Abundance of Free Resources Available on AG COVID-19 Site
Free resources for leaders and laypeople of all ages have been made available through a new AG website.
The Assemblies of God national office has created a COVID-19 website, in English and Spanish, that offers dozens of free videos, articles, and downloads that provide updates, resources for ministers, and support for families as the United States and the world negotiates the COVID-19 pandemic.The materials, which include devotions, curriculum, a “Let’s Talk” video series, and much more, are divided into seven main categories: Adult Resources, Church Leadership, Devotionals, Kids Resources, Sermon Series, Training, and Youth Resources. The categories can also be refined by type (article, audio, download, and video) and either listed by “most recent” or “most popular.”
“Although this pandemic did not catch God by surprise, it certainly caught many of us by surprise,” states Doug Clay, AG general superintendent. “I recognize that most of our pastors are dealing with high levels of stress in attempting to shepherd their flocks. The resources offered on the COVID-19 site are designed to come along side of our pastors and church leaders to help them minister to their people.”
The initial landing page of the COVID-19 site offer readers the opportunity to receive information — updates and notices of new materials — to be emailed directly to their in box.
Some of the resources offered for adults include: a Facebook Bible community for women, a men’s Bible study, an article on Mental Health in Stressful Times, an in-home workout, a special coronavirus pandemic resource link through Church Multiplication Network, and more.
The Church Leadership category includes resources on pastoral care; government coronavirus guidelines; messages from leaders such as Doug Clay, Rod Loy, and Rob Ketterling; and a practical article on preaching to an audience of none, and others.
The Devotionals category offers daily devotions for adults, youth, and kids while the Kids Resources category includes Tru Fire curriculum, weekly nationwide Mpact Club videos, Faith Case (Who is the Holy Spirit), tips for children’s ministers, and much more. In addition, the Training category offers leaders tips, insights, and materials for effective online ministry.
The Sermon Series currently offers Who is the Holy Spirit and the Youth Resources category offers materials such as Creating Community Over Distance; Practical Ways to Pray, Care and Share during the Covid-19 Crisis; Who is the Holy Spirit Sermons and Small Groups for Youth, Virtual Youth Ministry in Response to COVID-19, and many other resources to make the most of online ministry opportunities.
“We’ve had a very strong response to the COVID-19 sites,” says Mark Forrester, AG Communications director. “Much stronger than we anticipated. Most of those accessing the site are from the U.S., but we’ve also had thousands access the site from dozens of countries around the world.”
The site will be updated regularly, including news articles available by clicking the “news” button toward the top right of the page.