Attorney general defends Mississippi church’s right to hold drive-in service
“We’re afraid of the coronavirus as much as anybody else,” said Greenville, Miss., pastor Arthur Scott. “And if we thought we were putting our people in danger at all, we wouldn’t do this.” Scott’s church is one of the congregations across the country that has had to reconsider planned drive-in services after government officials restricted such gatherings. But the independent Baptist church got an assist from U.S. Attorney General William Barr over Easter weekend, who affirmed that the First Amendment prohibits discrimination against religious institutions and believers, even in times of emergency.
>Related: In California, some churches say in-person services are essential
In pandemic, pastors working to care for mental, spiritual health of churchgoers
Barna reports 39% of pastors say they or another staff member have preached on mental or emotional health in the last month, as churchgoers have struggled to navigate the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. And while 66% say their church is doing “very well” or “somewhat well” at providing one-on-one discipleship, 33% say they’re struggling to meet the need for ongoing discipleship.
“We’re beginning to understand that just because we saw someone at church over the weekend doesn’t mean there was a connection that gives a more holistic look at how they’re really doing,” said Barna President Dave Kinnaman. “I think this time is going to force us to have some new rhythms so we can check in on people better.”
Publisher releases Quran translation with Christian commentary
Christian publisher Zondervan will release a resource April 28 to help Christian ministers interact with Muslims. The Quran with Christian Commentary is a modern English translation of the Islamic text, with notes explaining context, significance, and how verses compare to biblical passages. Zondervan said the resource is designed to help Christians “interact more fruitfully with Muslim believers.”
SBC Pastors’ Conference 2021 to rally Baptists around the Great Commission
The now-canceled 2020 SBC Pastors’ Conference in Orlando sparked controversy due to some of its slated speakers and performers. Now, conference president David Uth says the 2021 event will unite Southern Baptists around the Great Commission. Uth said April 17 that the 2021 conference in Nashville will be planned and produced by the North American Mission Board. His church, FBC Orlando, will retain financial responsibility for the June 15-16, 2021, meeting.
Sources: Christianity Today, ERLC.com, Religion News Service, Barna Research, Christian Post, Baptist Press