Insights from in and around the association
UBA Voices
The Ministry of Death
Death is part of life, particularly the life of a pastor. What does it look like to walk with your congregation as they grieve a loved one, face a terminal diagnosis, or even transition into eternity?
What's Your Narrative?
What is the overarching narrative that runs through your church or ministry right now? At the risk of being too simplistic, it is probably one of two extremes. One is a story of woe and discouragement. The other is curiosity and anticipation. The themes and stories that you emphasize in your communication will set the tone for your church or ministry.
Estimado Pastor, Por Favor No nos Deje Ahora
Las estadísticas son horribles y las historias desgarradoras. Si algo no cambia, la iglesia en los Estados Unidos enfrentará desafíos sin precedentes el próximo año y muchas congregaciones locales no sobrevivirán. ¿Cuál es la tragedia? La creciente realización de que un porcentaje significativo de pastores están considerando dejar sus iglesias.
Pastor, God's Got This
Anxiety is at an all-time high, and church leaders and pastors are not immune. If you were honest and expressed the fears going through your mind during COVID-19 and the economic shutdown, what would it sound like? How should leaders respond in the midst of this swirling internal storm of anxiety?
2020's Most Surprisingly Relevant Worship Song
Most of what we experienced this year echos a sense of loss—the fading music and the constant erosion of things we took for granted. I know I'm not alone in feeling the strain. Fortunately for me, however, God's grace in 2020 has reminded me of the things that are most important—and all the things that are not.
Prepare, Pray, and Party—Resources for Reopening Well
As churches begin to reopen in the coming weeks, we support leaders making decisions to remain online as well as those reopening their church buildings—assuming necessary precautions are being taken. Our churches are represented in each of these camps. But now our attention turns to how a church can prepare for a true celebration with all its people.
The Mask Debate I Didn't See Coming
It seems the emotional divide between churches that choose to reopen and those that are waiting is growing wider. This division within the larger body of Christ will only serve to distract us from our mission and tarnish our witness if we cannot choose to compassionately and gracefully disagree with one another’s tactical choices right now. Right now, it concerns me that what threatens the extension of grace between believers may come down to a face mask.
Is the Singing Over?
As Italy began to loosen its restrictions, an NPR reporter reminded listeners of the early days of the lockdown when Italians lifted their spirits by singing from their balconies. But the reporter noted that patience was wearing thin, and concluded, “Now the singing is over.” I recognize the emotions because I feel them myself. When I hear about the “endurance phase,” I want to grit my teeth, not burst out in song.
How Different is Too Different?
Personal conviction and church autonomy have long been distinctives defining who we are as Baptists. That means each church is going to have its own flavor, and that's (usually) a good thing—much like the mouth-watering diversity found in Houston. When we're bound together by the truth of the gospel, our different perspectives and approaches can help us innovate well. But how different is too different? Does unity in the church have to come at the cost of good decision-making or orthodoxy?
Aspectos Positivos de la Cuarentena
No debemos resistirnos al cambio, debemos fluir con él, guiados por los principios incambiables de la Biblia y con la mirada puesta en Cristo. Aprovechemos para reordenar nuestras vidas de adentro hacia afuera. Es una oportunidad que Dios nos está dando para estar en comunión con El, para reordenar nuestras vidas.