(ChurchLeaders) The Rev. Dunford Cole was too ill with the coronavirus to help with May 31 worship services at the two churches he leads in south Alabama. But he preached anyway via Facebook from his hospital bed the next day. Fighting for a full breath, choking back tears at times, the 45-year-old pastor of Campground and Rutledge United Methodist churches still managed … [Read more...] about Clergy, Laity Share Harrowing COVID-19 Stories
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Christian Giving Rebounds to Pre-Pandemic Levels
(Christianity Today) When the US economy shut down in March due to COVID-19, financial predictions for churches and other ministries were dire. But a new survey suggests those predictions may have been overblown. Most evangelical churches and ministries saw giving remain steady or grow during the height of stay-at-home restrictions, according to a survey of more than 1,300 … [Read more...] about Christian Giving Rebounds to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Chris Hodges Being ‘Canceled’ for Social Media Activity
(ChurchLeaders) In what may serve as a warning for pastors using social media, the leader of Alabama’s largest church is apologizing for liking some controversial posts, and the church is dealing with major backlash. Chris Hodges, founder and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands, with 20 campuses and 60,000 members, is expressing regret for clicking “like” on posts … [Read more...] about Chris Hodges Being ‘Canceled’ for Social Media Activity
WH Press Secretary Mcenany Says There’s an ‘Absolute Double Standard’ That Churches Still Can’t Gather Despite Large Protests
(Fox News) White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Wednesday there is an “absolute double standard” because churches across the country are still facing coronavirus restrictions preventing them from holding services, while demonstrators have been able to pack together in large protests with little social distancing. “There are absolutely double standards that … [Read more...] about WH Press Secretary Mcenany Says There’s an ‘Absolute Double Standard’ That Churches Still Can’t Gather Despite Large Protests
Awana Won’t Sue Babylon Bee Over Controversial Trump Satire Story
(The Christian Post) Awana will not file a lawsuit against The Babylon Bee over a Donald Trump-related satire story that the national evangelical youth ministry and child evangelism nonprofit allegedly threatened legal action over. On June 2, the popular Christian satire site published a fictional story titled “Trump Shows Off Completed Awana Vest,” which included a doctored … [Read more...] about Awana Won’t Sue Babylon Bee Over Controversial Trump Satire Story