Roadmap for Regathering
Across the nation, churches are regathering at different paces - some already physically meeting, others cautiously considering their options. Auxilio has read and researched this topic and we share the resources below for your consideration as you plan, prepare and evaluate how to gather and do ministry during and post COVID-19.
AREAS FOR CONSIDERATION
We don’t have all the answers and no one answer fits all, but we did identify some guidelines, resources and a few key areas to consider:
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Survey your people. This will help you gauge the willingness of your community to gather and serve. If you aren’t gathering soon, consider surveying now to help you plan and survey again just before you gather to test if the reality of regathering changes responses.
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Follow state and local guidelines. These guidelines are meant to keep your community safe based on your local realities. Following these guidelines may also reduce anxiety within your congregation. In addition, most insurance policies will not cover claims related to COVID-19 if your church has not followed state and local guidelines.
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Provide directions within the physical space. Determine a traffic pattern and how you will designate safe distance seating. Add signs and clear markings.
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Set expectations. Communicate clear expectations about masks, physical distancing, singing, childrens’ ministry, etc. Remind people that even while we celebrate being able to gather, it may be bittersweet and awkward since we can’t hug, get near or see whole faces. It’s likely that not everyone in your community will come, at least for a time. Acknowledge the potential discontent these disappointments may create.
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Instruct volunteers. Have clear expectations for what volunteers are needed, how they will participate, and what is required of them as they model your church’s COVID-19 guidelines.
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Prepare for Communion. Develop a plan for communion - preparation, serving, etc. and communicate it in advance as well as during the service. Consider pre packaged wine, juice and bread.
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Have a plan for children and families. Communicate clearly about how children and families will participate. If you aren’t yet offering childcare or children’s programming, consider providing activities for children to do while seated with their families. Give permission for families to be less concerned about noise and disruption. If children are present, do what you can to engage them.
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Continue to offer Livestream or video worship. For those in your communities who are vulnerable, this will be extremely important. Don’t lose the sheep that are unable or uncomfortable with being physically present. Communicate that this option will be available.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Over Communicate!
Reduce confusion, anxiety and misinformation by over communicating. Remember to communicate often, regularly and in several different ways (newsletter, social media, verbally during your worship service, emails, phone calls, etc). What may feel redundant to you as leadership, may be just the right amount of reinforced messaging your people need to digest the information you are sharing.
RESOURCES
Auxilio continues to research, curate and share links here to helpful resources. If you have resources you recommend, you can share them with hello@auxilio.partners and we’ll add them to this growing list. If you read just one thing on this list, read the very first article to help you shape your effort.
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Seven Shifts Churches Need to Make Because of the Coronavirus, from Tony Morgan author of The Unstuck Church
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Post-Coronavirus Facilities Re-opening Checklist (PDF) by Smart Church Solutions
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6 Considerations for Reopening Your Kids Ministry published by LifeWay
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Re-opening Intentions Congregational Survey Example created by LifeWay
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Senior Pastor’s Guide to Reopening created by Church Fuel which contains a concise and clear table on phased re-openings for each area of ministry