?BONUS EPISODE ? COVID-19 ? Pastoring a Replant in a Pandemic
Joining us today on the Bootcamp are some boots on the ground Replanters who share with us how they are thinking and making decisions in the time of the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Chris Snider – Catonsville Baptist, Catonsville MD
Evan Skelton – Bayless Baptist Church, St. Louis MO
Stuart Dace – Exchange Church, Arnold MO
Bob Bickford – The Groves Church, Webster Groves MO
Jimbo Stewart – Redemption Church, Jacksonville FL
CDC Guidelines regarding meeting (as of 3.15.20)
How DC Churches Responded to the public ban on gatherings in 1918
Concerns stated by these boots on the ground Replanters
- Loss of Momentum in a key time of the year
- Finances
- The risk factors associated with having members who are at great risk
- Losing connection with church members and attenders
How are thinking through staying connected to your congregation in light of a possible eight week pause?
- This is the time for the local pastor to shine
- Develop call lists, divide them among leaders, check-in with them and encourage them in practical ways.
- Text messaging and phone messaging services
- Writing notes to your congregation and sending via mail
- Being intentional with your communication-pointing them to scripture
- Be pastoral in your communication-take into account where your people are, what questions they are asking and lead them to the truth of God’s word.
- Encourage small groups (eight or less) to meet and care for one another.
How South Korean church gatherings may have spread the Coronavirus
Physicians explain how Coronavirus spreads
What concerns do you have about your long term viability as a Church?
- Momentum-but we have an opportunity to speak the gospel into a crisis situation right now.
- Finances: loss in giving and actual expenses, also needs of members whose personal income diminishes during this time.
- Some replants will have to think through how they might deal with the loss of income from rental fees from groups who use their church facilities.
- Personally a Replanter should think about ways to be financially nimble-develop a side hustle from which a personal income stream can be developed.
How are you serving or engaging your community during this season?
- Through a pre-existing relationship Jimbo was invited to do a bible study video for school faculty.
- Mercy Ministries-by providing meals for kids in need.
- Offering your building and it’s free wi-fi for those who may need it for online school learning.
How are you leading your family?
- Praying for and with your family on a regular basis
- Leading them not to fear and trust in God
- Explain the dynamics of the situation but also the certainty we have in faith in God.
In Summary
- Church is more than Sunday worship
- Shepherd your people well in various ways
- Pray and think through how you can serve your community
- Love and lead your family
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