ReOpening Resources for Churches During COVID-19

By Matt Carter | May 8, 2020

There are no clear playbooks for churches during this crisis. We are all “building the plane as we fly it.” At this stage there are questions about reopening, and there is a plethora of resources. It may help to have a vetted list. Here are my top suggestions: Practical, Procedural Perspectives – Ken Braddy’s blogs…

Russ Turman and Bob Turner – Video Production for Worship

By Matt Carter | May 8, 2020

Russ Turman, Media Minister at the Highland Church of Christ in Memphis, talks with Bob Turner about his workflow and some of the equipment he uses. Russ has made several videos for HST over the years, which you can see on . Here are Russ’s notes about the gear he uses: I realize this equipment…

Clay Fowler and Bob Turner – Building a Church Streaming Studio on a Budget

By Matt Carter | May 1, 2020

HST student and Church of Christ at White Station minister Clay Fowler built a studio on a Coronavirus budget to make the church’s live streams better. Equipment mentioned: Adobe Premier Pro, iMovie Camera: Panasonic HC-V770* (any video recorder with a quality lens will suffice) Capture Card: Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder (HDMI to Thunderbolt 2)* –…

Jessi Berger – Supporting the Mental Health of Church Members

By Matt Carter | April 27, 2020

HST alum Jessi Berger, a licensed professional counselor, joins Bob Turner to talk about supporting the mental health of our friends and church members during the time when people are in stay-at-home situations. Key Take-aways: Keep your routines and healthy habits. Meaningful work and meaningful rest are important. Don’t compare your productivity to others. Do…

Carl Williamson – Ministry during Communal Trauma

By Matt Carter | April 21, 2020

Dr. Carl Williamson (professor of discipleship and church planting at Harding University) and Matt Carter talk about ministry during communal trauma. Carl was leading a church plant when Superstorm Sandy devastated his community. He shares insight from that community trauma that can help ministers serving now during the Coronavirus pandemic. Key Take-aways: Don’t underestimate the…

Kevin Shelby and Matt Carter Discuss Ministering in Communal Grief

By Matt Carter | April 17, 2020

Dr. Kevin Shelby serves as a professor in the Master’s in Professional Counseling program at Harding University on the Memphis campus. He and Dr. Matt Carter talk about the grief and trauma associated with this pandemic and how ministers can help their congregations and their own health during this time. Key Take-aways: Grief is the…

Bro. Olu Shabazz – Ministry in a Virus Hotspot

By Matt Carter | April 14, 2020

Dr. Olu Shabazz preaches for the Harlem Church of Christ in New York City, NY, in the midst of a virus hotspot. He visits with Bob Turner to share insight and hope for ministry in these difficult times. He also has served in patient relations in a hospital trauma center and brings this experience to…

Gupton and Turner – Learning from the Daily Improv

By Matt Carter | April 10, 2020

Dr. Carlus Gupton and Bob Turner discuss insights and practices for church leaders in their daily work with new technology and social realities. Key takeaways: Be who you are. Stay out in front for your people. Your non-anxious presence is more important than your performance. Focus your lessons on the current need. As a general…

Gupton and Turner – 2 Models for Helping Others Navigate Times of Crisis

By Matt Carter | April 8, 2020

Dr. Carlus Gupton and Bob Turner discuss two models for church leaders to use to equip others to navigate these times of crisis. Key takeaways: The first model asks, “What do I want to be during COVID-19?” Three zones: Fear, Learning, Growth. Churches that move from fear to growth have a great opportunity to flourish…

Jimmy Stokes and Matt Carter

By Matt Carter | April 6, 2020

Jimmy Stokes from the Northeast Side Church of Christ and HST’s Matt Carter discuss ministry in the age of online church. Topics covered: Communicate to your church: The church is not the building. We are still together in spirit even if we can’t touch each other. Now we’ve learned another way to reach the world.…