Ministry Matters - Special edition: responding to gun violence's horrors

As we lament and reflect on the deadly shooting at Covenant School, we share this special edition of our weekly email. This week you will find some articles from our collection that offer reflections and responses in light of horrible tragedy and gun violence. You will find connections to resources for taking steps toward reducing risks in our congregational life, leading courageous conversations in your communities, and taking steps toward advocating for meaningful change in our world too frequently ravaged by senseless bloodshed.

What can we say? Healing wounded souls by Joni Sancken   In the midst of serious trauma and other more common wounding experiences, preachers can help. As agents of grace we can contribute to God’s healing for those with soul wounds. We can also foster resiliency in our congregations so that they can better weather the storms of faith and life and emerge as powerful witnesses to God’s activity in our world. Read here

Can we reframe the conversation and lead toward meaningful change? Can church leaders help reframe the gun debate? by Lovett Weems   Today all leaders face a dilemma that cries out for reframing — the debate about the dramatic number of people in the United States who die by guns each year, far beyond the death rate for gun violence in other countries. There is no one way to reframe this hot button issue, but all of us must seek to give thoughtful people alternatives. Here is one possibility. Read here

Is there a better definition of freedom? Gun control: a biblical and theological case by Matthew Kelley   Today all leaders face a dilemma that cries out for reframing — the debate about the dramatic number of people in the United States who die by guns each year, far beyond the death rate for gun violence in other countries. There is no one way to reframe this hot button issue, but all of us must seek to give thoughtful people alternatives. Here is one possibility. Read here

Have we learned anything from Abraham's witness, or not? Binding our children in our 'modern' age by Cameron Merrill   In the midrashim reflecting on Abraham’s journey up Mount Moriah, one of the rabbis says that God waved Abraham around like an ensign, like a flag for all the world to see. Most of our translations set the scene by saying that God put Abraham to the test. So, does Abraham pass the test? Read here

Moving Toward a Safer Church   Even while recent events bring acute attention, the truth is that we should always take steps to reduce these risks but often don’t know where to start or what to do. Join Rev. Ken Sloane, Director of Stewardship and Generosity and guest presenter Jeff Koch, president and CEO of the United Methodist Insurance Company, as they explore the many ways your congregation can be moving toward a safer church. Webinar on Tuesday, April 18 at 6:30pm CDT.

Courageous Conversation about Gun Violence   A resource from The United Methodist Church's Discipleship Ministries office, for hosting a courageous conversation with members of your community to open up dialogue around gun control, Christian identity, and our calling as the church.

Kingdom Dreams, Violent Realities: A Bible study   A three-week Bible study, produced by the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society. This resource helps us identify and articulate the common good that is essential in our policies and attitudes toward guns, giving us faith-filled conversations about this public health epidemic.

5 Ways to improve the safety and security of your place of worship   A three-week Bible study, produced by the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society. This resource helps us identify and articulate the common good that is essential in our policies and attitudes toward guns, giving us faith-filled conversations about this public health epidemic.