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Greg Smith

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Church Identity in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic (#1865)

2020/04/26 By Greg

photo by Greg Smith

This morning one of the memories Facebook thought I’d like to see was a picture of Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ’s monument sign from five years ago.  I took the photo while serving as this congregation’s Interim/Transitional Pastor. 

Identity

It is important that congregations have a well defined identity.  When congregations know who they are and who God is calling them to become they can thrive in normal times and can adapt faithfully during atypical seasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 So What?

I invite you to think about your congregation’s identity.

  • What words are used most often to describe it?
  • How clear was it to the average church member prior to COVID-19?
  • Are emerging forms of online worship and discipleship building on or diverging from the congregation’s core identity? 

After answering these questions for your congregation, try working through them for a congregation that is located near your congregation’s main campus.

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Greg Smith

Greg is a follower of the Way of Jesus who strives to make the world a better place for all people. Currently, he serves as Chief Executive Officer of White Rock Center of Hope in Dallas and as Interim Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Fort Worth. He has served eleven congregations, taught religion to undergraduates for eight years, and helped three organizations provide quality healthcare to underserved populations. (Read More)

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