Theological Reflection
Baptist World Alliance Holistic Mission GuideTheological Reflection
Global Baptist leaders from more than 20 countries contributed articles and videos that share insights gained in the crucible of crisis. Use the search bar or browse the excerpts below.
Rethinking What It Means “To Gather” the Congregation
Nathan Nettleton shares lessons learned in adapting to online worship and identifies key groups who were blessed by the transition.
Zoom Ecclesiology: The Church Scattered and Gathered
As churches pivot to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, theologian Paul Fiddes reminds us of the virtues of virtual covenant, fellowship, and body.
Evangelism, Discipleship, and Integral Mission in the Time of Covid-19
Moses B. Adebayo instructs leaders to embrace social media in integral mission.
A Future for Church?
Mark Craig shares insights into positive changes that are emerging as churches pivot in the wake of our new reality.
Initiatives in the Church Amidst the Current Situation in Japan
Based on Mathew 9:36, Sasagu Okumura reflects on the importance of compassion in the wake of COVID-19 and a natural disaster in Japan.
The Power of Last Words
Rev. Dr. Wati Longchar laments the cruelty of COVID-19 but also sees it as a unique opportunity to focus on what matters most.
Justice and Compassion: Mission in Post-COVID Society
Jonathan Ingleby shows how Jesus’s compassion was more than a powerful emotion. It ushered in a program of action.
Projeto Cuidar
Lécio Dornas descreve o Projecto Cuidar (Projeto Cuidar) como uma resposta prática a uma questão espiritual: “Como podemos ajudar os brasileiros que vivem em nossa comunidade durante a pandemia?”
Teologia e pandemia em tempos de crise
Luiz Sayão examina a profecia de Nahum no contexto de um mundo pagão e discorre sobre a misericórdia de Deus.
The Priesthood of All Believers
In response to the global pandemic’s impact on the Church, Rev. Lisa Weaver examines the priesthood of believers and the participation of all Christians in the ministry of Jesus.
The Daily Office in a Contemporary Setting
Alex Pugh describes the spiritual growth experienced in her church by implementing daily devotional videos on YouTube.
The Church’s Response to the World in the New Normal
Samson Aderinto Adedokun gives practical responses to 7 challenges caused by COVID-19.
Reimagining Ritual: Compassion During a Time of Crisis
Jamie Eaddy observes that people of faith gather in community but charges the church to find creative ways to engage in ritual and meaning-making.
Care Project Connects Church to Community
Lécio Dornas describes Projecto Cuidar (Care Project) as a practical response to a spiritual question: “How can we help Brazilians living in our community during the pandemic?”
Paradigm Shift: Thinking About the Future of the Church in a Post-Pandemic World
Rev. Xavier L. Johnson urges pastoral and ministry leaders to embrace change and discern God’s “preferred future” for their church.
Pandemic-Born Creativity
Allison Benfield explains how God’s creative Spirit worked through the disruption of normality and led to innovative ways to celebrate Advent and Christmas.
A Christian-Buddhist Dialogue on Suffering
Rory Mackenzie discusses the concept of karma in the context of COVID-19 and the impact on how suffering is perceived.
A Time for Redeeming Human Sanity
Villo Naleo draws lesson from Noah, a righteous man who faced a global crisis, and details how churches in Nagaland responded positively to the pandemic.
Creativity in Lockdown
Paul Campion shares how Shirley Baptist Church used creativity within worship to help their community stay connected during lockdown.
Back to Normal?
Drawing from biblical examples of people wishing to go “back to normal,” Victoria Aleksandravicene encourages Christians to seek transformation within the “new normal.”
Are You Curious?
I wish you were more curious. I wish we were more curious. I wish I were more curious. We desperately need churches and leaders that are curious. We need to be asking questions and exploring insights. To confess our ignorance, we need humility....
A Reflection on the Church Response to the Pandemic Crisis
The COVID-19 pandemic took the whole world by surprise and brought many nations of the world to their knees. Discover how churches in Nagaland responded to the crisis.
A Church Response to the COVID-19 Crisis: The Case of the Baptist Church in Central Africa (CBCA)
Polisi Kivava shares practical measures taken by churches to help the most vulnerable.
After the Pandemic: Where Do We Go from Here?
The most obvious comment about the news at present is that that we live in troubled times. Of course, we have to keep that in perspective.
The Strategic Place of the Local Church in Global Relief
Jilia Bowering celebrates the local church’s unique ability to respond to the world’s largest crises with prayerful, contextual, and collaborative integral mission.
The Great Omission
Roshan Mendis examines the ministry of Jesus and discusses the Great Commission and Great Commandment as they relate to integral mission.
Theology of Discipleship: Jesus’s Discipleship Model of Suffering and Sacrifice
Rev. Israel Olofinjana explores discipleship in a suffering world and examines theology that originates in the context of loss and pain.
Faith in the Time of COVID-19: Why Should We Respond?
Just as the Psalmist faced diverse dangers, Roshan Mendis exhorts readers to respond to COVID-19 on the basis of our spiritual roots.
Unstoppable: COVID-19 and the Church
Wati Longchar challenges readers to go out from the four walls of the church at this critical time to show love and justice in action.
Three Groanings
Based on Romans 8, Jonathan Wilson applies the three groanings within the story of God’s redemption to the context of COVID-19 and offers hope in the Spirit.
Global Baptist leaders share ministry insights learned in the last year and how they can be integrated within your context.