You learn the songs, play the songs, and then leave the stage, right? But as anyone in ministry knows, being a great worship pastor involves being an expert at multiple, highly varied skills.

Our church campuses reopened this Sunday! It is not our norm and we needed to engage families. But, to me it presented a unique season for families to worship together and for our church to function a little bit differently (in a good way).

When preaching to a camera, it can easily feel like I am preaching to God’s people without being among God’s people. I long for those days again, but in the meantime, here are five things I am preaching to myself as I am preaching to a camera.

To get the most out of your small group, you’ve got to make a big commitment.

Dr. James W. Carr, who is with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), has become an advocate for two church leaders who were arrested and imprisoned for their faith.

The acts to sell everything and give away money were commanded to give way to following Jesus. Going for broke was not the goal. Discipleship is.

People have posted passionate rantings on Facebook about their right not to wear a mask. Others have taken a different position and plan to wear a mask. I’m in that latter group. When the church reopens next Sunday, you’ll find me wearing a mask.

Being a Christian, a pastor of a local church, and a black man has given me a unique vantage point on life. As a pastor I am called to lead believers to the Holy Scriptures so that we may all learn to imitate Christ and grow in Christ-likeness.