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…
Six Prayers for this Easter
This Easter is like none other we have ever experienced. Yet, Christ has still risen! Amen! His Church is still the Church, whether we are gathered or scattered. We may be apart, but we can come together in worship and prayer. LET’S TALK In fact, prayer is our greatest privilege. It is our opportunity to…
Longing for Normal
Everyone hopes to get back to normal as soon as possible! I’m praying for that! Yesterday, I went by the office to pick up a package UPS dropped off. After working from home for almost two weeks, it felt good to be driving to work. I even stayed in the office to work on an…
Four Silver Linings in the Coronavirus Crisis
Two questions many are asking are: “How long is this going to last?” and “How bad is it going to get?” Frustratingly, we don’t have the answer to either of those questions. In our planning, we need to prepare for this to continue for months, not weeks. We must anticipate further struggles and losses. However,…
The Church and the Coronavirus
URGENT: As of this week all of our churches need to suspend public worship services and meetings. This applies to both Oregon and Washington. There is nothing normal at this point. If you are like me, you wonder if everyone is overreacting and pray that this will all pass in a few days. Well, this…
