Churches assess economic and attendance impact of COVID
NASHVILLE (BP) – The economic fallout of COVID-19 among churches, it turns out, wasn’t as bad as anticipated. Nevertheless, the pandemic left an imprint on many budgets and current as well as future ministry plans.
Entity leaders reflect on how COVID-19 has changed the Southern Baptist Convention
NASHVILLE (BP) – On the night of March 11, 2020, Ronnie Floyd sat in his home in suburban Nashville and watched as the NBA put its season on hold. Several college basketball conference tournaments had pressed pause earlier in the day. President Donald Trump addressed the nation. COVID-19 had made its arrival known in the United States. Floyd knew things were changing and changing fast.
Churches’ embrace of technology likely permanent
NASHVILLE (BP) – Facebook timelines changed forever on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
COVID-19 illnesses and deaths felt in churches as pandemic nears one year
FORNEY, Texas (BP) – Senior Pastor Jimmy D. Pritchard had a new vision for the future of First Baptist Church of Forney.
J&J 1-dose shot prevents COVID-19, but less than some others
Johnson & Johnson's long-awaited vaccine appears to protect against COVID-19 with just one shot – not as strong as some two-shot rivals but still potentially helpful for a world in dire need of more doses.
Alabama church endures after pastor dies of COVID
HAMILTON, Ala. (BP) – Classmates called them M&M after their first date to the Phil Campbell (Ala.) High School prom. The Baptist Health Medical Center ICU in Little Rock, Ark., was the setting for their last moments together as COVID-19 completed Pastor Michael Stancil's 29-year marriage to Michelle.
Church’s tech investment helps weather COVID, prepare for the future
CROFTON, Md. (BP) – In January of last year Keith Hinton, executive pastor at First Baptist Church Crofton, spoke with a friend at another church in town. Both oversaw the technology of their respective congregations and concerns over the coronavirus had introduced a question: How would we have church … if we can’t have church?
US ramps up vaccinations to get doses to more Americans
The U.S. is entering the second month of the biggest vaccination effort in history with a major expansion of the campaign, opening football stadiums, major league ballparks, fairgrounds and convention centers to inoculate a larger and more diverse pool of people.
Pandemic haunts new year as virus growth outpaces vaccines
LONDON (AP) — Despite growing vaccine access, January is looking grim around the globe as the virus resurges and reshapes itself from Britain to Japan to California, filling hospitals and threatening livelihoods anew as governments lock down businesses and race to find solutions.
Court: Ohio county order violated Christian schools’ rights
CINCINNATI (AP) – A federal appeals court Dec. 31 provided the go-ahead for Christian schools in an Ohio county to resume holding in-person classes during the pandemic.