FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) — Helping congregations without pastors or worship leaders during a time when churches are unable to hold in-person meetings is the focus of a new resource launched by The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s Center for Church Revitalization.
Some churches were in the middle of the search process for a pastor when the COVID-19 pandemic prevented congregations from gathering. Thus, while many pastors have been able to reach their congregations through pre-recorded messages or live-streamed services, other congregations have gone without pastors — and services — during this season. Additionally, some churches simply lack the personnel and tools necessary to offer online services.
The Center for Church Revitalization is producing a new online resource — the Sermon and Worship Resource Collection. It will feature contributions from Southwestern President Adam W. Greenway, the seminary’s School of Church Music and Worship and various other faculty members.
The collection will include sermon videos and packages of worship songs and will be available to churches that are unable to produce online services themselves. The combination of the sermon and worship videos will allow churches to offer their members full Sunday morning services.
“Southwestern Seminary exists to serve the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention,” Greenway said. “During this time of heightened difficulties for our churches, which are compounded for churches without pastoral leadership, our Center for Church Revitalization is demonstrating in a practical way how our seminary serves the body of Christ. I pray that this resource will be a blessing to many, helping these congregations to continue their calling to advance the Gospel, which is especially needed during these days.”
Kenneth Priest, interim director of the Center for Church Revitalization, said he is excited about “the potential this offers as a direct resource to assist the church in the midst of this COVID-19 issue.
“These are different times requiring different ministry needs,and I believe Southwestern Seminary can offer the solution through the Center for Church Revitalization and the involvement and engagement of our professors across the disciplines.”
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Source: Baptist Press
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