Four phases for an orderly return to church
Body
“Perhaps we should apply I Corinthians 14:40-43 to our present situation: ‘Let everything be done decently and in order… since God is not a God of disorder … .’” - F&T
“...church leaders will need to diligently communicate what they are doing to clean facilities and ensure they are being as careful as possible with their members’ health.”
Body
Pastor Nic Burleson “says his church is also putting all food service on hold.
Discussion
Iowa Association Holds Its Annual Conference Online
Body
“The Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Churches held its annual conference online April 21, both prerecording sessions and offering videoconferencing of others from Community Baptist Church.” - GARBC
Discussion
Is your church connecting people via Zoom or another app?
Our church’s mission statement is summarized in three words….. reaching, connecting, deepening. As the COVID quarantine continues, the challenge is to stay connected. We are doing this by having everyone receive a phone call every other week from an elder, emails, and our weekly e-church service.
We are considering other options, like an interactive Bible study. We may eventually use zoom in the process, though we are not right now.
Does your church use something like this now?
Poll Results
Discussion
“We seem to feel free to pass along rumors and insinuations, as long as they further our agendas.”
Body
“…assigning motives to actions is hardly a godly thing to do. These “discernment” guys generally seem to regard themselves as having a nearly infallible insight into the minds and hearts of those they bite and devour.” - SBC Voices
Discussion
In Curbside Vote, Church Calls New Pastor
Body
Winterhaven Florida: “In a drive-in vote April 5, following social distancing guidelines, the church voted to call Totman as pastor. He will begin ministering at the church by the middle of July.” - GARBC
Discussion
24 Questions Your Church Must Answer Before Welcoming People Back
Body
“Don’t let the excitement of finally coming back together cloud your judgement or cause you to ignore the ‘new normal.’” - F&T
Discussion
Churches nationwide make plans for soft reopening with fewer attendees, sanitation stations
Body
One church “said it will only allow 10 people at a time for Sunday worship, and will start a new service every hour.” - CPost
Related - Soon but safe: Pastors urge courage, caution and compassion in reopening churches
Discussion
The Indispensable Pastoral Tool & the Covid Crisis
Body
“The most potent weapon every spiritual leader possesses is the depth of his or her relationship with God. With the lockdown of church and social gatherings, now is a good time to reflect on our spiritual disciplines.” - 9 Marks
Discussion
“The demographics of many US congregations make sanctuaries a risky place for gatherings to resume.”
Body
“Older churchgoers are bound to be among the most eager to return to services. The elderly were particularly prone to social isolation and loneliness before the pandemic, and during the intervening weeks of social distancing, they were less likely to have participated in the digital options offered as an alternative to in-person fellowship.
Discussion