Higher Education and Ministry Amidst a Pandemic

Our United Methodist schools, colleges, universities and seminaries are grappling with an unprecedented situation. Our agencies, annual conferences, boards of ordained ministry and thousands of clergy are discerning how to be in ministry while practicing social distancing. Professors are experimenting with the best ways to take their teaching online. Theological schools and annual conferences are preparing clergy to care for their flocks through cyberspace. Administrators are deciding how to issue grades and confer degrees to newly remote student populations.
As people all over the world face these issues, our United Methodist institutions are leading the way with grace and creativity. Explore the links below to learn about United Methodist efforts and new ideas for higher education and ministry in the midst of a global health crisis.
Migrating Higher Education Online
- Boston University’s “Professor of Zoom” Shares Remote-Teaching Strategies
- Drew University Expert Discusses Education Policy During Coronavirus
- “Best Practices for Online Learning” Webinar with CMU Online Programs Dean
- The CARES Act: Assessing Financial Support and Understanding Employment Rules
- GBHEM and Candler Offer Best Practices for Moving Licensing Schools Online
- PowerPoint: Best Practices for Moving Licensing Schools Online
- Garrett-Evangelical Offers Virtual Campus Visits and Meetings
- Methodist Theological School in Ohio Hosts Admissions Virtual Open House
- Webinar: Methodism and the Academy in the 2020s and Beyond
Preaching & Worship
- Collegiate Ministers Launch Podcast, Share Experiences
- New Ecumenical Guide: Resuming Care-filled Worship and Sacramental Life During a Pandemic
- Preaching in a Pandemic: Drew Theological Schools’ June 4 Edition of “Conversations Under Quarantine”
- Perkins Professor Offers Guidance on Preaching to a Virtual Audience
- Candler Students Use Social Media to Take Worship Online
- United Theological Professor Advises on Preaching During a Global Pandemic
- 10 Free Youth Ministry Lessons Compiled by SMU Perkins School of Youth Ministry
- SMU Perkins “What’s a Preacher to Do?” Video Series: Preaching During the Coronavirus Crisis
Pastoral Care
- Bishop Grant Hagiya’s ABCDs of Crisis Leadership
- Candler Professor Speaks with Wabash Center on Responsibility as an Act of Faith During the Pandemic
- Duke Divinity D.Min. Student Offers Guidance, Hope for Tending a Congregation
- St. Paul Professor on How Churches Can Use Adaptive Leadership in the Time of Coronavirus
- Coping with Covid-19: Wesley Graduates Continue to Minister
- SMU Perkins School of Youth Ministry Webinar: “Crisis Counseling for Youth Ministry in COVID-19″
Maintaining Connections & Tending to Individual Mental Health
- Perkins’ Dr. Robert Hunt Launches Interfaith Podcast
- Iliff Professor Recommends Spiritual Self-Care for Chaplains and Religious Leaders
- Moscow Theological Seminary Leads Online Covenant Groups
- United Theological Webinar Series: “Online Strategies for Small Group Ministries”
- DePauw Chaplain Co-creates 10 Practices to Live Fully During Isolation
COVID-19 Resources from Our UMC Partner Agencies
Church & Society
Living Our Principles: A Video Series and Discussion Starter
United Methodists on the Frontlines of COVID-19
Discipleship Ministries
The Online Communion Dilemma
2020 Christian Home Month: Planning Resources for Congregations & Conferences
General Board of Global Ministries
Giving Campaign and COVID-19 Response Fund
Global Mission During a Pandemic: Conversations with General Secretary Thomas Kemper
General Commission on Archives & History
Past Pandemics: Methodists and Yellow Fever in Philadelphia 1793-1798
General Commission on Religion and Race
Video: CARES Act and Racial Inequity
General Commission on the Status & Role of Women
Self-Care and Boundaries During These Times
General Council on Finance and Administration
Understand Electronic Giving: A Tool for Your Church
A Guide to Live Streaming for Your Church
United Methodist Communications
Keeping Church Property Safe While Closed
Fast-track Training to Use Technology in Your Ministry
United Methodist Men
Encouraging Men to Have Conversations
United Methodist Publishing House
Now & Next: How the Church is Changing for Good
Ministry Matters’ Resources for “Christian Worship and Devotion During Social Distancing”
United Methodist Women
Making Soap During a Health Crisis
Educational Gardens Provide Much-Needed Produce for Food Pantries
Wespath
CARES Act—Coronavirus-Related Distributions from Wespath-Administered Plans
Benefits at a Glance: COVID-19 Health and Safety Support