Community Dispersed

In March 2020, the country faced an unprecedented national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, our faculty wrote insightful articles dedicated to instructing leaders and ministers on how to care for and lead people from a distance. We remember this unforgettable season by highlighting these articles serving the community dispersed.

Digital Witness

The Coronavirus pandemic could have further complicated reaching Mormons with the gospel. Instead, Gateway student Tim Peery has found the opposite true.

Tyler Sanders
Director of Communications
Tyler Sanders is director of communications at Gateway Seminary. He is an avid fan of Ole Miss football, a Gateway alum, and has been known to, from time to time, hold down a funky bass line.

Pastoring During A Pandemic

Churches faced adversity during the coronavirus lockdowns, and many tried various strategies to survive. Pastor Brian Simms at CrossPointe Church was not afraid to make any necessary changes and ended up yielding unexpected growth.

Alex Hopper
Student | Master of Arts in Christian Counseling
Alex Hopper is a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling student and serves as part of the administrative staff at Gateway. She and her husband look to plant a church in the Bay Area in Fall of '22.

Christian Faith & Pestilence

Christians have risked their lives in caring for the sick and dying throughout history. Dr. Rodrick Durst cites multiple historical accounts pointing to the sacrificial ethic of the church in times of plagues.

Rodrick K. Durst
Chair, History/Theological Studies | Professor of Historical Theology
Dr. Rodrick Durst has served as Professor of Historical Theology and a variety of administration roles at Gateway Seminary since 1991. His current research includes a study of emerging church movements, ecclesiology for rapid cell and simple church multiplication, new paths for apologetics, single adults in the church, and faith and film.

Teaching the Bible on Facebook

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced churches to use social media to connect with members and teach scripture. Dr. Kelly gives a few suggestions on how to use Facebook as an effective medium for bible study.

Paul G. Kelly
Chair, Educational Leadership | Professor of Educational Leadership
Dr. Paul Kelly began his service at Gateway Seminary in Fall 2009 as the chair and professor of Educational Leadership. Prior to Gateway, Kelly served as vice president of ministry resources at Student Life Publishing, editor-in-chief of discipleship resources in Student Ministry Publishing at LifeWay Christian Resources, as well as a youth specialist in Discipleship at LifeWay.

Safer at Home

Even during tumultuous times, God's will still remains visible. Dr. Jim Wilson draws the Christian back to scripture to remember part of God's will for his people - to rejoice.

James L. Wilson
Director, Doctor of Ministry Program | Professor of Leadership Formation
Dr. Jim Wilson serves as the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and the professor of leadership formation since 2006. Dr. Wilson has continued to serve the local church as an Interim Pastor, Transitional Pastor, Teaching Pastor, and guest speaker. He is a frequent speaker at conferences, seminars, retreats and does some International speaking.

7 Daily Questions for the Disciple in Quarantine

No matter the situation, the Christian life is about having fruit-filled seasons of serving the Lord. Dr. Durst suggests seven daily disciplines that serve as good discipleship practices during the coronavirus lockdown.

Rodrick K. Durst
Chair, History/Theological Studies | Professor of Historical Theology
Dr. Rodrick Durst has served as Professor of Historical Theology and a variety of administration roles at Gateway Seminary since 1991. His current research includes a study of emerging church movements, ecclesiology for rapid cell and simple church multiplication, new paths for apologetics, single adults in the church, and faith and film.

Fear of the Unknown

The pandemic heightened people's fear of uncertainty. Through thoughtful biblical reflection of an Old Testament story, Dr. Debbie Steele remarks on the importance of expressing our fears to God as a demonstration of our faith.

Debbie Steele
Professor of Christian Counseling
Dr. Debbie Steele is Professor of Christian Counseling at Gateway Seminary. Prior to Gateway, she was employed by the International Mission Board as an overseas missionary, serving for 12 years in the former Yugoslavia during the civil war, which lasted from 1988-2000. Since 2004, she has operated a private practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist, providing Emotionally-Focused Therapy and Bible-based counseling to the local community.

Surprising Community

Though many are worried that social distancing will harm churches, it could be the unexpected catalyst for building community. Dr. Ferguson comments on the transformative factors that the pandemic lockdown can bring for churches.

Kristen Ferguson
Director of Online Education | Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
Dr. Kristen Ferguson serves as the Director of Online Education and associate professor of educational leadership at Gateway Seminary. Her doctoral research at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary investigated evangelical faculty perceptions on online theological education. Her continued research focuses on online course design, blended learning, and online teaching best practices.

Connecting with Teenagers During the Coronavirus Lockdown

The transition to a completely online world due to the coronavirus lockdown can have ramifications for youth. Dr. Kelly provides reasons to stay connected to teenagers as much as possible.

Paul G. Kelly
Chair, Educational Leadership | Professor of Educational Leadership
Dr. Paul Kelly began his service at Gateway Seminary in Fall 2009 as the chair and professor of Educational Leadership. Prior to Gateway, Kelly served as vice president of ministry resources at Student Life Publishing, editor-in-chief of discipleship resources in Student Ministry Publishing at LifeWay Christian Resources, as well as a youth specialist in Discipleship at LifeWay.

Connecting Members to Members (and Beyond) in the COVID-19 Pandemic

In this third discussion of how education theory can inform ways to create a healthy community at a distance, Dr. Ferguson gives church leadership strategies on how they can facilitate member-to-member connection.

Kristen Ferguson
Director of Online Education | Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
Dr. Kristen Ferguson serves as the Director of Online Education and associate professor of educational leadership at Gateway Seminary. Her doctoral research at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary investigated evangelical faculty perceptions on online theological education. Her continued research focuses on online course design, blended learning, and online teaching best practices.