Postponed: What’s Next? Church after COVID

This workshop has been postponed. To be the first to hear when it is rescheduled, please email info@parishresourcecenter.org or call 717-299-1113.

Churches have expended great energy during the last several years, scrambling to adapt to new pandemic realities. Churches are struggling through an identity crisis as they consider all of the people not coming back to church. Although it can feel isolating – like your church is the only one – to go through changes and face crisis, you’re not alone. Very few churches have bounced back.

Studies show that the religious landscape in America has changed. The demographics and priorities have shifted. And churches have shifted as well, with covid-era adaptations to consider keeping or ending. So, what’s next?

This workshop will pose some practical questions that can guide church leaders and churches through times of continued adaptation: 

• What are our congregation’s assets – strengths, passions, energy?
• What is the compelling reason that people want to be involved with us?
• What is our mission in our world and neighborhood? Can we realistically work towards this mission with our current congregational strengths?

Many church-goers and leaders are tired, and simply wish to be “back to normal,” meaning like they were pre-covid. But as congregations accept this time of continued adaptation, they may discover a new identity and future for their congregation.

Led by Rev. Dr. Erin S. Cox-Holmes, Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Donegal

The Rev. Dr. Erin S. Cox-Holmes was raised in Redlands, California. The focus of her Doctor of Ministry degree (from Dubuque Theological Seminary) is on revitalizing the church and worship in the digital age. Erin is known as a computer geek and has been puzzling over the same e.e. cummings poem for 30 years. She received her Master of Divinity from Earlham School of Religion and was ordained in the Presbytery of Detroit. She has served as an associate pastor, an interim pastor, and an Associate Executive Presbyter.  She began as the Executive Presbyter in Donegal Presbytery on January 1, 2010.

All sales are non-refundable.