A Pandemic Field Guide for Ministry (Revised)
Field guides seem like a throwback. I had one in Boy Scouts, and it was awesome. Perhaps this collection of blog posts might help you navigate ministry in isolation as we continue living through this pandemic.
A Pandemic Field Guide
From Matt Vaughan
Editor’s note: We originally published this “Field Guide” in April 2020. It’s comprised of our most-read blog posts during the early days of the pandemic. Some of the links broke when we updated our website in 2021, so we’re publishing it again. We’ve chosen to only upgrade the links in order to keep the original intent of the piece. There’s still quite a bit of relevance in this collection – enjoy.
You've probably figured out the routine by now. We're nearing 40 days of a stay-at-home order in my community. Noah was on the ark for 40 days. Jesus wandered in the wilderness for 40 days. It was 40 days after the resurrection when Jesus ascended into heaven. There's a pattern here! Not coincidentally, Lent is 40 days.
My pastor teaches our Confirmation class that in many Biblical scenarios, 40 means "many." 40 days is longer than a month, perhaps long enough to make significant changes. We've now been secluded for almost 40 days. How are you changing?
As you may know, we've been writing a daily blog. Some of the youth and children's workers in our cohorts are now calling this the "field guide for pandemic ministry."
We'd like to share our field guide with you. Here are 10 highlights:
We're in this together! We're creating a supportive, collaborative community to help you and your church provide relevant ministry during this health and community crisis. Consider joining our Facebook group for more discussion and support.
Peace –
Matt Vaughan and the MLI Team