More Resources on Reopening

Auxilio continues to gather resources to share with you as your church and organization consider what reopening will look like. There is still not a lot of definition yet on guidelines for each phase. The latest from the White House Guidance for Faith Organizations gives some information on the three phase approach. 

A couple of other resources that you may find helpful:

In this Faith Angle podcast with Tim Keller, the first 15 minutes or so includes some good thoughts on how to respond and plan in light of COVID-19 including the challenges and possibilities before the church at this time. Keller speaks about the reality of the poorer churches being devastated by this pandemic as well as the challenge of what can Christians do to serve during this pandemic. 

Vanderbloemen is offering  three online forums this week focused on re-opening along with recordings of prior forums. This video forum on re-opening small and mid-sized churches includes both big picture vision as well as the practical logistics of meeting together again. Our blogpost includes a summary of the topics covered.

Here’s are key topics that were covered: 

Timing: Many of these churches are not yet planning to meet again in their sanctuaries for some time. Participants encouraged us to become more comfortable with not trying to prescribe plans and answers right now. Take a wait and see approach. Exercise caution especially for the vulnerable in your congregations. Track the data and talk with your congregation to gauge how people are feeling about gathering. 

Step Approach Starting with Small Groups/House Parties: Some churches are opting to have small groups, house parties and watch parties as Phase 1. Churches are grappling with questions about whether or not in a private setting you’ll still need to wear face masks and be physically distant. Then they’ll combine several house groups together for Phase 2 when we can meet in groups up to 50. 

Meeting in your Space: In order to gather in their sanctuaries and venues, some churches will consider spreading multiple services out across Saturday and Sunday. It’s likely you won’t be able to provide childcare as physical distancing isn’t possible. CDC guidelines suggested meeting outdoors and not passing a plate.

Online Worship: Even when we are able to meet again, we may need to continue to provide an online worship experience for those who are considered vulnerable, those who are sick and those who aren’t yet comfortable attending. Will we be busier than ever as churches trying to provide both physical and virtual worship experiences? Will virtual worship become part of people’s expectations? In what ways will the pandemic shape the future of worship and digital integration for good or ill? Could continuing online worship be a new opportunity to incorporate new people and new aspects of worship?

Outreach: Are you asking visitors to share their data before they access your online worship so that you can follow up with them and invite them to small groups? What reach does the digital platform give you that brick and mortar doesn’t and how will you act upon it?

Pastoral Care: Shepherding looks different in this moment and many people are more emotionally open. How do we care for one another? Email and texting can provide a good forum for gentle support. Phone calls and video calls can also be effective. You have to be creative to provide for and care for those who don’t have access to technology. Some have had to do weddings and funerals virtually. 

Giving: So far at these churches represented on this forum, giving has waned but not significantly. If you continue to provide robust life - i.e. serving the community, providing experiences and material (worship, bible studies, articles, etc), members see the value of continuing to give. That increases their posture toward generosity. 

Communion: People are longing for communion. Some traditions encourage people to prepare and take communion at home using whatever elements are available to them. Other traditions instruct their folks to wait till we can meet to take it together, served by an elder. If you “offer” it virtually, remember all the contexts that people are in - singles, couples, families with children, etc.

Staff roles: How will these changes impact your staffing? Will your communications director need to be part of senior staff. Staff who are flexible and agile are especially needed to be utility players and to pivot with these changes.