Speaking with a Pastor in Italy’s Coronavirus “Hot Zone”

Body

Pastor Andrea Artioli reported that “he lives in the ‘hot zone’ of the coronavirus outbreak in Northern Italy. He told [readers] as well that his church has been instructed by local authorities that it may not meet for at least the next two weeks. I thought it might prove interesting to ask him a few questions about his experience.” - Challies

Discussion

Some Hidden Truth Behind Bivocational Ministry

Body

“As a bivocational pastor, one of the most hurtful comments I’ve heard over the years is this: ‘Oh, you’re just a part-time pastor?’ ….In reality, there is no such thing as part-time ministry.” - F&T

Discussion

Why Some Leaders Burn Out—and 4 Ways to Prevent It

Body

“For himself, Greear says, idolatry has been a driving factor in times of ministry burnout. ‘That’s because idolatry always puts something out there that you have to obtain … And so there’s always somebody … some success to match. The church has got to be this size. I’ve got to be invited to do this. I’ve got to have this many followers.” - Facts & Trends

Discussion

Public’s Trust of Pastors Rebounds Slightly

Body

“The latest Gallup survey of Americans’ opinions and trust of specific occupations found clergy improving from 37% last year to 40% in 2020, marking the first increase in a decade. Overall, medical practitioners dominate the top of the list, with nurses ranked highest (85%) for the 18th straight year.” - Facts & Trends

Discussion

New from Pew: “45% of people who attend services at least a few times a year are ‘unsure’ of their clergy’s partisan leanings”

Body

“When politics does come up from the pulpit, a majority of those in the pews (62%) say they agree with their leaders. The political overlap is particularly strong among evangelical Protestants, three-quarters of whom (76%) say they agree with their pastor’s political opinions, the survey found.” - Christianity Today

Discussion