[Bonus Episode] Coronavirus

Converge church planting leaders Lee Stephenson and Danny Parmelee help planters think through ministry opportunities and challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

0:56 Lee says one of the good things that’s come out of this is it’s caused local church leadership to realize that leading the local church isn’t something that just happens on the weekend.

1:50 Danny encourages planters not to think short-sighted — how do I reproduce my Sunday service online? — but instead ask the bigger questions: How do we do evangelism and discipleship? How do we operate as a church?

2:10 Danny recommends using this time as an opportunity to innovate. “I think this is a time for the church and church planters to be able to explore and experiment. The gospel hasn’t changed, just how we operate as a church in evangelism and discipleship. That definitely in these times has fundamentally changed, but probably will have a long-lasting impact.”

3:33 Danny says this is the time to go back to the basics and be checking in with people.

4:04 Lee says that no matter what online platform you use for services, find a way to have a host who interacts with people, so there’s a relational connection.

4:47 Danny talks about a church plant in Arkansas that did a great job of interacting with people during its online service.

5:48 Lee discusses creative ways he’s seen church plants engage their community during this crisis. 

8:06 Lee talks about the benefit of having a social media calendar.

9:36 Lee says planters need to figure out ways to stay connected to their people. His church plant is posting a video devotional from a key church leader every morning.

10:24 Lee says planters need to have at least a 90-day giving strategy. Make sure you set up online giving/text to give.

10:53 Lee thinks churches will see a rise in mental illness, domestic abuse and personal grief in the next 3-6 months.

12:03 Lee says this crisis shows why it’s important to be part of a tribe. Who do you have as a local pastor to be able to lean on and share ideas and resources with?

Go to converge.org/coronavirus for more resources.