Pastors’ Resources During COVID-19
It almost sounds trite at this point because it’s been said so often, but it bears repeating because of the enormity of the words: We are living in wholly unprecedented times. Just life medical staff is on the front line for people’s physical health, pastors are on the front line for many people’s spiritual health.
We compiled these resources – from the practical to the spiritual – to help you as you serve in a variety of new roles for your congregations and communities. Do you have something we think we should add? Email us at amplify@amplifymarketing.com. Learnings about COVID-19 change every day. These resources are our best attempt to help you navigate worship and pastoral care during these times, but some ideas presented may have evolved since the time of writing.
We’re all in this together like never before. Let us know how we can help you.
Technical Difficulties
Not every church has a large staff to help them figure out how to connect digitally. Whether you’re a virtual wizard or a newbie who’s just completed their first Facebook live, these articles deal with the technical aspect of hosting church online in whichever form you choose.
Creative Ideas for Worship
These churches and leaders have created their own path to worship and connection during the COVID-19 crisis. Be inspired by their ideas as you develop your own ways to spiritually connect with your congregation and encourage them through worship and study.
Pastoral Care and Self-Care
With physical distance comes isolation, which can be depressing and even disastrous for those already suffering. These resources may help you as you counsel from a far (and we’ve added some music for inspiration).
Free Resources from the United Methodist Publishing House
Ministry Matters
In this unprecedented time of uncertainty, isolation, and fear caused by a global pandemic, Ministry Matters provides faith leaders with the resources and help they need right now to stay connected and active within their communities. Articles and resources are grouped by key practices for fruitful congregations, to help you sustain and offer Christ’s love to a troubled world. Check back often for new and updated content.
Cokesbury Kids
Cokesbury Kids provides a single, trusted resource for engaging spiritual learning materials for kids from infancy through their tween years. We offer the support and comfort of a proven ministry partner with the kind of empowering, fresh content that nurtures both hearts and imaginations. Our primary goal is to give you the tools you need, but we’re more than a product line. Offering VBS workshops, networking events, and ongoing support, Cokesbury Kids strives to be a true partner for your children’s ministry.
During this time, churches are making tough decisions about how to remain close as a faith community when they can’t gather together for worship, Sunday school, and small groups. We are offering free digital resources for you to share and use in your congregation and help stay connected.
Adult Bible Studies (ABS)
AdultBibleStudy.com is the place to find resources designed to help adults grow their faith, refresh their spirit, and equip them for ministry. During this time churches are making tough decisions about how to remain close as a faith community when they can’t gather together for worship, Sunday school, and small groups. We understand how important it is for Sunday school classes and small groups to stay connected and want to help keep those connections strong. That is why we are offering free digital resources for you to share and use in your congregation, with helpful articles, studies, blogs, and more.
Amplify Media
Amplify Media is a streaming service that gives churches large and small unlimited streaming video access to discover, customize, and share thousands of diverse resources from a Wesleyan perspective that encourage deeper discipleship and equip churches to pursue their mission with greater impact.
For a limited time, Amplify has made several resources free and accessible for churches to participate in a church-wide or group study and children’s content to keep them engaged in the Bible. Churches can also use the platform to stream worship services and upload their own content. Both church and individual subscriptions are available, with a 14-day free trial.