Coronavirus and the Leadership of the Christian Church

Coronavirus and the Leadership of the Christian Church PDF Author: Ernest Springer
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781716529634
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 258

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Book Description
"Coronavirus and the Leadership of the Christian Church: A Sacred Trust Broken." What a striking if not provocative title to address a current subject that has not only gripped the heart, mind, body and soul of all members of the visible Church, but has challenged the very stability and testimony of those who profess the name of Christ. As Jesus is our Lord and Savior and the very Word of Truth for all of Christian living, the desire of this book is to seek to present purity, faithfulness, and godliness in church polity and practice, from which only true peace and unity can ever be gained in Christ's Church. This is the book you have been waiting for. It will present the situation of the past seven months of the coronavirus upon society and the Church. It will lay out for the Christian the response of Church leadership as they attempted, with both compassion and good intent, to command a response by God's people to its actions and directives. Within the scope of the following chapters we will see how the Scripture, the Confessions, church history, medical science, and governmental influence all affect and demand a prioritized evaluation and Biblical response as to faith and life. In doing so this work will hopefully serve as a primer and guide for the future of the Christian Church as they seek to obey the Sovereign God rather than man. ---Ernest Springer Old Paths Publications** "Uncritically to yield to the decrees of the state in the matter of public worship is indefensible. 'We must obey God...' This book calls the hitherto compliant churches, including the most orthodox and conservative, which presently are not worshiping God, to repentance (sorrow over past disobedience) and conversion (change of behavior)." ---The Rev. David J. Engelsma Emeritus Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament Protestant Reformed Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI** "Hope for the future is not without promise. The Lord blesses His Church, and where it falters, the way forward is the way home, and the way home is the way of hope, and the way of hope is the way of confession and repentance, for it brings the Church closer to the One who is merciful, full of compassion, long-suffering and who affords forgiveness." ---Ernest Springer

Coronavirus and the Leadership of the Christian Church

Coronavirus and the Leadership of the Christian Church PDF Author: Ernest Springer
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781716529634
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 258

Get Book

Book Description
"Coronavirus and the Leadership of the Christian Church: A Sacred Trust Broken." What a striking if not provocative title to address a current subject that has not only gripped the heart, mind, body and soul of all members of the visible Church, but has challenged the very stability and testimony of those who profess the name of Christ. As Jesus is our Lord and Savior and the very Word of Truth for all of Christian living, the desire of this book is to seek to present purity, faithfulness, and godliness in church polity and practice, from which only true peace and unity can ever be gained in Christ's Church. This is the book you have been waiting for. It will present the situation of the past seven months of the coronavirus upon society and the Church. It will lay out for the Christian the response of Church leadership as they attempted, with both compassion and good intent, to command a response by God's people to its actions and directives. Within the scope of the following chapters we will see how the Scripture, the Confessions, church history, medical science, and governmental influence all affect and demand a prioritized evaluation and Biblical response as to faith and life. In doing so this work will hopefully serve as a primer and guide for the future of the Christian Church as they seek to obey the Sovereign God rather than man. ---Ernest Springer Old Paths Publications** "Uncritically to yield to the decrees of the state in the matter of public worship is indefensible. 'We must obey God...' This book calls the hitherto compliant churches, including the most orthodox and conservative, which presently are not worshiping God, to repentance (sorrow over past disobedience) and conversion (change of behavior)." ---The Rev. David J. Engelsma Emeritus Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament Protestant Reformed Seminary in Grand Rapids, MI** "Hope for the future is not without promise. The Lord blesses His Church, and where it falters, the way forward is the way home, and the way home is the way of hope, and the way of hope is the way of confession and repentance, for it brings the Church closer to the One who is merciful, full of compassion, long-suffering and who affords forgiveness." ---Ernest Springer

We Shall Be Changed

We Shall Be Changed PDF Author: Mark D. W. Edington
Publisher: Church Publishing
ISBN: 1640653724
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 113

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Book Description
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.

Religion, Race, and COVID-19

Religion, Race, and COVID-19 PDF Author: Stacey M. Floyd-Thomas
Publisher: NYU Press
ISBN: 1479810223
Category : HISTORY
Languages : en
Pages : 306

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Book Description
"This book analyzes how the particular dynamics and effects emerging from the COVID-19 crisis both impact and are perceived by its most vulnerable yet visionary populations, based on their pragmatic and prescient analysis of the American experiment of freedom with regards to race and religion. Without a doubt, this book addresses the various ways the COVID-19 crisis marks not merely a moment in time, but also a world-historical event that threatens to leave its imprint on lives and cultures for decades to come"--

The Post-Quarantine Church

The Post-Quarantine Church PDF Author: Thom S. Rainer
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 1496452771
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 127

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Book Description
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.

The Post-Quarantine Church

The Post-Quarantine Church PDF Author: Thom S. Rainer
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 1496452755
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 127

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Book Description
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.

Pastoring Through a Pandemic

Pastoring Through a Pandemic PDF Author: Pastor R. D. Bernard
Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
ISBN: 1638144958
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 151

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Book Description
“We all prayed at the altar at about 2:00 p.m. We had to pray because we were bitter. I know my people, and several of us were hurt at the sheriff being called—on a church. A couple of members were even bitter with me for cancelling service this Sunday. It was a mess, and all we could do was pray” (pastoral journal entry, Thursday, April 2, 2020). Pastoring through a Pandemic captures, in detail, the first ninety days of the historic, once-in-a-generation, worldwide pandemic of 2020 as experienced by the pastor and people of the historic King Solomon Baptist Church of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Pastor and people defied state and local ordinances to have in-person worship services at the height of the pandemic. Read of the harrowing tales of members, old and young, who sought answers for their own personal crises as they “sneaked to meet” while discovering a newfound strength and spirituality in the midst of their quiet defiance. See the four pillars of leadership in action from the pastor, who in the very midst of his personal battles with fatigue, fear, and nascent faith, kept a day-to-day journal of the church’s struggles and triumphs. Pastoring through a Pandemic will be studied for years as an example of how one faith community responded to the early days of the pandemic while also navigating its way through a historic time of political and social unrest.

Leadership for a Time of Pandemic

Leadership for a Time of Pandemic PDF Author: Tod Bolsinger
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 0830821074
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 52

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Book Description
In just a few weeks, everything changed. Hopes that we would soon return to normal quickly faded as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world. Christian leaders have been forced to deal with the loss of in-person gatherings, devastating financial hits, and the heightened anxiety of facing a future with no clear understanding of what it may look like. What does ministry require now? And how can those who feel the burden of leading in this unprecedented context be equipped for their calling? For decades, Tod Bolsinger has helped leaders learn to adapt to a rapidly changing world that seminary training had not prepared them for. Now he has provided a unique resource applying some of his key insights to the current global crisis. Leadership for a Time of Pandemic draws from Tod's popular book Canoeing the Mountains to describe the basics of adaptive leadership in uncharted territory. Then, in a preview of his forthcoming book Tempered Resilience: How Leaders Are Formed in the Crucible of Change, he focuses on how to create a rule of life in order to stay resilient. This brief, timely book is an ideal resource for leadership teams to explore together. Christian leaders in any context will find wisdom and encouragement to provide the kind of resilient leadership that has never been so necessary.

The Post Covid Church

The Post Covid Church PDF Author: Dr. Chris Foster
Publisher: Webb Publishing
ISBN: 1610262077
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 208

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Book Description
The Church in America was already experiencing an unprecedented decline before the COVID -19 pandemic. The effects of the pandemic upon church attendances have been far-reaching, and long lasting. Recent research has revealed that one in five churches in America will perinatally close because of COVID-19's effect on already declining churches. How can the church, across denominational lines in North America get in the middle of this digressing trend, and stem the tide of systemic church decline? The Post COVID Church leverages decades of empirical ecclesial work with the fresh perspective of strategic leadership and empower leadership to: Understand causality of a plateau and decline through the lens of the post-modern and post COVID landscape, Recognize the type of new change that proliferates health and growth, Make strategic transformations without losing those who have held the church together for years. Through organizational strategy, understanding values, design thinking, leadership development and strategic foresight, The Post COVID Church provides a road map and "Socratic" process to help the reader leverage creativity and innovation to build momentum and lead the church to prosperity. PRAISE FOR THE BOOK: "Dr. Chris Foster offers timely and critical strategies for embracing and flourishing through change in The Post COVID Church. Dr. Foster's writing style and the power of his personal story combine to create a work that is not only academic but a delight to read. This important work has the potential to prepare leaders to turn obstacles into opportunities in advancing the mission of Christ." —Dr. Kimberly Jones, Vice President of Southwestern Assemblies of God University "The Post COVID Church is an essential resource for leaders desiring to recover from the destructive force of a pandemic and successfully refocus on the mission Jesus left for all His followers. Dr. Chris Foster skillfully compares lessons he learned during his personal health journey to principles he found successful in equipping a church to reach its full Kingdom potential. I took copious notes for my personal files, and I suspect you will too. This book will not be one you read only once. It will become a treasured resource regardless of the organization you lead." —Alton Garrison, Executive Director, Acts 2 Journey "Dr. Chris Foster is a man of passion, purpose and brings significant insight and research into the current situation of the church in America. This book is pregnant with information, truth, and insight that brings a healthy insight into our circumstances and gives us light to live through it and actually achieve what others have given up on. The man is a friend; the book is incredible; and the only thing missing is those who would lift their lid by diving in." — Maury Davis, author of Hindsight 20/20 ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chris, a Texas native, received his undergraduate degree from Southwestern University, his Master's from Southeastern University, and his Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University, School of Business and Leadership. With over 31 years of ministry experience, Dr. Foster is an engaging communicator of the gospel, with a church that grew by as much as 400% during the pandemic. Additionally, he serves as a Doctoral Chair and Professor at Southeastern University. He is a father of three, Kash, Cruz, and Eden.

Growing the Post-pandemic Church

Growing the Post-pandemic Church PDF Author: Bob Whitesel Dmin, PhD
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 120

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Book Description
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.

Simple Church

Simple Church PDF Author: Thom S. Rainer
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
ISBN: 0805447997
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 296

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Book Description
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.