Biblical over Political In the chaos and unrest of today’s America, it’s easy to lose our way. Each voice seems more demanding than the last, each appears to have a nugget of truth, and each one seems to stand in opposition to the other. As Christ-followers, how do we find our way? We find God’s…
Division
The enemy would love to bring division as we reopen our counties and reenter our church buildings. From smaller issues like wearing face coverings to the looming concerns addressing racism, there seems to be increasing questions and growing anxiety. LET’S TALK The Bible says that we are to be “eager to maintain the unity of…
Our Statements
Our country is splintered. We are at a crossroads. One direction has the potential to bring great redemption; the other has the potential to bring great destruction. As Christians, we must care about the prejudice against the black community. We cannot be silent. Our silence denies the reality of racism. On the other hand, the…
Why Is This So Difficult?
A recent survey showed that 80% of Americans believe that the country is out of control. If your social media feed is anything like mine, you can scroll from #blacklivesmatter to “all lives matter” to “what’s the big deal?” in a matter of seconds. Every opinion is on display, often without regard for the pain…
We Just Don’t Get It!
We just don’t get it. I’m saying that as a white person…we don’t get it! We don’t get how widespread discrimination is in our society. We don’t get the fear and frustration that people of color are feeling. We don’t get how scary it can be to be pulled over by a cop hoping you’ll…
When We All Get Together
Remember that old kid’s song, “The more we get together, the happier we will be?” Well, I’m wondering how happy we’ll be getting back together into our buildings. Seriously. Right now, pastors and churches are being pulled in many directions. Some want to open up everything right now while others want to wait until everything…
5 Things I Know About (Almost) Every Pastor Right Now
Yes, we are heading back to a new normal. The scary thing is that there are a lot of moving parts during this transition time. God said that if we lack wisdom, we need to ask Him for it (James 1:5). We need clarity and confidence as we restart ministries and reenter our facilities. Let’s…
Reopening Slowly
We are starting to reopen! This past weekend the Archdiocese of Portland began holding public services. Many counties in Oregon and Washington will be entering Phase 1. In Oregon, gatherings under 25 will be allowed, which includes religious gatherings. In Washington, drive-in services are now permitted. So what does that mean for our churches in…
Leading through the Covid-Crisis
Things aren’t normal, and we can’t lead like normal. Like any significant disruptor in life, we have a choice. We can complain about it (which I have done), or we can commit to making a difference (which I want to do). Leadership must take on a higher calling. People are increasingly more anxious. Some have…
How I’m Surviving
(Staying the Course During a Virus Crisis) If you’re like me, you are going a bit stir crazy. I guess psychologists call it “Quarantine Fatigue.” I think I’ve caught it. I’m not working as much—I’d say about 60% of normal. This is usually my busiest time of the year because of our Local Conference Gatherings….
Reopening the Church Buildings
by Adam Dolhanyk It won’t be this Sunday, but soon our churches will begin to hold public services again. How soon will it happen? What changes can we anticipate? Today’s blog is by Adam Dolhanyk, Director of our Church Health Team and pastor of Faith on Hill in Milwaukie, Oregon. Here’s his perspective on how…
And Just Like That…
Four Benefits of Being Online And just like that, we are all online. From live streaming our services to interacting in a Zoom room, the church is communicating online like never before. Phil Cooke, a Christian TV producer, observed that “Right now, the Church is producing more media than Hollywood.” Think about that! Who would ever…
