Most pastors and church leaders know exactly what to do when members face a health crisis or the loss of loved ones, but we’re often less equipped to address unemployment. In a culture where “What do you do?” is typically the first question we ask on meeting someone new, the loss of employment can feel like the loss of self. We need to do a better job of acknowledging that unemployment isn’t merely an economic hardship but a spiritual problem that often triggers a profound identity crisis.
What will your church do, if...
American churches must now confront the question: “What will our church do, if people in our congregation and community lose some or all of their Medicaid funding?” Or if teachers lose their jobs or their disabled students lose special education programs? Or if cuts in funding or staffing mean veterans no longer receive the medical care they were promised and so desperately need? Whatever may happen, the worst possible result is that churches with deep ties to their respective communities fail to prepare or refuse to develop strategies for responding to the loss of so many resources for people who may not be able to live without them. Many congregations already provide food banks, clothes closets, counseling centers or tutoring programs, but the rapid demise of government revenue adds new challenges for responding to immediate needs.
DOGE tightens up: big change with new requirement to retain Social Security benefits as of April
Starting in April, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will change how it handles overpayments made during distribution. Under the Biden administration, the SSA deducted 10 percent of the overpayment total from each monthly check until the error was corrected. However, beginning at the end of March, the agency will withhold 100 percent of the overpayment, meaning some beneficiaries could be left without a Social Security check, depending on how much they owe and receive each month.
Trump administration says it will pull back billions in COVID funding from local health departments
Lori Freeman, CEO of the National Association of County & City Health Officials, said much of the funding was set to end soon anyway. “It’s ending in the next six months,” she said. “There’s no reason — why rescind it now? It’s just cruel and unusual behavior.” In a related move, more than two dozen COVID-related research grants funded by the National Institutes of Health have been canceled. Earlier this month, the Trump administration shut down ordering from covidtest.gov, the site where Americans could have COVID-19 tests delivered to their mailboxes for no charge.
With the Dept. of Education on the chopping block, these are the states that rely most on federal school funding
Even though most education funding comes from state and local governments, schools would still feel a huge impact if they stopped receiving money from the federal government. Some states would be affected more than others. Federal education funds are distributed by several agencies. By far the largest share comes from the Education Department, specifically through programs designed to support poor children and kids with disabilities. So while big states like California receive the most total money, it’s actually some of the smallest, least wealthy states that get the most significant amount on a per-student basis.
VOICES: Rural communities are dying. The local church is their only solution
Trust in institutions is cratering everywhere, but at least in urban and suburban communities, those institutions still exist. The same cannot be said for rural America. In the last few decades, rural communities have lost over 200 hospitals. Over 2,100 local newspapers have shut down. We’ve lost countless high schools and even entire school districts. Once ubiquitous veterans clubs are dwindling....
The policies of the Trump administration are going to exacerbate the problems of rural communities in the United States. What negatively affects rural communities also negatively affects the churches in these communities.If Jesus loves me, why is Donald Trump ruining everything?
I heard one of those televangelists preaching at me online the other day, declaring with equal sincerity that Jesus loves me and that Donald Trump is the savior we’ve all been waiting for. I’m having a hard time reconciling these messages.
These churches offer shelter and sanctuary to vulnerable migrants. Here's why
Under the Trump administration, churches are now thinking more expansively about the concept of sanctuary to include migrants who fear that new policies could suddenly make them vulnerable to arrest or deportation.
Should Christians be more critical of Israel?
Modern Christians, particularly those in the United States, often show unwavering support to Israel in its various conflicts. While there are perhaps good reasons for this at times, there might also be benefits to taking a step back and attempting a more objective view of the situation.
Related: As we weep for Palestine and Israel, we must look to limit vengeanceSix Reasons You Should Change the Name of Your Church
Yes, there are times when you should consider changing your church’s name. Jess and Thom review six of them.
Related: The 15 Most Common Names of Churches in the United StatesA Theology of the General Confession
Lent is a penitential season, which the Church calls us to keep holy by, among other things, “self-examination and repentance.” It is therefore a fitting time for careful reflection on a familiar Anglican prayer of repentance, the General Confession.
5 Purposeful Practices to Foster Shared Leadership
Jimmy Arthur Atkins, senior pastor of the True Worship Christian Fellowship, says church leadership should not be a solo act. Drawing on the story of Moses and his father-in-law Jethro, he shares practices to encourage delegation and shared leadership.
Prayer Is Our Fuel In Ministry
Easter Songs for Children’s Church: 11 Ways To Celebrate Our Risen Lord
Easter songs for children’s church help proclaim the good news of Easter. This special holiday warrants lots of worship and praise. And kids can join in the celebration, whether in Sunday school, during children’s worship, or at home. Christian Easter songs help children understand Jesus’ resurrection and share the message with others.
If your church does not have separate worship for children, a practice of which I admittedly am not a fan, Easter songs with simple, repetitive, Bible-based lyrics and hand gestures and other movements can be integrated into the regular Sunday service during the Easter season, for instance as a part of a children's moment or at the offertory.
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