COVID-19 PANDEMIC—THEOLOGY, LEADERSHIP AND MINISTRY
Listed below are downloadable documents and links to articles providing guidance to leaders and congregations. Please check back for new information which is added to the top of each section.
Documents
Message from Temporary Executive Rev. David Oyler—September 1, 2020
Every church session has been asking the question: “How do we provide for spiritual nourishment and spiritual growth in these times of COVID-19 for both youth and adults?” Every church is different, but here are a few ideas that may spur your imagination.
Download Spiritual Formation Fall 2020
Re-Opening Your Church Office
Fact Sheet provided by Insurance Board
Questions Your Church Should Answer Before People Return
By Cindy Kohlman, co-moderator of General Assembly, PC(USA)
Beaver-Butler Presbytery Temporary Assistance Program (TAP)
Download Temporary Assistance Program Introduction Letter
Temporary Assistance Program Application Form
Summary of Cares Act Provisions by Church Alliance
Summarizes provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“the CARES Act”)
COVID-19 Resource Report #1
A list of resources with vetted information from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)—March 26
Responding to a Shortfall in Revenue During the Coronavirus Crisis
Advice from Jon Moore, Mission Engagement Advisor of Presbytery Mission Agency
Church Ambassador Network Letter, March 24, 2020
A letter resulting from a conversation between Church Ambassador Network and Dr. Levine, PA Secretary of Health providing answers to many questions concerning churches gathering and serving during the epidemic. It includes helpful CDC links.
Download Question and Answer with PA Secretary of Health
For Pastors During the Virus Crisis
Ideas and resources for ministering to those in need of spiritual and psychological care from Rev. N. Graham Standish of Samaritan Counseling
Download Resources for Pastors Ministering During the Virus Crisis, Revised
Download Resources for Pastors Ministering During the Virus Crisis
Central Presbyterian Church in Downingtown, PA Pandemic Action Plan
Good insights for congregations making decisions in an ever changing landscape.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Guidance for Congregations
How to response to a severe infectious disease outbreak.
The Movable Feast
Worship model for congregations scattered in different places.
Links
The Scattered Church
Resources from PC(USA)’s Office of Theology, Formation, and Evangelism which include “Quicksheets”, Videos, Zoom Conversations, and Funding Sources
Resources from Presbyterian Outlook
Prayers, Services of Remembrance, Orders of Worship, Family Faith Formation at Home, Christian Education at Home
Does the Church Dare to Move Forward?
Article by Donna Frischknecht Jackson who says “I don’t want to return to ‘normal’”
April 24 Presbyterians Today Article
Returning to Church – Ministry during the COVID-19 outbreak
Released April 23, 2020 by Wisconsin Council of Churches outlines three phases
Wisconsin Council of Churches Website
24 Questions Your Church Should Answer Before People Return
By Ken Braddy
An Overview of the CARES Act for Churches
Key highlights from the government’s $2.2 trillion stimulus plan by Richard R. Hammer, Attorney, CPA
Live Streaming Information, Resources and Guidelines
Presbyterian Outlook: Theological Reflection in the Midst of Uncertainty
A Theology of Leadership during Crisis
Synod of the Trinity Website
Donegal Presbytery Website
Other Material
Presbyterian Outlook Magazine
Wonderful articles, including theological reflection, prayers, etc.
Pastor Conversations Around the Pandemic Videos
October 2020
Temporary Executive Rev. Dr. David Oyler invited pastors in Beaver-Butler Presbytery to have conversations about current issues around the pandemic. He asked four questions as starters. Their responses were recorded and made into videos in order to share them with our churches. We hope the videos will help stimulate conversation in other churches as well.
What has the session you serve learned during this time of pandemic?
As you look to the future, what is the session discussing and discerning?
What is giving you and your congregation joy and energy?
What’s shaping session’s decision about re-engaging in-person worship?
