We Shall Be Changed: Questions for the Post-Pandemic Church

How will we regather the church after pandemic?

The Covid-19 pandemic is an inflection point for the church everywhere―and certainly for the Episcopal Church. The sudden flowering of creativity, connection, and collaboration is an expression of the Holy Spirit’s relentless presence within the church; yet ongoing distancing creates difficulties to be overcome on the other side of the present crisis.

How will we change habits of isolation and regather the church? How will we manage the impact on church finances? How is God calling us to embrace the energy and creativity of this moment―and the longing people have felt for a return to community? What challenges will we face regathering the people of God, particularly in already weakened communities?

We Shall Be Changed is a gathering of brief essays from thought leaders around the church on pressing topics that the church needs to be considering now―in preparation for the end of this pandemic. The book is designed to spur conversation within parishes, fellowship groups, and clergy gatherings about how to embrace the gifts this time has given while anticipating and addressing the very real challenges the church will confront in its wake.

MARK D. W. EDINGTON is the bishop of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe. He served as Epps Fellow and Chaplain to Harvard College, and Associate Minister and Director of Administration in The Memorial Church of Harvard University. He served as executive director of the Center for the Study of World Religions and as the inaugural executive director of the Harvard Decision Science Laboratory. He was also the founding director of the Amherst College Press. He lives in Paris, France.

Paul-Gordon Chandler is rector of the Church of St. John the Baptist/Maadi, an international Englishspeaking Episcopal/Anglican church in southern Cairo, Egypt. Previously he served as the president/ CEO of Partners International, an international ecumenical Christian non-profit that helps indigenous Christian NGOs in over 70 countries in the Two-Thirds World. He has also served as CEO of the International Bible Society and as director of SPCK. He lives in Cairo, Egypt.

Shane Claiborne is a prominent speaker, activist, and best-selling author. Shane’s books include his classic The Irresistible Revolution, and his newest book, Beating Guns. He currently resides in Philadelphia, PA.

LORENZO LEBRIJA is the founder and director of TryTank, the experimental lab for church growth and innovation. He was the chief development officer for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, and served as pastor at St. John’s in San Bernardino and priest associate at St. Athanasius in Los Angeles. He earned his Master of Divinity degree at the General Theological Seminary, as well as an MBA from Florida International University. He has been a frequent speaker on development, community involvement, the arts, business strategy, and marketing. He lives in Cathedral City, California.

Greg Garrett, PhD, has written more than twenty books of fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and translation, including My Church Is Not Dying: Episcopalians in the 21st Century. Professor of English at Baylor University and Theologian in Residence at the American Cathedral in Paris, he has appeared internationally on radio and television and regularly preaches, gives readings, and leads workshops and retreats. He lives in Austin, Texas.