The Church’s New Essential Work
Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the leaders on our church’s task force made an observation that well describes a new, essential work of our congregation. Bill Maclean, our lay member of Annual Conference, described our newfound streaming of the worship service as a mission field and an a means of sharing the gospel. He said it so well that it was like hearing a well-spoken sermon! We all said “amen” in agreement, as many of you have since then, that we need to continue and improve our online ministry.
Insert here a round of applause for Art Shirley (I’ll pause to give you time to clap for him). Art volunteered to bring a tripod and run an iPhone for Facebook Live that first Sunday of quarantine, and every week since has faithfully researched and experimented and added to our setup. Colby Brister began working with him on the endeavor, and last week a small group of us met with a digital consultant to learn more about our options. This same consultant will train volunteers at the church when that time arrives.
What do we need most in our online ministry’s next steps? YOU!
Yes, we are hoping to build a good team of volunteers who can run the cameras. And please don’t say you’re not tech-savvy. The best volunteers for the online ministry are curious about learning something new and willing to follow directions. I feel sure many of us meet those criteria!
If you are interested in being a part of this new, essential work of our church, please let us know. If you know someone whose gifts would work well in online ministry, tell us who they are. The only way we can keep this ministry going is with the work of your hands contributing to it.
Let us keep up the good work that God has entrusted to us!
all good things to each of you,
Dr. D.