The Office of General Minister and President (OGMP) is one of many ministries responding to protect the well-being of Disciples across the United States and Canada. “Even as our staff is making every effort to practice social distancing, we are staying in close contact with regions and general ministries to determine how we can support one another during this time.” said Chief of Staff Lee Hull Moses.
“We need to set an example and listen to the science,” General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens said in a recent video message to the Church sharing that she is curtailing her travel schedule. Research has shown that slowing the spread of the virus is dependent on limiting gatherings and contact. Lessening strain on the health care system will put fewer individuals at risk of not receiving appropriate care.
Disciples Church Extension Fund is successfully running their operations remotely. The ministry also moved their planned in-person board meeting to a conference call to decrease the risk to their board members. The Pension Fund and Christian Church Foundation are planning to have a number of staff working remotely while fully supporting their members and clients.
Division of Overseas Ministries (Global Ministries) and Week of Compassion, among other ministries, have restricted staff travel in accordance with World Health Organization guidance.
Several Disciple-related schools have gone to online classes for the remainder of the semester. (You can find a list of schools and their websites on this Higher Education & Leadership Ministries page.)
Owens also said in her video address, “Disciples, I am convinced that nothing in all of creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus. Let’s stay connected, and together we’ll get through this. God bless you. We’ll be praying for you.”