Category: Church life

Returning to church and hugging etiquette

Quite a lot of churches tend to be quite “Huggy” places.  Some of us have had  to learn to adapt to this if we are not among life’s natural huggers and in fact left to our own devices would tend towards the introvert.  The etiquette of “greeting” and “hugging” post COVID is something I’ve frequently… Continue reading Returning to church and hugging etiquette

Facemasks and shielding – can Romans 14-15 help us make decisions about in person church?

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen churches increasingly returning towards a situation similar to pre-COVID normal. We are a long way from reaching that situation yet for a few reasons. First of all, the summer months meant that many churches had reduced attendance due to holidays anyway. Secondly, many churches have continued with some… Continue reading Facemasks and shielding – can Romans 14-15 help us make decisions about in person church?

How do people feel about COVID -and what does that mean for your church?

I’ve been giving regular updates for those producing risk assessments for in person church gatherings in the light of COVID-19.  I’ve identified the following major risks to consider.  ID Risk Description Probability 1 Risk of causing COVID infection spread Low 2 Risk of invalidating insurance Low 3 Risk of breaching H&S Law Low 4 Risk… Continue reading How do people feel about COVID -and what does that mean for your church?

… but what if we haven’t had any new people join us?

When I asked my followers on twitter whether or not they were seeing new to church people at their in person meetings, 13.1% said that they hadn’t seen any new people at all.  I can’t really ignore that part of the poll, so wanted to share some thoughts here.  That’s not least because if you… Continue reading … but what if we haven’t had any new people join us?

What about post COVID newcomers?

One of the major concerns for Church leaders recently has been what we do about those people who don’t seem to be returning to in person church?  Within that number are those who are still very anxious about coming to church services but still very much believe in the L ord. Some will be able… Continue reading What about post COVID newcomers?

COVID – update and thoughts as we look towards autumn and winter

As we move towards September and out of the summer holidays, we want to start looking forward and thinking about the implications of what comes next in terms of COVID.  The other day I mentioned that the UK figures were being confused a little by what we are seeing in England and what we are… Continue reading COVID – update and thoughts as we look towards autumn and winter

How do we disciple children and young people?

There’s been a bit of a discussion on social media about faith in kids and reaching younger generations with the Gospel.  First, there is this article by Ian Paul interviewing the CofE’s Youth Evangelism officer.  Can the church ever reach young people again? Then there were these tweets by Anthony B Bradley. I must admit… Continue reading How do we disciple children and young people?

COVID-19 Update

Here’s my latest update of COVID-19 data. The purpose is to help church leaders have a feel for what is happening in order to make appropriate plans and risk assessments The UK stats over the last few days have shown a continued steady increase in cases of around about 14% (week day to week day… Continue reading COVID-19 Update

Is your church Afghan ready?

In Exodus 23:9, Moses says to the people of Israel: 9 “You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt” An extended version of this principle  is found in Deuteronomy 26:5-11 when Moses describes the festival to be observed when the people enter… Continue reading Is your church Afghan ready?