July 2020

Jeffrey O. Brown

We used to play a game at church socials called “In the River, on the Bank.” One side of a dividing line was the “river” and the other side was the “bank.” When the leader shouted, “In the river,” we would jump forward into the river. When the leader shouted, “On the bank,” we would jump backward to the bank.What disturbed your flow was when the leader shouted, “On the bank,” then, “On the bank.” If you jumped when you should stay—or stayed when you should jump—you… Continue reading...

Alan Wilson

These are strange and unusual days we are living in, days where our freedom has been greatly curtailed. For some, isolation can be exceedingly difficult psychologically and emotionally, causing them to feel lonely and disconnected, especially if they are living by themselves. When our emotions are overcome with negativity, it is difficult to maintain a spiritual perspective, causing us to think that God is distant, not in control, or does not love us. How can we… Continue reading...

On March 13, 2020, the World Health Organization declared Europe to be the world’s COVID-19 pandemic epicenter. We follow four stories of courage in the midst of crises.—The Editors Web church in Denmark reaches out as never before Copenhagen, Denmark The coronavirus in Denmark has encouraged an entire rethink of web church. Yes, several churches had been live streaming their services, but the closure of all church buildings led to the idea of something more… Continue reading...

Ivan L. Williams

Ministry has shifted—and ministry is strained. Congregational care, at the best of times, has always been important. During a pandemic, congregational care is essential. As congregational needs have increased, traditional means of support have crumbled. Pastoral care has had to take place in environments where we cannot meet or gather as congregations. The anxiety and the expressed unknown of an odorless, colorless, tasteless, and sightless contagion have caused… Continue reading...

Omar Miranda

The Gospel of Sex: Dating, Relating, and Mating is one of the clearest, most balanced, and practical books on the subject of dating, sex, and relationships.Author Dustin Hall does a masterful job of applying just the right balance between common sense and logic to the often difficult topic of sex, dating, and relationships. He then follows up with a well-reasoned plea that is solidly biblical but not guilt-inducing. In his introduction, he is straightforward and… Continue reading...