By Tom Strode Baptist Press WASHINGTON — Southern Baptist leaders are urging government officials to treat churches and other religious groups more justly in their reopening policies regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The calls for change came after churches in Minnesota and California told their governors they would begin holding in-person services in defiance of policies they consider to be unequal in treatment. Guidelines issued by Govs. Tim Walz of

By Diana Chandler Baptist Press SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Southern Baptist pastors in several states are concerned that governmental restrictions on reopening the economy might unduly impact churches. Illinois Baptist State Association (IBSA) Executive Director Nate Adams said many pastors believe the five-phase “Restore Illinois” plan, released May 5 by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, is too cautious. It limits gatherings to fewer than 50 people until a COVID-19 vaccine or effective treatment

By Aaron Earls LifeWay Christian Resources writer As churches adjust to ministry in a post-COVID-19 world, LifeWay has developed a collection of resources to help congregations. The new Church Assistance Package from LifeWay is available for any congregation around the world and can be accessed at lifeway.com/churchassistance. “LifeWay wants to do everything we can to help churches sustain their vital ministries during this time,” said Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of

By Aaron Earls LifeWay Christian Resources writer NASHVILLE — As federal, state and local governments weigh relaxing stay-at-home guidelines, most churches continued to avoid gathering physically throughout April. Nine in 10 Protestant pastors say their congregations did not meet for an in-person worship service last month, according to a new study from Nashville-based LifeWay Research. A previous study from LifeWay Research found 99 percent of churches gathered physically at the