OTTERBURNE, MB – Last fall on October 19, 2020, the Bible and Theology Department of Providence Seminary invited area pastors, boards, and lay leaders to attend a free half-day Zoom forum. With the help of department faculty and three area pastors who led individual video sessions, a biblical and theological foundation was explored for faithful ministry in and through the pandemic. And, through conversations with pastors, and in small groups and panel discussions, they considered best practices, shared some joys and sorrows of these past months, and encouraged one another in their service to Christ’s Church.
If you were unable to join these sessions, we are providing you with an opportunity to access and listen to ‘The Church Post-Pandemic’ video series as follows: (Click on the links provided below.)
Session 1: HOLDING STEADY IN TURBULENT TIMES – The Rev. Dr. Lissa Wray Beal, Professor of Old Testament, examines Jeremiah 15:10-21 in which the prophet laments and God responds. Amid dislocation and loss, the exchange reveals the role of lament, and the power of ministerial calling to encourage faithful ministry in turbulent times. Video Length: 17-min
Session 2: HARNESSING DIFFICULTY FOR DISCIPLESHIP – Dr. Joshua Coutts, Assistant Professor of New Testament, describes how New Testament authors always regarded difficulties as occasions to become discipled to Christ. Taking 1 Peter as a test case, he outlines how our circumstances can reveal the true state of our hearts, orient us to Christ, and then toward others. Video Length: 23-min
Session 3: ALL THAT IS HIDDEN SHALL BE REVEALED – The Rev. Dr. Robert Dean, Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics, draws upon the work of Saint Augustine of Hippo as a resource for understanding ourselves, our world, the identity of the Church, and the vocation of pastors in the time of the COVID pandemic. Video Length: 20-min
Session 4: PASTORING IN THE PANDEMIC & BEYOND: REFLECTION ON MINISTRY – The Rev. Dr. Gerry Michalski, Lead Pastor of Soul Sanctuary (Winnipeg), shares his experience of pastoring in the pandemic. Video Length: 26-min
Session 5: PASTORING IN THE PANDEMIC & BEYOND: REFLECTION ON MINISTRY – Shannon Friesen, Pastor and Church Planter of Stonehouse Covenant Church (Steinbach), shares her experience. Video Length: 21-min
Session 6: PASTORING IN THE PANDEMIC & BEYOND: REFLECTION ON MINISTRY – David Funk, Lead Pastor of Niverville Community Fellowship, shares his experience of pastoring in the pandemic. Video Length: 16-min
Session 7: PANEL DISCUSSION – Moderated by Professor Gavin Hall, Instructor in Christian Ministries. Our panel of speakers engage questions raised by attendees of ‘The Church Post-Pandemic’ forum. Video Length: 30-min
