For pastors, the last decade has presented a perfect storm of cultural upheaval, societal trends, and accelerated change. Pastors constantly face difficult and pressing questions about how to “do church” in the twenty-first century. Since the internet has fundamentally changed almost every aspect of our lives, many ask, “Why shouldn’t the church change too?”
With a trial by fire, COVID-19 accelerated churches’ need to embrace technology and adapt to the changing culture, and there is no indication that things will ever be the same.
Some churches, anticipating that circumstances would quickly get back to normal, resisted moving online altogether. Others established a temporary online presence and then discontinued once the initial panic subsided. Yet others soon recognized the value of developing a hybrid church model that offers various ministries both in-person and online.
No playbook exists for ministering in a pandemic, but by God’s grace and through His empowerment, churches forged ahead.
- You have reached the end of this article preview. This article was published in the Spring 2023 Baptist Bulletin. Subscribe to the Baptist Bulletin or purchase a gift subscription. If you already subscribe to the print edition, sign up for free digital access.
Brian Richard is pastor of Brookridge Baptist Church, Plover, Wis.
