COVID-19 forces shifts from nation’s largest theological institutions
Many seminaries are preparing now for a very different financial picture following the COVID-19 pandemic, Christianity Today reports. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., announced last week a plan to lower tuition fees and reduce its budget by 30%. The plan also includes some cuts in seminary staff.
Other Southern Baptist seminaries have delayed finalizing their budgets in light of COVID-19, or applied for federal aid under the CARES Act. Southwestern Seminary announced it will discontinue its archaeology program due to financial challenges posed by the pandemic, and New Orleans Seminary will close seven extension centers that have seen several years of declining attendance.
Church leaders urge ‘soon but safe’ reopening
As some states ease stay-at-home orders, pastors and Southern Baptist leaders are balancing caution and courage as they consider what it looks like to restart in-person church gatherings. “Everything in the world has changed over these past few weeks. Therefore, we must adapt to these changes in order to meet the challenges of today,” said SBC Executive Committee President Ronnie Floyd. “While we want to go back to church soon, we also want to go back to church safely.”
Pandemic delays Illinois church launches
Dozens of church planters in Illinois are adapting their plans and trusting Christ to fulfill the promise from Matthew 16: he will build his church. “Has it disrupted our rhythm? Sure,” said Mt. Vernon church planter Dustin Haile. “But I really have been encouraged about how the church has responded. How they’ve leaned into Jesus, and have leaned into each other.”
Cyberattack hampers ‘Secret Church’ event
The April 24 Secret Church simulcast was delayed for many attenders by what organizers have called a cyberattack that kept people from logging in. The 2020 edition of the teaching and prayer gathering, led by former International Mission Board president David Platt, focused on “God, Government, and the Gospel.” The simulcast is available for registrants to replay online.
Pastors weigh in on global warming
For the first time, LifeWay Research reports, a majority of Protestant pastors say global warming is real and man-made. A majority also say their church has taken tangible steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
Sources: Christianity Today, Baptist Press, Illinois Baptist, Christian Post, LifeWay Research