closed down, the Church is more alive than ever. Small flocks are stepping into the technological age and are seeing remarkable things. One pastor who shepherds a flock of 25 saw one of their services posted on YouTube receive over 350 views. He was amazed!
Am I ready? A meditation for my friends who already follow Christ
We are having a “come to Jesus moment.” While this phrase is often used in jest when someone is in trouble and about to experience reality, all Christ-followers are having a come to Jesus moment now.