(The Christian Post) The United Methodist Church is considering making its denominationwide legislative gathering, already postponed due to COVID-19, a virtual event and allow for online voting. Scheduled to take place every four years, the UMC General Conference was supposed to have been held earlier this year, but it was delayed until August 2021 due to concerns about the … [Read more...] about UMC Considers Making 2021 General Conference Virtual, Include Online Voting
Church
Hillsong Church Announces an Atlanta Location and Its First African American Lead Pastors
by Emily McFarlan Miller (RNS) Sam Collier remembers meeting Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement this summer. People were marching in the streets, some rioting, and Collier said Houston told him it was time. Hillsong wanted to be part of changing the narrative and changing the world. And, Houston said, he wanted … [Read more...] about Hillsong Church Announces an Atlanta Location and Its First African American Lead Pastors
What Churches Might Miss When Measuring Digital Attendance
(Barna) In the spring of 2020, as much of the United States began enforcing social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the overwhelming majority of churches accordingly closed their doors. Ministries shifted quickly to digital services as faith leaders and congregants encouraged each other with the reminder “Church is more than a building.” But can digital … [Read more...] about What Churches Might Miss When Measuring Digital Attendance
60 Cases of COVID-19 Linked to Maine Church; Pastor Offers (Conditional) Apology
(ChurchLeaders) A Pentecostal pastor in Maine is speaking out about a COVID-19 outbreak that health officials link to a gathering at his church. After conducting contact tracing, Maine authorities say 60 coronavirus cases are now associated with an early-October fellowship event held at Brooks Pentecostal Church (BPC), located in the small town of Brooks, Maine. They’ve … [Read more...] about 60 Cases of COVID-19 Linked to Maine Church; Pastor Offers (Conditional) Apology
Three Church Coalitions in the Deep South Partner To Urge Racial Reconciliation — and Justice
by Adelle M. Banks (RNS) Leaders of multiracial coalitions of churches in three Southern cities have confessed to being too “comfortable” and committed anew to “work for justice to right past wrongs” and seek racial unity. “As a group of racially, ethnically, and politically diverse church leaders in the Deep South areas of Charleston, SC, Montgomery, AL, and Mobile, AL, … [Read more...] about Three Church Coalitions in the Deep South Partner To Urge Racial Reconciliation — and Justice