Church in the Time of COVID-19: Pastors Heather Urich and Dan Paxton Share Their Story
We get wrapped up in the business of doing church that we forget that we have to claim that power too.
Picture this: you're leading a small church, and suddenly a global pandemic changes everything. In this episode of the 'Mess It Up Podcast', Paul reconnects with long-time friends Pastor Heather Urich and Pastor Dan Paxton to talk about how they managed to keep their congregations engaged during the COVID-19 crisis. With their churches lacking the fancy tech of bigger institutions, Heather and Dan had to get creative to bring worship online and keep their communities connected.
They dive into the nuts and bolts of transitioning to virtual services, sharing both the struggles and unexpected joys that came with it. From makeshift home studios to Zoom prayer meetings, these pastors reveal how they navigated the uncharted waters of digital church. They also discuss how Easter, a cornerstone of the Christian calendar, was celebrated in quarantine, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities it presented. But it's not all about technology.
Heather and Dan emphasize the importance of keeping the essence of Jesus at the forefront, even when church activities get chaotic. They share heartwarming stories of community support, innovative ways to keep small groups connected, and the surprising blessings that emerged from such a tumultuous time. If you're curious about how faith communities adapted to the pandemic or looking for inspiration on maintaining spiritual connections in challenging times, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in for a conversation that's as enlightening as it is encouraging.