Church Reopening

“Stories of church outbreaks grow. Last week, a Pentecostal church in northeastern Oregon was linked to the state’s largest coronavirus outbreak to date — some 230 cases. The church held services in defiance of Oregon’s stay-at-home order.” - BPNews

“I will relinquish my ‘rights’ in order to serve others. Theologians have labeled Philippians 2:5-8 as ‘the great kenosis’ passage. It is a Greek word that describes the self-emptying of Jesus in order to live among us on His way to the cross. ‘Have this mind among yourselves…’” - Church Leaders

“Those who are returning are having to make accommodations for many of their church members who are not yet ready to return. Those who have not returned are having to provide meaningful virtual engagement, especially for church members who are eager to return.

“A church in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, will be closed for 14 days after a reported 28 people connected with the church tested positive for COVID-19.

“TGC talked to five pastors from across the country—all of whom regathered for the first time last Sunday—to see how it went.” - TGC

“Many churches wish that one Sunday a switch is going to flip and everything will go back to the way things were before. But this scenario seems unlikely. As we look to other parts of the world that are ahead of North America in the fight against COVID-19, there are few options we can consider.” - Church Leaders

“California restricting churches to 25% capacity or less than 100 worshipers ‘appear[s] consistent’ with First Amendment, wrote Chief Justice John Roberts in 5–4 decision.” - CT

“In the next few months, pastors will face the task of leading divided congregations to make unified decisions. I don’t know when, and that’s a local decision, but what I do know is this: as of now, it seems we are running headlong into a very divisive time.” - Ed Stetzer

“Stay in contact with local authorities to best understand the situation in your area and when it would be safe to open. Work to limit the spread by protecting staff and congregants and offering other options like continued livestreaming for high risk individuals.” - F&T

“When a law would infringe on Americans’ fundamental freedoms, such as the freedom of religious exercise or the freedom of assembly, it is subject to what the law calls ‘strict scrutiny,’ which means that the courts will find a law unconstitutional unless the government can show three things…” - 9 Marks